The Irredeemable Gift of P.E.A.C.E.
My South African experience as an IBSI Ambassador
By Connie Morgan
I had the incredible opportunity to travel with a group of folks to South Africa this past December as an ambassador with the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI) as part of the Plan for Education Advocacy and Community Engagement (P.E.A.C.E.) Initiative. The South African trip was the first of two in our journey. The second will be an educational trip to Israel later this year.
I was raised in a conservative family that taught me loosely about Judaism and Israel. I was told that Israel is the only Jewish nation while there are multiple countries belonging to the other major world religions. I was told that Israel is an ally to the United States. I was told to carefully consider what I heard in the news about Israel because many people around the world wanted to see its downfall. And so in the most lukewarm way possible, I was “pro-Israel.”
It wasn’t until years after college I began to think about this issue past the surface level. I was told by influencers, peers and various other social media talking heads that Israel was apartheid. Yet at the same time my own research showed that muslims and Arabs served within nearly every corner of government in Israel. I was told Israel was not a progressive place but upon further research learned that despite condemnation by the orthodox population there are gay pride parades in Israel while gays are not allowed to openly celebrate in Palestine. I was told Israel was reminiscent of the Jim Crow south and yet 18% of the Israel population is Muslim with more arriving every year. Signs along Israel’s border warn that if one passes into Palestinian territory their safety is not guaranteed. No such sign exists the other way around. Even more concerning was learning that blacks are largely overrepresented in antisemitic crime and have been for some time. A recent report found that 64% of antisemitic crime in New York City is committed by blacks. Blacks make up 13% of the population in NYC which has the largest Jewish population in America.
Despite the anti-Israel noise, the more I researched the more I was sure I was being misled and that my general pro-Israel stance was correct. I had a gut feeling I couldn’t articulately explain. This is where IBSI comes in.
I met the Washington family (who founded and run IBSI) the way anyone meets these days - on the internet. Like-minded people have a way of finding each other. Rather, God has a way of bringing His people together. We connected over our belief in the power of homeschool. I knew the Washingtons ran a zionist organization. I was growing in my interest, understanding, and affinity for Israel so when Pastor Dumisani told me about the IBSI ambassadorship which included monthly classes and a trip to Africa and Israel it seemed too good to be true. In fact, it sounded so good that I thought it must be an in-person program and therefore I wouldn’t be able to participate. Luckily for me, the classes were remote. I was absolutely thrilled to apply and be accepted into the folds of the Initiative.
After a few months of meeting virtually the group met in person for the first time as we traveled to Johannesburg together. It was my first time in South Africa and unsurprisingly there was much to learn. We visited Mandela’s old home, Robben Island, the executive and legislative headquarters, the Israeli ambassador to South Africa, local craftsmen, synagogues, a Khoisan king, spectacular schools, museums, noteworthy restaurants, and more. I was disturbed by the tales of eugenics that echoed evil intentions against minority populations in the United States. I was touched by the stories of alliances between Jews and those fighting for freedom. I was inspired by the entrepreneurs we met who were extremely business savvy and ambitious while staying morally grounded in an uphill battle for free market opportunity. I was moved by the unwavering faith of many who still deal with third-world problems in their homeland. I was touched by across-the-board outstanding hospitality we received from the natives…But my absolute favorite part of the experience was bonding with the internal IBSI crew.
I am an introvert who is more than happy to work by myself from home with limited human interaction. Group projects or field trips tend to be things I dread. I was surprised to find myself energized by fellow IBSI ambassadors I can now call friends. To be surrounded by people with similar heritage who share your values is refreshing, to say the least. Of course, we were all there with the Israel mission in mind but the Venn diagram of zionists and those who are pro-responsibility, pro-family, and pro-God includes a lot of overlap. This was one of the most special groups of people I have had the pleasure of meeting being led by one of the most special families.
Due to the nature and name of his organization, it might be tempting to say that the world needs more black dads like Dumisani Washington but like anything good and true it applies across demographics. The world needs more dads like Dumisani Washington, period. He is a shining example of how to embrace the masculine role God has called men to while not overdoing it. He is proof positive that when a father pours into his children and prioritizes God’s will over his own amazing things will happen. He shows other men how to develop convictions and has courage to hold steady in the face of whatever backlash comes. Then there is his lovely wife, Mrs. Valerie Washington. I believe her husband’s success is largely due to her taking on the helpmeet role with joy and passion. Oh, what phenomenal things a man can do when he has a dedicated wife cheering him on. They are a power couple with a dynamic I hope to emulate in my own marriage. Mama Val’s dedication to her family is both inspiring and humbling for me. I know it may not be the goal of this program but one of the best parts, if not the best part, of the South Africa trip, was getting to personally befriend, watch and learn from the Washingtons and their grown children.
When God-centered people work together, good stuff happens. I was left leaving South Africa with my mind buzzing. No longer will I mumble and stutter over why I think Israel has a right to defend herself. Now I can better articulate to black people how our historical ties to Jews around the world have been muddled in an attempt to control us. Since participating in the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative my thoughts toward Israel are less of a loose feeling and instead an informed position.
I have referred to our journey to South Africa as a life-altering trip. My life philosophy hasn’t changed but I now understand the world better which means I understand truth better which means I am closer to Christ. This is a priceless gift, one that will be nearly impossible to repay.
Connie Morgan is a Christian, wife, mother, and UX Researcher located in the Pacific Northwest. She is also a 2022-2023 IBSI Ambassador. Connie has a background in economics and public relations and has worked in higher ed and marketing. She served five years in the United States military as an Army intelligence officer. Her main research and writing interests are the family, education, and personal liberty generally. She tweets here.