A Peer Support for Dialogues - Challenging Perspectives & Critical Thinking

Like many people, I grappled with overwhelming emotions during this period. My experiences in some challenging conversations have given me some hope but also, at times, plunged me into the depths of despair. I recognise the privilege of having a safe space to express my feelings and the luxury of considering giving up when exhaustion sets in. It's a poignant realisation that many young people have been thrust into the horrors of war, robbed of the chance to engage in dialogues.

This has only deepened my appreciation for hash.peace. Not because I am its founder, but because of the invaluable solace it offers me now.

Our reputation as a youth-driven movement for sustainable social harmony in Singapore is well-known. Yet, we often grapple with the elusive concept of "sustainability." Our recent discussions about the Middle East conflict and our workshop on designing inclusivity have led some of us to question the very essence of social harmony.

I don't speak on behalf of everyone in hash.peace. That's the beauty of being part of this group. We don't strive for a uniform voice or unanimous decisions. Instead, we seek to preserve a space for a wide range of opinions, whether they converge or diverge. Hence, in the past week, as I wrestled with my inner turmoil amid challenging dialogues, I found comfort in the company of fellow hash.peace members who helped me navigate my thoughts.

During this past week, I've come to realise what hash.peace means to me. It is a vital support system with peers who engage in discussions that resonate deeply with my interests and convictions, listen to my perspectives, challenge my viewpoints, and stimulate my critical thinking. Some of these peers are significantly younger than me, yet they possess a maturity that guides me through my introspective journey. There have been instances where I've had to unlearn certain ideas and moments where I needed to suspend my preconceptions. Most importantly, it's a space for reflection and opinion formation without the burden of taking a stance or feeling compelled to express one. I believe that many others within our group share this same enriching experience.

Crucially, I have found friends who genuinely care within this group I established eight years ago. Over the past week, some of them have reached out to inquire about my well-being, fully aware of how deeply the conflict affects me, given my involvement in interfaith work and research. They've offered gifts and kind words to uplift my spirits. Some have been a shoulder to lean on without prying or judgment. I am immensely grateful for these friendships that continue to inspire me. Alhamdulillah, for these sources of encouragement.

Thank you, my dear hash.peace. Thank you.

As I count my blessings, I am acutely aware of how wars rob young people of the very same opportunities I cherish. Therefore, I am committed to preserving this support network and making the best use of it so that I can pursue my quest for social harmony harmony around me with greater determination.

I will cherish this space for myself and for the young victims of wars who never did.

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PS: Only some people are in the photos. Surely, there are more of them whom I cherish than these pictures and words cannot contain.