Peacemaker Fridays: November 4, 2016

Teens become peacemaking superheroes for Halloween; kids share their wisdom for the world; and Democrats and Republicans unite to raise support for a firebombed Republican office.

Here are the week’s best stories of people reaching across enemy lines, loving the other, and waging peace…

Two teens become peacemaking superheroes for Halloween

Earlier this week, Jeff Pearlman posted a simple tweet with a powerful message:

In response to increasingly divisive atmosphere in the U.S., best friends Casey Pearlman and Yasmin Idris, both 13, decided to become “Juslims” for Halloween. It’s a name Casey’s dad came up with when they were discussing what Islam and Judaism have in common.

“I’m Muslim and she’s Jewish,” Yasmin says. “I’m black and she’s white. I think it’s really empowering for people to see us as role models in saying, ‘Let’s stop the war and to show equality between all people,’ ” Yasmin said.

Casey agrees. “I think a lot of people find it really interesting that kids are standing up against a lot of what’s happening in the media and the world right now. People were impressed that kids realize that and want to change something.” Read more… 

“I’m Muslim and she’s Jewish; I’m black and she’s white. I think it’s really empowering for people to see us as role models in saying let’s stop the war and to show equality between all people.”
   – Yasmin Idris

 

Despite global conflict and division, kids still dream of peace

Divisive presidential races. Violent clashes between warring ideologies. Prejudice. Racism. Death. Pain. The world can feel like a perpetual mess. And tragically, our children often get caught in the crossfire. As a parent, many nights I sit up and wonder why I brought children into this world.

Then a simple 3-minute video comes along to remind me that these tiny people can voice the most powerful wisdom.

“It’s OK if everyone is different. God made us different ways.”

“If everyone treated people with love, then earth would be a better place to live.”

This beautiful video from Team Kids gives voice to some of our tiniest peacemakers. Natural peacemakers who have not yet lost the truth that loving enough to reach across enemy lines is not just wishful thinking.

Love is the answer. 

 

Democrats fundraise to rebuild firebombed Republican headquarters 

A few weeks ago, a North Carolina Republican headquarters was burned, vandalized, and spray painted with hate-filled graffiti. Massachusetts Democrat, David Weinberger, reached across the increasingly hostile partisan lines started an online fundraiser.

He wrote: “This is not how Americans resolve their differences. We talk, we argue, sometimes we march, and most of all we vote. We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs. So, let’s all pitch in, no matter what your party affiliation, and get that office open again quickly.”

In 40 minutes, he raised nearly $13,000, surpassing his $10,000 fundraising goal. Thanks to Branden Harvey for sharing this inspiring story! Read more… 


Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear how you and your community are waging peace right where you are. And stay tuned for more hope-filled peacemaker stories next Friday!