Peace Dove at the Tent of Nations

By Grace Baldridge

Oct 18, 2016, late afternoon. I’m in JFK airport in the International terminal. I spent about an hour and a half  in a waiting area of a flight heading to Tel Aviv. I chose it initially because there was a great view of the many international planes pulling up to their gates. Slowly the waiting area filled up until I was surrounded by Hebrew speakers.

A well-dressed older woman asked me, “Do you speak Hebrew?”

I shared with her that I didn’t. I could have wowed her with all ten words that I do know, but she had other things in mind.

“Could you watch my bags while I go to the bathroom?”

I told her I could. I had about 8 hours to burn. When she returned I told her where she could buy bottled water and off she went. I have never felt so helpful doing nothing but sitting.

Her name was Hanna and she pulled out pictures of her amazingly gorgeous family. She had been in Manhatten visiting her three sons and their families. Her three weeks were over with them and she was headed home to Tel Aviv. We talked about how beautiful it was. She was glad to hear that I would be traveling there also with a group.

When she asked why I was going and if I had family there, I found myself saying, “I’m on a spiritual pilgrimage.”

I haven’t said that before (though that is how our group has been speaking about our trip). I told Hanna that I was looking for ways to bring peace through the example of peace makers in Palestine and Israel.

When I said we would be visiting sites all over Israel and Palestine, sites with ties to all faiths, her eyes became rimmed with red.

“It’s a beautiful place, Israel. There is some good and some with trouble.” This was said with an apologetic tone.

I told her that we have strife here, too. “I’m looking for ways of peace.”

“We have to take it day by day. Whatever will be will be.” She said.

“Que sera, sera,” I replied. And we both started singing.

By then the gate area was  absolutely packed and I thought I should give up my seat to those giving me the stink eye. Only our song could break through the din of tired travelers.

I was already gathering my things to find another place to hang out.

“Spread peace all over the world,” Hanna said, raising her arms in the air.

I went away smiling and much renewed.