Peace Road Rally: No New Walls in Europe! #Germany

On July 27, 2022, around 1,000 people from 50 different countries gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate to emphasize the importance of unity, freedom, and peace in Europe. The rally, co-organised by IAYSP EUME and UPF EUME, also called for stopping the war in Ukraine.

The rally celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the declaration of the global Peace Road initiative by IAYSP’s founder, Dr Hak Ja Han Moon. This day was also the anniversary of the armistice that officially concluded the Korean War (July 27, 1953) – the rally was a reminder that the armistices did not concretely bring an end to the division on the Korean Peninsula.

Berlin was chosen as the location for the Peace Rally, as it is the city that symbolizes peace and reunification in Europe, even at a time when the war in Ukraine raises fears of a new Cold War and of new walls rising in the continent.

At 10 am, the rally began, alternating speeches by peace activists (including IAYSP EUME volunteers) and songs of peace by the German pop-music band Berge (@hoertberge) and the soul-music band InTune, to which the crowd responded enthusiastically.

The event ended with a boat cruise where refreshments were served, and participants could share heart-to-heart.