The International Organization of Migration (IOM) hosted the Global Migration Film Festival in Cairo and many other major cities. I sought this opportunity to cultivate conversations about migration and refugees. Many organizations deploy film to stir hearts, to show different facets of life, and to develop a better understanding of migrants’ realities. IOM writes in its brochure: “Cinema and migration have a magical bond stretching back over a century ago when filmmakers themselves, began making movies that depicted the world on the move.” Each of the films was hosted at an esteemed institution – Goethe Institute, Zawya, Greek Cultural Center, … Continue reading Migration Subtitles / اللجوء للسينما، ال(أي أو إم) بيتكلم مصري

Languages connect us – and often literally reveal our nationalities. In Jordan, an Egyptian accent is quite distinct because of a single letter: the ج. Ours is a little rougher, like a slight choke sound, while the Levants pronounce it like a “Je,” almost like the French I. Till this day, it is obscure how Egyptians learned this accent, but it has been proposed that Yemenis brought it to our beloved nation. But what happens if you try to conceal this accent? I found out first-hand in Jordan that it’s quite difficult. Imitating accents can be easy, but if your tongue … Continue reading Concealing Accents / The ج

Before my months in Jordan, I intended to collaborate with the UNHCR in Djibouti, visiting the three refugee camps there that offer little other than shelter. But I was refused entry and had to essentially be treated like I was going to seek asylum. Therefore, my passport was held a hostage; I walked after it, asking at every stage when it would be returned. I knew English. I could ask the staff. Imagine how it feels to be stranded as an actual refugee in an airport without being able to communicate. When I arrived back in the States, I chose … Continue reading Newsletter – Quarterly Report, 1

Despite all this time, I still wonder: what does it mean to be uprooted? To lose everything? To become desolate and desperate? It perhaps means that life has become too unbearable, with its reality crushing your dreams and aspirations. Always longing. It might take the form of robbing one of mothers and fathers, reminding one of forgotten brother and sisters – and maybe it’s simply one becoming too broken. An abyss too crippling. Maybe home is where one can find dignity. Home is where one can be legal, where one’s thoughts don’t constitute treason. Home is where your feet feel … Continue reading Midnight Thoughts on Home

When I landed in Djibouti, August 1, the warm breeze was soft on my face. It reminded me of the warmer nights of Cairo. Walking towards the small international airport, in a country of only around 942,333, many of whom are refugees, I was excited by the opportunity to learn of the various narratives and perhaps contribute in developing programs with community organizations. I confidently walked to the immigration officer, presented my passport and then mentioned my contact and pick-up person. I was taken outside near the pick-up location only to learn that whoever was meant to pick me up…wasn’t there. … Continue reading Get It Right Next Time \ حاجز زجاجي