GREETINGS FROM PALESTINE! We are visiting a land extremely rich in history that is 5,713 miles from New York. Palestine has been a meeting point for diverse cultures since prehistoric times. It is a most sacred place to the three major religions around the world {Christianity, Islam, and Judaism}. Palestine lies between the Mediterranean Coast and the Jordan River, at the crossroads between Africa and the Middle East.
Our trip to the Holy Land has been a spectacular experience. The Mu Sigma Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators, felt it was important to engage members in interesting and exciting trips around the world. The purpose of these trips is to help students understand that they are ‘ global citizens’ and that they should be aware of and informed about the issues and situations that are taking place on our planet. We are hoping that they become more personally invested with the enormous problems in the areas of education, politics, and the global economy. Understanding how these issues affect all of us should motivate them, as future teachers, to do something – to take some form of action.
BE NOT AFRAID! What has impressed me most about our students, who volunteered to come to Palestine, is that they are unafraid to try new things, to explore the world, and to have the courage to face unexpected situations and problems. Setting up the trip to the Holy Land was not an easy task. We faced many major obstacles and challenges: the expense of the trip; fears about coming to a country in the Middle East that could be affected by the “Israel – Iran” problem; and fears of personal safely. Due to the cooperation, collaboration, sensitivity to each other, and multiple, multiple meetings, this trip became a reality. The students raised over $18,000 through some of the most creative and innovative fund-raising activities possible. Would you sell grilled cheese sandwiches from 11:00pm until 3:00am in the dorms? I celebrate then for stepping out of their comfort zone and entering their courage zone.
Our students came here with open minds and a positive attitude. They came to meet the Palestinian people, listen to their stories, and learn from them – to see deeply, see differently, and see together. One student stated to me “ I didn’t realize how much I don’t know about the world. I am learning a lot and will bring back the messages to share with others. I hope I can make things better.”
Let me tell you about the Palestinian people. Before you judge someone - get to know their story from their point of view. It will definitely change you. The media in the United States paints a biased picture that all Palestinians should be feared because they are dangerous. Not true! We have found them to be warm, compassionate, and hospitable. Once you meet with them and listen to their stories you change the way you view them and their lives. The best way to describe the Palestinian people is by the way of the Cactus plant, the symbol of patience. There are many similarities between the stories of the Palestinian people and the qualities of the cactus plant. The cactus can live and survive without water and will endure the heat and the wind, like the strength of the Palestinians in spite of pain. They stand firm, survive, and continue to live through all the injustices, hardships and difficulties they need to overcome.
Let me tell you about the Manhattan College people. Each of us WILL NOT BE COMING BACK AS THE SAME PERSONS WE WERE before this amazing trip. We have changed in many ways. You will see! This little story is the best way to describe our evolution:
Before this journey we were like pebbles in a stream - with ripples moving us here and there. During this incredible experience we said to ourselves, “NO, We are no longer pebbles. We are now the stream! Being a stream, we can influence the ripples. Everyone should feel like a stream. We know who we are and we know that we can create change. We are no longer hopeless pebbles that are pushed and pulled around by the ripples. We will now make a difference!”
TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS!!!
#5. Lunch with a Bedouin Family in the desert.
#4. Re-baptizing the group at the Jordan River.
#3. Meeting the pen- pal students from Bethlehem University.
#2. Meeting the Palestinian people and listening to their stories
#1. Spending quality time, building community, with an incredible group of inspiring and energizing people.
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