
Snow Angels
Dear Peacemakers,
Fifty-six peacemakers just finished our annual Bearing Witness retreat at Auschwitz in Poland. We have gathered there since 1996. We had attendees from ten countries and were able to offer scholarships to seven. Though the weather was cold and snowy, first impressions are the retreat was warm and deep, profoundly affecting those attending. I offer my sincere thanks to our Spirit Holders, Clergy, Staff, and Facilitators for once again making this a successful retreat and the pinnacle event of our year.
Zen Peacemakers can only offer retreats and online events with your engagement and generous financial support. I urge us all to make a donation this month so we can continue to expand our work, open minds, and soften hearts.
For the next few weeks, we will observe a variety of holidays and celebrations and remembrances in numerous traditions. The long nights, colder days, and quiet of the coming winter create the conditions for us to be still, to take "the backward step" looking inside ourselves, and to reflect on and appreciate our lives. This opportunity is indeed rare.
I wish you peace, loving community, and deep reflection.
Geoff O'Keeffe
(Snow Angel photo: Kilian Holzer, 2024 Bearing Witness at Auschwitz/Birkenau)


