Another interesting friday night.
We know many people (apparently) who have taken it upon themselves to host foreign students who have come to the USA.
Last night I was invited to hear one of them speak at a local temple.
You might assume from this that the young man was staying with a local jewish family up here in Normal Rockwell america. You would be right.
So Mrs. Epaminondas and I headed over to the temple where instead of the sermon, this young man was introduced, and began with only a little nervousness to speak about his home, his nation, it's history, his religion, and his life.
His name was Mahmoud, and he is from Egypt.
This was not the only surprise.
2 comments:
Very relevant. I had a similar incident last year, with relatives who were hosting an Egyptian teenager. Like someone else commented on your site, an open debate would be a very good way to engage this. Without asking hard questions, nobody learns anything.
It was a huge temptation, but I believe the perception of both rudeness, and swatting a kid with a mountain of information who was at that moment both an invited guest of the congregation and a family within it, where he was living, would have been counterproductive.
I am certain I can grab the pulpit for a response if warranted later on, and see if that can generate something serious..LIKE THE IMAM at the University for a debate.
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