Debate for Peace

As part of the Writers Matter program, teachers from about twenty schools around Israel wrote and shared their writing together. The following piece is part of the “I am from” collection, and comes from Robin, from Atid Raziel

I am from a mother who taught me to be kind,

to be honest and generous,

to fight for justice and equality,

to sing we shall overcome with Martin Luther King,

and change the course of history.

I am from a mother, who didn’t prepare me

for unkindness, selfishness, and arrogance.

I am from a mother who created art and beauty,

who shared delicious food, conversation and compassion.

I am from a mother, who never mentioned broken promises,

but fought for the oppressed, the other and all.

I am from having to grasp, that not everyone is like my mother,

not understanding why people are so harsh, cold and cruel.

I am from a mother who believed in the best, in fate, 

and that in the end, goodness will prevail.

I am from trying to find my role in changing myself

to be part of the world now that I know that I can’t change it.