URI holds vigil for victims of terrorism

By Kirsten Glavin

kglavin@abc6.com

@kirstenglavin

They stood as one.  More than a thousand students and faculty at URI, sent a message of peace, Wednesday night, to victims around the world of a seemingly continuous cycle of terrorism.

"I think the point of the vigil is for us to all stand with our fellow human beings and friends, to tell them that we feel their pain,” said URI Professor, Nasser Zawia.

Zawia, who is also a leader in the local Muslim community, drew a stark contrast between Islam and terrorists, in a speech he delivered.  He said he has friends and family in Paris, and that it’s time to push stereotypes aside, emphasizing that right now is the time for everyone to come together.

"Its time that the world united,” he said.

A second–year grad student sang the French national anthem. She had a more tragic, personal story. "It was just really emotional seeing these streets that I’ve walked on and these places where I’ve lived a good portion of my life, in such turmoil,” said Leah Crescenzo.

The singer, who studied and taught English in Paris, told ABC-6 News that one of her students was shot, during the recent terrorist attack. "She was a student of mine and was caught in the crossfire and was hit," she explained.

Because of this, Crescenzo wanted the anthem to be just as powerful to the audience, as it is for her. "My thoughts are with everyone affected and everyone around the world, grieving over this,” she said.