Today, we are honored to have Salem Barahmeh, a dynamic figure whose life journey spans from the heart of Palestine to the global stage. Growing up between Jerusalem and Jericho during the first and second Intifadas, Salem's early life was marked by the harsh realities of apartheid and violence. Despite these challenges, Salem pursued higher education in Wisconsin and London, eventually becoming a key player in Palestinian diplomacy and politics. Now, as the founder of Uncivilized, a...

Today, we are honored to have Ghassan Shamieh with us, a dedicated immigration lawyer and advocate for Palestinian rights based in San Francisco. Born to Palestinian parents who fled their homeland during the 1967 war, Ghassan was raised in the Bay Area, where he faced the challenges of navigating his identity in post-9/11 America. From standing up to school administrators who sought to silence his pro-Palestinian stance to becoming a prominent voice for Palestinian rights, Ghassan's path...

Today, we are joined by Amanda Jawad, whose journey from a high-flying legal career to becoming a meditation teacher is both inspiring and eye-opening. Amanda's path took her from the vibrant Arab community in Dearborn, Michigan, to the halls of Harvard Law School, and then to the intense world of corporate law in New York City. Despite these accomplishments, Amanda faced profound personal challenges, including a deep depression and the pressures of a high-stress job. In a pivotal shift,...

Today, we have a unique perspective from the Middle East that resembles the same pain points we face in the diaspore. Talia Lahoud, is a 21-year-old musical talent from Batroun, Lebanon. Talia’s journey is a testament to perseverance amid adversity. Starting on YouTube at 11, she faced harsh criticism but continued to pursue her passion for music. Despite familial expectations to follow a traditional career path, Talia chose music, gaining recognition by 17. Her path was filled with...

Today, we have the honor of introducing Jenan Matari, a dedicated advocate and storyteller whose journey encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of embracing one's identity. Born into a first-generation Arab American household, Jenan's family history is deeply rooted in the Palestinian experience. Her grandparents' stories of displacement during the 1948 Nakba and their subsequent migrations to Brazil, Jordan, and eventually the United States, set the backdrop for her life's...

Today, we share the incredible journey of Hanin Al Qoreishy, whose life story unfolds like a tapestry of courage and determination. Born into a politically and religiously influential family in Iraq, Baghdad, Hanin's early years were shattered by conflict and personal tragedy, including a horrifying kidnapping at age 9. Awakening from a traumatic coma in a new country, with no memory of her past, Hanin faced unimaginable challenges from a very young age. Today she stands as a recognized...

Today, we have the honor of speaking with Suhad Khatib, an artist, filmmaker, and designer, and the daughter of Palestinian massacre survivors. Born in Oman, raised in Jordan, and having lived in the US for over 14 years, Suhad has numerously navigated the complexities of identity and belonging. Her work, described as "an intentional study on healing and identity," has been showcased in cities worldwide, including Montreal, New York, and Amman. Through social justice campaigns like...

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Fatmah Muhammad, the proud owner of Knafeh Queens, whose journey from Kansas City to Southern California is as rich and layered as her delicious knafeh. Raised in an all-white community, Fatmah faced prejudice and suspicion, especially after 9/11, when her family home was unjustly searched by police. Despite these challenges, Fatmah's love for her Palestinian culture and her father's entrepreneurial spirit shone through. Learning to make knafeh at...

Today, we share the journey of Gheed El Bizri, who transitions from the historic streets of Lebanon to the esteemed halls of Stanford. Gheed's journey is a testament to the power of hope, faith, and the written word, showcasing the essence of overcoming adversity. Facing culture shock, isolation, and the daunting task of proving herself in an unfamiliar world, Gheed's narrative is a powerful testament to finding strength in one’s roots and voice. Join us as Gheed reveals how writing...

Today, we are joined by Ahmed Hashem, a San Francisco-based advocate whose journey from Iraq to the heart of the Tenderloin district embodies resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice. Ahmed’s early life was marked by the harrowing experiences of war and his father’s imprisonment. Despite facing poverty and personal loss, Ahmed channeled his experiences into advocacy, focusing on refugee resettlement, social justice, and community work. He now combines his passion for tech recruiting...

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Reem Assil, a dynamic force that sits at the intersection of her three passions: food, community, and social justice. Based in Oakland, Reem's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, identity, and the transformative power through food and hospitality. Born into a Palestinian-Syrian household, Reem's journey from a typical suburban Arab immigrant life to a leading figure in the culinary world is truly inspiring. Despite facing racism,...

Joining us today is Aminah Musa, an entrepreneurial spirit deeply rooted in her vibrant Palestinian heritage. Aminah's journey is a testament to innovation and cultural pride, intertwined with her family's unique background. Born in Jerusalem during a wedding—a beginning as extraordinary as her life's work—Aminah grew up in Chicago and Ohio, absorbing the diverse influences of her Spanish-Palestinian mother and a Puerto Rican-raised Palestinian father. From brainstorming sessions under the...

Today’s tale is one of transformation, resilience, and social impact. We’re joined by Maen Mahfoud whose remarkable path took him from the heart of Syria to the forefront of social entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley. From medical student to founder of Replate, a revolutionary platform turning surplus food into a force for good. Witness how Maen's roots in community service and a pivotal moment of realization ignited a mission to fight food insecurity and environmental waste. This is a...

Today, we journey with Teni Panosian, whose voyage from Tehran amid turmoil to the entrepreneurial triumph in the beauty world, embodies the essence of resilience and self-discovery. Born into an Armenian Christian family, Teni's narrative unfolds across continents, facing a major identity crises in an affluent American setting. As she navigates through disconnection to find her voice, Teni transforms challenges into channels for advocacy and innovation, leading her to pioneer 'Monday...

Today we are spotlighting Nasser Al-Rayess, a beacon of laughter and authenticity. Born in the vibrant heart of the Bay Area to a Syrian family, Nasser grew up straddling the worlds of rigorous academic expectations and his innate passion for comedy. From his early days mastering ceremonies in high school to confronting the immense pressures of family and societal norms, Nasser's journey is a testament to the power of following one's true calling. As we delve into his story, discover how...

Today, we're joined by Suhel Nafar, a trailblazer whose journey from the stages of Palestine to the executive offices of Empire in the U.S. embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation. Born into the charged atmosphere of Lyd, where survival was a daily challenge, Suhel transformed the adversity of his youth into a powerful artistic expression. Suhel taught himself English by listening to Hip-hop artists such as Dead Prez, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. Which later led him to becoming a...

Today, we're venturing into the life of Lauren Abedini, a remarkable individual who navigated the complexities of growing up between two contrasting worlds. From the structured traditions of a Persian household to the liberating vibes of a white, hippy upbringing, Lauren's journey is a profound exploration of self-discovery. Facing the daunting challenges of identity crisis and coming to terms with her sexuality, Lauren's story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to truly find...

Today’s tale will unravel the compelling journey of Maytha Alhassen, a Syrian-Lebanese-Saudi-Egyptian-Bedouin-Arab American historian, journalist, artist and organizer whose life bridges the chasms between cultures, communities, and self-discovery. Growing up at the crossroads of her rich Arab heritage and the stark realities of white supremacy in Southern California, Maytha faced an identity crisis that propelled her onto a path of political awakening and collective liberation. Amidst the...

Today, we delve into the world of Melanie Elturk, a beacon of innovation and strength in the face of adversity. From a biracial upbringing caught between the worlds of Islam and Christianity, to the highs of fashion entrepreneurship and the lows of personal and professional trials, Melanie's journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and faith. As the founder of Haute Hijab, she revolutionized the way Muslim women express themselves, merging fashion with faith at a time when the...

Today, we're sharing the compelling story of Maya Abdallah, a talent who rose to fame on social media, only to face the harsh realities of political activism colliding with her dreams. Born in Atlanta with Lebanese and Palestinian roots, Maya moved to LA to chase the glittering promise of an acting career. But when standing up for her homeland during a crisis, it led to her losing representation overnight, putting Maya at a crossroad. From the depths of isolation and cancellation, she...

In today’s episode we'll be speaking with Leila Muhaizen, a Lebanese native who pursued the American dream in LA after graduating from the American University of Beirut. She initially followed a corporate path based on the advice of her parents but faced a turning point during the pandemic and almost took the walk of shame back home to Lebanon. Against all odds, she transformed her life, channeling the spirit of the Arab community into entrepreneurial success. Today, she stands as the...

This is 'Imshi Imshi,' the podcast that brings you closer to the Arab diaspora's most compelling stories. Join us on a journey through the lives of individuals who bridge worlds, defy expectations, and inspire change. From the heart of the Middle East to the streets of the Western World, we dive deep into personal triumphs, cultural battles, and the vibrant spirit that defines the Arab experience. Hear from entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and thinkers who are making a difference and...