Tribeca Vigil Against the War

 As the U.S. prepared for war, about 150 Tribecans gathered at the corner of Hudson and Franklin streets on March 16 for a quiet candlelight vigil that moved up Hudson to Laight. Standing on both sides of Hudson and singing songs of peace, the group got honks of support from the slow-moving tunnel-bound traffic.

Twelve-year-old twins Krysia Johstone, left, and Katia Johnstone were among about 150 Tribeca residents who gathered on Hudson Street on March 16 for a peace vigil. “I don’t want to go to war. It’s going to affect everyone, including kids,” said Katia. Standing nearby, Nadia Schreiber, who made the sign, added: “And we can make a difference.” Photo by Carl Glassman

The demonstration, which lasted about an hour, was organized through an email chain begun just four days earlier by Hudson Street resident Christine Sciulli.

“It’s strange we haven’t seen more activism here, considering we were hit,” said Sciulli as she placed a small “No War” sticker on a lamppost.

Sciulli, the mother of an 11-month-old, declared the turnout “wonderful,” but added, “In my heart of hearts it would have gone all the way from Franklin to the tunnel. But maybe that’s for the next one.”

Diane Lapson, an Independence Plaza resident, listened to the blasting of horns and declared: “It’s amazing times. There’s so much sympathy. So why are we having a war?”

Before beginning their candlelight march up Hudson Street to Laight, Tribeca residents gathered at the corner of Hudson and Franklin. Photo by Carl Glassman