FOURTEEN DAYS OF SOLITUDE

The world is in a crisis. The global epidemic has not only forced individuals into isolation, but states as well.

Borders are being closed down, whole countries are in lockdown in order to battle the virus, and personal freedom is at stake.

Not only the old are vulnerable in this state of isolation, but every single one of us, most of all the idea of a global human civilisation. However, this is not the time to isolate our minds.

Even though it might be conform to social distancing guidelines, finger pointing and dividing society into "us" and "them" are a greater threat to the global community than Covid-19.

The moment we think of our neighbour who went out for coffee two days ago as a mass murderer is also a moment when the values of modern humanity and a connected world are threatened from within the front lines.

Solidarity means staying at home, but it also means forgiving those who didn't. Solidarity means keeping calm and looking out for your own, but it also means looking out for the stranger that might not share the same motivation as yourself and is looking out for his own just as well. Solidarity means practicing mutual understanding and not giving in to nationalist thinking.

In these times, solidarity can mean solitude and being left alone with your thoughts. A university student and a recent graduate currently stuck in quarantine in Israel and Germany, like many other young people these days, have come up with an idea to prevent intellectual road block.

The once-off online initiative ACROSS BORDERS is offering a space for young people's headspace in self-isolation. It is inviting young people to share their thoughts on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, asking themselves the following questions:

What does being part of a global civilisation mean in a time of crisis?
Has the response to the pandemic influenced your sense of national identity?
Do you think this crisis will affect globalisation and nationalism, now or in its aftermath?
What is the intersection of technology, identity and a health crisis?

ACROSS BORDERS is looking for written pieces (1000-1500 word limit), photographs, or digital art that you would like to share. Deadline is the end of your quarantine.