In recent times, a Uber ride in Cleveland, Ohio, opened up a fresh perspective for Keith Magee. Immersed in his thoughts, he was driven by someone who held vastly different political beliefs. Instead of reacting harshly, Magee seized the opportunity to learn more about his driver's viewpoint, all the while inciting a profound sense of human connection.
The war in Gaza has caused a deep rift within us all, and it's time we cool off. Case in point - that Cleveland Uber ride.
As anger boiled over following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, sparked by Hamas attacks, people across the globe took to the streets, protesting and government officials engaging in a heated exchange of words. Meanwhile, many Jews and Arabs worldwide expressed their fear of the repercussions, their concern growing as we witness a sharp increase in hate-driven acts.
Tensions in our own country have reached new heights, with an increasing polarization that we have yet to stifle. Intolerance, we've learned, is easier to breed than cure. But the events of the past two months have amplified its presence.
Antisemitism and Islamophobia, once thought to be conquered, unfortunately reemerge, showing their ugly heads in recent events, such as the hate crime that occurred last week in Burlington, Vermont, where three Palestinian students were victims of a shooting, described as an "act of hate" by the local police chief.
In the United States, it's impossible to ignore that our President and Administration have historically held a significant sway in Middle Eastern politics. Their influence may have unintentionally impacted Israeli decision-making. However, it's crucial to mention that the mere act of protesting, though filled with passion, should not substitute for an engaging dialogue with those who voice differing opinions.
An intriguing Pew Research Center survey recently revealed that the majority of Americans find it increasingly stressful and frustrating to discuss politics with those who hold opposing views. But, it might surprise you that people often jump to one side or the other, committing fervently to one argument without truly understanding the other side's perspective.
Passionately supporting or opposing issues like abortion, marriage equality, gun control, and African-American history education can make it difficult to maintain empathy and sorrow for the victims on both sides of this tragic conflict. Frequently, we perceive the opposing side as unjust, or worse, a bad person. This belief may then lead us to view them as less than human, which is a dangerous trajectory to be heading down.
As Desmond Tutu famously said, "Our entire humanity depends on our ability to recognize the humanity of others."
We've witnessed the polarization of our discourse damage our society, but have so far failed to put a stop to it. We can boycott biased news channels, dismiss public debates, and refrain from fueling the demonization of one side against the other. Instead, we can heavily invest in evidence-based national programs that help find common ground, and draw inspiration from grassroots organizations that promote connections between different factions, like Brave Angels or multi-religious charities like Interfaith USA.
Why not, instead of debating which books should be banned, emphasize that every student should learn how to interact with their classmates in a positive manner? And universities could offer safe spaces where students can listen to different perspectives and learn that it's okay to have differing opinions while still acknowledging their shared humanity.
But we're not doing nearly enough. And therefore, we are unprepared to deal with emotionally stirring, polarizing conflicts like the one in the Middle East.
According to a survey by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist, 82% of Americans were concerned that Israel's war with Hamas would result in an increase of hate crimes, and they were right.
In living in a democracy, we enjoy the freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest, believing that our voices can contribute to shifting governmental policy. However, it's important to remember that online debates and public demonstrations do not extend to harboring hate speech. Empathy is our only defense against bigotry.
The screams of a frightened Israeli child are indistinguishable from the screams of a frightened Palestinian child. The pain of losing a loved one is a universal language, heard as such by any human ear. We cannot tolerate violence on either side if we wish to empathize with the sorrow of the Israelis and Palestinians, alike. If you are touched to tears over the suffering of strangers, miles away, and decide to join a peace march, it's a remarkable show of empathy and advocation.
In the United States, marginalized groups look back on a storied and noble history of fighting for freedom and justice. Alliances are vital in this struggle, as members of one minority group often lend their support to another. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, for example, inspired many members of the Jewish community to support the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Malcolm X and the Communist Party, contributing significantly to the cause.
Just as Jewish and pro-Palestinian groups united in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, despite facing opposition from other sections of their communities, American Muslims and Jews working in interfaith organizations found solace in sharing their collective grief, each contributing to the shared understanding that empathy provides.
Just as I saw in that Uber ride, conversation can bridge the divide and open our hearts. It's a powerful reminder that dialogue holds the potential to unite divided groups, changing minds, if not effortlessly, then at least by opening hearts.
While I maintain hope for permanent peace for Israelis and Palestinians, I also wish for Americans to stand firm against another split in our nation and ignite the Empathy Revolution we so desperately need. Empathy is our only weapon against hatred, wherever it lurks.
