Belongings Podcast

Isra Chakir, the extraordinary Syrian-American civil rights activist, joins us for an eye-opening conversation about her journey in advocacy and identity. As a Senior Campaign Manager at Amnesty International USA, Isra has been a stalwart champion for immigrant and refugee rights. Her deeply personal narrative of belonging as a third culture kid split between Boulder,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Arwa Damon, a journalist and humanitarian, shares her experiences and insights in this conversation. She discusses her upbringing in the Middle East, her definition of belonging, and her journey as a journalist covering conflict zones. Arwa also talks about her work with INARA, a nonprofit organization that provides medical care to children in war-torn nations....

As we launch into the third season of our podcast, Arian’s reflections on belonging offer a rich tapestry of community and identity woven through personal stories from his life. From the heritage of the Taino people to the challenges of Western business practices, Arian’s conversation takes us on a profound exploration of love, connection, and...

In this season finale of Belongings, embark on an emotional voyage with Orlando von Einsiedel, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker whose work in capturing the raw human experience in war-torn regions has reshaped our understanding of home and belonging. Through intimate conversation, Orlando opens up about the deep emotional bonds that he forms with his subjects;...

Join us for an emotional clip of resilience, empowerment, and humanity as we traverse through stories of Syrian refugees, with special guest Rose McCal, Karam Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy. Full episode to be released soon. To support Syrian refugees, visit KaramFoundation.org