Traveling as a political act is traveling to further understand the culture of other countries, and applying this knowledge to better ourselves. It helps us to learn lessons that take us out of our comfort zone and battle our fears. If travelers keep an open mind a new worldly view and a powerful need to challenge your own beliefs can emerge from travel. This was my experience when I traveled to the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul. Ideas such as the American Dream showcased in The Great Gatsby were no longer alluring to me, and while voting I now think about the poor majorities that will be impacted by my vote not myself. Turkey was a particularly powerful journey for me as it was a trip for me to further discover who I am, as my great great grandparents on my father's side came through Ellis Island from the Isle of Rhodes and Turkey. I have grown up as a Sephardic Jew, and embraced the culture that comes with this. I love traditional Sephardic dishes and when my Papa speaks Spanish and Ladino to me. My drive to uncover my heritage stemmed from stories and pictures of ancestors who fought for their homes, much like refugees around the world today. Turkey in particular is a pivotal country to visit in order to help us further understand Islam. In the words of Rick Steves, “Turkey is a good classroom in which to better understand our world because it gives us a peek at an emerging economy.” Traveling to a country so different from ours where government is emerging into a Theocracy, and immigrants and refugees fill the streets opened up my eyes.
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| Ellis Island immigrants |
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