I began learning about Vietnam at the age of 17, when I was a senior at Jamaica High School in Queens, New York. From that point on, I studied the history of the Vietnamese people’s struggle and became involved in the anti-war movement in Vietnam. Now, at 73 years old, the memories of that period are still fresh in my mind.

Mr. Joel Schwartz, member of the Reconciliation and Development Foundation (USA) in an interview with Times Magazine. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Vietnamese people’s resilient struggle is a source of deep inspiration to me. The Vietnamese people have shown the world that they can go through a resilient struggle while still maintaining their good qualities. That is something I really appreciate. Because war, no matter which side is involved, can destroy people. However, the Vietnamese people do not forget the past, but they do not live in the past either. That is a great lesson indeed.

I now live in Staten Island, New York, where there is a Palestinian community that we support. They also find inspiration in Vietnam. These Palestinian friends sent me a series of postcards that they drew themselves, along with handwritten messages from children. For them, the spirit of the Vietnamese people is a powerful source of motivation for the Palestinian struggle on Staten Island.

They are looking forward to my return to hear what I have seen in Vietnam. Your struggle continues to inspire people all over the world. I believe it will continue into the future.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-la-nguon-cam-hung-cho-dau-tranh-vi-tu-do-213099.html