World Food Day 2017: A Multigenerational Commitment to End Hunger

And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and we produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which. We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees – of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] it’s ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.  Surah 6:99

 Eternal Spirit of Justice and Love, as we commemorate World Food Day we remember our brothers and sisters here in New Mexico and around the world. May we be aware of our dependence upon Sister, Mother Earth for food and nourishment. As we share bread and the fruits of the earth, may we remember that there are many for whom sufficient bread is a luxury. As we drink the gift of Sister Water who sustains all life, may we remember that for many clean drinking water is a luxury.  -Excerpt of Closing Prayer for World Food Day 2017

Group Picture

There were more than 20 youth voices of all different ages who participated in our beautiful interfaith service that brought together students from the religious school at B'nai Israel, students from Salam Academy, the Making a Difference Against Hunger (MAD) group at St. Pius X High School, and the Albuquerque Baha'i Community. The young people presented a sacred text from their respective traditions, a description of their work in the community and a closing prayer or reflection.

We are especially thankful to a group of grown-ups who helped coordinate the events: Fedah Abdel Hack (Salam Academy), Alicia Eiler (St. Pius X High School), Sarah Egelman and Joan Horowitz (Congregation B'nai Israel) and Alfred Kahn (Albuquerque Baha'i Community). The event was co-sponsored by the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, Surgite: a sacred dance group, and St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church. Our host was Congregation B'nai Israel.

Even though this World Food Day was very much about the perspective of the young people, the celebration was multigenerational. David Poole, who led the music for our World Food Day event in 2016, again led us in song this year. This included the piece that he wrote for last year's celebration with these words of commitment. (See video below)

Open our hands that all may be fed;
Open our hearts that all may find refuge;
Open our eyes that all may see
The oneness of Earth's family

The words of the song are especially suited for movement, which was led by Keri Sutter and members of Surgite, a sacred dance company. Most of the audience took part in this movement, which was a symbol of unity among generations.

The work of the young people received strong support from important religious leaders. Among those present were Monsignor Bennet Voorhies (head of the Office of Ecumenical Engagement and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe); Ahmed Hassan (principal at Salam Academy), Rabbi Evelyn Baz of Congregation B'nai Israel, and Wayne Bobrick, co-president at B'nai Israel. Also present was Imam Reda Bedier, who could become the next leader of the Islamic Center of New Mexico.

"I want to invite you today as we reflect together on this World Food Day on what actions we can take individually or collectively. I want us to be considering, 'What is my obligation to my neighbor?" What are the steps that I can do?  What are the steps that my community can do in order to ensure that the food that we already have provided on this earth can be distributed to everyone"  Rabbi Evelyn Baz's welcome to participants at World Food Day event.