This episode was lost on a microchip for two years. After a power outage during a prior recording, everything was presumed deleted. It was the worst nightmare for me - my own version of the Y2K doom scenario. The outage actually changed the dates on every file, and after facing the fear and shame of losing one of the best interviews of this podcast, I found it in the very last file I checked.

Our guest was born in Jerusalem, raised in Ramallah, and is a Professor of Digital Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University (MSU). He's also the Head of Consumer and Scientific Research with A-CAPP, the Center for research, education, and outreach to assist in anti-counterfeiting and brand protection across all industries.

Saleem has probably researched, analyzed, and presented on something your mouse hovered over without you knowing. And one area of study - counterfeit medications - is something you want to learn about here before you click "buy."

Saleem has a fascinating story - an upbringing in Palestine, and the relationships and community that shaped a trajectory to scholarship and academia to his current home at Michigan State University (Go Green!)

Remarkably, in the two years since this recording, it is as timely and relevant as ever, sharing one of millions of stories of Palestinians who have lived under apartheid and witnessed countless wars and a genocide. Learn the meaning and spirit of the word Sumud, through the lens of Saleem and his outlook. His story has impact and is one of many to just take in and learn from.

In this episode:

• Family, and the people who shape who we become
• Growing up under occupation
• The weight of watching the Gaza genocide from far away
• Sumud, a word that doesn't translate cleanly
• The human spirit, and how stubbornly it holds on to joy
• A research PSA that might save your life

This episode waited two years for you. Give it a listen.

Learn more about Saleem and his work at https://www.linkedin.com/in/salhabash/

Send a text message with any feedback. I won't see your number, and I can't reply, but it is a way to leave a comment. Or, you can send a message on Substack or IG @ ArabsinMedia

About the host:

Hazem Jamal worked in corporate media in programming for his entire career. He founded Arabs in Media to get past the bias of corporate media and to offer a place for stories that don't get told.

Support independent media: To join the Arabs in Media community, sign up at the free Arabs in Media Substack for more multi-media content, and email notifications for new episodes dropping.

https://arabsinmedia.substack.com/

Instagram @arabsinmedia

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Support Operation Olive Branch, providing humanitarian assistance to families devastated by g-cide:

https://linktr.ee/opolivebranch

Our hosts explore Hulu's reality dating show "Muslim Matchmaker," discussing how it portrays Muslim dating culture and the matchmakers' "rules of three" hook. Learn about the diverse representation of the Muslim community, and hear Hazem Jamal and Najwa's personal connections to cast members. In a world where DEI is criminalized, a show with representation is cutting through while providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream dating reality TV.

Send a text message with any feedback. I won't see your number, and I can't reply, but it is a way to leave a comment. Or, you can send a message on Substack or IG @ ArabsinMedia

About the host:

Hazem Jamal worked in corporate media in programming for his entire career. He founded Arabs in Media to get past the bias of corporate media and to offer a place for stories that don't get told.

Support independent media: To join the Arabs in Media community, sign up at the free Arabs in Media Substack for more multi-media content, and email notifications for new episodes dropping.

https://arabsinmedia.substack.com/

Instagram @arabsinmedia

Featured media and social links here:

https://linktr.ee/arabsinmedia

Support Operation Olive Branch, providing humanitarian assistance to families devastated by g-cide:

https://linktr.ee/opolivebranch

In this very personal episode of Arabs in Media, I return to Iraq, the country of my heritage, from the home in Baghdad where my father grew up, to sit down with my cousin Ahmed for a conversation that is was as unplanned as it was inspiring. Together, we unpack a story that intertwines family, grief, and acts of service in the midst of bombing.

In 2003, on the cusp of the US-led invasion on Iraq, Ahmed’s life was forever changed, not only from the drums of war beating louder each day, but with a tragedy born from efforts to protect his family.

Hours later, with a satellite phone in hand, Ahmed became an unintentional lifeline for countless families around the world who had been passed his number as one of the only ways to check to see if their family was dead or alive.

Steeped in the history of our family home, the Tigris River, and of Baghdad itself—we reflect on the legacy left by our ancestors. It's a story about the weight of loss, the resilience of the Iraqi people, and the power of human connection among family and strangers alike.

Echoes of Baghdad marks the beginning of Season Two of Arabs in Media, with an intimate look at Iraq through the lens of family, history, and resilience. Listen on all podcast platforms, and subscribe to Arabs in Media on Substack to comment and learn more about Ahmed's story.

📸 Learn more about the home, now a center for art, culture, music and more: @AlWattar.Heritage.House

📩 Subscribe to Arabs in Media to comment, engage, and learn more about Ahmed's story and the A.I.M. community.

Share this episode, leave a review, and join the conversation. Support independent content creation and the stories you won't hear anywhere else.

Send a text message with any feedback. I won't see your number, and I can't reply, but it is a way to leave a comment. Or, you can send a message on Substack or IG @ ArabsinMedia

About the host:

Hazem Jamal worked in corporate media in programming for his entire career. He founded Arabs in Media to get past the bias of corporate media and to offer a place for stories that don't get told.

Support independent media: To join the Arabs in Media community, sign up at the free Arabs in Media Substack for more multi-media content, and email notifications for new episodes dropping.

https://arabsinmedia.substack.com/

Instagram @arabsinmedia

Featured media and social links here:

https://linktr.ee/arabsinmedia

Support Operation Olive Branch, providing humanitarian assistance to families devastated by g-cide:

https://linktr.ee/opolivebranch