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Hello, my name is Liz Kadin and I have been a Greeter for almost 10 years. There are many reasons I enjoy being a Greeter, but at the top of the list is the role we play to help make the world feel smaller and people more connected to one another.
I would like to share a story of a past Greet as it stands out as one of the most profound experiences of my life.
Several years ago, two daughters in their thirties came from Germany with their mother to celebrate her 60th birthday.
Early in “the Greet”, one of the daughters asked me what I did for a living. At the time, I was working for AJC, the American Jewish Committee. I explained that the organization fought antisemitism and hatred around the world through diplomatic means.
We proceeded to walk through Central Park and gradually made our way to Lincoln Center.
Outside, at the fountain, the other daughter asked, “Were you born in NYC and what is your heritage?” I answered, “yes to NYC” and then said that going back in time, relatives on both sides of my family were from Germany.
At which point, the mother burst into tears. Unconsolable tears. It was an awkward moment as I did not know what had just happened, why she was crying. and what I should do. Instinctively, I went over and hugged her and stayed that way until she said that she was okay. We then continued on…..
I left the Greet quite emotional. I knew I had shown the family some wonderful sites, but I kept wondering...did I say something wrong? I kept reliving the moment.
Then, over a month later, I received a long letter from the mother. She told me about the town she grew up in Germany and the history of its Jewish population. She then added the following:
Dear Liz,
Now I am back in my countryside home for one month. Every time, when friends are asking, how was it in New York, I tell them about the grateful meeting with you.
Before meeting you, this bad history was very far away for me. Naturally I didn’t agree with this murdering political system, but I had never met a Jewish person before. But in the moment when you said that you were Jewish and that your relatives came from Germany, I felt the whole history on my shoulders.
Your volunteer work as a New York greeter is admirable...especially because you want to meet people from everywhere. The best way to fight against bigotry in our minds is to be in contact with people, to speak with them, to hear what they are thinking about. That`s the way you are going and it’s great that you are doing this.
During the tour you often spoke about the Beatles and the time when you and I were young. In those times the word “peace“ was very present as a wish for all of us. Surely we can sustain this peace only with hard work and you are one person helping make it a reality.
It was wonderful meeting you. Thank you very much.
If you or some of your family will be in my part of Germany, you are welcome to my home.
Kindly regards,
Susana
There are many rewards in being a Greeter.
In this particular instance, Susana and I impacted each other's lives in a way that went well beyond the actual sites and history of NYC.
We came out of the experience more aware of the commonality of humanity and the good that can come about through real interaction.
Like Liz Kadin, you can show your love for New York City by joining the Founder’s Visionary Circle with your pledge to include Big Apple Greeter in your will or trust or name it the beneficiary of any financial holding.
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