Muslims, Jews and other community members walked yesterday in the first Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk to promote harmony among members of the community.

The 5 1/2-mile walk started at the Islamic Center of Tucson, 901 E. First St., and ended at the Congregation Chaverim synagogue, 5901 E. Second St. The group made stops along the way at the UA Hillel Foundation and the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center.

At St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. Third St., more than 100 participants stopped as supporters awaiting their arrival cheered them on. There were several group prayers and group songs to spread the feelings of peace and unity among everyone present.

"It's really beautiful to see all these religions coming together, and, despite animosities, they can claim peace as their common language," said Patricia Morrison, a music senior.

The event was inspired by a similar event held in New Mexico and planned by a group of community members from various religious and social backgrounds.

Students and faculty from the Muslim Student Association, Alliance for Peace and Justice in the Middle East and other religious organizations on campus participated individually but not as a group, said Jessica Weinberg, co-president of APJME.

Students at the event said they appreciated the effort to promote peace.

The walk is a good opportunity to get together and share commonalities. ÷ Miriam Hoda, physiological sciencessophomore

"The walk is a good opportunity to get together and share commonalities," said Miriam Hoda, a physiological sciences sophomore. "All religions' bottom line is peace."

David Martinez, a business management and entrepreneurship senior, plans to bring what he observed at the event to the Newman Center and share it with other members.

"As a Christian, I appreciate this event because it is important now more than ever to come together to respect our neighbors of the same religion and of different religions," he said.

At the walk, members of the community were able to get together with people they might not otherwise encounter.

"It's a good chance for people of all faiths to connect and interact. It's very progressive," said Sydney Roth, a religious studies junior.

Participants said the image of Jews and Muslims walking together in support of peace is important for the world to see.

"Us walking in peace ÷ Muslims, Jews, Christians ÷ shows the rest of the world we can get along, especially in the post-9/11 world," said Zakarya Azar, a Near Eastern studies graduate student.

The walk is called the Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk. Next year the name will reverse to Jewish-Muslim, and then alternate to convey that no religion is superior to another.

"This is a good event to promote a different image of Jews and Muslims than you see in the media. It's our job to promote a positive image so people don't think that we hate each other," said Jessica Lopez, an international relations and development senior.

The event was not an outlet for political messages. It was intended to show that peace among all people is possible, said Dina Afek, co-founder of the Jewish peace group Kolot Tzedek.

The mission for the Children of Abraham Interfaith Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk stated there is no violent or military solution to any conflict, and the group rejects all forms of violence whether committed by individuals, groups or armies.

Organizers hope the walk will become a tradition and inspire other peace walks in Tucson.