International Awareness and the Perpetuation of Hope
Catherine Collins
Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: Editorials
"The Gathering of the Tents," however, was only one part of the program for the weekend. Friday's activities included a marching demonstration and a vigil held at the Sudanese Embassy. On Saturday, there were a number of panels and workshops, several film showings, interactive events, art exhibitions and a benefit concert. The program finished on Sunday with a worship service, a rally and a closing ceremony for the Tents of Hope.
Events like "The Gathering of the Tents" are not possible without two factors. First is a deep understanding of the conflict and its gravity; second, a belief that dedication and hard work can bring the hope of a solution to that conflict.
On a certain level, it is much easier to live detached from a distant problem than it is to confront and challenge it. The problems in our world, however, whether political, economic or social, are not distant. The hope that one nation can experience, the realization that things once thought inconceivable have come to fruition, must be extended upon the rest of the world. It is not an act of consideration or a sacrifice; it is a responsibility.
As the words on one tent read, quoting Rabbi Hillel, "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"
Events like "The Gathering of the Tents" are not possible without two factors. First is a deep understanding of the conflict and its gravity; second, a belief that dedication and hard work can bring the hope of a solution to that conflict.
On a certain level, it is much easier to live detached from a distant problem than it is to confront and challenge it. The problems in our world, however, whether political, economic or social, are not distant. The hope that one nation can experience, the realization that things once thought inconceivable have come to fruition, must be extended upon the rest of the world. It is not an act of consideration or a sacrifice; it is a responsibility.
As the words on one tent read, quoting Rabbi Hillel, "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"
Be the first to comment on this story