Yes, I Raised the Question on the First Day

This morning. we began the conference with a process of formulating the "big questions" that will guide our inquiry over the next few days.  I  popped my big question about the Syrian refugees,  and it was warmly received, and thoroughly discussed in various small groups throughout the morning (one example above). The reformulation of the question that I like the best is "How can we act into this situation with intention, in ways that are helpful immediately and in the long run, and that promote dignity and respectful relationships for everyone involved?"  While some conference-goers are skeptical about the practicality and/or meaningfulness of direct volunteering during the conference, at least a few of them are considering joining me on Sunday in a visit to the Munich Train Station - or perhaps to a nearby campground, where 2,000 Syrian people are staying in an emergency shelter.  (I saw the shelter on my way into the university this morning.)  Short-term ideas that might allow a few of us to make an immediate connection include (a) just pitching in and doing whatever labor is needed; (b) bringing coloring books and crayons for some of the children; (c) providing translation assistance.  These ideas are very simple, and limited, but to me they are meaningful, as a kind of spiritual practice, a way of coming into direct contact with one or two or more displaced Syrian people, and offering a helping hand.  Why?  Because we're here.  Why?  Because we can.

I do not want us to be a nuisance, and I will turn away respectfully if I am told by the authorities that they can not or will not accept my offer of help.  But you see, one information officer at the airport told me that they are looking for volunteers to "roll up their sleeves.."  And so, I feel compelled to discover for myself whether or not we can be useful.  The effort, along with this discussion at the conference, and here on line, is worth something in itself - a kind of consciousness-raising about the possibilities and limits of generosity - whether those possibilities and limits are established within our own minds, or by outside conditions.

My student Ramla Walker-Hakeem, who is following my reports on this blog, has alerted me to the existence of Humanity First, a non-profit Muslim-affiliated organization in the UK that has been helping in various ways, most notably by providing Syrian refugee children in Jordan with access to education, by building schools. The effort is substantive, and sustainable, because it is well- planned, well-organized, and well-supported.

There is much, much more to say about today, and the marvelous presentations and discussions on cosmopolitan communication.  Due to time constraints I will have to pause for now.  But first - a couple of more photos!

Kazuma Matoba facilitates a debriefing on the morning session.

Lunch in the Biergarten with Beth Fisher-Yoshida and Ria Yoshida