—By Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman-at-Large, Melrose, MA—

If someone were to tell you that 10 days would change your life, chances are you’d laugh back at them in response. This past December, I had the privilege to travel to Israel with other elected municipal officials from across Massachusetts and my life was changed.

I had only met a couple of my fellow adventurers at a very brief orientation a month prior to departure. Being elected officials, most of us are not shy individuals by trade, so we were all very chatty at the airport. Chatty, yes. Substantive, no. It was a late departure and an 11-hour flight, so the expectations were more focused on sleep than substance. Once we landed, however, the trip began and didn’t stop for nine more days. And we didn’t leave each other’s side.

Israel is about the size of New Jersey, so we were able to cover a lot of ground, mileage wise. But after the first day it was clear we would never be able to cover all of the cultural and historical mileage we would encounter. In Israel, you quickly learn that when you ask a question the answer begins with “Well…it’s complicated because…” Everything is complicated because you are trying to understand three of the world’s major religions, changing cultures over thousands of years, hundreds of wars and a lot of treaties. It’s a lot to unpack.

After each stop, after each site, after each conversation with those that we’d met, we would head back to our bus and talk more with each other. We’d try to understand what we had just experienced and make analogies to link it back home. Our dinners were where we would discuss the day further and open up with each other. With each day, our knowledge was increasing both of Israel and ourselves.
What amazed me the most about this group was how quickly we became comfortable with each other. I think a large part of it was witnessing the challenges faced in this region and knowing that some of us have also faced similar challenges with race and religion back home. For me, I have lived a very fortunate life. A life of privilege. As a white man, I was born with a leg up. Sure, I’ve had some challenges, but none as tough as those with whom I traveled. My own personal growth on this trip, was in direct relation to learning of their experiences and coming to an understanding of their world view. Which, in turn, changed mine.

It is often said, but rarely practiced, that one can learn much by simply talking to someone. Not pleasantries; real talk. Being uncomfortable in those conversations, truly coming to understand the depths of their experiences. Sharing in the emotions that are displayed before you allows for a genuine connection. During my time in Israel, I felt more connected to others than I have ever felt in my entire life. And it occurred halfway across the globe in December of 2018, when it had been in front of me for 40 years.

My life was changed on the Israel trip. My life was improved because of it. I have friends that are as close to me now as brothers and sisters. We continue to talk all the time and they are often in my thoughts. Their success, their frustrations, their dreams, are all mine as well. It didn’t take me 40 years to wake up, it only took me ten days. ■