McGill roommates — one Jewish, the other Palestinian — find friendship and common ground
When Lucas Fuhrman got to his dorm at McGill in 2021, he was nervous and excited about whom he would share a room with.
A few days later, Sameer Karam, a Palestinian from Jerusalem, walked in the door.
Fuhrman, who is Jewish, didn't think there would be any problems, but he wasn't sure how Karam would respond.
"We were both actually kind of interested, like to see how it would work and what's going to happen," said Karam.
They not only shared a room together but had a class together, too. However, their bond was formed through playing video games and other common interests.
It was during those times they talked a lot. Fuhrman, a political science student, was interested in what was happening in the Middle East. He says his conversations with Karam were eye-opening.
"Even in our first year, there were flare-ups happening and stuff and, you know, Sameer would tell me what was going on and how it's bothering him, because he has family in the West Bank," he said.
Karam said they didn't agree on everything but they found a way to talk about it respectfully.
It's a lesson that's happening on other university campuses, albeit in a smaller and quieter way.
York University Sociology Professor Randal Schnoor teaches a class on "Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Canada".
He said the course attracted both Jewish and Muslim students and offered them a place to share their experiences.
"The climate on campuses is very polarized, there's lots of divisiveness, lots of chanting and slogans. Not a lot of listening," he said. "And this was a space for those who are interested, and there is an appetite for this among students to create a safe space, a brave space for discussion."
He said the class was so successful that some Jewish and Muslim students created a club called "Bridging the Gap." The group has since held talks on other campuses, including Queen's and University of Toronto.
Fuhrman, meanwhile, has been inspired by his experience living with Karam and says he wants to create a media platform for students to contribute their differing points of view. Karam, an engineering student, is also pleasantly surprised by his experience.
The two also ended up roommates in second year, this time by choice.
"You always have to give it a shot," Karam said. "See where it takes you and as you can see, we ended up being good friends".
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Helicopter carrying Iran's president found by rescue teams: Iran official
Rescuers on Monday found a helicopter that was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, which had crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran the day before.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.