A Song of Friendship, a Hope for Peace
by Hayah Goldlist
It was only a song, really. Just a song that any average Israeli would recognize, but will easily forget it's name. Just a song. Yet it meant so much.
As this is my third World Schools Debating Championship, I have already been part of the wonderful and legendary friendships between Israel and those countries that don't recognize us (let alone like or support us). I have friends from Kuwait, Indonesia, Pakistan and many other countries all around the world. Some of these friendships last throughout the week and a half of the competition, some have lasted three years. But never have I been so touched or moved by anything as much as I was this past Friday at the final dinner.
At the 2005 Conoco Phillips World Schools Debating Championship everyone was a winner but, of course, some more than others; Pakistan came in third place, also grabbing first prize for an ESL country (English as a Second Language). As team Pakistan rose to collect their awards, team Israel stood proudly to applaude our friends. What was coming, none of us could have guessed.
Aisha, a judge from Pakistan, stepped up to the podium and began:
"It's Friday night, Sabbath eve for the Jews. I would like to sing this song for team Israel."
And she did. She sang a beautiful Hebrew song in a clear and sweet voice.
Only the cream of the crop gets to come to this competition - the top students from countries all around the world. These debaters go on to be world leaders.
The world suddenly feels like a much safer place.
Write to Hayah at write@ttt.org.il
The views expressed in the articles and posts are those of the writer and not of
the Teen-To-Teen management and editorial board. To find out more about our organization or to make a contribution, please send email to Sarale at write@ttt.org.il
Support our sponsor David's Consultants RGA Ltd. All Rights reserved©, 1997-2008