Syrians greeted me with acceptance and affection

As I traveled their country, openly sharing my nationality, Syrians greeted me with acceptance, if not affection. I was pleasantly surprised by their gracious welcome, yet there was almost palpable aggravation for American policy towards Israel and great optimism that President Obama will shift from President Bush’s steadfast support for Israel.

A Muslim majority country with approximately 10% Christian, I was taken by the comfortable coexistence between faiths. This was evidenced while visiting a church choir practice and learning of the traditional Good Friday Parade through the streets of Damascus and furthermore, from shared, frank discussions among Syrian Islamic and Christian leaders at an interfaith conference I attended.

Visiting with four, 60-year old plus Muslim men at a restaurant late one night, I was struck with their genuine admiration for American people. One of the gentlemen reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a handwritten essay of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address! Walking the streets of Damascus, women can be seen wearing the full niqab, leaving only small openings for the eyes, yet many women embrace western fashions, in moderation.

Most impressive was sparkling new Kalamoon University, Syria’s first private university that is more reminiscent, both in appearance and curriculum, of an American college than a militant madrassa. Additionally, two weeks before I arrived, Syria celebrated the launch of Damascus Securities Exchange, their first stock exchange.

Hosting our trip and a 2-day interfaith conference, were the courageous women of Al Andaluse Institute, an all-girls school in northern Syria. Peaceful, pious practitioners of their faith, these resilient women represent the many Muslims who are equally sickened by the harsh headlines of brutal Taliban oppression.

Current events in Pakistan and Afghanistan show strains of radicalism spreading like cancer, we must protect and preserve dignity and justice of all women. Most effective, lasting change comes from within and we must work with local Muslim leaders giving them a platform to influence positive reforms. Trekking 10 time zones across the globe and crossing the cultural divide isn’t always easy, but my trips to Iraq and Syria reinforce that seeking to understand is more important than trying to be understood.

What breaks God’s heart should break ours. When teenage girls in Pakistan are buried alive for attempting to escape arranged marriages, or Afghan girls making their way to school in southern Khandahar are attacked by Taliban and sprayed with battery acid, our hearts should break 

More trip insights and photos on my blog, including additional resources and ways to get involved with Helping Peaceful Muslims.  Be sure to visit Campfire Blog.

God bless,