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Photo of Muslim and Jewish Kids Protesting Together at Airport Goes Viral
Not only is the photo stunning, but the backstory is even more heartwarming.
In response to President Trump’s recent executive order halting the U.S. refugee program and preventing citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the country, protests erupted nationwide. People from all walks of life united to express their discontent, and during one of these demonstrations at O’Hare International Airport, a photographer captured a moment that has since gone viral.
Captured by photographer Jack Smith of the Chicago Daily News, the image was taken on the third day of protests at the airport’s international terminal. Smith knew he had stumbled upon something special when he snapped the photo, which he simply titled, “Untitled.”
In the snapshot, Rabbi David Goldstein from Skokie, Illinois, is seen engaging in conversation with Amir Rahman, a Muslim father living in Elgin, a nearby suburb. Both fathers have their children, eight-year-old Leo and six-year-old Zara, perched on their shoulders. Remarkably, the two families met for the first time that day at the protest.
“My son, Leo, wanted to see better, so he asked to go on my shoulders,” Rabbi Goldstein explained to The Huffington Post. “We ended up next to Amir and his family, and it was a perfect coincidence.”
When the photo was taken, the adults weren’t debating politics; they were chatting about the best kosher pizza joints in town! After the protest, they exchanged contact information and even made plans to get together. “I’ll be cooking up some pizza, and Amir promised to bring dessert,” Rabbi Goldstein chuckled.
This moment is particularly touching because it illustrates that, despite our differences, we have much in common. “What was beautiful was that it was such a genuine human connection—two people, not merely a Jew and a Muslim, but two folks who look like they could be brothers, standing up for what is right,” Rabbi Goldstein remarked.
The image has become the most popular one Smith has ever shared. “Most of my posts get a few likes and retweets, but this one? It’s blown up!” he stated. “I once had a photo retweeted by a celebrity, but this is on another level—over 10,000 retweets and more than 15,000 likes!”
Rabbi Goldstein is overjoyed by the positive response. “I hope people see this photo and realize we can unite as human beings. Even children understand that we can choose love and kindness, even amidst fear and suspicion,” he added. “If this photograph can spread a little more love and light, then that’s a win for us all.”
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In summary, this touching photograph of two families coming together at a time of division serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. It’s a call for love, connection, and understanding, proving that friendship can flourish, even in the most unexpected places.