Peace March

Ahmed El-Sharif and Sam Nachum both know the confusion and distress of a childhood interrupted by violence. During the Six Day War in 1967, both lost their homes — El-Sharif in Egypt and Nachum in Israel. It wasn’t until years later, in Kansas City, that the two men from opposite sides of the Middle East conflict discovered — and acted on their shared experience. In March, they founded the nonprofit Let the Children Play for Peace, which aims to distribute nonviolent toys, such as kites and soccer balls, to Palestinian kids in Gaza and Israeli youngsters in Sderot, as well as clothing and school supplies. Today, El-Sharif and Nachum are asking local residents to get involved. Meet at 11 a.m. at Washington Square Park (at the intersection of Grand and Pershing) for a one-mile peace walk to the Rime Buddhist Temple (700 West Pennway). There, a truck will collect toys and school supplies before a $10 interfaith luncheon. For more information about the organization, see letthechildrenplayforpeace.org/index.html.

Thu., Oct. 22, 11 a.m., 2009