During 2 hours on May the 14th, people gathered in Trafalgar Square to form a living peace sign. About 200 people took part in the event co-organized by both HUFUD (Human United For Universal Demilitarization) and “Peace Sign London”.
Video of the “Living Peace Sign” event in London. Alberto Portugheis speaks about the need to participate in peace demonstrations.
The organization established a stage perimeter for guest speakers and marked the floor with tape and string, so people would know where to stand for the peace sign formation. At the early stages of the rally, participants and passers-by formed smaller versions of the living peace sign. Sometimes, people were lead by the organizers and other times people spontaneously got in place. Those smaller versions of the peace sign served as a test, in anticipation to the later in the night living peace sign formation with people holding lights.
Some of the event speakers were Alberto Portugheis, Andrea Cremonini, Professor Hovhanness Israel Pilikian, Silvia Swinden, Nerea Rosa Barros, Jo Berry and Aya Chebbi.
According to Alberto Portugheis, the founder of HUFUD, the intention of the Trafalgar Square living peace rally was to raise awareness to the topic of transforming the economy of war into an economy of peace.
“The intention is to stimulate conversation and action on economic conversion – that is, planning, designing and implementing a transformation from a war economy to a Peace economy. Historically, this is an effort that would include a changeover from military to civilian work in industrial facilities, in laboratories, and military bases around the world.”
Source – HUFUD website.
The Trafalgar Square rally ended up with a closing group meditation and a speech by Alberto Portugheis.
About HUFUD
According to the HUFUD website, the organization started in 2015 and is focused on promoting the world peace and demilitarization. HUFUD was co-founded by Alberto Portugheis and Chad Manian. Mr. Portugheis is an acclaimed pianist, published author and humanist.
Other HUFUD distinguished members include Mairead Maguire, a Nobel prize winner, and international peace activist. Margaret Owen, of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Professor Hovhanness Pilikian, world-renowned scholar and Emeritus Professor. Aya Chebbi, a Tunisian feminist and peace activist, listed among 100 most influential young Arabs in the world and Executive Director of Peace Revolution Summit.
“We are a peace movement built on the universal desire for peace, calling upon all humanity to unite and work together to pursue a vision of a world free of war through the permanent abolition of armed forces, military industry and arms trade, poverty and inhumanity forever.”
Source – HUFUD website.
About the Peace Sign London
The “Peace Sign London” organization is, according to their website, a “growing community of people who believe peace is the only way forward.” Their Facebook page has close to 300 members.
I’m so glad I found this. What a wonderful thing it is to see people gathering up for such a noble cause as peace.
Such a wonderful occasion. My sister was there and she told me the atmosphere was excellent.
The world needs more peace demonstrations like this.