Today there are massive protests around Israel calling for an end to the war and the return home of 50 hostages who still remain captive in Gaza.
Meanwhile I had to attend a conference for teachers who will also be offering counseling (help) in the coming school year. At the conference, I made friends with the only other English speaker there... an Arab woman from Jerusalem.
Language was not our barrier, but rather our bridge. She speaks Arabic and English. I speak English and Hebrew. I found myself, for the first time, in a position where I was translating for her. Making sure she understood what was happening in the course.
We may come from different worlds, but we were able to find connection over our similarly aged kids, and our new positions as English counselors. We bonded over the effects of a pandemic and a war on the education system in Israel. The gaps our students have been left with and the difficulties making it work. We felt the gaps and pain and struggles. We sat enjoying our coffees and shared experience teaching English.
So today, especially today, that Israel seems to be on fire with frustration, anger, and exhaustion. Over a war that doesn't feel like it will end...but desperately needs to end. I sat with my new friend and bonded over what we have in common versus our differences. Because yes, we do have so much in common.
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