In a world that can be so fragmented, it is important to recognize that people can come together despite societal expectations and deeply ingrained beliefs. This is the story of Farah Al Chammas, a Syrian refugee, and me; however, it is just a small piece of her story.
In order for the world to live in harmony, people must accept others' differences. The best way to do this is to set the example. I learned this way to eliminate prejudice from experience.
When Farah al Chammas arrived at school, I set a goal: make her my friend. Farah had escaped Syria with her family, so I wanted to see if I could disprove a cultural viewpoint.
I am Jewish. Born and raised in a small Texas town, I am accustomed to being different. I was taught by my parents that because I am a rarity, I am an ambassador for my people. Because Farah had grown up in Syria, an enemy of Israel, I suspected that she was raised with a bias against Jews. I wanted to fulfill my role as ambassador and disprove this mind-set. After all, there are good and bad people in every race, religion, and culture.
I had only one class with Farah, but we shared lunch together. I met her the first day when she sat at my table. I gradually grew closer to her each day. I took her to fix her schedule, we chatted at lunch, and we sat together at football games. I really liked her, and I could tell she enjoyed my company. I was careful to not mention my faith though.
However, my secret slipped. At lunch one day, someone made a joke about my religion which confused Farah. “You’re Jewish, Hannah?” she asked with surprise. I nodded. All I could do now was wait.
But things didn’t change. I helped her with her English and even explained the Holocaust to her, something she had never heard of. I went over to her family’s apartment and sampled Arab delicacies.
I wasn’t prepared for her words one day when she bravely admitted, “Hannah, I’m so so sorry. You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and one of my closest friends here. I can’t believe in Syria that we were taught that Jews were horrible people. I was shocked when I found out you were Jewish, but I can’t believe how wrong my judgement was.”
I didn’t care what she thought before. Every culture has its differences, but those differences are what makes it special. Our cultural differences brought us together and helped us find similarities. We were both ambassadors. Best of all, she’s now one of my closest friends.
I believe that everyone can come together and love one another as brothers and sisters. The best way to do this is to be blind; blind of color, creed, and race. The only way to judge someone, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, is to judge them by the content of their character. A way to teach those who do not understand this is to live by example. I tried to live as a kind person, and Farah saw this.
Farah and I were able to overcome prejudice. Now, I know that anyone can find room in his heart for acceptance of others. After all, everyone needs a love in their lives.
All photos by Hannah Brown
