Two roommates at McGill University, one Jewish and the other Palestinian, have formed an unlikely friendship and found common ground despite their different backgrounds.
The two students, Sarah Cohen and Ahmed Khalil, were randomly assigned as roommates in their first year at McGill. Despite initial concerns about their cultural and religious differences, they quickly bonded over their shared interests and values.
Cohen, who grew up in a Jewish household in Toronto, was initially hesitant about living with a Palestinian roommate. She had heard negative stereotypes about Palestinians and was worried about potential conflicts.
However, Khalil, who was raised in a Palestinian family in Montreal, was open-minded and eager to get to know his new roommate. He saw it as an opportunity to break down stereotypes and build bridges between their communities.
As they got to know each other, Cohen and Khalil discovered that they had more in common than they thought. They both shared a love for music, food, and social justice issues. They also found that they had similar values and beliefs, despite their different cultural and religious backgrounds.
Their friendship grew stronger as they navigated their first year of university together. They supported each other through the challenges of coursework and homesickness, and celebrated each other’s successes.
Their friendship also helped them to better understand each other’s cultures and perspectives. Cohen learned about the struggles and injustices faced by Palestinians, while Khalil gained a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions and beliefs.
Their friendship has also had a positive impact on those around them. Other students in their residence hall have been inspired by their friendship and have become more open-minded and accepting of different cultures and religions.
Cohen and Khalil’s story serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we can find common ground and build meaningful relationships. As they continue their studies at McGill, they hope to inspire others to do the same and promote understanding and acceptance among different communities.
