September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows members are privileged and grateful for the opportunity to meet Little Amal, who shows us the power of resilience and acts as a symbol of hope. Our organization was founded in 2002 in the wake of the loss of our loved ones on September 11th 2001 – when hope was hard to find. We stood together – dedicated to turning our grief into action, advocating for peace.
Our members demonstrate a commitment to non-violent responses in the face of conflict and tragedy. We share Amal’s message of hope – a hope for greater acceptance, understanding, and compassion.
Although our trauma and struggles may take on different forms and have different origins we have a common experience. Our connection – our meeting – shows that by standing together in solidarity, we can continue to learn from one another, helping others to grow and heal in peace.
We ALL have hope for Peaceful Tomorrows.
Elizabeth Miller, Project Director, September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
Impressions of Amal:
Amal does not walk … she floats. She dances with such grace, she listens with intention, she is curious, eager to meet humans around her. She reacts poignantly and beautifully to all the artistic offerings that come her way: dance, song, live music by The Broadway Sinfonietta, Elizabeth Miller’s words of welcome and Noma Dumezweni’s poem.
Two things struck me about her: HER EYES glimmer and sparkle in the dark in front of illuminated Battery Park City apartments where people settle in to rest from the week on a Friday night.
HER SILENCE – touches me even more: It’s the silence of a child refugee tossed about by climate change and political events beyond its control. Amal’s speechless helplessness comes through loud and clear.
One is tempted to follow her on her uncharted journey.
Katharina Feil, Project Coordinator, September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
