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.

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