Peace Workshop Festival Held in San Jose, USA, Sharing the Values of Human Rights and Peace

 

 

HWPL’s San Francisco Branch hosted the “Peace Workshop Festival” on December 13 of last year in San Jose, California, USA. The event was held to commemorate the United Nations-designated Human Rights Day and served as an opportunity to reflect on the values of human rights and the meaning of peace together with the local community.

Through this event, HWPL looked back on its peace activities carried out throughout 2025 and shared the meaning of peace and human rights. The event was hosted and organized by HWPL’s San Francisco Branch and sponsored by the Church of Scientology of San Jose, with the participation of religious leaders, local NGO heads, and community members.

The event began with a welcome address by Jungah Lah, HWPL Chief Branch Manager of San Francisco Branch. She emphasized, “Human rights and peace are inseparable values, and solidarity and action by all members of the community are more important than anything else.” This was followed by a screening of a highlight video of HWPL’s 2025 peace activities and a peace project report, reviewing the achievements of the past year together.

 

 

Afterward, participants enjoyed engaging and meaningful time by taking part in group activities and experience booths. Activities such as making peace chains, sampling snacks from around the world, and creating peace bracelets were prepared. There was also a time to discuss what each person could practice in their local communities using various keywords symbolizing peace. Through these activities, participants confirmed that peace is not an abstract concept but a value that can be practiced in everyday life.

 

 

Youth members of the IPYG presented a short story-based theatrical performance known as a “skit.” They expressed the reality of war and the longing for peace from a youth perspective, delivering a message calling for the end of war and the longingness of peace to the audience.

On this day, HWPL presented certificates of appreciation to religious leaders who had participated in religious peace activities over the past year. In addition, HWPL shared commitments and future plans for 2026 with participants, once again confirming the potential for sustainable cooperation between the local community and religious groups.

Utpal Dixit, Joint coordinator of Sewa International Bay Area, who attended the event, said, “I was deeply impressed by the peace activities led by so many young people. Next year, I would like to work together with HWPL to support and promote peace for socially vulnerable groups, families, and local communities.”