By: Sharon RusStaff Writer

In light of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut, Hofstra University held a Vigil for Peace on Nov.18 to honor the victims.
More than 60 students, faculty and staff members flooded the plaza in front of Hofstra Hall at 6 p.m. where the university’s Interfaith Center hosted the event.
Priest Fr. Gregory Rannazzisi, Hofstra’s Catholic Chaplain, opened the vigil with a speech that reflected on human nature and the reason for suffering in the world.
“The answer lies in the human heart. One of the most precious gifts each of us has is to choice. We have the capacity to do great good or, if we choose, to inflict great pain,” Rannazzisi said.
The vigil recognized the worldwide acts of terrorism that have occurred in the last week such as the attacks in Beirut that killed 43 people, and in Paris, which left 129 dead and more than 300 injured. According to a witness, the men involved in the Paris attacks yelled “Allah Akbar” meaning “God is the greatest” in Arabic before they started shooting.
“The works of evil sociopaths never speak for any religion or any faith tradition, much less for god,” said Rannazzisi. He emphasized mankind’s ability to choose acts of kindness and compassion, which can help to heal the suffering inflicted by terrorism.
A special guest from the Islamic Center of Long Island, Ansar Baksh, said, “We stand united in ending all acts of violence especially the ones done in the name of god. This is the worst type of blasphemy.”
Rabbi Meir Mitelman, from Hofstra Hillel, closed the vigil echoing the words before him, which condemned the violence and called for peace.
For junior political science major Sarah Linder, who performed the song “One Day” by Matisyahu with Hofstra Hillel’s Chai Notes, the event was an opportunity to show support.
“When there’s a time of global crisis, we want to stress peace,” said Linder. “Through music, we’re able to achieve that sense of community.”
The Division of Student Affairs sponsored the vigil. Vice President for Student Affairs Houston Dougharty said, “We thought it was important to come together for a moment of reflection.”
The Interfaith Center, room 213 in the Mack Student Center, and the Prayer and Reflection Space, Student Center room 201, are available for Hofstra community members seeking support.