The Justice

Last week, the International Lounge was packed with Orthodox Jewish and black students, two groups that one would typically not expect to be in the same room in a social setting. The Brandeis Orthodox Organization and the Brandeis Black Student Organization decided to organize an event that brought these groups together in celebration of identity. These groups realize that a pluralistic campus is a healthy campus.

Though we are forced to interact in a classroom setting on a daily basis, all too often we find fragmentation among students of varying ethnic or religious groups. In Sherman dining hall, one typically finds observant Jews hanging with other observant Jews, international students with other international students, black students with black students, South Asian students with South Asian students and so forth.

Brandeis is a small campus, yes, but it is also a microcosm of the world at large. We have people of many different backgrounds here on a quest for knowledge that cannot be completed if we do not engage each other. Furthermore, as a progressive University, we cannot be a mere reflection of the world, but rather the world must look to us as an example of what it could be. But in order to do that, we must start the conversation here on campus.

In these past weeks and months, we have witnessed many tragic events involving faith identity. The attacks in Mumbai, a city known for peace and coexistence, were especially shocking in their scope and the diversity of the men, women and children who perished.

Likewise, the recent escalation of violence in Gaza is a brutal reminder that the conflicted Middle East still has a lot of progress to make before achieving peace in the region. Every day we see images that repulse the senses, of children dying and their parents grieving, all because of conflicts involving religion.

Last month, newly inaugurated President Barack Obama made clear, in a number of different ways, that his administration would be committed to addressing religious conflict and promoting religious pluralism in its stead. In his inaugural address, he juxtaposed the rising tide of religious hatred abroad with America's multifaith landscape. "For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness," he said in front of a crowd of almost two million in Washington, D.C. "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers." Furthermore, Obama specifically addressed the Muslim world, seeking "a new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect."

Through the appointment of two envoys to the religiously conflicted regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan on his second day in office, President Obama has shown resolve and dedication toward addressing these conflicts. But envoys will not be enough. If we long for an end to religious conflict, we cannot simply expect our government to solve it through skilled diplomats, however great a role they can play. The change must start with each one of us. We must get to know one another, and with that must come a dedication to a world free from religious intolerance.

Here at Brandeis, there is little shortage of religious conversation. Whether in dorm rooms or in the dining hall, religious identity is discussed at length. Yet despite this, there is still a sense of fragmentation among many groups on campus. Faith and identity must come more into the public discourse.

There have been efforts made to do this: BBSO and BOO coming together to discuss identity is an excellent example of two communities meeting to start a conversation. But this is just a small step forward. In this time of many challenges at home and abroad, we need real, sustainable unity. We need to build a movement that is not simply reactionary, like those for Mumbai and Gaza, but proactive in building strong bonds between different people so that such incidents as those in Mumbai and Gaza are not simply realities that we choose to live with, albeit reluctantly.

Brandeis is, as we all know, a unique campus. It has the opportunity to be a leader for change in these times. And with the inauguration of a new president, it is time for our generation to say, "Yes, we can." Allow Obama's inspirational words and decisive action to set an example for us. Religious pluralism will only be reality if we work for it.

The writer is a member of the Class of 2009.

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