In this moving episode of Living in the Meantime, Rev. Dr. Stephen Bauman reflects on a recent vigil for Ali Farqirzada — an Afghani refugee and Bard College student detained by ICE despite his family’s deep integration into their Hudson Valley community. Stephen shares the story of local people of many faiths rallying around Ali’s family and explores what it truly means to live for the common good — not in words, but in action. Through this personal and poignant account, he invites listeners to recognize that genuine community begins with small, tangible gestures of solidarity. Saying we value compassion is one thing; doing compassion is quite another.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction: A Vigil in the Hudson Valley

00:01:30 – The Story of Ali Far-Kirzada

00:03:00 – Community Hospitality and the Common Good

00:05:00 – The Power of Collective Care

00:06:30 – From Words to Action: Living What We Say We Believe

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