National Post (National Edition)
2021 — the year we make peace
CHANGE DOES NOT ROLL IN ON THE WHEELS OF INEVITABILITY.
— MARTIN LUTHER KING
This year will be a revolutionary year. It's not because of the shocking assault on the American Capitol this week. We are at the precipice of a new world order bound by human enthusiasm for social change, as creators, innovators and social activists work to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding between peoples.
Our world is basically good. That goodness shone in 2020 like never before as scientists raced to develop a coronavirus vaccine faster than anyone ever thought possible, health-care providers valiantly cared for the ill at their own peril and ordinary people took action in their communities to extend a loving hand. That momentum is spiralling into other areas, including peacemaking.
This week, the Gulf states signed a détente deal with Qatar, re-establishing ties and opening borders in the region. The push for peace is now spreading all over the Middle East. For the first time in history, delegations of leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco are pouring into Israel — shattering old hatreds and building new relationships between governments.
But it's the individual level that matters most, and we have also witnessed ordinary people rising to the challenge and taking risks to usher in social change, even at a personal cost. For instance, Tunisian singer Noomane Chaari and Israeli Ziv Yehezkel recorded a wonderful piece meant to break down barriers, called “Peace Between Neighbours.”
Like others, Chaari came under fire for promoting peaceful coexistence with Israel. Naysayers and traditionalists who sow hate and fear will always exist. We see them everywhere. But in 2021, Martin Luther King Jr.'s words resonate more than ever: “The ultimate measure of a man (or a woman!) is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
We know from history that the people who are able to make a difference in turbulent times are those who are willing to courageously sacrifice and defiantly show kindness and compassion. They refuse to be silenced into submission, or to go along to get along. It's this attitude, in fact, that has brought the Middle East to a more peaceful place.
Our ethical code is firmly embedded in our shared human veneration of people we have defined as champions of humanity. They are the people who have broken down barriers, stood resolutely by their ideals and refused compromise. They are the Rosa Parks, Oskar Schindlers, Helen Kellers and Mahatma Gandhis, who taught us to challenge prejudices (including our own) and rise above our primal instincts.
That's why 2021 is going to be different. People are doubling down on their optimism and moving the needle to advance humanity. My friend David Onley, the former lieutenant governor of Ontario who has championed accessibility his entire life, told me that his chosen words for 2021 are “wisdom, courage and determination.” Optimists are natural builders, creators and visionaries. They see human potential, rise above hate and despair, and foster friendship despite the danger.
If there is a lesson from 2020, it's that in tragedy, humanity can also find opportunity. By speaking out about peace and a better world, cultural warriors are bringing MLK's words to life.
Individuals like Jerusalem's deputy mayor, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, who is shattering ancient myths and tribalism by criss-crossing the Middle East as the co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council. Or Houda Nonoo, a former Bahraini ambassador to the United States and Canada, and Ahedya Al-Sayed, the first female president of the Bahraini Journalist Association. They are engaging with people from around the world and defying traditional barriers.
The year 2020 will be remembered as a time of plague, as well as heightened social strife and political polarization, but it also saw historic peacemaking in the Middle East. Along with the vaccines that will hopefully bring an end to the pandemic, this year will also see a growing acceptance of our fellow men and women due to mass social activism.
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability,” said MLK, “but comes through continuous struggle.” It's time to take that struggle to the next level. Let's pray the next level means a greater focus on peace, prosperity and the advancement of pluralism around the world. We need humanity to come together now more than ever. That's my message of hope in this new year.
THE WORLD'S GOODNESS SHONE AS VACCINES EMERGED.