On November 13, in an effort to emphasize the importance of valuing peace and community during a time of deep unrest, the Haverford College administration held a candlelight vigil on Founders Green. Nikki Young, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Access, wrote in an email to the campus at large, “In response to the escalation of violence, death and dislocation in Israel and Gaza, let us come together in a candlelight vigil for peace.”
Faculty, staff, and students gathered at 4:30 pm. President Wendy Raymond, Dean McKnight and other members of the administration were in attendance. Notably, both Ally Landau, signee of an inflammatory email sent last week, as well as students present at the Taylor Hall sit-in on November 1st, were also present.
President Raymond then offered a few words to those gathered: “I want to thank you all for being here … I think this is an opportunity for a little bit of levity – those Canada geese that just flew over weren’t doves of peace, but I think it’s a powerful sign. It’s a signal from the earth to say it’s good that we’re gathered. It’s good that we’re here.”
In Quaker tradition, Dr. Young offered the floor to anyone who might wish to speak, reminding the group that this was a space for earnest dialogue and understanding. Three adult attendees voiced their gratitude for the space created there, one telling a story about themselves and a friend who attended opposing protests, yet traveled home together and were able to peacefully dialogue about their points of view.
A slight breeze kept many struggling to keep their candles alight, and Dr. Young observed that this struggle is not unlike the struggle to keep peace alive. She once again offered her thanks to everyone present for “investing in one another.”
Tensions on campus have been high in the weeks since October 7, and as the war in Gaza escalates, so too do the manifestations of fear, sadness, and anger in our community. Yet for a short time this afternoon, all present at the vigil worked together to keep the peace.
