Debate for Peace

Over the last two months, Israeli and Palestinian students have participated in a student-led writing workshop as part of the Writers Matter program. The following piece is from the “Letter to your younger self” collection, by Mohammed:

Dear Younger Me,

I wish I could sit down with you and talk about the changes I’ve seen over the years.

The world we grew up in feels like it’s shifting in ways that don’t always make sense,

and I can’t help but feel uneasy about where we’re headed. There are three big

things that weigh on my mind: how society views health, what’s happening to

masculinity, and the way family and tradition are being treated.

First, I’ve noticed that something as basic as health is being turned upside down.

There was a time when being healthy was something we all strived for, a sign of

discipline and self-care. But now, it seems like the focus has shifted to praising

unhealthy lifestyles in the name of “body positivity.” While self-acceptance is

important, we shouldn’t ignore the value of striving for a healthier life. Glorifying

habits that harm people in the long run does no favors to anyone, and it’s troubling to

see this celebrated as progress.

Then there’s what’s happening to men. Masculinity, which once stood for strength,

responsibility, and leadership, is now being questioned and criticized at every turn.

Instead of encouraging men to be strong, protective, and reliable, society seems to

push them toward softness and passivity. Men are told to suppress their natural traits

rather than embrace them, leaving many confused about their role and hesitant to

step up when needed. This isn’t progress; it’s a loss of something vital.

On top of that, the way society handles gender and abortion feels troubling. Gender,

something once tied to biology and reality, is now seen as completely fluid, leaving

many confused and struggling to find their identity. While understanding and

empathy are important, ignoring basic truths only creates instability. And then there’s

abortion, where the focus has shifted so far toward personal choice that the value of

life itself often feels overlooked. These are delicate, deeply human issues, yet they’re

often treated like political tools rather than the profound moral questions they are.

And finally, family and tradition that hold communities together are being thrown

away. The idea of family as a mom, dad, and children is often dismissed as

outdated, and traditions that once gave people a sense of belonging and purpose

are being replaced by fleeting trends. These changes leave people disconnected,

unsure of their roots, and uncertain about their future.

If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t let the noise of the

world affect the values that truly matter. Strive for health, not just for yourself but for

those who depend on you. Embrace what it means to be strong, responsible, and

dependable as a man. Honor family and tradition they are the foundation of a

meaningful life and a strong society. And remember to approach the various issues

of gender and life with compassion, but also with clarity and conviction.

Stay true to what you know is right, even when the world tells you otherwise. These

values are worth holding onto, and they will guide you through the confusion of

changing times.

With love and hope,

Your Older Self