Marsala returns to mobilize for peace with a new initiative, which will be held in Piazza della Repubblica on Sunday. Among the main promoters of this new mobilization is Salvatore Inguìthrough the Network of Even Numbers, which includes Libera, Amici del Third Mondo, Archè and Finestre sul Mondo.
Where did the idea for this new mobilization in favor of peace come from?
The underlying idea is that we seem to never do enough and feel a great sense of impotence compared to the sad events taking place in various parts of the world. Faced with the risk of sinking into resignation, we have the duty to at least express our dissent. I was there, together with the Marsala committee, when the missiles were installed in Comiso in the 1980s: people were skeptical about the outcome of the mobilization, but then the missiles were actually removed. The objective we set ourselves today is to contribute to the construction of a world of peace, starting from our community. Unlike other times, for Sunday we propose a day of fasting, in memory of Gandhi’s Satyagraha and non-violence. If we are not willing to make a small sacrifice, how can it be a day of fasting, how can we expect to do great things? Our thought is that a sacrifice, even a small one, if combined with other sacrifices can generate something beneficial. A bit like what happens with prayer. Ours will be a secular prayer, but the invitation is also extended to various religious organizations. We wait in the square for all those who want to come, without the presumption of having the truth in their pocket.
Sunday’s initiative follows that of a few months ago, again in Piazza della Repubblica…
A few months ago we played, acted, sang…Today we do something different and in the future we will change again. We cannot think about peace one day a year, because peace is a common, collective good, which is at risk in various parts of the world: currently there are around fifty wars scattered across the globe. Thinking about peace and safeguarding the planet cannot be a one-off, it must be a daily activity. We want to try them all to promote a culture of peace: fasting, silence and many others, always in the name of non-violent methods.
What kind of response do you expect from the city?
We have collected various signals. There are doubtful people, there are those who want to do something, there are those who are confused. The event is open to all those who want to come and discuss with us what can still be done. It will also be useful to discuss to develop new actions, other concrete things, perhaps through humanitarian aid to populations who are experiencing the effects of war on their own skin. I like to think that initiatives like these can be considered necessary.
How will it take place?
It will take place starting from a small chair that everyone can take with them to peacefully preside over the square, where we will display panels of photos, images and information posters on what is happening. Anyone who wants can simply pray or remain silent. Anyone who wants to approach us even to criticize us will still be welcome.
