Let’s embrace our differences, and remember that hatefulness does not have to exist.  

Once again, I was deeply saddened to learn of another terrorist attack this holiday season- this one in Turkey on New Year’s Eve. Instead of happily celebrating the promise of a new year, the people of Istanbul were filled with fear, loss and sadness.

While such acts of hate take its toll on us as individuals as well as society at large, we must try to not let it tarnish our faith in one another.

I have learned (and history has taught us) that the strength of the human spirit is strong- and can overcome almost anything. I have learned that love and compassion really do matter—even when horrible things are done to one another, we can still band together and find forgiveness.

Our world is a complex and diverse place. During this terrible tragedy, it’s important that we all come together, embrace our differences, and remember that hatefulness does not have to exist.

Life is meant to be a beautiful thing. It remains up us to create a future of understanding, tolerance, peace. We just have to allow it.

Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2017!