Notes from Haiti #4

Yesterday Emma and I had the opportunity to witness a Fonkoze leadership meeting. It took place in the hotel that we are staying at and so we were able to take part on Shabbat.

It was remarkable to watch women from all over the country attend as elected representatives of their communities to this gathering. While there were songs, prayers and testimonials the main the goal of the meeting was to elect new board of directors. People made speeches and a vote took place. The seriousness with which those in attendance took the their work and the pride they felt in the election were evident on their faces and in their voices. The meeting was a true inspiration for all who attended.

That which made the meeting so special was watching Father Joseph Philippe lead the meeting. He is the founder of Fonkoze which means "shoulder to shoulder" in Creole. Father Joseph is truly a hero in our time. He led the meeting with joy, strength and compassion. Father Joseph challenged all present to do more and at times to be patient. He explained that it was hard to get to some of their communities but they are determined to do so. When Father Joseph reminded the people that they "are not dogs but human beings", it was clear that he was speaking to people who had lived their lives stripped of their dignity due to poverty. This man has made it his life's mission to empower people and to better themselves. Father Joseph does not believe in handouts but in giving people the tools to climb the ladder of success. Whether it is through micro-loans, business education, the creation of banks to handle the funds, an orphanage or the founding of a university for those considered to be peasants in this the poorest of countries. Those whom he refers to as "the poorest of the poor".

It was our honor to sit with him during the meeting, feel his warmth and charisma and be inspired by his passion and vision. Attending the meeting yesterday morning makes the scandal with the Red Cross regarding the funds designated for Haitian relief all the more angering. Here is one man who is not willing to wait for the government or philanthropic agencies but is succeeding in changing thousands of lives. A film has been made about Father Joseph Philippe and will be released soon. To get a sense of the man watch this trailer. Our Rabbis teach: "In a place where there are no people of value, strive to be such a person". Father Joseph is such a person.

I do believe that an organization that collected a half billion dollars with the only truly verifiable benefit was the money that went to it's own coffers, should be held accountable.