I have been staring at a blank page for days. Typing something in... then clicking delete, then typing something else in, then delete. Our world is in crisis right now... and I'm struggling.
It feels like anything I might publish about AI or ChatGPT pales in comparison to everything else going on.
I'm supposed to be publishing a blog with resources from a speaking engagement, I just can't. At least not today.
My mind has been spinning, thinking about what's happening in Israel. My heart is heavy and I feel helpless.
There's been unrest in the middle east for centuries.
While I'm far from an expert in Mideast Relations, I just know humans have not figured out a way to solve it.
The idealist in me wonders, could AI help? Could it see patterns or areas of compromise that we humans are not able to see? What if we could leverage AI to assist with negotiations and help people help find areas of compromise they hadn't imagined before.
I realize right now a lot of the narrative is around the potential for AI to end the world as robots will only get smarter and eventually more powerful than we are. I prefer to lean in to another type of message about AI. This one from Deepak Chopra to Twin Cities Business Magazine back in May of 2023.
"We have to figure out a way to use it to a create a more just, sustainable, peaceful world, healthier and joyful world."
I'm sure there are plenty of people who think I'm out of my mind. But if anyone is interested in creating something that could help with conflict resolution, I'm all in. Please reach out!
I credit my grandfather, Sam Scheiner, for distilling in me that we have the potential to make our world a better place. This year I've been learning a lot more about his legacy and how he founded what is now the Jewish Community Relations Council.
He was also an integral part of the book "Into the Bright Sunshine" written by acclaimed journalist and writer of Civil Rights history, Samuel G. Freedman. It just came out this summer.
The spirit of community and solidarity he fostered through the JCRC is what we witnessed this week with Minnesotans supporting Israel. It's a testament to the power of community collaboration. I know if he was watching from above, he would have been very moved by this. The work of the organization he started continues to make a difference thanks to Steve Hunegs, the Executive Director of the JCRC Minnesota and Dakotas. I encourage you to check out the JCRC's blog about the event.
In these times, let us be inspired by his legacy to see beyond the divisions, to recognize the deep historical and cultural ties that can both unite and separate us. Let's approach each story with empathy and understanding, inspired by the heroes of the past.
And who knows, maybe one day, hopefully while we're still on this earth, we'll be able to see peace even in the most unlikely of places.
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