I can honestly say that working at the Forum has been an experience that should make my peers jealous. From a young age I have always been interested in faith-based outreach, and coming together to resolve difference. I am too young to remember the Cold War, young enough to have cried without understanding when Rabin was assassinated, and was just reaching adolescence when terrorism was reintroduced to the Western psyche.

My generation in the States is reaching maturity in a world that is filled with pessimism and alarmism, yet for the most part we have remained optimistic, and confident in the ability of dedicated and inspired people to make a difference. This outlook is dependant on observing real life examples.

That is why my internship at TFF has meant so much to me. For a few months, I was able to look into a world where optimism is renewed daily. Whether it is promoting understanding through text based programs, or offering students of various faith backgrounds a chance to interact and bond over a mutual interest like politics or filmmaking, the Forum has both set and example and inspired me to have more faith in my convictions about Interfaith programming back in the States. I count myself fortunate to have been a part of the Forum’s efforts, wish my colleagues the best of luck and hope that the future interns know how lucky they are.