March, 2017
A few weeks ago, 6 friends met at a coffee shop in Mamilla Mall, which links the Old City of Jerusalem with the new. We cannot take this for granted. 3 live in West Jerusalem; 3 live outside the city, in the Palestinian territories, and travelled by bus in horrible weather, terrible traffic and with several security checks, in order to make this gathering.
But it was worth the effort.
This group is part of a spiritual community, based in Jerusalem, in which we foster our sense of oneness with each other and with the world. We try to support each other’s endeavours and to share each other’s joys and concerns.
The conversation that day ranged from personal and family matters to American politics. We had a serious discussion about the dearth of leadership in today’s world and asked ourselves how someone becomes a leader. There was a strong feeling that with good planning and lots of money, many unsuitable people can rise to positions of power but we were not sure whether that was “leadership” or “influence” or something else. It was interesting to draw a parallel with how stars are made in popular culture. We noted that a “star” will not last very long, with all the planning and investment to get them into the public eye, if they have no talent. It was disheartening to realise that many so-called leaders, once they get into power, manage to stay there even without talent.
The only contemporary leader who received a nod from this group of friends was Angela Merkel. She seems to have principles. She lives modestly, not trying to get personal benefit from her position of power. No local political leader or living religious leader was suggested as exemplifying the qualities we most admire.
The conversation was not coloured by our different religious and national identities. Our friendships are strengthened every time we meet, and we look forward to seeing each other again.
Imad, Imad, Hatem, Shelagh, Baruch and Peta
