09/11/2009



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Today marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Even as we celebrate and reflect on change, I can’t help but consider the other walls that have yet to crumble, specifically one that splits a small peninsula into two strikingly different countries - the Korean DMZ. I am no expert on the Hermit Kingdom. But I know the faces - pictures of children who crossed the treacherous river into China, hoping for a better life. The album lay open on my lap, while the woman sitting next to me shared the little she knew of their lives. The one on the right, he passed away due to unknown health complications, most likely resulting from starvation. The bright looking kid with a half-smile in the middle, he was doing well in school until the government caught up to him, repatriating him again and again. Currently, he is still on the run, unable to pursue his education. Actually, the woman adds, she doesn’t even know if he’s alive. It’s the same story for the little girl, smiling under the embracing arm of an older woman. She was extremely smart, kind, quiet…But where is she now? The woman sighs - “There is so little that we can do to help them.” For the children, for the people, for justice, may the walls come tumbling down.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Even as we celebrate and reflect on change, I can’t help but consider the other walls that have yet to crumble, specifically one that splits a small peninsula into two strikingly different countries - the Korean DMZ.

I am no expert on the Hermit Kingdom. But I know the faces - pictures of children who crossed the treacherous river into China, hoping for a better life. The album lay open on my lap, while the woman sitting next to me shared the little she knew of their lives. The one on the right, he passed away due to unknown health complications, most likely resulting from starvation. The bright looking kid with a half-smile in the middle, he was doing well in school until the government caught up to him, repatriating him again and again. Currently, he is still on the run, unable to pursue his education. Actually, the woman adds, she doesn’t even know if he’s alive. It’s the same story for the little girl, smiling under the embracing arm of an older woman. She was extremely smart, kind, quiet…But where is she now? The woman sighs - “There is so little that we can do to help them.”

For the children, for the people, for justice, may the walls come tumbling down.