WASHINGTON — On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, those of all faiths are walking together in a humble but dramatic display of unity. The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington organized the 11th annual Unity Walk and expected about 1,000 people to take part.
On the Embassy Row route on Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, walkers planned to visit a dozen places of worship and culture including Annunciation Catholic Church, Sike Gurdwara, and the Soka Gakkai USA, Buddhist Cultural Center.
Those walking gathered at the Washington Hebrew Congregation and would conclude their trek at the Islamic Center of D.C.
The simple goal is to build bridges and nurture understanding.
“We want to look forward to a better and brighter future by walking together, by visiting houses of worship of several different faiths that all happen to be neighbors of each other,” said Rabbi Gerry Serotta, director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington.
Stops along the route include St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Community of Christ Church and the Consular Wing of the Indian Embassy.
“As Americans we all need to raise up and stand together,” said Syed Moktadir, president of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society who brought his four children to the walk — three Girl Scouts and a Cub Scout, dressed in their scout uniforms.
“We must be together. This is what makes America diverse and united,” Moktadir said.
