Power Grid Blog
Mark's Weekly Message
August 10, 2012 | Mark Perriello
Interchange
Before I begin, I must ask for a moment of reflection about the brutal murders of Sikh American worshippers last Saturday. Please join me in redoubling our commitment to ending hate violence. It sends a message that members of a group should live in fear. We are one community, and we all lost brothers and sisters in that attack.
As you read this, I am in Israel with a delegation of civil rights and civil liberties advocates. We are participating in “Project Interchange,” an educational seminar designed to give American and other international leaders a first-hand understanding of issues in Israel.
Although I majored in Religious Studies in college, this is my first trip to Israel, a place that has rich historical and spiritual significance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Slightly smaller than New Jersey, Israel occupies a prominent place in world affairs. Opinions about Israel’s political landscape are passionately held and the issues that face this country are complex. That’s why, before I even boarded my flight, I knew that this would be an intense experience and hopefully an eye-opening one.
As an American civil rights leader, I knew that there are many differences between our two countries. For example, the roles of religion in law and government are different. Our journeys to nationhood happened in different centuries. In a country where many buildings are centuries old, accessibility is a complex issue but just as urgent an imperative.
The nation’s central conflicts began before I was born, and successions of US presidents have tried and failed to help resolve them. There was no way that our delegation would get any further in our brief visit.
Most people who know me have heard me say “don’t bring me problems. Bring me solutions.”
Well, my time in Israel, like any good educational experience, has raised more questions than answers. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the challenges that we face, so that maybe—hopefully—I am better equipped to work toward solutions with my fellow civil rights activists around the world.
The dialogue that began on this trip is necessary and it must continue. The fight for equal rights means everyone, everywhere. Equal opportunity means every person, of every background. Project Interchange was a worthwhile first step toward that goal.
Comments
Submitted by Joe at 10:18 AM on August 20, 2012