Sumúd Podcast

In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with activist and Global Sumud Flotilla Haitham Arafat to discuss his journey from Gaza to becoming a leading voice for justice and humanitarian advocacy. After losing more than 100 family members, Haitham shares the personal tragedies that changed the course of his life, leading him to leave behind a successful career and dedicate himself to raising awareness about the ongoing suffering of civilians. He recounts his experiences aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, the international effort to challenge isolation and deliver aid, as well as the risks, sacrifices, and realities faced by those who participated. * Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, torture, imprisonment, and abuse. Viewer and listener discretion is advised. A Palestinian American born in Gaza, Haitham Arafat has lost many members of his family to the Israeli illegal occupation and genocide. Haitham is a cyber security expert that decided to leave professional work and dedicate the rest of his life to stop the genocide and fight for human rights. Haitham has been very active protesting in the USA to expose Zionism and illegal weapon chain of supply to Israel, he joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza. Haitham was kidnapped in international waters and was tortured by Israelis.    In this conversation, we explore → Growing up in Gaza and the experiences that shaped Haitham's life → Losing over 100 family members, grief, and survivor's guilt → Leaving cybersecurity behind to become a full-time activist → The meaning of Sumud and the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla → Life at sea, international solidarity, and multiple interceptions → Social media, independent reporting, and the importance of bearing witness → The humanitarian crisis, grassroots action, and a message of courage and dignity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, humanitarian, and community organizer Said Durrah for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, service, storytelling, and purpose. Said reflects on growing up Palestinian-American, balancing comedy with humanitarian work, and the experiences that shaped his commitment to serving communities around the world. From fundraising efforts and refugee camp visits to building cultural platforms and launching his new Arab Is Me podcast, he shares personal stories about faith, resilience, representation, and the responsibility of preserving culture through art. The conversation also explores the challenges facing younger generations, the importance of authentic storytelling, mental health, and how creative work can become a vehicle for impact during times of crisis and uncertainty.  Palestinian by way of Gaza, Syrian by way of Damascus, and American by way of Detroit, Said Durrah has made audiences laugh in ways that transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Said's first performances as a young child were in front of his family, where he'd tell stories and impersonate other family members. It was only a matter of time until Said made his way on to an official comedic stage -- first, at the Comic Strip in NYC in 2010, and since, at famous venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood's Laugh Factory, DC Improv, Caroline's in Times Square and even a performance on Broadway, just to name a few. Thousands have seen his performances live via tours including Allah Made Me Funny, 1001 Laughs Comedy Tour, Funatical Comedy Tour, and performances throughout Palestine including the historic El-Hakawati theater in Jerusalem. Said has also taught comedy workshops for children in the West Bank. Combining his love of comedy with his dedication to humanitarian work, Said has led, supported, and lent his comedic stylings to dozens of fundraising efforts, helping provide millions of dollars in vital aid for people in need around the world.  In this conversation, we explore  - Said's journey from stand-up comedy to humanitarian and advocacy work  - Fundraising efforts and supporting families affected by conflict and displacement  - The balance between entertainment, service, and community leadership  - Why preserving Arab and Palestinian culture matters for future generations  - The story behind the launch of the Arab Is Me podcast  - Identity, belonging, and growing up Arab in America  - The role of comedy in storytelling, healing, and cultural representation  - Navigating public criticism, activism, and community expectations  - Mental health conversations within Arab and Muslim communities  - Why authentic human connection matters more than social media validation  - Lessons learned from years of community organizing and nonprofit work  - Supporting young people pursuing creative careers and unconventional paths  - Said's biggest comedy influences and the future of Arab-American storytelling Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com This video is for educational purposes only. It documents personal experience, public encounters, and political dialogue.

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This week on the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with Sami Tamimi, award-winning chef, author, and co-founder of Ottolenghi, to explore how heritage, hard work, and heart have shaped his life from Jerusalem to London's kitchens. Sami Tamimi is a British-Palestinian chef and author whose cooking is deeply rooted in the flavors of his homeland. In his first solo cookbook, Boustany: A Celebration of Vegetables from My Palestine, he embarks on a vibrant journey through Palestinian culinary traditions, celebrating simple, colorful dishes centered around vegetables and grains. This exploration builds on his earlier work as co-founder of the Ottolenghi restaurants and co-author of bestselling cookbooks: "Falastin" and "Jerusalem: A Cookbook". "Boustany" is Sami's homage to the food and culture of Palestine. In this deeply personal conversation, he reflects on his early life under occupation, his rebellious path from a truck company to the kitchen, and the struggle of navigating Israeli kitchens as a Palestinian chef. Sami opens up about cultural appropriation in “Israeli cuisine,” the politics of food, and the creation of his newest book, "Boustany", a love letter to Palestinian memory, land, and flavor. With humor and grace, Sami reminds us that every dish carries a story of land, family, and survival.

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by Hannah Moushabeck, a Palestinian American author, editor, and book marketer. Born into a family of publishers and raised in western Massachusetts, Hannah grew up in the world of books. Today, she carries that legacy forward at Interlink Books, one of the only Palestinian-owned publishing houses in the U.S. Her acclaimed debut, "Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine" (Chronicle Books, 2023), is a lyrical picture book inspired by her father's memories of Palestine. With warmth and humor, it offers young readers both a window into a beloved homeland and a mirror for displaced families everywhere. In this conversation, Hannah shares her journey growing up surrounded by stories, the challenges of representing Palestine in children's literature, and the backlash she's faced, including censorship and soft bans. She also reflects on reclaiming her identity, creating community for emerging Palestinian authors, and why storytelling for children is a vital act of resistance.

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by journalist and BreakThrough News host Rania Khalek for a special episode diving into her latest documentary, Israeli Terror in Lebanon: Inside the Pager Attacks. The documentary uncovers the untold story behind the September 17th pager explosions in Lebanon—a years-long covert Israeli operation that left civilians maimed and silenced.

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by powerhouse attorney and civil rights advocate Amir Makled. As managing partner at Hall Makled, Amir is one of the most formidable legal voices defending Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S. From police brutality to the criminalization of pro-Palestine protests, his cases speak to a deeper story: what it means to resist injustice within the system. Amir reflects on his journey from growing up post-9/11 in suburban Michigan to tackling police abuse and taking on the Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, herself—and winning. His clients range from working-class families to student organizers, and his advocacy is rooted in dignity, law, and unwavering solidarity.

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, and actress Cherien Dabis—a bold storyteller whose life and work explore the power of identity, resistance, and the stories we carry. Born in Nebraska to Palestinian parents and raised in small-town Ohio, Cherien came of age during the first Gulf War, a time when neighbors turned on her family overnight. This political awakening eventually shaped her groundbreaking work, from Amreeka and May in the Summer to directing award-winning episodes of Only Murders in the Building and starring in Netflix's Mo. Her latest feature, All That's Left of You, tells the Palestinian origin story through the lens of one family across generations. Filmed during the current war, the production was forced to flee Palestine mid-shoot. But what emerged, as Cherien tells it, was “a film made from grief, love, and sheer determination.”

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by Aminah Musa, a visionary designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of PaliRoots—the beloved Palestinian streetwear brand born of resistance and stitched with purpose. From growing up on food stamps in South Side Chicago to helping build a brand that has fed nearly 4 million meals in Gaza, Aminah's story is one of family, faith, creativity, and commitment to her roots. Raised by Palestinian parents who instilled in her the values of humility, community, and pride in her heritage. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, she opens up about navigating high school as the only visibly Muslim girl, learning business from her father (who left medicine to pursue purpose), and launching PaliRoots with her brother to ensure Palestine would never be forgotten. Their brand became more than fashion—it became a movement grounded in dignity, storytelling, and direct impact.

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by poet, psychologist, professor, and author Hala Alyan. With roots in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, Hala shares her remarkable journey navigating displacement, identity, and creative expression—from surviving war and immigration to becoming a published author and clinical psychologist. In this deep episode, Hala opens up about motherhood, addiction, vulnerability, and the messy beauty of transformation. From crafting stories as a child to integrating psychology and poetry in her adult life, her reflections offer powerful insight into what it means to survive and evolve. In this conversation, we explore: ➡ The fluid meaning of “home” and identity ➡ How trauma, displacement, and storytelling intersect ➡ Her path through addiction, healing, and radical honesty ➡ What it means to parent, write, and love with accountability This video is for educational purposes only. It provides psychological, cultural, and political reflections intended to inform and empower. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Embracing Vulnerability 04:30 – Displacement, Identity & Early Storytelling 10:03- Writing, Psychology & Teaching 22:52 – Writing About Taboo Topics & Protecting Others 29:56 – Vulnerability, Motherhood & Speaking Honestly 44:33 – Takeaways, Lineage & Advice to the Next Generation

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by Mussab Ali - a cancer survivor, civil rights advocate, and one of the youngest Muslim elected officials in U.S. history. Born in Pakistan and raised in Jersey City, Mussab's story is one of grit, public service, and fearless truth-telling. At just 20 years old, Mussab became the youngest-ever elected official in Jersey City, eventually rising to president of the Board of Education. Where he advocated for clean water access, increased teacher pay, and halal food and Eid holidays for Muslim students. While studying at Harvard Law, Mussab battled cancer, completed chemotherapy, and still graduated while serving his community. Now, he's running for mayor of Jersey City - not just to lead, but to represent. In a political moment where speaking up for Palestine is often seen as a career-ender, Mussab has done the opposite: calling out injustice, demanding a ceasefire, and getting thrown out of city hall for refusing to stay silent.

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by Lebanese-American baker, mother, and outspoken advocate Connie Kazan. Known for her viral desserts, unforgettable appearance on The Great Chocolate Showdown, and unfiltered voice for justice. A mother of four, social media personality, and outspoken advocate for Palestinian and Arab communities, Connie brings fierce love, deep-rooted cultural pride, and relentless compassion to everything she touches, from cake decorating to calling out injustice on a global scale. In this raw conversation, Connie takes us on a journey through her life: from growing up in Dearborn to becoming a prominent voice for Arab and Muslim women. She opens up about the challenges of being a hijabi woman in the public eye, navigating racism and cultural erasure in both media and everyday life, and the emotional weight of watching her people suffer. Connie also shares powerful reflections on her time in Egypt, where she worked directly with displaced Gazan families, offering aid, empathy, and unwavering solidarity in these difficult times.