Gift of Our Wounds
Overview: When white supremacist Wade Michael Page murdered six people and wounded four in a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin in 2012, Pardeep Kaleka was devastated. The temple leader, now dead, was his father. His family, who had immigrated to the U.S. from India when Pardeep was young, had done everything right. Why was this happening to him? Meanwhile, Arno Michaelis, a former skinhead and founder of one of the largest racist skinhead organizaitons in the world, had spend years of his life committing terrbile acts in the name of white power. When he heard about the attack, waves of guilt washing over him, he knew he had to take action and fight against the very crimes he used to commit.
After the Oak Creek tragedy, Arno and Pardeep worked together to start and organization called Serve 2 Unite, which works with students to create inclusive, compassionate and nonviolent climates in their schools and communities. their story is one of triumph of love over hate, and of two men who breached a great divide to find compassion and forgiveness.
Pages: 240 Pages
Writer: Arno Michaelis and Pardeep S. Kaleka
Recommendations:
I live just a couple of hours away from the temple where Michael Page committed a horrific act, taking the lives of 6 people and leaving many others injured. The impact of this tragedy goes beyond physical injuries, as it has shattered families, friendships, and a community leader. The shockwaves of this event were felt not only in the local community but across the entire nation.
For Arno Michaelis, this event hit close to home. Once a leader of a white supremacist group in the area, he feared that this act of violence was somehow connected to his past. Despite leaving that life behind and trying to make amends, he was devastated by the news. In a heartfelt gesture, he reached out to the son of one of the victims in an effort to find peace and understanding.
Pardeep, the son of a temple leader, was left questioning why his father, a man dedicated to promoting peace, was targeted. His father’s journey to the United States, from humble beginnings to becoming a successful business owner, was a testament to hard work and perseverance. Pardeep struggles to comprehend how such a senseless act could happen to his family.
This book delves into the details of the tragic incident and provides insight into the lives of Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Kaleka. We learn about the events that led Arno down a dark path of white supremacy, as well as the pivotal moments that changed his life for the better. Pardeep’s family’s journey as immigrants, facing challenges of income and cultural integration, culminates in a heartbreaking loss.
This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those involved in the shooting. It delves into the destructive power of hate and the difficulty of breaking free from its grip. It sheds light on the selfishness of living a life fueled by hatred and the ripple effect it has on those around us. However, like a twisty path through life, it ultimately leads to a moment of redemption and the opportunity to make a positive impact.
It’s a tale of transformation, showing that people are capable of change and growth. It’s a reminder that we all make mistakes, but it’s how we choose to move forward that truly matters. Forgiveness plays a key role in this story, as it becomes the only path forward for Pardeep to find peace and closure.
This book is not just a must-read, it should be required reading for high school students. It’s a powerful narrative that challenges us to reflect on our own actions and the impact they have on others. So grab a copy, buckle up, and prepare for a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of hate, redemption, and forgiveness.