When I first arrived at the short course, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew there would be workshops, discussions, and people from different countries, but I couldn’t imagine how quickly strangers would begin to feel familiar. We talked a lot about different topics, like climate change, immigration, and refugees in the workshops. But, what I found truly special about this short course were the quiet moments that made me realize I was changing silently into a better version of myself, one that listens more than it talks, and learns with an open mind and an open heart.

One of those moments happened during our very first nights.

I remember sitting on the couch with Giovanni, deep in conversation, when Viktoria and Sonia joined us. When Sonia joined us, she brought Ukrainian candy and cookies - small, colorful pieces of sweetness. Vika always recommends us to find the red ones (haha). Somehow, they tasted even better knowing they came from a war zone - small gifts carrying love and hope for a free Ukraine.

What stayed with me most from that night were the conversations. For the first time, I felt what it was like when someone truly listens. I talked deeply with Vika about politics in Morocco, about democracy, climate change, and responsibility. Back home, these topics are often laughed off or avoided. That night, they were treated seriously and with respect. That alone felt powerful.

Finally, I felt like I had found my people.

Later, I showed Sonia photos of Queen Lalla Salma (the Moroccan queen). She loved them, and asked direct, difficult questions. About women’s rights, biases and prejudices she had encountered. I was happy - genuinely happy - to talk about them openly, as a Muslim, without defensiveness or fear.

The conversation kept evolving, moving through history and our shared experiences. We talked about Hitler and antisemitism, and then we listened as our Jewish friend thoughtfully shared their personal perspective. This naturally led us to talk about Palestine. And for the first time, I had the space to add an Arab voice to the discussion - my voice. We didn’t agree. Not on everything. But we didn’t fight. We didn’t insult each other. We listened with openness, tried to understand where each of us was coming from, and treated one another with respect.

And then… we slept.
All of us. On the same couch.

Or at least we tried to, hahaha .

We watched “You” through the night, half-awake, half-asleep. The automatic light kept turning on every time someone moved, making real sleep impossible and everything slightly ridiculous. I think Mihaela joined us at some point, and the conversations slowly drifted into lighter topics.

Around 3 a.m., something snapped - and we started laughing at absolutely everything. We stared at the ceiling and laughed until our stomachs hurt, for no reason at all.

At some point, Arabic songs played softly as people drifted in and out of sleep. Around 5 a.m., I took out my prayer rug and prayed quietly, while the night slowly turned into morning.

When the sun rose, nothing felt finished. That night didn’t end - it began.

To me, this program was more than workshops or certificates. It is a space where listening matters, where differences don’t divide, and curiosity leads the way.

That couch, that long night, those conversations - a small version of the world I hope for.

Maybe we are already building it…