Responding to the explosions in New York City and Seaside Park last weekend, the Coalition for Peace Action and Muslims for Peace are collaborating on a rally and candlelight vigil to take place Friday evening, September 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Palmer Square.

“This is particularly important because of Islamophobia, which is rearing its ugly head again as a result of these incidents,” said the Rev. Robert Moore of the Coalition. “The idea was initiated by Mustafa Abdi, director of Muslims for Peace, with whom we have been partnering for a number of years. I’m particularly pleased because a big part of the idea is to proactively gather people from different backgrounds, to stand against gun violence and terror.”

Both the Rev. Moore and Mr. Abdi will speak at the event, as will Dolores Phillips, legislative director of the Coalition’s Ceasefire NJ Project.

“We are grateful there were no fatalities from the three recent terrorist attacks in our region, and that law enforcement now has suspects in custody,” the Rev. Moore said. “But we are also aware that in 2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available, nearly 33,000 people were killed globally by terrorist attacks. That is about the same number as the number killed annually by gun violence in the U.S.”

Those planning to participate are asked to bring candles, which will be lit for the final half hour of the vigil. For more information, call (609) 924-5022 or visit www.peacecoalition.org.