Risk. . . For some, a tactical yet oft tedious board game comes to mind. For many, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity taken, or missed. And for still others, whose attachment to "security" in its many forms keeps it at bay, the word represents an unknown world of potential mistakes not worth so much as a fleeting consideration.
While the first thought may seem laughable, the latter two represent ways of life, mindsets and worldviews which, in part, form the foundation of our approach to the fundamental conundrums of life. Whether personal, social, political or religious, these questions are unavoidable realities of life, no matter how painful that acceptance may be. To avoid a risk is as much a choice as to take one, and in my estimation, just as risky a decision.
With the new semester at Jerusalem University College comes a group of young, aspiring minds, many of which are still unscathed by the harsh realities of life in the Middle East. Arriving with a passion for the Bible and a passing familiarity with the media storm surrounding this region, most are blissfully unaware of the challenges that await them. What hopefully lies ahead is a semester of open questions, harsh jolts to reality and ultimately a sense of confusion about what the "facts" and "truths" of life really are, because this is what Jerusalem does best!
Life in America, as most of you will experientially understand, can be quite comfortable. Not only do we live in crisp and clean houses - bleached not only to hide the stains of food but of familial frustration - but our ideologies are closely fenced in and off limits. Individualism pervades every aspect of life. Whether it means living next to strangers for nearly a decade or avoiding the uncomfortable questions in order to maintain an uneasy sociability, it is simply too easy to color inside the lines without ever considering who or what designated those lines in the first place.
Jerusalem, on the other hand, is wrought with contradictions, inadequacies and ideological argumentativeness of the best variety. As I have often said, it is here that we discover the fault line of civilizations. As a foreigner in this land, and this city in particular, there is no room for comfortably protecting one's mind, though many try unsuccessfully. This is not simply the home of biblical narrative, but of nationalistic narcissism - everyone is willing to fight and defend publicly their right to tell you you're wrong. So sit down, have a cup of tea or Turkish coffee and buckle up. Though the backgammon board may play a role, the game of Risk here has more to do with arguments than armies. These battles are fought in the mind, not on a board.
As for the students to whom I referred, I applaud them. This is what taking risks is all about. Stepping out of our comfort zones and willingly subjecting our ideas to the fires of controversy. Nothing comes easily in the Middle East, and as far as I'm concerned, it shouldn't. No more 9 to 5 desk job dreams. No country clubs or cabarets. No tee-off times, hip-hop rhymes or New York Times. Not that these things can't all be found in the Land Between, because they surely can. In Jerusalem, however, one must fight to believe - to believe in faith, love, hope and the existence of tomorrow. Complacency is no more than a bird with clipped wings in the land of the Levant. And though many an Israeli and Palestinian have lost their vision for the future, their hope of new beginnings and their faith in gods, surely we profess a higher calling!
Take a risk and unchain the gates of security which earnestly guard your mind, your dreams. Dare to experience life, as dirty, frustrating and fearful as it can be. The turrets of a Disney World fairytale are dim in this world, but the reality which comes to life - the images of real people and genuine interaction are a daily reality. Risks are not without their rewards. And to that, I say "L'chaim!"
