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August 2024 |Mahjubah Magazine27foundational rights of a democracy. For many, this was an experience of social consciousness or being part of a movement and bonding with people that previously unknown to stand for a common cause. This forms new bonds of solidarity and challenges previously held views. This can be a change of worldview, from seeing one community in a negative light, or association with a political party, or a reconfiguration of one%u2019s personal goals or sense of purpose. The experience of solidarity, or standing together for a cause, can be formative in a person%u2019s life, setting them upon a different trajectory. Gen Z is also known as being more concerned with financial security and materialistic gain than its predecessors. Many are concern by the decrease in moral values and public service. Perhaps experiences such as these will awaken some to greater empathy and compassion, and to a higher purpose.There is a wave of nationalism sweeping over the US and Europe. This is a year of elections and Gaza will be highly politicized and linked together with other social and political issues. There is a resistance to immigration, the fear of unemployment, and a general desire to protect the privileges of wealth. In such a time, many could forget the desperate needs of the millions of Palestinians, and of others ravaged by war such as those in Sudan and Ukraine. The debates will disassociate the human cost from the political and depersonalize those most directly affected. As an educator, I see this as an important crossroads in the human development of this generation. They have been spurred to action, to take risks, to take a stance, and this is good. They must learn to do this well, and with respect, and to conduct themselves in a manner that can ultimately see lasting change that marries justice and peace for all. What must be taught is not an illusionary vision, but rather a practical way of living that respects differences and yet insists on peaceful coexistence. Foundational beliefs among the Abrahamic faiths call for compassion, mercy, and understanding. My hope is that the events of this past year will cause a spiritual awakening in this generation. That many will seek the Almighty and find the path to life. Religious leaders should take bold action in alleviating suffering and ending the structural violence that continues to exacerbate poverty in much of the world. Another shared belief is the dignity of every soul. Each person, every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of love and dignity. My hope and prayer are that the experiences of students this year will be steps towards a lasting peace, and a greater sense of the interconnected nature of the human family.