Mother’s Day Gathering in Nyack’s Memorial Park to Remember Kidnapped Nigerian Girls

Nyack residents plan informal service

NYACK – As the world community offers its help to Nigeria in the wake of the kidnapping of 276 school girls by a militant group, the shock over the kidnappings has extended across the globe to Rockland County communities including Nyack.

In response to the actions by the Boko Haram militants, Nyack residents are planning an informal gathering on Sunday, Mother’s Day, to remember the victims and join the international outrage over the kidnappings.

“We’ve all been deeply moved by what’s going on,” said Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White, who said she plans on participating in the gathering at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Memorial Park. “This is our way of showing that we are also concerned about what’s happened to these girls.”

The idea for the Mother’s Day gathering came from Nyack resident Terri Kayden, who said she thought Mother’s Day would be an appropriate time to have a gathering in support of the Nigerian kidnap victims.

In addition to the kidnapping of the school girls, at least 2,000 people have been killed in violence in northern Nigeria this year.

Kayden sent messages to friends about a possible gathering late Thursday, with White also sending messages to friends about the idea. They both said many people have responded saying they want to participate in the gathering on Sunday.

“This really seems to have struck a chord with people,” Kayden said.

Kayden said the group gathered on Sunday at the park will read out the 180 names of kidnap victims that have become public. And, a moment of silence will be held for the remaining victims whose names have not been released.

Kayden said the gathering is open to anyone who wants to participate. She said that anyone seeking additional information can contact her at tkayden@verizon.net.

Republished: Nyack Free Press

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