Students from the Arab American Heritage Club and Jewish Student Alliance at Northfield High School in Denver are breaking barriers and building bridges of understanding and respect. With more than 2,000 students attending Northfield High School, these two groups have come together to combat ignorance and promote unity.
Salma Hanine, the president of the Arab American Heritage Club, shared how a simple potluck event brought the two groups closer together. “A lot of the differences and all of the xenophobia that has been happening has brought us closer together where we can say, we see each other and we stand as one force,” said Hanine.
Charles Easley, a member of the Jewish Alliance Club, emphasized the importance of educating oneself before forming opinions. He mentioned how lack of knowledge often leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Hanine echoed this sentiment, highlighting the harm caused by ignorance and violence in communities.
Following the Breaking Bread Potluck, students expressed feeling more understood and appreciated. Some students even shared their experiences with racism and discrimination. Hanine revealed the hurtful comments she has received, such as being called a terrorist or accused of wanting to harm others because of her Muslim and Arab identity.
Easley also shared instances of disrespect, including derogatory symbols drawn in the school bathrooms. He emphasized the need to put an end to such behavior and promote a culture of respect and acceptance.
The Breaking Bread event served as a platform for students to set aside their differences and listen to each other. Through this experience, they discovered that they have more in common than they initially thought. Hanine emphasized the shared humanity and care for one another that unites them, despite their cultural differences.
As the school year comes to a close, students are already planning another lunch together for the next school year. This ongoing effort to foster understanding and unity among diverse groups at Northfield High School is a testament to the power of dialogue and empathy in overcoming prejudice and building a more inclusive community.
The collaboration between the Arab American Heritage Club and Jewish Student Alliance serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other schools and communities facing similar challenges. By coming together, listening to each other, and celebrating their shared humanity, these students are paving the way for a more harmonious and respectful future.