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Stories of Resilience, Resistance, and Hope
Our goal with the Human Connections page is to exhibit the unique stories of resilience, resistance, justice, activism, and identity. Storytelling is a crucial tool in cultivating compassion and inspiring decisive action. Connecting stories create a narrative of our shared humanity that inspires and mobilizes communities to address global issues. Stories encourage us to recognize the humanity in others, a powerful message for a divided world. Through this page, we are devoted to changing the narrative and taking action together. Share yours!
Sharing Stories...Creating Connections...Changing Perceptions
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Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American attorney, activist, and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), shared her journey and vision for the Palestinian cause in our recent storytelling interview, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity.
Born to parents who fled occupied Palestine in search of a better future, she grew up with a keen awareness of the injustices faced by her people. Recognizing the privilege, she had received, Arraf felt a “tremendous responsibility to give back and contribute to the liberation struggle” of her fellow Palestinians.
After graduating from college, Arraf accepted a job with a conflict resolution program in Jerusalem. However, she quickly became disillusioned by conventional conflict resolution programs, which she felt failed to address the root causes of oppression. In response, she co-founded the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) in 2001 during the Second Intifada, aiming to provide Palestinians with grassroots support against Israeli occupation.
In contrast to conflict resolution-oriented programs, which cast a negative light on political work for Palestinians, ISM directly attempts to dismantle “structures of oppression that tear people apart.” “I was there, and I was working with Palestinians protesting, and Israelis killing many unarmed protesters, mainly bullet wounds to the chest and head area. And, sadly, as we see, even today, nobody did anything about it. Nobody held Israel accountable,” Arraf says. ISM aims to bolster Palestinian civil society resistance by garnering international support. It encourages individuals worldwide to witness, stand in solidarity, strategize, and participate in popular resistance against the unjust and violent policies enforced by the Israeli military. Arraf highlights that by employing nonviolent resistance and direct action, ISM challenges the oppressive structures (such as home demolitions, tree uprooting, checkpoints, etc.) maintained by the Israeli state and helps amplify Palestinian voices on a global scale. The focus is on the universal right to freedom, which has been denied to Palestinians for over 75 years.
Arraf recounts that the Free Gaza movement emerged as a response to the extreme blockade on Gaza since 2007, leading to dire conditions for its 2 million inhabitants. Israel controls everything going in and out, severely restricting aid, medical treatment, and economic activity. In 2008, peace activists sailed to Gaza to expose the Israeli policy of collective punishment, with the first successful attempt drawing attention to the cause. Subsequent efforts faced challenges, and a 2010 flotilla carrying 700 people and over 10,000 tons of aid was attacked by the Israeli military, causing the death of 10 activists who were shot and killed by Israeli soldiers.
Speaking on the current situation in Gaza, Arraf describes it as a full-scale genocide, documented by Palestinians in the hope of international intervention. Despite millions mobilizing against Israel's actions, Western powers continue to support it, exposing a scary state of the international legal order.
Arraf underscores the need to confront the weaponization of antisemitism to silence Palestinians and advocates of Palestinian freedom. She stresses the difference between Zionism, a political ideology, and Judaism and advocates for equality and freedom for all people in historic Palestine. She emphasizes the role of education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing in challenging narratives of religious conflict and promoting a shared understanding between Jewish and Palestinian communities.
Drawing parallels with historical liberation movements, Arraf participated in actions inspired by the US Civil Rights Movement—such as the Palestinian Freedom Rides—to highlight the similar forms of discrimination and segregation experienced by Palestinians. Her work in the United States involves legal, political and grassroots advocacy, and she cites the impact that mass grassroots campaigns have had on increasing congressional support for a ceasefire resolution, among other things.
Looking to the future, Huwaida envisions a Palestine where all people—regardless of ethnicity or religion—enjoy equal rights and dignity. She calls for a world where the lessons of Palestine serve as a catalyst for global solidarity and the realization of universal human rights.
Born to parents who fled occupied Palestine in search of a better future, she grew up with a keen awareness of the injustices faced by her people. Recognizing the privilege, she had received, Arraf felt a “tremendous responsibility to give back and contribute to the liberation struggle” of her fellow Palestinians.
After graduating from college, Arraf accepted a job with a conflict resolution program in Jerusalem. However, she quickly became disillusioned by conventional conflict resolution programs, which she felt failed to address the root causes of oppression. In response, she co-founded the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) in 2001 during the Second Intifada, aiming to provide Palestinians with grassroots support against Israeli occupation.
In contrast to conflict resolution-oriented programs, which cast a negative light on political work for Palestinians, ISM directly attempts to dismantle “structures of oppression that tear people apart.” “I was there, and I was working with Palestinians protesting, and Israelis killing many unarmed protesters, mainly bullet wounds to the chest and head area. And, sadly, as we see, even today, nobody did anything about it. Nobody held Israel accountable,” Arraf says. ISM aims to bolster Palestinian civil society resistance by garnering international support. It encourages individuals worldwide to witness, stand in solidarity, strategize, and participate in popular resistance against the unjust and violent policies enforced by the Israeli military. Arraf highlights that by employing nonviolent resistance and direct action, ISM challenges the oppressive structures (such as home demolitions, tree uprooting, checkpoints, etc.) maintained by the Israeli state and helps amplify Palestinian voices on a global scale. The focus is on the universal right to freedom, which has been denied to Palestinians for over 75 years.
Arraf recounts that the Free Gaza movement emerged as a response to the extreme blockade on Gaza since 2007, leading to dire conditions for its 2 million inhabitants. Israel controls everything going in and out, severely restricting aid, medical treatment, and economic activity. In 2008, peace activists sailed to Gaza to expose the Israeli policy of collective punishment, with the first successful attempt drawing attention to the cause. Subsequent efforts faced challenges, and a 2010 flotilla carrying 700 people and over 10,000 tons of aid was attacked by the Israeli military, causing the death of 10 activists who were shot and killed by Israeli soldiers.
Speaking on the current situation in Gaza, Arraf describes it as a full-scale genocide, documented by Palestinians in the hope of international intervention. Despite millions mobilizing against Israel's actions, Western powers continue to support it, exposing a scary state of the international legal order.
Arraf underscores the need to confront the weaponization of antisemitism to silence Palestinians and advocates of Palestinian freedom. She stresses the difference between Zionism, a political ideology, and Judaism and advocates for equality and freedom for all people in historic Palestine. She emphasizes the role of education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing in challenging narratives of religious conflict and promoting a shared understanding between Jewish and Palestinian communities.
Drawing parallels with historical liberation movements, Arraf participated in actions inspired by the US Civil Rights Movement—such as the Palestinian Freedom Rides—to highlight the similar forms of discrimination and segregation experienced by Palestinians. Her work in the United States involves legal, political and grassroots advocacy, and she cites the impact that mass grassroots campaigns have had on increasing congressional support for a ceasefire resolution, among other things.
Looking to the future, Huwaida envisions a Palestine where all people—regardless of ethnicity or religion—enjoy equal rights and dignity. She calls for a world where the lessons of Palestine serve as a catalyst for global solidarity and the realization of universal human rights.
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In the bustling streets of New York City, amid the towering structures of the Midtown/East Side of Manhattan, Joshua Feinstein's journey as a peace activist commenced over two decades ago. A native New Yorker with a spirit for social justice, Joshua found himself drawn to activism, particularly against the backdrop of the Bush Administration's invasion of Iraq. Presently, as an advocate for both the Jewish community and proudly Pro-Palestinian, Joshua urges us to join him “on the right side of history”.
Born into a Jewish family, Joshua's upbringing was imbued with a strong sense of Jewish identity and values, rooted in his heritage as the son of a Holocaust survivor. Yet, like many aspects of life, his upbringing also had its blind spots. |
Raised with the belief that Israel's existence was sacrosanct and beyond question, Joshua's worldview underwent a seismic shift in 1995, following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Rabin's pursuit of peace with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat shattered Joshua's preconceived notions when he learned that Rabin was killed not by an Arab, but by a fellow Jew influenced by divisive rhetoric. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Joshua recounts, "The equation didn’t add up. Why would one Jew kill another Jew?" This cognitive dissonance ignited a journey of introspection and questioning that challenged the very foundations of his identity. Over three decades later, his evolution as a peace activist continues to unfold, shaped by a commitment to justice and a resolute determination to confront uncomfortable truths.
Joshua's journey has not been without its challenges, particularly within his own family and community. Despite ideological differences with his staunchly pro-Israel mother, Joshua maintains a deep respect and love for her. They are still very close, and Joshua acknowledges the complexity of her experiences as a Holocaust survivor. While disagreements persist, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining familial bonds amidst divergent viewpoints, recognizing the generational divides that shape perspectives.
As Joshua's activism expanded beyond the confines of New York City to his current residence in Michigan, his efforts to promote peace within the Jewish community have garnered attention. Adopting a pragmatic approach, he identifies three distinct camps within the community: those with open eyes, entrenched supporters of Zionist ideology, and individuals in the middle ground. It is within this middle ground that Joshua focuses his efforts, engaging in dialogue and advocacy to challenge misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding of the realities in Israel-Palestine.
Addressing the pervasive tendency to conflate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, Joshua emphasizes the crucial distinction between opposing an ideology and harboring hatred towards a people. With a steadfast commitment to combating anti-Semitism while advocating for Palestinian rights, he underscores the importance of discernment in navigating complex geopolitical narratives. He says, “To be an anti-zionist is merely saying I do not support the state of Israel because it runs itself in an apartheid fashion”.
In confronting media distortions and the influence of organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Joshua highlights the power of social media and grassroots activism in amplifying marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives. Recognizing the uphill battle against well-funded lobbying efforts by wealthy and influential people in power, Joshua remains undeterred, driven by a vision of justice and equality for all.
Looking to the future, Joshua's vision for the Israel-Palestine relationship centers on empowering Palestinians to shape their own destiny and reclaim their autonomy. With unwavering resolve, he stands in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom, declaring, "Free Palestine." Joshua Feinstein's journey serves as a testament to the power of individual transformation and collective action in the pursuit of peace and justice.
Joshua's journey has not been without its challenges, particularly within his own family and community. Despite ideological differences with his staunchly pro-Israel mother, Joshua maintains a deep respect and love for her. They are still very close, and Joshua acknowledges the complexity of her experiences as a Holocaust survivor. While disagreements persist, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining familial bonds amidst divergent viewpoints, recognizing the generational divides that shape perspectives.
As Joshua's activism expanded beyond the confines of New York City to his current residence in Michigan, his efforts to promote peace within the Jewish community have garnered attention. Adopting a pragmatic approach, he identifies three distinct camps within the community: those with open eyes, entrenched supporters of Zionist ideology, and individuals in the middle ground. It is within this middle ground that Joshua focuses his efforts, engaging in dialogue and advocacy to challenge misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding of the realities in Israel-Palestine.
Addressing the pervasive tendency to conflate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, Joshua emphasizes the crucial distinction between opposing an ideology and harboring hatred towards a people. With a steadfast commitment to combating anti-Semitism while advocating for Palestinian rights, he underscores the importance of discernment in navigating complex geopolitical narratives. He says, “To be an anti-zionist is merely saying I do not support the state of Israel because it runs itself in an apartheid fashion”.
In confronting media distortions and the influence of organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Joshua highlights the power of social media and grassroots activism in amplifying marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives. Recognizing the uphill battle against well-funded lobbying efforts by wealthy and influential people in power, Joshua remains undeterred, driven by a vision of justice and equality for all.
Looking to the future, Joshua's vision for the Israel-Palestine relationship centers on empowering Palestinians to shape their own destiny and reclaim their autonomy. With unwavering resolve, he stands in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom, declaring, "Free Palestine." Joshua Feinstein's journey serves as a testament to the power of individual transformation and collective action in the pursuit of peace and justice.
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Why is activism essential? Lebanese-American activist Mariam Alboustani would argue that it is fundamentally about humanity. Growing up in Kuwait and later moving to Lebanon at the age of ten, Alboustani’s formative years were profoundly influenced by the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. Ongoing conflict and war, driven by Western colonialism, shaped her perspective on the world and global issues. In June 1982, Beirut faced a three-month siege by Israel, resulting in a scarcity of necessities, bombings, and massacres that claimed thousands of lives. Despite Israel’s subsequent withdrawal to the south, a significant portion of Lebanon remained under occupation, defining Alboustani’s upbringing. In her thirties, she immigrated to the United States.
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Alboustani’s lived experiences parallel the current hardships in Palestine, following 75 years of Israeli occupation. She emphasizes that she “sees through the lens” of the Palestinians, having been conscious of the injustice inflicted upon Palestine since childhood— apartheid, violence, and more. While the media often portrays the conflict as complex, Alboustani simplifies it as a clear matter of right and wrong, stating, “It is wrong to occupy a country, bomb civilians, implement apartheid, and create two sets of laws for different ethnicities.” For her, the interconnectedness of the injustice and oppression she experienced during her upbringing reflects a broader form of injustice against people.
Upon immigrating to the United States in her thirties, Alboustani, after engaging in conversations about discrimination against Palestinians with her Jewish partner in Detroit, Michigan, sought to make a change. Researching organizations that encouraged collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian voices led her to the Jewish Voice for Peace. Alboustani insists “For the Palestinians to have a just future, both the Jewish and Palestinian communities need to come together and sit at the table”. Having been a member for 5 years, her commitment to having inclusive and productive conversations about injustice against Palestinians stems from her values. She believes that as human beings, we cannot be complacent when we see wrongdoing.
Reflecting on her hope for Palestine, Alboustani recalls the pivotal moment in May 2000 when the Israeli forces withdrew from all Lebanese territories. She describes it as “the story of the underdog who triumphed because they had a strategy, a vision, and it was their right”. Alboustani believes that this could be Palestine’s destiny as well. The activist encourages both youth and adults to speak up no matter the size of their platform or lack thereof. “Education is key”, possessing the power to enact change.
Upon immigrating to the United States in her thirties, Alboustani, after engaging in conversations about discrimination against Palestinians with her Jewish partner in Detroit, Michigan, sought to make a change. Researching organizations that encouraged collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian voices led her to the Jewish Voice for Peace. Alboustani insists “For the Palestinians to have a just future, both the Jewish and Palestinian communities need to come together and sit at the table”. Having been a member for 5 years, her commitment to having inclusive and productive conversations about injustice against Palestinians stems from her values. She believes that as human beings, we cannot be complacent when we see wrongdoing.
Reflecting on her hope for Palestine, Alboustani recalls the pivotal moment in May 2000 when the Israeli forces withdrew from all Lebanese territories. She describes it as “the story of the underdog who triumphed because they had a strategy, a vision, and it was their right”. Alboustani believes that this could be Palestine’s destiny as well. The activist encourages both youth and adults to speak up no matter the size of their platform or lack thereof. “Education is key”, possessing the power to enact change.
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/stories-podcast
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In the bustling city of Birmingham, Michigan, Lori-Kamleh Ajlouny, a dedicated Christian Palestinian activist, and a long time Birmingham Public School employee, has spent her life championing Palestinian rights and promoting shared understanding among diverse communities.
Lori's roots trace back to Ramallah, Palestine. After moving to the United States, her parents were deeply committed for their children to maintain their Palestinian identity through traditions and culture. Her parents became very involved with the Ramallah community and with them were founders of an organization called American Federation of Ramallah Palestine. This was the pathway to preserve their Palestinian heritage. |
Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan without an Arab community, she and her siblings faced the harsh reality of being the only Arab family in her neighborhood. They did not feel welcomed in a community with zero diversity. They faced many challenges. She and her siblings were labeled with derogatory terms — “dessert-monkey” “camel jockey” “sand n—--” making Lori and her family feel like outsiders. People called her family “clan-ish” because they participated in large cultural festivities and celebrated holidays with their greater family members. . These cultural celebrations often led her neighbors to make police calls. However, Lori's mother responded to police with grace, offering them heaping plates of their traditional Palestinian food—which would later transform these calls of duty into friendly encounters.
It wasn't until college, when she joined the Organization of Arab Student OAS at Wayne State University, that Lori found a platform to dispel derogatory stereotypes surrounding Arabs and Arab culture. Her dedication to educating others continued growing and was fueled by the injustices experienced by Palestinians—particularly the Israeli claim to Jerusalem barring any and all Palestinians not already living in Jerusalem access to their Holyland by the late 1990’s. Not only was access denied, but by 2002 the “Wall” was completed completely cutting off the West Bank with 703 check-points within.
“It was one of the worst feelings I ever remember having,” Lori said. “Back then and today, Palestinians do not have a right to pray in Jerusalem.” Denied access, Palestinians risk arrest and endure cruel detention in cells simply for seeking a connection to their sacred space.
In 2014, Lori and her own family attempted to attend the annual AFRP Convention held that year in Palestine. Upon entry all Palestinians are led to an Israeli checkpoint where there are armed soldiers with automatic weapons. As the family of four, two adults and their two young sons aged six and eight approached their turn to enter, an Israeli officer checked her husband's Austrian passport, and easily let him through. Seconds later, as the guard checked the other passports. Lori and her two children were denied entrance, and Lori was escorted by two armed soldiers into detention. After 21 hours in a small cubical, without food or water, with one soldier after another, one officer after another interrogating her about her motive for coming to Israel, and at a point of exhaustion, Lori asked a plain clothes soldier “Do you have children?” The soldier responded, “Yes, two. I want my children to grow up without the fear of violence from Palestinians—in a peaceful environment.” She gently responded, “So do I. You see those children out there, they are mine. They are six and eight years old, maybe similar to your two children. So you see, we are not so different, you and I. We share a common desire for our children to be raised in a world without bias, hatred and violence. We want the same thing for our children, to live in a world where we understand and respect each other's differences and come together with similarities.” Her experience demonstrates that we can all find common ground in our core values—peace, equality, and justice—during even the most divided times.
Lori coincidentally ran into this guard four weeks later on a Palestinian/Israeli beach. The sand was split in two sections, divided by a rope between Palestine and Israel borders. As Lori walked up to the guard on the Israeli side, she said “You see my children—they're playing in the ocean and your two children are as well. They could play together. There's no rope in the sea, there's only a rope in the sand.”
Drawing connections between justice movements in South Africa, the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, and the ongoing struggle in Palestine, Lori also emphasizes the interconnectedness of global fights for equality.
Eleven years ago, Lori also became a part of the National Jewish Voice for Peace.“I joined because authentic Jews want the same things that Palestinian want—justice, freedom, and equality—to unite.” These people understood the peaceful principles enshrined into their “beautiful religion” and sought amity around the world. Today, Lori collaborates with activists across communities to demand for an end to apartheid and a final armistice in the middle east. “It is devastating—beyond tragic—that the current conflict is costing us 25,000 Palestinian lives,” she said.
Lori’s message, on behalf of Palestinians, to diverse communities across the world is worth sharing: “See us as human beings, and then you will see us from our hearts. Maybe this simple act will bring about the change we need.”
It wasn't until college, when she joined the Organization of Arab Student OAS at Wayne State University, that Lori found a platform to dispel derogatory stereotypes surrounding Arabs and Arab culture. Her dedication to educating others continued growing and was fueled by the injustices experienced by Palestinians—particularly the Israeli claim to Jerusalem barring any and all Palestinians not already living in Jerusalem access to their Holyland by the late 1990’s. Not only was access denied, but by 2002 the “Wall” was completed completely cutting off the West Bank with 703 check-points within.
“It was one of the worst feelings I ever remember having,” Lori said. “Back then and today, Palestinians do not have a right to pray in Jerusalem.” Denied access, Palestinians risk arrest and endure cruel detention in cells simply for seeking a connection to their sacred space.
In 2014, Lori and her own family attempted to attend the annual AFRP Convention held that year in Palestine. Upon entry all Palestinians are led to an Israeli checkpoint where there are armed soldiers with automatic weapons. As the family of four, two adults and their two young sons aged six and eight approached their turn to enter, an Israeli officer checked her husband's Austrian passport, and easily let him through. Seconds later, as the guard checked the other passports. Lori and her two children were denied entrance, and Lori was escorted by two armed soldiers into detention. After 21 hours in a small cubical, without food or water, with one soldier after another, one officer after another interrogating her about her motive for coming to Israel, and at a point of exhaustion, Lori asked a plain clothes soldier “Do you have children?” The soldier responded, “Yes, two. I want my children to grow up without the fear of violence from Palestinians—in a peaceful environment.” She gently responded, “So do I. You see those children out there, they are mine. They are six and eight years old, maybe similar to your two children. So you see, we are not so different, you and I. We share a common desire for our children to be raised in a world without bias, hatred and violence. We want the same thing for our children, to live in a world where we understand and respect each other's differences and come together with similarities.” Her experience demonstrates that we can all find common ground in our core values—peace, equality, and justice—during even the most divided times.
Lori coincidentally ran into this guard four weeks later on a Palestinian/Israeli beach. The sand was split in two sections, divided by a rope between Palestine and Israel borders. As Lori walked up to the guard on the Israeli side, she said “You see my children—they're playing in the ocean and your two children are as well. They could play together. There's no rope in the sea, there's only a rope in the sand.”
Drawing connections between justice movements in South Africa, the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, and the ongoing struggle in Palestine, Lori also emphasizes the interconnectedness of global fights for equality.
Eleven years ago, Lori also became a part of the National Jewish Voice for Peace.“I joined because authentic Jews want the same things that Palestinian want—justice, freedom, and equality—to unite.” These people understood the peaceful principles enshrined into their “beautiful religion” and sought amity around the world. Today, Lori collaborates with activists across communities to demand for an end to apartheid and a final armistice in the middle east. “It is devastating—beyond tragic—that the current conflict is costing us 25,000 Palestinian lives,” she said.
Lori’s message, on behalf of Palestinians, to diverse communities across the world is worth sharing: “See us as human beings, and then you will see us from our hearts. Maybe this simple act will bring about the change we need.”
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/stories-podcast
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In a recent episode of Storytelling Beyond Borders, we had the privilege of engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Brandi Hebert, a dynamic individual whose journey of faith and commitment to justice has been a guiding force in her life. Pastor Brandi resides in Princeton Junction, NJ, with her husband of 18 years, Noel, and their 16-year-old twins, Gehrig and Eliana. Before transitioning to her current role as Associate Pastor at Lutheran Church of God's Love in Newtown, PA, Brandi enjoyed a career in theatre and later the building materials industry.
Pastor Brandi's journey into faith and justice is rooted in her understanding of Christian and Hebrew scriptures, where justice is seen as synonymous with God.
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This deep connection between faith and justice has shaped her perspective on living a life of discipleship within the Christian tradition. Brandi explains that a commitment to justice can take on various forms, from engaging in social service opportunities to fostering lives of sharing and mutuality. Reflecting on her journey, Brandi shared a transformative experience witnessing the creation of La Convivencia, an interfaith social justice non-profit founded by her friend Tasneem Sultan. This initiative allowed her to witness the power of people coming together, transcending faith traditions and cultural backgrounds to address the issues impacting their communities. As a pastor, Brandi strives to connect individuals' faith with their daily lives, encouraging them to see their neighbors as a global community. Her commitment to loving God and neighbors extends to economic and social implications, shaping how individuals allocate their time, talents, and resources for the benefit of others.
Brandi addressed the complexities of the current situation in the Middle East. As a Christian, she laments the violence, decrying terrorist attacks, and actively listening to the pain emanating from affected regions. Her hope lies in global calls for peace and humanitarian aid. Pastor Brandi also advocates for embracing the multiplicity within the universal, respecting and understanding others' perspectives on God. Her commitment to creating opportunities for diverse worship experiences stems from personal encounters that emphasized the compatibility of different faith traditions.
Lutherans recognize the ongoing journey of understanding scripture, and Brandi emphasizes the importance of not interpreting scriptures in ways that harm or deny rights to others. Holding conflicting beliefs in tension, she maintains that a life of faith is a journey, always growing with new understandings. Addressing the misconception that social justice is solely a political issue, Brandi asserts that religion and politics are intertwined. Engaging in dialogue and navigating differences of opinion, she believes, is crucial for building a peaceful community.
Pastor Brandi Hebert's journey serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact faith can have on individuals and their ability to engage with global issues. From her diverse career background to her active involvement in community initiatives, Brandi's commitment to justice and compassion inspires us to embrace the interconnectedness of our global community and work towards a more just and compassionate world.
Brandi addressed the complexities of the current situation in the Middle East. As a Christian, she laments the violence, decrying terrorist attacks, and actively listening to the pain emanating from affected regions. Her hope lies in global calls for peace and humanitarian aid. Pastor Brandi also advocates for embracing the multiplicity within the universal, respecting and understanding others' perspectives on God. Her commitment to creating opportunities for diverse worship experiences stems from personal encounters that emphasized the compatibility of different faith traditions.
Lutherans recognize the ongoing journey of understanding scripture, and Brandi emphasizes the importance of not interpreting scriptures in ways that harm or deny rights to others. Holding conflicting beliefs in tension, she maintains that a life of faith is a journey, always growing with new understandings. Addressing the misconception that social justice is solely a political issue, Brandi asserts that religion and politics are intertwined. Engaging in dialogue and navigating differences of opinion, she believes, is crucial for building a peaceful community.
Pastor Brandi Hebert's journey serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact faith can have on individuals and their ability to engage with global issues. From her diverse career background to her active involvement in community initiatives, Brandi's commitment to justice and compassion inspires us to embrace the interconnectedness of our global community and work towards a more just and compassionate world.
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/connections-podcast
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It is a human reflex to feel numb. We’ve all felt it. Powerless. Paralyzed. Desensitized. So many intense emotions that boil inside you—unable to escape—but suppressed to a sour cooling point. Crowded by so many issues of significant scale, today’s young Americans feel helpless as they are guided by the hand of quietism, passivity, and normalization.
Mary Hanna, the operations manager of the Meta Peace Team and Melody Arnst, the development coordinator of the Meta Peace Team, hope to halt this cycle of normalization. “If you’re feeling isolated and alone, the first that comes to your mind is, what can I do?” Melody says. After traveling to West Bank and many other conflict hotspots around the world, Mary finds that “one person really can make a difference.” |
Mary recalls a particularly compelling story when a Palestinian boy no older than 7 years old was nearly arrested by the police for throwing stones during a protest. His family greeted the Meta Peace International Team with a deep appreciation for their protection and presence. When Mary had to leave, she was “waiting for this family to beg for more protection…but instead they threw a celebration.” According to Mary, “they were so grateful for one night of peace without worrying about taking their child.” It was at this moment that she realized “it was worth every penny and hour to go there…even knowing that she won’t change the course of the conflict.’
Mary shows us that “it's important to take opportunities of peace, solace, and caring.” Though the media constantly covers the ripple effect of shootings, conflicts, and outgoing trauma, it often ignores the ripple effect of individual and community-wide healing efforts. “A single act can have an impact much beyond the local community,” Melody says. Efforts at the individual level can unravel to state and national reform, but too often, the American media leverages a different strategy to profit from public attention: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Beyond reworking the media, Mary asks young people to adopt a daily practice that makes them feel like their most genuine, caring selves. Melody finds that effort translates to impact and that “we need to teach young people about how they can better make a difference.” In this way, the path to ending America’s vicious cycle of desensitization and normalization starts at the individual-impact level.
Mary shows us that “it's important to take opportunities of peace, solace, and caring.” Though the media constantly covers the ripple effect of shootings, conflicts, and outgoing trauma, it often ignores the ripple effect of individual and community-wide healing efforts. “A single act can have an impact much beyond the local community,” Melody says. Efforts at the individual level can unravel to state and national reform, but too often, the American media leverages a different strategy to profit from public attention: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Beyond reworking the media, Mary asks young people to adopt a daily practice that makes them feel like their most genuine, caring selves. Melody finds that effort translates to impact and that “we need to teach young people about how they can better make a difference.” In this way, the path to ending America’s vicious cycle of desensitization and normalization starts at the individual-impact level.
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/connections-podcast
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Igniting Change: Tackling the Shortcomings of Public Education in the U.S.What are the first steps to solving generational, systemic social justice issues? For Asquith Clarke II, the healing process begins with truth.
Since he was a child, Asquith has been passionate about helping people. Initially dreaming of saving lives as a doctor, Asquith is pursuing a career as a truth-teller, which, in his own words, is "embracing and learning about the full history of my ancestors that isn't whitewashed." As a truth-teller, Asquith hopes to advocate for diverse, inclusive, and equitable education globally. |
As a college student, Asquith understands the shortcomings of public education in the U.S. and how disparities in education affect students personally. He has experienced the difference between his under-resourced school in Brooklyn, New York, and the violence and lack of motivation present there, and the opportunities and unique challenges at better-funded suburban schools in New Jersey. In Brooklyn, he recalls, "there was just so much work and so little guidance… you were trying to succeed in a system that was ultimately trying to fail you."
Asquith hopes to address the fundamental issues in the public school system. These goals connect directly to his passion for truth-telling. Both in education and social justice environments, Asquith believes that the first step toward healing is acknowledging trauma and the reality of our history. "If we want to change the future," he says, "we have to understand our past."
Asquith's vision of an aware and engaged school system and the public is clear in his work with various groups, where he advocates for inclusive, supportive, and research-based work. He hopes his advocacy work can ignite change through while serving justice to the movements and histories it shares and avoid reinforcing any harms or issues the groups intend to aid in solving.
Asquith hopes to address the fundamental issues in the public school system. These goals connect directly to his passion for truth-telling. Both in education and social justice environments, Asquith believes that the first step toward healing is acknowledging trauma and the reality of our history. "If we want to change the future," he says, "we have to understand our past."
Asquith's vision of an aware and engaged school system and the public is clear in his work with various groups, where he advocates for inclusive, supportive, and research-based work. He hopes his advocacy work can ignite change through while serving justice to the movements and histories it shares and avoid reinforcing any harms or issues the groups intend to aid in solving.
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Injustice isn’t easy on the human mind. It’s often numbing, draining, and depressing. When we so passionately fight for reform, only to see an issue persist, we become hopeless. Kim Redigan was raised during the devastating Vietnam War. Many of her neighbors and friends passed away in service. As such, her road to social justice was “grounded in her own personal experience.”
At 11 years old, Kim struggled with severe depression. She initially channeled her sadness and confusion through poetry. But when world conditions became too painful, she, like many, resorted to alcohol. Drinking was a long and arduous journey, but eventually, |
she found recovery. Kim came to realize that “our world is in denial of its brokenness and…violence.” Today, she finds that drinking was her violence and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Just as worldwide atrocities hurt her, alcohol hurt the people she loved.
Now, Kim is a high school teacher that works rigorously to engage her students in current events, social justice, and community participation. She writes for the Meta Peace Team’s quarterly and Pax Christi newsletters. Kim also coordinates LGBTQ+ protests and human rights groups at the Mexican border. Most importantly, she has done invaluable work for Detroit’s water security, which is led by example of indigenous communities.
Amid a war in Ukraine and the mental aftereffects of the pandemic, Kim believes that we need more of the arts and poetry to express our feelings. This helps us channel our burning anger and draining depression into a creative outlet. Art can also bring communities together, decreasing the loneliness brought by the pandemic. Societies need to recover from divisions, numbness, and depression.
Gone are the negative thoughts of Kim’s past. Today, she hopes. She hopes for a brighter future with more creativity and community. And she advocates. She advocates for a more equitable world with peace and justice.
Now, Kim is a high school teacher that works rigorously to engage her students in current events, social justice, and community participation. She writes for the Meta Peace Team’s quarterly and Pax Christi newsletters. Kim also coordinates LGBTQ+ protests and human rights groups at the Mexican border. Most importantly, she has done invaluable work for Detroit’s water security, which is led by example of indigenous communities.
Amid a war in Ukraine and the mental aftereffects of the pandemic, Kim believes that we need more of the arts and poetry to express our feelings. This helps us channel our burning anger and draining depression into a creative outlet. Art can also bring communities together, decreasing the loneliness brought by the pandemic. Societies need to recover from divisions, numbness, and depression.
Gone are the negative thoughts of Kim’s past. Today, she hopes. She hopes for a brighter future with more creativity and community. And she advocates. She advocates for a more equitable world with peace and justice.
WE SHARE STORIES AND WRITE TO
INFORM, EDUCATE, AND ORGANIZE COMMUNITIES FOR
SOCIAL CHANGE!
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