AIDS candlelight memorial
On May 16, 1999 candles will be lit around the world to mark the global family's commitment to honor the memory of those lost to AIDS and to stand tall with those living with HIV/AIDS today. The theme for this year's Candlelight Memorial is "building global solidarity against injustice and fear towards a world without AIDS".
I ask myself if there will be candles in Ambon, East Timor, Kalimantan and other parts of our country where there have been riots and our brothers and sisters and their children live in fear weighed down by threats and injustice? I pray fervently that the answer is "yes". Perhaps there are candles in windows, in hearts, on a street corner, on the steps of a Mosque and a church, candles outside government offices, or candles on a pier. We need light and hope that the candles in these places will give a special glow in 1999.
Why do I have such high hopes?
Three years ago in May 1996, it was my privilege and pleasure to be in Ambon for an inspirational and loving evening of togetherness -- the celebration of the Candlelight Memorial and Malam Renungan AIDS (reflection night) 1996. I remember there were youths, housewives, religious and community leaders, officials and school children gathered there.
During that evening we mourned the loss of men, women and children around the globe to the AIDS epidemic. We joined in prayer led successively by leaders of different faiths -- Islam, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, and Buddha.
We sang, we laughed, and we committed ourselves to stand together against the ignorance, discrimination, and injustice which feeds the epidemic. The deadly disease keeps people apart, and inflicts on men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS social and psychological burdens of inhuman proportions.
I made a brief presentation about HIV/AIDS after which there was a long question and answer session. To my great delight, the majority of questions came from youths who were curious, open, and willing to learn more.
All that is the best of community living was reflected in that evening... and we all went home feeling a little better about ourselves and our neighbors.
I write recalling this happy occasion, to remind us all, at this difficult time that we have a history of trust and togetherness to draw on. May you too remember and begin to rebuild bridges broken by rumor, fear and violence. I urge you not to let this opportunity pass. Make May 16, the day of the Candlelight Memorial, a new beginning.
Light your candles and give one other and us all more light. Whether you light your candle alone or with others say to yourself "I am part of the light. I am part of a global sisterhood, a global brotherhood against the discrimination, injustice and violence which causes fear. I stand with others for tolerance, human rights, and community solidarity. I stand for the rights of every man, woman, and child to lead a full and dignified life."
Since 1983, the Candlelight Memorial has been a symbol of healing hope and solidarity in the global mobilization against AIDS. May that message along with the candles of the Candlelight Memorial 1999 dispel the darkness and cast their light far into the future not only for all who are living with AIDS but for all our brothers and sisters, young and old throughout Maluku, East Timor and wherever they may be living in fear and pain. As we light our candles, let us pray for each other that the good Lord will always be with us and won't let anyone live alone in fear or injustice.
NAFSIAH MBOI
Jakarta