Peace Islands NJ

Peace Islands Institute remembers and honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This Memorial Day, we reflect with gratitude on their sacrifice and the freedoms they helped protect. #MemorialDay #PeaceIslandsInstitute

The Peace Islands Institute (PII) is excited to announce that applications for our Summer Internship Program are now open! This opportunity is for university students and high school 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in community engagement, interfaith dialogue, nonprofit work, digital media, IT, administration, and event coordination. Interns will gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects. Application Deadline: June 5 Start Dates: College Students- June 10 High School Students (11th & 12th grade) - June 25 End Date: August 25 The internship will be available a mix of online and in person depending on the role. If you’re interested in learning, growing, and contributing to peacebuilding and community work, we encourage you to apply! Apply at: peaceislands.org/__internship-5

Peace Islands Institute mourns the tragic loss of three lives in the attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with the Muslim community during this heartbreaking time. May we respond to hatred with compassion, unity, and peace. #SanDiego #PeaceAndUnity #PeaceIslands

⏰ Less than 24 hours left to submit! The deadline for the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest is almost here. Don’t miss your chance to share your creativity and explore this year’s theme: ✨ “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection” ✨ 🎨 Open to NJ students in grades 6–12
🏆 Cash prizes awarded in multiple categories 
📅 Final Deadline: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Apply now: artandessay.org

🎨✨ Extended Deadline Alert! ✨🎨 We know this time of year can be overwhelming with exams, final projects, and end-of-year responsibilities. Because of the heavy workload many students are experiencing, we’ve decided to extend the submission deadline for the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest! 🗓️ New Extended Deadline: Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 11:59 PM This year’s theme: 🌉 “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection” If you’ve been meaning to apply but needed a little more time, this is your chance! We encourage all creative students across New Jersey in grades 6–12 to share their voice, talent, and perspective through art and writing. 🏆 Cash prizes awarded in multiple categories 🎨 One submission per category 📍 Open to students across New Jersey Don’t miss the opportunity to have your work recognized and celebrated. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine! 🔗 Apply now: artandessay.org

Today, we celebrate the compassion, strength, sacrifice, and love of mothers everywhere. Peace Islands Institute wishes all mothers and mother figures a joyful and peaceful Mother’s Day. 💐

⏳ Less than 5 days left to apply for the 2026 Art & Essay Contest! 🎨✍️ Applications are still open for Peace Islands Institute’s 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest. This year’s theme is: ✨ “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection” ✨ Open to New Jersey students in grades 6–12. Winners will receive awards and be recognized at our annual Award Ceremony. ➡️ Swipe to see some of last year’s winning art submissions! 📅 Deadline: May 11, 2026 
🌐 For detailed information and to submit your application, visit: artandessay.org

Youth Peace Network Training #3: Public Speaking, Debate & Showcase Prep was a meaningful evening of learning, dialogue, and growth. Students explored the essentials of public speaking, what makes communication effective, and how to engage in respectful dialogue, discussions, and debates. They also had the opportunity to put these skills into practice through a respectful debate activity. A heartfelt thank you to Esat Bayar for facilitating this engaging and valuable training, and to all the students who participated with openness, curiosity, and respect. #YouthPeaceNetwork #PeaceIslandsInstitute

Reminder: Applications are still open for the Peace Islands Institute’s 2026 Art & Essay Contest. Theme: “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection” Application deadline: May 11, 2026 Apply at: artandessay.org Slide for the winners’ artworks of last year’s Art & Essay Contest. #ArtAndEssay2026 #PeaceIslandsInstitute

Happy Easter from Peace Islands Institute 🌸🦋 May this season bring peace, renewal, warmth, and joy to you and your loved ones. Wishing everyone celebrating a blessed and beautiful Easter. #HappyEaster #PeaceIslandsInstitute #Community

Happy Passover to everyone in the Jewish community celebrating. Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy, and meaningful moments throughout the holiday. #PeaceIslands #Passover #Holiday

Peace Islands Institute extends its warmest greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. May this blessed celebration bring peace, joy, and abundant blessings to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak. 🌙

Here’s more from our interfaith Ramadan Iftar programs 🌙 We are grateful for the continued warmth, generosity, and spirit of togetherness shared across our communities. The following moments are from recent iftars graciously hosted by the Verona Interfaith Clergy, First Congregational Church in Montclair, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and Cresskill Congregational Church. Each gathering reflects the power of hospitality and dialogue in bringing people of different faiths and backgrounds together around a shared table. We are thankful for these meaningful connections and the friendships that continue to grow through these evenings of reflection, fellowship, and unity.

We are grateful to the communities and friends who welcomed us during our recent Interfaith Ramadan Iftar gatherings. 🌙 A heartfelt thank you to Chatham United Methodist Church (UMC), Little Falls Reformed Church, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for warmly opening their doors and hosting these meaningful evenings of fellowship and dialogue, and to the First Reformed Church on Pompton Plains community for joining a house iftar hosted by a member of the Peace Islands Institute community. These gatherings remind us of the power of hospitality in bringing neighbors together across faiths and communities. We are grateful for these partnerships and look forward to continuing to build bridges throughout Ramadan.

@DaleCaldwell @NJStateDept @SenatorAndyKim @RepMenendez @AlBarlas1 @NJLD37 @GMJohnsonNJ @BergenCountySo @bergencountynj @NJOHSP @TCCNJ @AnthonyLRomano @NJSP

We were honored to host our Annual Ramadan Friendship Dinner at Chart House, bringing together community leaders, public officials, and faith leaders for an evening of dialogue and reflection. J Centered on this year's theme, "In Service to Humanity: Values that Unite Us," the evening highlighted the power of cooperation, compassion, and shared responsibility in strengthening our communities. We thank our distinguished guests and speakers, including Hudson County Commissioner Anthony Romano, Assemblyman Al Barlas, Senator Gordon Johnson, Adel Wilson (Assistant Secretary of State of NJ), representatives from the offices of Congressman Rob Menendez and Senator Andy Kim, keynote speaker Dr. Jon Pahl, and faith leaders who shared meaningful interfaith reflections. Events like this remind us that dialogue, mutual respect, and service can bring people together across backgrounds. #Ramadan #InterfaithDialogue #PeacelslandsInstitute #ServiceToHumanity