Courage Doesn’t Always Announce Itself. Sometimes Courage Looks Like Friendship.
In the days after October 7, fear, grief, and uncertainty rippled across the world, particularly in the Muslim and Jewish communities. Conversations that had once felt familiar suddenly seemed fragile. Both Bryant, a Jewish leader, and Walid, a Muslim leader, had long been active in interfaith circles, working locally and nationally to build bridges grounded in shared values and humanity. Yet they were relatively new to each other, serving together as board members for the Interfaith Leadership Council, with a relationship that had largely been limited to meetings.
When Walid encouraged the Board to issue a statement calling for the protection of innocents, Bryant recognized the same pain he felt and saw in others and decided to reach out. Walid was cautious, shaped by experiences growing up in Southern Lebanon. However, he was also guided by his belief that every person has unique thoughts, beliefs and behaviors, and by the Prophet’s teaching to always consider the best intentions of fellow human beings and to always give people the benefit of a doubt first before judging. Though he did not yet know Bryant well, he engaged openly. Bryant, seeing in Walid a deep faith and love for humanity, felt no fear in connecting. Together, they reached across differences, grief, and pain to craft a statement that recognized the moment and the suffering felt by so many.
Neither had to force a heroic act. There was no immediate danger and no public spotlight. Yet each made the simple decision to connect, to ask questions, and to listen with intention. Courage is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is stepping forward when silence would be easier. Sometimes it is opening your heart when uncertainty is present, choosing connection when fear urges stepping back.
Their first conversation could have been tense, and differences in belief or ideology might have driven a wedge. Instead, it became a moment of understanding. They spoke openly about values, faith, and the pain the world had recently inflicted on innocent people. Active listening to each other’s concerns brought reassurance and support, alleviating one another’s worries. They discovered a shared respect for the sanctity of life and common ethical principles for approaching difficult situations, including protecting and welcoming the stranger, recognizing that we are all God’s children and equal in God’s eyes, acting charitably toward all, and choosing love. Each word and gesture built trust, deepened understanding, and strengthened their relationship, laying the foundation for an ongoing friendship.
That initial conversation could have gone much differently, but their openness allowed it to grow into something far greater. Courage does not always announce itself with fanfare. Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it is deliberate. Sometimes it is simply choosing to reach out, to connect, and to enter a space of uncertainty with curiosity, humility and respect.
In this case, friendship became an act of courage. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is reach across the gap.
