A camp for young people touched by terror- Lilly Anthony

Summary: Terrorism brings so much anger and animosity in this world, but these kids who’ve gone face to face with the tragedy of terrorism have found a place where they are not alone. Project Common Bond is an organization that brings people together who have all lost family members by terrorism or any acts of violence, and from this a camp has been made for these individuals. At this camp, everyone can relate to another, making it easy to share about their challenges growing up without a loved one. Robbie Hayes, a teenager who lost his father to the 911 terrorist attack, said “I felt like this was a place I belong." When questioned from a Muslim girl who asked if he thought all Muslims were terrorists, he responded saying, “Not at all...Any group can have radicals who believe they are the only ones who are right. That's when it becomes dangerous." Robbie’s positivity and hopefulness towards others is one of the many reasons why this camp is so welcoming and uplifting. Here they talk about being optimistic for a future without violence and the idea that peace “does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." These kids who have maybe grown up without a father or mother to look up to, have so much compassion and forgiveness to those around them, setting the perfect example of a community of people who dream of a world without violence, but of equality and unity.

Analysis: All around the globe people have lost family members to the radicals and cruelty that lives here on earth, but this article shares with us that those who were affected by events such as 911 are still being cared for and looked out for till this day. The fear of losing someone close to a tragedy like this is overwhelming, and for those who have we can’t begin to explain the grief they’ve felt. When the article shares of kids who attended the camp and their experience with losing someone, it provides us with a great example that you don’t have to live a life in sadness. The main idea that this article shares about is that you are not alone in hard times, and here at this camp you can bond with others who share the same grievances. In U.S. history, an example of a place where people bonded and shared ideas was New England town meetings. There citizens and officials could share ideas about government and politics which is similar to how the camp provided a place for people to come together and converse about their similar circumstances.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/06/world/children-of-terror-camp/index.html