Just days before we depart for Israel, eight students were killed at a rabbinical seminary near Jerusalem in a terrorist attack. Certainly this act of violence stirs up emotions in all of us. No doubt we are sad and sympathetic for the students that were slain and their families. But along with sadness and sympathy, some of us may now be fearful of our upcoming journey. People have already asked me if I am scared to go as a result of the recent terrorist attack. The truth is that I am not scared . Rather, going to Israel on Tuesday makes me feel proud.
When I went to Israel in 2003, I was moved by the Israeli way of life. Israelis live without a sense of danger or fear because they have to. If they lived in fear, they would be giving up their home. When I was there, it was almost immediate that I was able to embody that attitude.
I feel like when we arrive in Israel next week, we will all feel the pride in having the opportunity to visit Israel and we will not be fearful. We are taking a stand for International Human Rights by learning first hand what the conflict is, what people live through every day, and what they are fighting for.
This is a great time for us to visit. As a diverse group of law students we will be learning and experience the culture of this amazing ancient land, sharing ideas with each other, and learning from highly influential figures in International Human Rights. We may even be offering some courage to Israelis and Palestinians by showing that we support International Human Rights for everyone in Israel and around the world. This is an amazing opportunity.
I am looking forward to this journey together.
-Shaun
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