Peace vigil held for Ukraine

The Hofstra community gathers to honor Ukrainian victims. // Photo courtesy of Jacob Lewis.

In light of the recent attacks on Ukraine, a peace vigil was hosted by Hofstra University’s Interfaith Center and sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs on Wednesday, March 9.

“We wanted to create a space where students can come together in solidarity and pray for peace worldwide,” said the associate dean of students, Zaibis Muñoz-Isme.

The vigil was open to the entire Hofstra community and was attended by leaders from several student organizations.

“I represent a diverse group of students from every walk of life, so I felt it was important to be a part of this,” said Sergio Toolasprashad, president of the Commuter Student Association and a junior anthropology major. “We want to stand in solidarity and do what we can for those suffering no matter what.”

Josette Vail, president of the Residence Hall Association and a senior dance major, also felt honored to have been invited to the vigil.

“Being able to have that place where we can all show that we’re there with them, even if it’s just for a little bit, means so much more than words can convey,” Vail said.

The vigil began with an introduction from the dean of students, Michelle Van-Ess Grant.

“In 2022, we are still fighting for peace and equality,” she said.

Then, the representatives of the student organizations approached the pulpit to each say a few lines from a poem titled “A Prayer for Peace.”

“May we see a day when war and bloodshed cease. When a great peace will embrace the whole world,” the poem began. “Then nation will not threaten nation. And humankind will not again know war.”

Following the poem, the Hofstra Gospel Ensemble sang, and Toolasprashad introduced the Rev. Wasyl Hrynkiw from St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. The Reverend said a few words and a prayer. Then, members of the Hofstra community stood, holding candles in their hands for a moment of silence to honor the victims and to support peace for those suffering in Ukraine.

“It’s saddening to see so much conflict and turmoil,” Vail said. “What happens next? Where do we go? What do we even do?”

The Ukrainian national anthem began to play to close the vigil.

“While the Ukrainian national anthem was playing, the Reverend was humming along with it,” Toolasprashad said. “It really stuck with me because it shows how much that impacts him even though he’s living over here.”

Students, faculty and university administrators are all working together to address the war in Ukraine and provide any support possible.

“We are supporting student leaders who are collecting items to be donated to Ukraine,” Muñoz-Isme said. “And the Hofstra Cultural Center has produced programs this week to help our community better understand what is happening in Europe.”

Following the initial attacks on Ukraine, Hofstra University President Susan Poser sent

an email on Feb. 25. “On our campus, we have students and employees who come from this region of the world,” Poser wrote. “It is important that

on our campus, we exercise kindness and understanding in support of all members of the Hofstra family.”

This sentiment is mirrored at the end of “A Prayer for Peace.” “Let us always remember every person is unique and precious,” it reads, “and let us always acknowledge one another’s dignity in speech and action.”