Celebrating Global Interdependence
September 12

What is Interdependence Day?
Interdependence Day was launched in Philadelphia on September 12, 2003. The date was deliberately chosen as a post 9/11 symbol of regeneration, as a time to reflect on the tragedy of the incidents of terror, not only in the United States, but all over the world, and to ask ourselves "What next?" It seemed critically important to acknowledge the inevitability and significance of interdependence in our time, and set out to build constructively and culturally, a global civic society. 

What is Interdependence?
In a sense, it is a simple idea, though agonizingly difficult to realize.

• We must see learn to live together peaceably and respectfully in the post-communist, post-Cold War period;
• We must see ourselves as global, as well as local, citizens, and act accordingly;
• We must use the revolution in information and communications technology to bring the peoples of the world closer together, to transcend hatred, bias, and resentment, and turn our energies to devising ways in which we can coexist creatively and collaboratively;
• We must narrow the widening gap between rich and poor, and the vast cultural, religious, economic, and political differences among us.

Given the increased potential for destruction in our technologically advanced world, as well as the enhanced possibilities for democracy, we have no choice but to build a more sane and humane future. Since the launching event in Philadelphia in 2003, there have been major Interdependence Day observances in Rome and Paris, along with Philadelphia and in communities and on campuses around the world, including Scranton

A Call to Action
Civic, cultural, educational, and religious organizations must take the lead in strengthening democracy and the culture of interdependence. We have the necessary skills, the intellect and the imagination, the creativity and compassion, the dynamism and the inspiration, and we have the will. To paraphrase Rabbi Tarfone, in the Pirke Abot, we are not required to complete the work, but neither are we free to desist from it.