Communities around the world celebrate the International Day of Nonviolence on October 2nd, a day symbolizing the call for peace and the rejection of violence in all its forms. This day coincides with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a global symbol of the principles of nonviolence and peaceful resistance. Gandhi stated, “We may never be strong enough to be nonviolent in thought, word, and deed, but we must keep nonviolence as our goal and make strong progress towards it.”

In this context, the Bader Organization calls for deep reflection on the meanings of nonviolence and its crucial role in ending conflicts and achieving peace, especially in light of the difficult conditions faced by the Syrian people. For a decade, war has depleted the country’s resources, destroyed infrastructure, and affected the lives of millions, making the need for peace more urgent than ever.

Nonviolence is not merely the absence of violence; it is a comprehensive concept that includes promoting mutual respect, developing constructive dialogue, and working towards tolerance and reform. Unfortunately, armed conflicts have contributed to the proliferation of a culture of violence, necessitating intensified efforts from all segments of society to promote values of tolerance and nonviolence.

Achieving peace in Syria requires the concerted efforts of both international and local stakeholders, with a genuine political will to negotiate and reach peaceful solutions. These solutions must also include the enhancement of social justice, protection of human rights, and support for reconstruction to ensure lasting stability.

On this day, it is imperative for all of us—individuals and institutions—to work diligently to spread a culture of nonviolence and to celebrate humanity in its fullest form. Let us be a voice for peace and strive tirelessly to put an end to conflicts, so that we all may enjoy a world filled with peace, love, and respect.