The impact on my life is something I am still unraveling, processing, and connecting with as I journey through the wheel of emotions. Now, as I approach 50 years of life, we also approach the 50th anniversary of El Golpe. In an effort to heal and find solace, I am embarking on a transformative journey to Pisagua, Chile, a place with a painful history.

From my early years until the age of 3, I quietly watched, listened, and absorbed the world around me. While rarely speaking, I developed an acute sense of observation.  And even when family members would joke that I was mute, I could sense the chaos, the stress, the anxiety.  Certain sounds, words, and memories became imprinted on my consciousness. The name "Pisagua",  "el 11 de Septiembre", "El Golpe" echoed through my upbringing, carrying with it a weight of pain and suffering.  Even the age 16 carried its significance.  Interestingly, today (June 28, 2023)is the Islamic holiday Eid Al Adha, commemorating Abraham's Sacrifice.  And when I reflect on this, sacrifice requires trust.  A trust of God.  A trust that this too shall pass. A trust that reminds of our origins and of our potential and of our resiliency.

Pisagua stands as a haunting reminder of a dark period in Chile's history. It was a Prisoner Internment Camp, where five of my uncles, the youngest only 16 years old, were taken, beaten, and subjected to unimaginable torture techniques inspired by the Nazis. Growing up, I often heard the name Pisagua whispered with a sense of pain and sadness. It became a symbol of suffering and resilience, etched deeply into my family's collective memory.

Exploring the Emotional Landscape of Healing as Diego Sulaiman Pays Tribute to Family History and National Identity to Inspire Hope. 

Interviewer: Today, we have a very special guest with us, someone who is embarking on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery. Please welcome Diego Sulaiman Arancibia-Prieto, a national leader in youth development and an inspirational figure in our community. Diego Sulaiman, thank you for joining us today.

DS: Thank you so much for having me. It's an honor to be here and share my story.

Interviewer: Your journey to Pisagua, Chile, sounds incredibly profound and impactful. Could you tell us more about the context and significance of this trip?

DS: Absolutely. Six months after my birth, Chile experienced a major political event known as El Golpe. It was a time of great upheaval and change that had a lasting impact on the nation and its people, including myself. As I approach the milestone of turning 50 years old, it coincides with the 50th anniversary of El Golpe. This convergence of events compelled me to embark on a journey to Pisagua, Chile.

Interviewer: What led you to choose Pisagua as your destination and what is its historical significance?

DS: Pisagua holds immense historical significance for my family and countless others. It was a prison internment camp during El Golpe, where five of my uncles, the youngest being just 16 years old, were taken, beaten, and tortured using methods learned from the Nazis. The name "Pisagua" carried a heavy weight throughout my upbringing, representing pain and suffering. By visiting this place, I hope to confront the past, honor the memories of those who endured unimaginable horrors, and find healing and solace in the act of remembrance. The actual event was inspired after an almuerzo, where my mother and her siblings began reflecting on The Golpe, on Pisagua and the significance it has held in our family.

Interviewer: That's incredibly powerful. How do you envision this journey of healing impacting you personally, and what message do you hope to share with others through your experiences?

DS: This journey is a deeply personal one for me. I believe that by confronting our collective history and embracing the pain, we can find healing and growth. Through sharing my experiences, reflections, and emotions along the way, I hope to shed light on the enduring impact of El Golpe and inspire others to embark on their own paths of healing... specifically in Latin America. It's essential to honor the past, heal the present, and create a brighter future for future generations. My journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of remembrance.

Interviewer: Your commitment to healing and growth is truly inspiring. Can you provide some insight into how you're preparing yourself emotionally and mentally for this challenging journey?

DS: Preparation for this journey is both introspective and collective. I'm engaging in self-reflection, allowing myself to process the emotions that arise as I delve into the painful memories of El Golpe. I'm also seeking support from my loved ones, my teachers and spiritual fathers, drawing strength from the unity of our family caravan to Pisagua. Together, we are creating a space for love, healing, and growth. It's about embracing vulnerability, acknowledging the scars of the past, and finding strength in our collective journey.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your personal journey with us, Diego Sulaiman. Your determination to confront the past, find healing, and inspire others is truly remarkable. We will be eagerly following your journey and cheering you on. Is there anything else you'd like to add before we conclude?

DS: I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have supported me on this journey, and I encourage everyone to reflect on their own stories and embrace their own paths of healing. Inspire a world where the wounds of the past no longer define us, and where love, compassion, and understanding prevail. In service and peace.

Interviewer: Thank you.