I have 3 younger sisters who are basically my heart. When my parents became divorced a couple of decades ago, we banded together and have been inseparable ever since. As the only boy and the oldest - I felt it my duty to always look out for them. And they felt it their duty to always be the reason that I treat women with the utmost respect.

Today, I will speak about my oldest of the 3 younger sisters, Shay. She is perhaps the greatest sister a brother can have in this World. While she has always had my back, she has been an unbiased confidant that doesn't pull any punches to tell me that I messed up or did something wrong. I could always count on her to do the right thing and through that she has taught me to be genuine, thoughtful and look at things from all angles.

As we are of Palestinian descent, we head to Palestine / Israel as many times as we can. 5 years ago we were there for a family reunion and we went to the town of Bethlehem. As the rest of my family didn't want to deal with several checkpoints, it was only my sister Shay and my cousin Sonya that embarked on the adventure. I always will remember how she and I felt the same being at the reported birth place of Jesus. You see my sister and I believe in higher powers, but we also believe that the 3 monotheistic religions have gotten it wrong because they have not been able to bridge the gap between them as they all worship the same God.

For me, the gift of her friendship, guidance and love is more than any brother can ask for and I will always return the favor to her.