Six months ago we returned home from Jerusalem, leaving behind YMCA friends facing a war nobody wanted. These are some of my reflections on our experiences there, influenced by a Leonard Cohen song..
From Fadi Suidan, CEO of the Jerusalem International YMCA:
My brother Tim,
I hope you're in good spirits despite the challenges we both continue to face. I recently read another one of your masterpiece articles "HALLELUJAH: the YMCA, a War, a Song," and yet again it deeply resonated with me. For me, these past six months have felt like the longest period of my life. Time itself hasn't changed, but the ongoing war has made every day feel like an eternity.
The war, which none of us wanted, continues to cast a shadow over our beloved city and the places we hold dear. No matter how hard I pray, it seems the forces of evil persist, relentlessly destroying the peace and harmony of our community. Your reflections on your experiences and the impact of Leonard Cohen's song during your time at the Jerusalem International YMCA brought both comfort and a sense of shared sorrow.
Your story of resilience, faith, and the power of community in the face of adversity is inspiring. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are glimmers of hope and unity. The way you and your team leaned into the challenges, offered support to those in need, including me, and found strength in each other is a testament to the enduring spirit of the YMCA and its mission.
As we both navigate these difficult times, I am reminded of the importance of friendship, solidarity, and the shared commitment to peace and justice. Your article has strengthened my resolve to continue our work at the Jerusalem International YMCA, serving as a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for all members of our diverse community.
Thank you for sharing your reflections and for your continued support of the YMCA mission. May we both find the courage to keep raising our fists and singing "Hallelujah" in the face of adversity.
From Fadi Suidan, CEO of the Jerusalem International YMCA:
My brother Tim,
I hope you're in good spirits despite the challenges we both continue to face. I recently read another one of your masterpiece articles "HALLELUJAH: the YMCA, a War, a Song," and yet again it deeply resonated with me. For me, these past six months have felt like the longest period of my life. Time itself hasn't changed, but the ongoing war has made every day feel like an eternity.
The war, which none of us wanted, continues to cast a shadow over our beloved city and the places we hold dear. No matter how hard I pray, it seems the forces of evil persist, relentlessly destroying the peace and harmony of our community. Your reflections on your experiences and the impact of Leonard Cohen's song during your time at the Jerusalem International YMCA brought both comfort and a sense of shared sorrow.
Your story of resilience, faith, and the power of community in the face of adversity is inspiring. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are glimmers of hope and unity. The way you and your team leaned into the challenges, offered support to those in need, including me, and found strength in each other is a testament to the enduring spirit of the YMCA and its mission.
As we both navigate these difficult times, I am reminded of the importance of friendship, solidarity, and the shared commitment to peace and justice. Your article has strengthened my resolve to continue our work at the Jerusalem International YMCA, serving as a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for all members of our diverse community.
Thank you for sharing your reflections and for your continued support of the YMCA mission. May we both find the courage to keep raising our fists and singing "Hallelujah" in the face of adversity.
From Jerusalem....