What does it mean to truly belong? Join us in this compelling episode, “Empowering Syrian Youth Through Education,” where we are honored to speak with George Batah and Majed Abdelsamad, two extraordinary Syrian humanitarians now thriving in New York. They open up about their evolving sense of belonging—originally rooted in their homeland of Syria but transformed through their experiences in the United States. Majed shares his journey from viewing belonging as tied to a specific place to understanding it as an emotional connection to various moments in time, while George discusses how forming new relationships in America has helped him preserve his cultural heritage.
Join us on an emotional journey with Rose McCall, our Belonging(s) guest and the Director of Philanthropy at Karam Foundation, as she weaves stories of belonging beyond conventional limits. Through her narratives, we explore the complex terrain of identity—a rich tapestry interlaced with cultural heritage, the immigrant experience, and personal reflections of home aboard her sailboat, Yuvamaz. This episode will reshape your perception of belonging, inviting you to engage in a conversation that navigates both the heart and the world. Also, from Karam House, meet Nour, Karam’s Leader, who defines resilience. Despite the multiple displacements, Nour was determined to continue her journey to accomplish her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
In this episode, embark on a journey of artistic discovery with Helen Zughaib, a visionary artist whose canvas extends far beyond paint and brushes to the core of human experience. Her creation, “Map of Home,” is a gateway to a conversation laced with nostalgia, belonging, and the intricate ways our cultural roots shape us. Through Helen’s lens, we traverse the landscapes of her Lebanese heritage, personal milestones, and the symbols that anchor her sense of self amidst a life journey from Beirut to Paris and finally to the melting pot of America. From Karam House, meet our Karam mentor, Kardelin Cici, as she weaves a narrative of belonging and identity against the backdrop of Turkiye’s cultural mosaic.
Experience the profound journey of identity and the search for a sense of belonging with Hala Gorani, the renowned journalist whose own story embodies the complexity of culture and heritage. Navigating the heart-wrenching realities of war-torn regions, Hala Gorani provides a raw account of the Syrian conflict and the emotional labor inherent in telling these stories. From Karam House, meet Jana, a Karam Leader and a resilient human being who has experienced not one but multiple displacements. Despite Jana's challenges with her family fleeing Syria in 2011 and experiencing the earthquake in 2023, Jana has thrived.
Join us on a captivating journey as we explore the nuanced layers of belonging with Liam LoPinto, an Iranian-American filmmaker whose poignant work captures the heart of diaspora experiences. From Karam House, meet Shaimaa, a Syrian refugee and a Karam Leader. Shaimaa speaks of her struggles leaving a home behind and of a dream she kept alive. "The House of Dreams" is what Shaimaa hopes to build for kids, no matter where they come from.