Witnesses of Mercy for Peace and Reconciliation

44 n the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God, loving, peaceful, mer- ciful, forever and ever, Amen. I would first like to thank everyone who invited me to be here with you today and to share a small part of the 365-day experience that I lived through which I will summarise as follows. On the morning of 23 February 2015, the divine test began when all of my family members were taken captive. It was tragic for me and I was initially con- sumed with fear and panic. Thoughts started swimming around in my head about their fate. I then realised that this heavy burden was also a supreme directive for me to show faith, hope and love, not only as the qualities necessary for my own endurance, but also those from which others could take strength and inspiration. Thus, I went back to work and did not allow my tribulation to affect my reactions or behaviour. In fact, it forced me to remain close to Muslims and prevent any sectarian divide from forming between us. I considered it a true test in accepting the Other and interacting with him in love, in a way in which I can cling to the human values that bring us together. Through the experience, I felt the love of God and the love of people towards me; they caused me to grow in strength and resolve. When I was asked about my circumstances, I would answer with a smile: “Today I present a dissertation in faith and per- severance. I must be a diligent student in order to pass this test.” Then, a member of ISIS contacted me and began a dialogue about religious affairs, describing me as an infi- del and idol worshipper, and urging that I must embrace Islam to gain everlasting life in paradise. I responded by saying that we are all brothers and sisters in the human race, and that this fact should be the basis of the dialogue between us. I said: “I respect your faith and you should respect my faith. We both worship the one God and I request that you be conscious of the Other’s religion so that you can communicate with her.” On the day that I asked him about his family, he informed me that he was married and he had three chil- dren. They had just had a baby, but the baby was sick. He wanted me to speak with the doctors in our area in order to understand why the baby was sick and how to deal with it. After that I informed him of what the doctors said about his child’s situation. At this point I remember very well what he said to me: “You are already a good and virtuous person and if you embrace Islam, you would be an even better person because you will have gained everlasting life in paradise.” I answered: “You see me that way because I interact with you based on my religious convictions, and I see in your heart much room for good- ness and humanity, and I ask that you do not destroy that kindness. Do you know that I will not pray for my family, because I have complete faith that the Lord is watching over and protecting them. But I will pray for you all, that God may increase the mercy in your hearts. You are a father and you know very well my feelings, and despite you being a member of ISIS and the inhumanity that you display, you will always be a human in whose heart God has sown seeds of mercy. I want you to consider those who are kidnapped as your brothers, sisters, and daugh- ters. They are in your custody, you are accountable to God, so protect them from all harm, and put yourself in their shoes and operate with them on that basis.” When I found out about the three young men from our area who were executed, and when I saw my hus- band Martin wear the orange suit, it was a big shock. I wasn’t able to think and I felt like I was swimming in a never-ending cycle of despair, hopelessness, weakness, WITNESSING MERCY FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIAT ION Caroline Hazcour I