My two week trip to Israel this 2016-2017 winter has been many things. Moments of joy mixed with moments that were eye opening. The conclusion of my trip was spent on Mount Herzl. This is the place where so many who strived for peace rest. Next on the agenda was The Herzl museum, which commemorates the father of Zionism and his dream of a peaceful non-discriminatory state.

Before entering the Herzl museum, we were notified that a terror attack occurred 20 minutes away from where we stood. I was shocked! How many were killed? How many were injured? So many questions swarmed in my mind. We entered the museum and learned about Herzl’s vision. I continued to think how the Israeli populations had made this vision a reality. How they strived against all odds and continue to work towards peace! I also thought about the surrounding countries and how they defy this vision.

I felt for the children who are indoctrinated with propaganda daily. I thought about the way that the Palestinian children were desensitized to violence. Later, I learned that the terrorist was an Israeli-Arab citizen. My questioning continued. How could someone have so much hate that they wish to kill their neighbors in cold blood, their fellow citizens? Fortunately, I will never understand such hatred. I understand now that I can only do my best to combat this hatred by advocating for peace. All I can do now is go back to my campus and prove to the world that love and peace conquers all.