Ago. 8, 2026 Live from the road

Woodstock, NY - Bennington, VT

Reported by Violeta Angelova 91.0 mi

We would like to thank Country Inn & Suites by Radisson for their warm hospitality.

Our day began with a wonderful gathering at Temple Israel of Catskill, where there is a small park known as the Peace Pod — a place dedicated to interfaith peace and reflection. It is located at the entrance to the Hudson River Skywalk, right next to the synagogue and the Peace Tree, which was dedicated to peace with a plaque featuring an aphorism by Sri Chinmoy:

“A moment’s peace can and shall save the world.”

She welcomed us with a beautiful musical performance and these warm words: “Hope the running went wonderfully well. Hope you all didn’t run in thunder and lightning! What a wonderful gathering. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and loved meeting everyone!”

Rabbi Zoe B. Zak is the spiritual leader of Temple Israel of Catskill and has served as its rabbi since 2012. Music continues to play an important role in the way she serves and connects with her community.

The idea behind the Peace Pod is to create a place where people of different faiths and communities can come together around the shared ideal of peace. And that was exactly the spirit of our gathering. We had the wonderful opportunity to talk, connect, and share the message of peace that unites us.

Deacon Patty Dombroski offered a heartfelt prayer.

We passed the Peace Torch from hand to hand, and each person shared their own message of peace.

Deacon Ron Dombroski shared his message of peace.

Robin Smith, who has been actively involved in landscaping the beautiful Peace Garden and helping beautify Catskill.

Jim Maccaline, who is actively involved with local schools, sports, and community activities in Catskill.

Athens Town Supervisor Michael Pirrone was also in attendance.

Following the wonderful gathering, our hosts treated us to refreshments in the beautiful garden. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful moments we shared together.

Among our special guests was also James Whitmore, a close friend, longtime associate, and former personal assistant to the late music icon Roberta Flack.

Every mile tells a story of peace. Goga has 15 years of stories to tell.

Running for peace, inspired by nature.

Tavishi heads out for her run.

It was a beautiful day filled with inspiring running and meaningful encounters. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Arun and Julie for welcoming us and providing accommodation for us once again. We are deeply grateful for their continued kindness and hospitality over the years. It is always truly inspiring to spend time surrounded by such beautiful nature.

Torch carried by
Anita Ramljak (Croatia), Arpan DeAngelo (United States), Baoyi Huang (Taiwan), Daniel Rubin (South Africa), Devendra Cheatham (United States), Gints Peleckis (Latvia), Gordana Petrovčić (Croatia), Harita Davies (New Zealand), Jovana Milenković (Serbia), Palash Bosgang (United States), Salil Wilson (Australia), Sarankhuu Jargal (Mongolia), Tavishi Matthews (Australia), Violeta Angelova (Bulgaria).  
Photographers
Baoyi Huang, Harita Davies, Sarankhuu Jargal, Violeta Angelova
The torch has travelled 91.0 mi from Woodstock, NY to Bennington, VT.

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