On Sunday April 6, 2025 a group of 41 spiritual seekers met at the Netloft to learn about the Quaker Silence, Philosophy and Activism. We were graciously welcomed by the Netloft’s Brenda Gaetner as she acknowledged the land of the Snuneymuxw First Nations.
Anna Paletta introduced the program by stating it is the Quaker belief that through Holy Silence, insights and guidance surface, which then motivate us to actions that foster peace, harmony and the honoring of human rights. Anna spoke briefly about George Fox, a prominent founding figure of the Quakers, whose teachings initiated the change to an inward focus where worship is to be experienced in silence, listening for that still, quiet voice in each of us. From this comes the Quaker peace testimony, their commitment to living in peace and in peace building. Anna then asked us to sit in silence for 10 minutes. Many of us found that this experience of absolute silence was a powerful period of preparation to receive Linda Taffs’ message.
Before Linda’s presentation, Gabriola’s very own Bob Bossin was asked to sing one of two songs he had written, both of which were about the suffering between Palestine and Israel. A very touching and meaningful prelude to the presentation that followed.
Linda Taffs, as a Quaker, is neither pro-Palestine nor pro-Israel. She is pro-Peace. She is a founding member of the Quaker Israel Palestine Working Group advocating for a just resolution to the conflict.
Linda gave her presentation using a slide show of her resent pilgrimage to Palestine and Israel, which for most of us in attendance was a very emotional experience. It clearly demonstrated the chaos, destruction, loss of homes and loss of lives in the area. Her message was enhanced by a clothesline spanning one side of the room, on which were hung 45 baby body suits, with each body suit representing 45 babies killed in the Palestinian/Israeli war. A disturbing and saddening visual. At the end of the slide presentation Bob Bossin presented his second song which added a very meaningful closing to the meeting.
After the closing many of us in attendance took the opportunity to speak with Linda, Anna and Bob either to ask questions or to thank them personally for a very informative, challenging and inspiring presentation.
