Omaha, NE – Tri-Faith Initiative believes in a world where everyone belongs. In this spirit of unity, Tri-Faith announced today that it is hosting a new event, inviting all communities to come together and share in our common humanity. The inaugural United We Walk (UWW) will be held on Sunday, September 11 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Tri-Faith Commons (13136 Faith Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144).

Omaha, Nebraska is a welcoming and inclusive community - a place where all people belong. United We Walk is an opportunity to demonstrate that to local, state, national, and international audiences. UWW will be celebratory and joyful, bringing together members representing Omaha’s varied communities: racial, cultural, religious, age, sex/gender/orientation, and persons with disabilities. The 21st anniversary of 9-11 will also be commemorated, adding special meaning to UWW’s spirit of unity and peace.

United We Walk also gives people the opportunity to gather and explore the Tri-Faith Commons. Hundreds of walkers across many backgrounds will tour the Tri-Faith Center and faith partner buildings; enjoy delicious cuisine from local food trucks; and participate in family-friendly programming and entertainment.

“United We Walk is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the rich colors and cultures of our community during a fun, family-oriented afternoon,” said Wendy Goldberg, Tri-Faith Initiative Executive Director. “We are better together. Together we can create an environment supportive and brave enough to build a stronger, more cohesive community.”

United We Walk Grand Marshals For 2022 Are:

●          Rabbi Aryeh Azriel (Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Israel)

●          Roger Garcia (Douglas County Board of Commissioners, District 1)

●          Marisa Hattab (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Douglas County)

●          Farhan & Fatima Khan (American Muslim Institute)

●          Preston Love (4Urban Institute for Urban Development)

●          John & Deb McCollister (Countryside Community Church)

Grand Marshals represent Omaha’s diverse community and will welcome walkers and lead them on a 1.14-mile journey around the Tri-Faith Commons, circling the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim houses of worship located on the campus.

“As members of Countryside Community Church, the Christian partner of the Tri-Faith Initiative, Deb and I are excited to serve as Grand Marshals for United We Walk,” said Nebraska State Senator John McCollister. “We encourage all communities of faith to come together on September 11 and walk together in celebration and support of all the diverse communities in Omaha.”

Following the walk, Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, the American Muslim Institute, and The Tri-Faith Center will host open houses with opportunities to learn about Tri-Faith’s mission and each faith. A pop-up experience from the Kiewit Luminarium and an outdoor stage will present family-friendly entertainment and music, and attendees are invited to stroll the boardwalk on Abraham’s Bridge that connects buildings on the Tri-Faith Commons and contribute to a community-based art activity. Local food trucks will also be on hand to add to the festive atmosphere.

Non-profit organizations representing Omaha’s vibrant communities are encouraged to participate in United We Walk by fielding walkers and then staffing tables after the walk ends to distribute information about their respective missions. Organizations interested in registering for UWW should reach out to Diana Gleisberg Meredith at dgleisberg@vgagroup.com or 402-740-6982.

Free registration for United We Walk is open now at trifaith.org/walk. Walkers may sign up as individuals or as members of a group. Businesses and companies are encouraged to sign up as well. Donations will be accepted both online and at UWW to support Tri-Faith’s work in creating spaces that dispel hate and distrust by building trust and connections across lines of difference.

For more information about United We Walk, please visit trifaith.org/walk or contact Tri-Faith Vice President of Operations and Development Erik Servellon at eservellon@trifaith.org.

Tri-Faith Initiative cultivates inclusive environments to advance interfaith relationships and understanding. The Tri-Faith Commons is located at 132nd and Pacific Streets in Omaha, Nebraska, and currently houses Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, American Muslim Institute, and the Tri-Faith Center. For more information, visit TriFaith.org.