We had a wonderful opportunity to speak to visiting students from Lees-McRae College in North Carolina. Thanks to Amanda Elliot, Youth Pastor, and Charlie, the tour chaperon, a group of students heard the words of Iraqi students and teachers. They came to New York on a 'service trip'; an alternative Spring Break in which no one was required to drink 'till they puked and all were happy to help out at the food bank of the church.
Hosted by St. Paul/St.Andrews Church,86th Street off B'way in Manhattan, the students had just returned from a tour of Ground Zero. They heard from us of the wonderful work of September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, and its many offshoots of peace work grown out of the pain and anger of 9/11 family members who have made the conscious decision to turn feelings into actions for peace.
We'll be speaking in the next few weeks at Manhattan's John Jay college of Criminal Justice and NYU.
[Yo! Iraqi students: keep sending your words to us and we will read them to the students at these events. Speak your mind. Tell them of your feeling about the invasion and occupation. They are keenly interested in what life is like under the occupation, and aware of the fact the American media does little to tell your truth.]
It continues to shock me, even after all these speaking events, that many of our intelligent young people are still under the impression that Iraq attacked us on 9/11. It continues to feel good that they are receptive to, and understanding of a more rational view of recent historical events. It was great to have a chance to engage them, bring them the truth in Iraqi student writings, and let them see another view of American actions in Iraq.
In loving kindness,
Bruce and Noor
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