Shalom, Al malekim Salaam, Peace be with you. Alternate methods of saying the same thing in the same vein; the offering of peace to a friend, a loved one or a stranger alike. The universal themes of the Inter-Faith sail on the Rio Tejo on Sunday 21 October 2007.

The crew and students were joined aboard Amistad my young people from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities for a day sail.  The weather as it has been through out our stay here was clear, bright and beautiful.  As we turned into the river all hands were called out to set sail. Side by side men and women who never knew each other and were lead to believe half truths about each other made light work of raising the top yard and hoisting the staysail and jib.

Once the work was done everyone got down to business; getting acquainted. The students and crew took the lead by introducing themselves on a one-on -one basis to young people their own age.  As I walked around the deck eavesdropping on the lively conversation, it has hard to remember we were in Portugal with such an eclectic group. The subject of school, styles and what was their favorite Tupac recording.  They blended like they were old friends meeting again after a long absence.  I was witnessing exactly what we came to do: be a catalyst for dialogue and understanding.

Telling the Amistad story with our interpreter Alexandra (Storm) was an experience because of my top of the head free flow, I had to deliver what I know so well in “bite sized chunks” to allow her to keep the few who did not understand English abreast with the story. I made me think about every word and look into the faces of this attentive group and see the understanding that came with every point of the events that were being presented. I recall when I first heard the story and was moved by the spirit of the captives and the single mindedness of there supporters.

As we neared the harbor we were presented with copies of the Koran and the Hebrew Bible by the students and Dominic added the Holy Bible to complete the joining of the three faiths on what was a first in Lisbon.  The organizers were elated and wanted more but felt that because Amistad was leaving this was a onetime event.  I introduced them to our neighbor, Captain Rafael of the Principe Perfecto, which would make a perfect platform for a follow up sail.

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