Compassion as a political imperative in turbulent times
OpinionGuest Columnist

Compassion as a political imperative in turbulent times

As the world faces growing uncertainty, the value of welcoming the stranger, a core Jewish teaching, is more important than ever.

(Photo by Ron Lach via Pexels)
(Photo by Ron Lach via Pexels)

In a world increasingly divided, one of the most powerful tools we have is our capacity for compassion. But compassion isn’t just a passive feeling — it’s a muscle that needs regular exercise. If we don’t nurture it, it atrophies, leaving us disconnected at a time when connection is more crucial than ever.

At Hello Neighbor, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit I founded in 2017, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of compassion in action. For seven years, we’ve matched newly arrived refugees and immigrants with caring neighbors. These relationships offer more than just help —they are lifelines of hope, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to belong. As the world faces growing uncertainty, the value of welcoming the stranger, a core Jewish teaching, is more important than ever.

With conflicts raging globally and antisemitism at an alarming high, the surge in hatred and human suffering is undeniable. Communities both abroad and at home are grappling with immense hardship. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of these challenges and wonder what any one person can do. But I believe that the most powerful place to start is right where you are — with your neighbors.

Can you extend compassion to those next door? It’s in these small acts of kindness that we begin to build the empathy necessary to address global crises. The small steps we take locally can have a ripple effect, strengthening our communities and fostering a culture of understanding. This is how we counter the forces of division and hate.

As the presidential election draws near, compassion is not just a personal virtue — it’s a political necessity. Who we elect as our next president will have a profound impact on how our country moves forward. Our next leader will not only shape policy on issues like the economy, healthcare and foreign affairs, but they will also set the tone for how we treat each other as a nation.

In this election year, it’s crucial that we choose a leader who embodies authentic compassion, not as a talking point but as a core value. This is not a luxury — it’s a requirement. We need someone who understands the struggles of ordinary people, who can extend empathy across political divides, and who leads with both heart and strength. Compassionate leadership fosters unity, something desperately needed in a country that feels increasingly fractured.

The stakes are high. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously asked, “What are you doing for others?” In today’s climate, this question is more pressing than ever. We can either retreat into fear and division, or we can rise up with empathy, extending compassion to the most vulnerable. This isn’t just about helping refugees or immigrants — it’s about fostering a culture where kindness, decency and shared responsibility are the norm.

We are all neighbors. In these challenging times, we need more compassion, more connection and more kindness. By showing up for each other, we not only change individual lives but also strengthen the fabric of our society. The stronger our compassion, the stronger our communities will be.

Let’s not wait for the next crisis to flex our compassion. Instead, let’s make it a daily practice, knowing that in doing so, we build the kind of world we all want to live in — and the kind of leadership we deserve. PJC

Sloane Davidson is the founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor, an organization committed to welcoming and supporting newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Pittsburgh.

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