Imam Ayman Soliman on Compassion That Breaks Bars: From Arab Spring Journalist to ICE Detention

In this powerful episode of Chaplain’s Compass, hosts Alice Tremaine and John Betz sit down with Imam Ayman Soliman, a Muslim chaplain whose remarkable story of faith and resilience has drawn national attention. After surviving persecution and imprisonment in Egypt for his journalism during the Arab Spring, Imam Soliman built a new life in the U.S. as a hospital chaplain — until his asylum was suddenly revoked in 2025, landing him in a maximum-security jail for 72 days. From that cell, he ministered to fellow detainees, turning suffering into service. In this deeply moving conversation, Imam Soliman reflects on the miracle of his release, the interfaith solidarity that saved him, and the sacred work of finding meaning, dignity, and hope in the hardest places. Connect with Alice and John on social media: Instagram: @alicetremaine (Alice) @researchchaplain (John) https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicetremaine/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaplainbetz/ Leave us a message at the Chaplain's Compass phone number: 502-536-7508 Learn more about chaplaincy at https://www.chaplaincynow.com/ and the association of professional chaplains at https://www.apchaplains.org/