The Whidbey Island Friends invite the public to join them for a silent, one-hour Vigil for Peace with a focus on Israel, Palestine and Ukraine this Sunday, Nov. 12.

The vigil begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 525 and Main Street in Freeland. The Friends, also known as Quakers, plan to gather in silent worship to pray for peace in regards to the current world conflicts.

“This comes from our individually collective pain and upset about the wars that are happening, especially right now,” said Langley resident Dinah Bachrach, an organizer for the vigil and a member of the Whidbey Island Friends.

Participants with a desire for peace are asked to leave political signs at home when joining the vigil, which will be a time for silent, inclusive prayer. Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, have a 375-year-old tradition of opposing war and working for peaceful resolutions. Since 1991, a small group of Friends have been meeting in the Quakerly manner on Whidbey Island.

Quakers have historically had a peace testimony opposing all war, and they strive to find non-violent ways to resolve conflicts and bring humanitarian aid to victims of war.

Bachrach said the Friends will not be taking a political stance on Sunday.

“Everyone wants peace and safety,” she said. “That’s what we want to stand up and express.”

Participants of the vigil might want to bring a raincoat or chair.

For more information about the Whidbey Island Friends, visit whidbeyquakers.org.