Global Peace Festival Moldova

Meg Giossi
November 8, 2008

It was a true coming together of people from different nationalities, religions, and social backgrounds to prove, with overwhelming accomplishment, that everyone’s aspirations revolve around the same principles and beliefs in the power of love to mend a torn world.

Beginning with a few words by Ronald Koonce, the night started with the message that music is the connector of all people with help from a few words by John Lennon. Then, the entertainment began. Local stars came out to perform and have a hand in peace building such as Olga Ciolacu, Natalia Barbu, Nelly Ciobanu, Aura, and Janet Erhan. Each provided music with a positive message and explained what this opportunity has meant to them. Dances from all over the world took place thanks to several local dance studios who also displayed at one point, a traditional Moldovan style to enforce the national pride that Moldova uniquely characterizes. Other artists including Natalia Proca, Surorile Osoianu, El Radu, and Iulian Pusca also showed their support for the evening. Dr. Katsumi Ohtsuka’s speech was met with support from those even hearing the message for the first time of the need for religions to come together as a universal family to establish a peaceful world. A group of women sang an inspiring rendition of the Moldovan national song that proved to have an emotional impact on the gathered crowd. Finally all performers gathered together on stage with candles to sing the final song of the night “One Family under God” in a spectacular display ending with four doves being released into the air as touched audience members applauded.

It was certain that this event could have involved many more people as the large hall filled to capacity with excited individuals international and local alike. Speaking personally as a foreign participant, while the language was not understood, the message rang clear. It transcended national boarders, religions, and personalities, which is the true example of peace. Hearts sang louder than words and, in a place that is divided, a time was created when all could come together.

Meg Giossi