In what has been described as a powerful and outstanding display of interfaith solidarity, hundreds of Algerian Muslims joined their Christian counterparts Saturday at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers to pray for peace in the Middle East, with special focus on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Led by Archbishop Jean-Paul Vesco of Algiers, over 200 people, including foreign diplomats and representatives of various associations, had responded to the call by the Catholic Church in Algeria to come together and pray for peace in Gaza.
Among those who attended the religious gathering were the French Ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, Palestinian Ambassador, Fayez Mohamed Mahoum Abu Aita, Archbishop Jean-Paul Vesco, and the president of the Algerian association, “Passerelles de la paix,” Youcef Mecheria.
While addressing the worshippers, Archbishop Vesco said the call became necessary as an expression of collective unity. He said the intention behind the gathering was to pray for peace in a land “where residents are enduring what the an insupportable tributary to conflict.”
“Today, we wanted to organize a day of fasting and prayer for peace and for an end to the fighting, but with justice in Gaza. It’s a day of prayer in solidarity with all the people of Gaza,” Vesco said.
Also speaking, Ambassador Romatet said the significance of the diverse community present, encompassing Muslims and Christians, particularly in a time when global peace was under threat, especially in the Middle East, showed the importance of peace in the world.
“We responded to this call to pray for the end of the conflict in the Middle East, in Palestine, and in Gaza,” he added.