Reflections on Humanity

It was 65 years ago when Auschwitz Concentration Camp was liberated. Just two weeks earlier, my father in law's number had been called to enter the gas chamber, and while inside in the outer chamber, he was recognized by someone from his village. He was told in a whisper, that when his number was called again, not to answer, and instead pick up a broom in the corner, turn away, and sweep like his life depended on it...because it did.

My mother-in-law survived a forced labor camp, and Torn Threads is the story of her survival with her sister.

A Canadian reunification program brought my husband and his family to Canada, and it was not until years later, that he finally became a Canadian citizen instead of a displaced person.

They all could have perished, like so many more who came before and after them, fleeing the often nameless and faceless insanity of political, religious and natural disasters. Despite saying "Never Again" we say it over and over again...

I have spent time over the last two years in Albania, Kosovo, Cambodia, Vietnam, Israel, the Gaza Strip, Egypt and even learned from first hand accounts of the Hawaiians who like other indigenous cultures, were not allowed to practice their language, customs and had their land taken away.

I spent last week with Regina Waldman of JIMENA, Jews Indigenous to (the) Middle East and North Africa. They are another almost one million "forgotten refugees", foirced out of their homes for generations. They are forgotten, because they have been largely integrated into other countries.

The common thread of hope, for these places, and their people is that a single act of kindness and compassion can save lives, and give shattered ones meaning again. We must help people in Haiti, Darfur, New Orleans, to "forgive, but not forget". We never know when WE will have to rely on the kindness of strangers.

To those who say, exceptions should not be made in the face of humanitarian crisis, for fear we will let someone slip in who may have even escaped from prison, I understand that given the right opportunity, it is possible to rise above past circumstances, when offered a meaningful second chance.

It is why, after almost 39 years living in Canada, that I am proud to become a Canadian citizen this year.

I am eternally thankful for each individual who "takes responsibility, when there is a knock on their door", because it is the only way to ensure we will all have the ability not just to survive, but thrive. The ability to "make a difference in the world every day" is within all of us.