Building bridges, not walls Why unity is essential for the strength of the United States

COMMENTARY |

By Tahra Goraya

In a time when division often dominates the headlines and uncertainty looms large over our economy, politics and social institutions, it’s easy to fall into fear — of the unknown, of each other, of change. But history reminds us of something vital: America has never thrived because we were all the same. It has thrived because we found strength in our differences and unity in our shared ideals.

In moments like these, we must choose to build bridges across faiths, cultures and identities — not just because it feels good, but because it is essential for preserving the values that make America strong.

Pluralism, free speech, freedom of religion and democracy are not abstract ideals. They are living principles that require active participation and constant renewal. And the best way to protect them is by knowing one another — not as headlines, not as caricatures, but as neighbors, co-workers, classmates and fellow citizens.

America is home to people of every faith: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, atheists, agnostics and many who are still searching for spiritual meaning. We are also home to people from every culture, every language, every continent. That diversity is not a weakness. It is one of our greatest sources of resilience.

But diversity alone is not enough. What matters is what we do with it.

In moments of economic stress, it’s all too common for fear to turn outward, for suspicion to fall on those who “look different” or “pray differently.” When systems feel unstable, scapegoats are easy to find. History offers no shortage of examples — from internment camps to travel bans, from hate crimes to subtle policies that divide instead of unite.

But we can choose another way.

Building bridges means choosing curiosity over judgment. It means asking questions before making assumptions. It means breaking bread with someone who celebrates a different holiday, speaks a different language or wears different clothes. It means listening — not just to respond — but to understand.

This is not about political correctness or performative tolerance. This is about the survival of democracy itself.

When people of different faiths and cultures work together — through interfaith councils, cross-cultural dialogue, community organizing and neighborhood alliances — they become the living proof that democracy can hold. That freedom of religion isn’t just a line in the Constitution, but a real, practiced value. That free speech isn’t a weapon, but a bridge.

We’ve seen this spirit in action across the country. After acts of violence or discrimination, communities have rallied: Muslims showing up to protect synagogues, Jews donating to rebuild mosques, Christians organizing food drives for immigrant families, atheists defending religious freedom not just for themselves, but for everyone.

These are the moments when America shines.

And we need more of them.

Because the challenges we face — climate change, economic inequality, rising mental health struggles, extremism and disinformation — don’t care what religion we follow or what country our ancestors came from. They affect us all. And we can only solve them together.

Bridges are not just metaphors. They are networks of trust, formed one conversation, one friendship, one shared goal at a time. And when those bridges are strong, they hold us up in the hard times. They help communities resist hate. They make it harder to dehumanize each other. They remind us that we’re all in this together.

Some may say that in times of economic and political uncertainty, we don’t have time for dialogue or relationship-building. But I’d argue the opposite: It’s in these very times that we need it most. If we want a society that is stable, peaceful and prosperous, then we need to invest not just in infrastructure, but in human connection.

So let’s teach our children to honor different beliefs. Let’s create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. Let’s challenge policies and rhetoric that divide, and uplift efforts that unite.

Let’s build a country where people don’t just tolerate differences — they celebrate them.

Because when we build bridges, we build a stronger, freer and more resilient America.

And that’s the kind of nation worth passing on to future generations.

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