What is forgiveness?
Living in America has many perks; however, these perks are often taken for granted by Americans. I have had the opportunity to travel outside of the States to experience a culture outside of my own; however, England is not too different compared to America. Both countries are well developed and civilized. Before leaving the country, I was naïve and afraid that Britain may have animosity towards American. I mean, we did revolt against their monarchy and created our own country. Luckily for me, I learned quickly that England has since then forgiven us for our rebellious ways. But what is forgiveness? Is forgiveness forgetting or pardoning one for their offense?
Two unlikely friends, an Israeli named Robi Damelin and a Palestinian named Aramin Bassam, visited Franklin College’s campus and talked about the conflict that has been happening in their home country for many years. I was able to have a more personal interaction with them within one of my classroom, and Robi said something that changed my whole thought process. She said she woke up in her hotel room that morning and looked out the window. She heard nothing while drawing back her curtains and saw nothing but peace. In her home country, she is used to waking up to the question of who will be gone next. Both Robi and Aramin were highly uncomfortable during the weekly tornado siren that goes off every Friday at 11:00am. Robi said that if she were home, she would be in the shelter. We explained to them that it was a routine drill that we ignore during its time on Fridays. Seeing their reactions to the drill and hearing their stories really opened my eyes to the safe, free, and peaceful country I had been taking for granted.
During the convocation, Robi got frustrated because she was being asked about forgiveness, but she struggles with the concept. She does not know what forgiveness is because it’s an abstract concept that is relative between the individual. Aramin had no trouble expressing his forgiveness and using the term; however, it was apparent that Robi did her best not to use the term because it is used so lightly. She believes that if one is to truly forgive, whatever that may mean to the person, the person must truly mean it. However, forgiving does not mean forgetting. Robi will never forget her lost son and Aramin will never forget his lost daughter. Keeping the memory is one reason why Robi created the Parents Circle.
The Parent’s Circle is a group of Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost someone in their family due to the conflict. I viewed this as a group therapy session where families can share their feelings in a judgment free environment. By sharing their stories among themselves and others, they are able to slowly make changes within their communities. They are taking lead in their communities to break the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. When asked if they are seeing results from their actions, both Robi and Aramin said they have seen them within their families and community. They told us that it does not stop there. They are traveling to share their story throughout America. America has a lot of influence on the conflict and they believe we can assist unbiased in the reconciliation.
Robi also made a point that we can learn from this experience. She believes that the land we took from the Native Americans when we left England will become a bigger issue. We have had a formal apology to the Native Americans that may have helped; however, what is forgiveness? In time, we will have to step up and reconcile the issues we have had with the Native Americans. She believes that the country I had been taking for granted may change, but this change maybe for the better if we chose to act correctly. She does not want to see this peaceful country turn to turmoil.
Living in America has many perks; however, these perks are often taken for granted by Americans. I have had the opportunity to travel outside of the States to experience a culture outside of my own; however, England is not too different compared to America. Both countries are well developed and civilized. Before leaving the country, I was naïve and afraid that Britain may have animosity towards American. I mean, we did revolt against their monarchy and created our own country. Luckily for me, I learned quickly that England has since then forgiven us for our rebellious ways. But what is forgiveness? Is forgiveness forgetting or pardoning one for their offense?
Two unlikely friends, an Israeli named Robi Damelin and a Palestinian named Aramin Bassam, visited Franklin College’s campus and talked about the conflict that has been happening in their home country for many years. I was able to have a more personal interaction with them within one of my classroom, and Robi said something that changed my whole thought process. She said she woke up in her hotel room that morning and looked out the window. She heard nothing while drawing back her curtains and saw nothing but peace. In her home country, she is used to waking up to the question of who will be gone next. Both Robi and Aramin were highly uncomfortable during the weekly tornado siren that goes off every Friday at 11:00am. Robi said that if she were home, she would be in the shelter. We explained to them that it was a routine drill that we ignore during its time on Fridays. Seeing their reactions to the drill and hearing their stories really opened my eyes to the safe, free, and peaceful country I had been taking for granted.
During the convocation, Robi got frustrated because she was being asked about forgiveness, but she struggles with the concept. She does not know what forgiveness is because it’s an abstract concept that is relative between the individual. Aramin had no trouble expressing his forgiveness and using the term; however, it was apparent that Robi did her best not to use the term because it is used so lightly. She believes that if one is to truly forgive, whatever that may mean to the person, the person must truly mean it. However, forgiving does not mean forgetting. Robi will never forget her lost son and Aramin will never forget his lost daughter. Keeping the memory is one reason why Robi created the Parents Circle.
The Parent’s Circle is a group of Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost someone in their family due to the conflict. I viewed this as a group therapy session where families can share their feelings in a judgment free environment. By sharing their stories among themselves and others, they are able to slowly make changes within their communities. They are taking lead in their communities to break the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. When asked if they are seeing results from their actions, both Robi and Aramin said they have seen them within their families and community. They told us that it does not stop there. They are traveling to share their story throughout America. America has a lot of influence on the conflict and they believe we can assist unbiased in the reconciliation.
Robi also made a point that we can learn from this experience. She believes that the land we took from the Native Americans when we left England will become a bigger issue. We have had a formal apology to the Native Americans that may have helped; however, what is forgiveness? In time, we will have to step up and reconcile the issues we have had with the Native Americans. She believes that the country I had been taking for granted may change, but this change maybe for the better if we chose to act correctly. She does not want to see this peaceful country turn to turmoil.