They stand up for peace each week, seeking a change

   As people enjoyed the spring weather late Wednesday afternoon or got in their cars to return home from work, a few other downtowners had more pressing matters to worry about, like peace.

   About 15 men and women have gathered in Palmer Square every Wednesday for over six months to give "Silent Prayers for Peace." They do not shout at passersby or wave banners violently through the air. The only sound going on around them is the hum of cars passing by.
By: Jessica Demetriou
   As people enjoyed the spring weather late Wednesday afternoon or got in their cars to return home from work, a few other downtowners had more pressing matters to worry about, like peace.
   About 15 men and women have gathered in Palmer Square every Wednesday for over six months to give "Silent Prayers for Peace." They do not shout at passersby or wave banners violently through the air. The only sound going on around them is the hum of cars passing by.
   Judith Weiss, a member of the Princeton Quaker Meeting, said she has been there since they started their public prayers in August. She said she won’t stop until she sees some sort of change.
   "We’ve been here through the snow and the ice and the sleet," Ms. Weiss said. "We were very frustrated because we seemed unable to make our government make changes, so we decided to pray."
   Ms. Weiss said that when they first started their prayers in Palmer Square, there were only about four people involved. Now the numbers have grown to between one and two dozen.
   "We do it because we feel we have to," Ms. Weiss said. "We believe in the power of the energy of all the people getting together to pray."
   It was obvious that some onlookers felt uncomfortable about passing a public demonstration, but others seemed appreciative, smiling at the long line of people trying to make a small difference. "Sometimes people go by in cars and wave," Ms. Weiss said. "Most people tend to just walk by."
   She said that she remembers how involved people were in the days of the Vietnam War and that she doesn’t really know why more people aren’t willing to stand for peace.
   "Some people here pray for love and peace in their own hearts," Ms. Weiss said. "I pray that leaders in the world and the people in war mode will change their hearts and minds to be in peace with one another."
   There have been some changes in Washington with congressional legislation placing a deadline for a troop pullout, Ms. Weiss said, but it’s still not enough.
   "I would tell the government to try other means — conflict resolution," she said. "As Quakers we believe there is ‘that of God in every person.’ War is not an option for us."
   Anne Yasuhara said that she began her quest for peace as a member of the Women in Black group, which serves all over the world and stands in silent protest for peace.
   "There was a Women in Black group in Princeton and they stood right in front of the gates of Nassau Hall every week," Ms. Yasuhara said.
   She said that the group lasted in Princeton for about two years, but eventually it dwindled away.
   "I missed it when it was gone," Ms. Yasuhara said. "It really was wonderful being able to stand there and be a witness to peace."
   Ms. Yasuhara said that standing for peace was something she wanted to keep doing and when the idea was brought up with the Princeton Quakers, she wanted to be involved right away. "When the Israel and Lebanon conflict began I said this is too much, I have to stand up for this," she said. "We were in the Quaker meeting and some people felt the same way, so that’s how it began."
   Ms. Yasuhara explained that just by having people witness something like a silent stand for peace, they are opening their eyes to what is out there.
   "I think that you help people who are not quite sure that they can make a stand," Ms. Yasuhara said. "You help people and invite them spiritually and physically to join in."
   Quakers are not the only ones who are welcome to join the prayers for peace, Ms. Yasuhara said. She said there are posters in the library and other places to welcome people from every background.
   "Maybe if people try this they’ll find out that this is really a comfortable, special place and they will be enveloped in this good sense that we all have here together of praying for peace, wanting peace," Ms. Yasuhara said.
   Morton Grossman, also part of the Princeton Quaker Meeting, said that the prayers for peace is not a political statement, it’s a religious one.
   "This is a spiritual thing," he said. "I’m not trying to prove anything. I just made a commitment to be there, so I go every week."
   He said that as a Quaker, he doesn’t believe in violence, and so he prays for things like harmony, love, compassion, tolerance and reconciliation.
   "I think it’s important to be part of ‘Silent Prayers for Peace’ because people who may feel the same way we do may feel encouraged and people who don’t may have second thoughts," Mr. Grossman said.
   Mr. Grossman said that their hope of peace is not just about the war, but about peace in every aspect of life.
   "It’s about living in peace with our families, friends, groups and areas," Mr. Grossman said. "We start on an individual basis and that can extend to our country."