Belongings

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, Colorado, and Damascus, Syria, offers a compelling look into the duality of identity and the quest for creating inclusive spaces through activism. Furthermore, the narrative pivots to the remarkable stories of Syrian refugees who have transformed their lives through organizations like Karam House. These tales of survival, creativity, and empowerment underline the necessity of investing in youth to ignite a movement of hope. Together, these stories remind us of our collective responsibility to combat injustice and foster a world where everyone can thrive.

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.

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. She shares stories of resilience and compassion, highlighting the importance of human connection amid tragedy.From Karam House Yusuf speaks of his personal journey from Syria to Turkiye, the struggles he faced and how he ended up being part of the Karam team helping young Syrian refugees achieve their dreams of getting a higher education.

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 the way our cultural traditions shape who we are. And from Karam House, Aya, a Syrian refugee and medical student in Turkiye, embodies the resilience of the human spirit. Her story, punctuated by the harrowing escape from her homeland and the recent turmoil wrought by an earthquake in Hatay, is a testament to the power of hope and the unyielding quest for belonging.

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; bonds that often challenge his own perceptions of safety, love, and the essence of home. His powerful anecdotes and personal reflections offer a unique window into the lives of those affected by conflict, as seen in his poignant films like The White Helmets and The Walk, reminding us that home is not just a place, but a sanctuary built on cherished relationships.In an evocative exploration of storytelling and human connection, we delve into Orlando's latest venture—a film chronicling the journey of Little Amal and the heartrending portrayal by Asil, a young Syrian refugee who brings the character to life. Asil joins our dialogue, sharing her dreams and experiences, which radiate the hope and determination of countless refugee children. This episode is not just a celebration of Orlando's cinematic artistry; it's a tribute to the indefatigable spirit of those seeking a place to call home. As we close off this season, we thank you and hope you find these conversations meaningful. See you in season three.

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

When the earth literally shakes beneath your feet, your sense of home and belonging can be deeply affected. Assalah, a Syrian refugee and valued member of the Karam House team, knows this reality all too well. She recounts the tremors of the February earthquakes that left her homeless, painting a vivid picture of a life upended and yet resilient, fueled by her unwavering sense of belonging. An exemplary figure, Assalah shares not just her tales of survival, but also her invaluable work at Karam House.This episode also takes you through the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, offering an inside look at how natural disasters can shape our sense of belonging. Assalah's stories of resilience, the challenges faced by the community in Hatay, and the commendable efforts of the Karam House team to organize pop-up activities and support their community, create a mosaic of trials and triumphs. Join us for the journey, as we traverse territories of hope, belonging, and resilience.

In light of recent events, we republish our episode with Lara Elborno, an international lawyer and creator of the Palestine Pod. Together, Lina and Lara discuss the complexities of activism, the concept of belonging, and the struggle for Palestine liberation. Then, from Karam House Istanbul, team member Lama recalls her Damascus memories and how connecting with the community makes her feel like she belongs.

Get ready to step into the captivating mind of Syrian-American rapper and spoken word artist Omar Offendum. From the intersections of hip-hop and Arabic poetry to his architectural influences, Omar’s unique perspective and storytelling invite you on an inspiring journey through culture, identity, and history. The second part of our episode introduces us to a story of courage and resilience. Meet Maram, a 17-year-old Syrian refugee living in Istanbul whose love for music and indomitable spirit shine through her harrowing experiences. Omar’s profound insights on identity and belonging, coupled with Maram’s inspiring journey serve as a testament to the power of hope and resilience. Join us on this enlightening listen as we navigate culture, creativity, and courage.

Brace yourself for a journey of exploration into the realms of belonging, home, and identity with Lina's dear friend Abeer Seikaly, a brilliant figure known for her innovative work in architecture, design, and cultural production. This episode is a trove of insights as they discuss Abeer's extraordinary journey with the Bedouin communities in Jordan, her unique approach to design, her passion for restoring the intimacy of hand-making, and her deep-rooted connection to her Jordanian heritage. Lina also engages in a heart-to-heart with Yousef, a Karam House Mentor and Karam Scholars graduate, whose personal narratives of seeking home from Aleppo to Istanbul and then the UK are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Yousef's tale is not just one of displacement; it's a story of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of education and self-improvement. This episode is a must-listen, filled with tales of home, belonging, and identity that will leave you profoundly moved and inspired to explore your notions of home and belonging.

In this episode, Lina and co-founder and executive director of Silk Road Rising Theatre, explore the intriguing concept of belonging. With Jamil's progressive, polyculturalist perspective, the two navigated through complex subjects like cultural evolution, the power of dialogue, and the significance of cultural exchange as a means of finding belonging.Then from Karam House Istanbul, Lina chats with Majd who discusses his life in Aleppo and reflects on his childhood memories.

I've always believed that belonging is a fundamental human need, but it took my conversation with Renn Vara to fully understand its magnitude and depth. Renn's insights, formed from years of working with Silicon Valley tech companies, shed light on how the idea of belonging influenced Airbnb's branding journey and how it's a gift we can all give and receive. We also delved into some of Renn's personal stories that have shaped his worldview. From his inspiring work with homeless children in New York City to his writing project aimed at his future grandchildren, Renn's experiences express his desire to create a more informed and connected society. Then, from Karam House Reyhanli, I chatted with Wael to learn about his understanding of belonging. It involves a deep sense of belonging to the future version of himself. A future in which he has achieved all his dreams and is on his way to finding new goals.

In this season finale, Lina is joined by journalist, filmmaker, activist, and special friend Waad Al-Kateab. They discuss the challenges of grieving as a refugee and the guilt around feeling sad for leaving Syria. They touch on the importance of allowing ourselves to mourn, while recognizing the privilege of being able to do so. Waad shares her unique experience of finding a connection to Syria through her drawing of her family’s home, and the strength it provides her. Then, from Karam House Reyhanli, Lina chats with Mohammad, a Karam House graduate. Together, they explore the loss of belonging, and the meaning of keeping hope for the future alive.

In this episode, Lina is joined by Lara Elborno, an international lawyer and creator of the Palestine Pod. Together, they discuss the complexities of activism, the concept of belonging, and the struggle for Palestine liberation. Then, from Karam House Istanbul, team member Lama recalls her Damascus memories and how connecting with the community makes her feel like she belongs.

In this episode, Lina chats with "futurist" Amer Jandali about belonging, the planet, and how we, as a global community can come together to shape our future. Then, from Istanbul, seventeen-year-old Alaa shares his unique understanding of belonging and why community means the world to him,

In this special episode, Lina joins Karam Foundation Director of Communications, Rama Majzoub, for a conversation on the February Turkiye-Syria earthquakes. Together they discuss Karam's emergency response, the needs of the community, and what Lina witnessed firsthand when she visited Reyhanli just days after the earthquake.

In this episode, Lina chats with Nour Al Ghraowi, poet and member of the Karam Foundation team. They discuss belonging and the power of inclusive language. Then, from The Netherlands, 19-year-old Sam shares his unique journey of moving from one country to another to another and how it helped him shape a unique perspective on belonging.

In this episode, Lina chats with Laith Nakle about representation and fitting in while standing out. Then, from Istanbul, Lina talks to Layan about finding yourself in the community around you.

In this episode, Lina talks to award-winning professor and author Wendy Pearlman about telling the stories of unheard voices and what authentic belonging comes down to. Then, we hear from Bayan from Reyhanli, Turkey and her perspective on finding home and being yourself.

In this surprise episode of Belongings, Lina reflects on the past year as Karam CEO and what the team in Turkey, in the US, and supporters made possible for refugees.

In this inspirational episode of Belongings, Lina speaks with Hassan Akkad, a Syrian refugee, photographer, filmmaker, and refugee rights activist in the United Kingdom about the refugee experience and the importance of owning and documenting our stories. Then, from the heart of Istanbul, 19-year-old Abdulaziz shares his story of hope and loss, and recounts intimate details about the childhood flat in Damascus he once called home.

In this second episode of Belongings, Lina Sergie Attar sits down with restauranteur Rose Previte to talk about home, food, and hope. Rose takes listeners on a journey down memory lane and revisits her grandmother's home just in time for morning breakfast. Lina then chats with Mazen from Istanbul who shares how, through life's twists and turns, he was able to learn who he is and what he wants for his future.

In this debut episode, Lina talks to artist Molly Crabapple about her recent trip to Ukraine, supporting refugees, and the importance of storytelling and being present. This episode also features a conversation with young Reema, a Syrian refugee currently living in Reyhanli, Turkey, who talks about the memory of Syria, her struggle of building home, and how social justice movements inspired her to be the change she wishes to see.

This is Belongings, intimate conversations with creative minds about the places that shape us, make us, and sometimes, break us. Where do you belong?