What to Say to Your International Neighbors

Today, the world is saddened by the hate crime against two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington DC. The troubled American gunman believed that he was acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza. When interviewed, the gunman's neighbor was shocked because his average, friendly-looking neighbor did not seem like an extremist. The neighbor said that he wished they had chatted about politics, because he would have said: "You stop wars not by violence, but by talking to your neighbors."

For many, politics is to be avoided between friends and neighbors, so there would be no hard feelings. As a result of having no understanding based on trust, "the other side" becomes a group of bizarre, ignorant people, only informed by the extreme media they consume. The funny thing is, that's precisely how the other side sees our side.

The passionate and active teens in our Buddies Without Borders global community know the importance of having meaningful conversations where they exchange viewpoints and values. They also see the power of taking local actions to improve lives. Because even though we see things differently, there is no "the other side." Think about what would happen when "the other side" loses? History is full of sad stories of violent revenges and desperate asylum seekers.

To end conflicts and injustice, we must enlarge our identity to include all cultures and races. It starts by talking to our international neighbors, asking for and opening to their points of view.

From International Club Meetups to Global Chats to Local Action Projects reporting, teens around the world exchange worldviews and values throughout the year.

#globaleducation, #internationaleducation, #globalgoals, #buddieswithoutborders