Ammani Creators on Gaza, Their Art, and What Brings Them Hope Right Now

In this episode of Going Places, a conversation with three remarkable Ammani creators: Sarah Shabbar, a journalist and editor at Jordan News Daily, an English Language media organization in Jordan; Hussein Alazaat, artist, calligrapher, and founder of Elharf Studio, a platform for arts and culture in Amman; and Rawan Roshni, a Palestinian Balkan singer whose captivating song, "Abbad El Shams," is the theme song for our podcast this season.The conversation you're about to hear today was recorded last October, two weeks after the current escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank.  Together, we processed the emotions of collective pain, sorrow, and anger, what these artists feel about the Western perspectives on Israel-Palestine, what’s changing in this situation that generations of people in the Middle East have grown up with, and what is the role of artists in this moment. I want to say thank you to Sarah, Hussein, and Rawan for coming on the show at such a raw and difficult moment to share their thoughts and experiences with us, and I hope you take a listen to what they have to say.  This episode and the entire season is brought to you by Visit Jordan. Be sure to visit myjordanjourney.com to learn more about Jordan.What you’ll learn in this episode:The importance of critical examination of headlines and seeking context in reportingCollective healing and activism in response to the ongoing struggle in PalestineThe interconnectedness of social justice movements globally, from Black Lives Matter to indigenous rightsThe need to address injustice before discussing peace and coexistenceThe power of social media in raising awareness and facilitating changeThe role of civilian journalism in capturing eventsThe hope that the world's attention will translate into meaningful changeThe role of art and creativity in processing emotions and raising awarenessThe evolving creative community in AmmanCollaboration and support in Amman's creative communityCuriosity and exploration as keys to discovering Amman's creative sceneVenues for music and cultural eventsHussein finds hope in the wonder of discovering new tools, projects, and touring his city. Sarah shares that she has seen a positive shift in people's willingness to listen and discuss important topics in Jordan.Rawan mentions that her relationships, faith, and the lessons from nature give her hope.Featured on the show:Journalist Sarah Shabbar: https://www.instagram.com/jordannewsdailyArtist & calligrapher Hussein Alazaat: https://www.elharf.comPalestinian-Balkan musician Rawan Roshni: https://rawanroshni.comAbbad El Shams song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds7sXkk3YWwGet more information at: Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com. Going Places is a reader-supported platform. Get membership perks like a monthly group call with Yulia at goingplacesmedia.com!For more BTS of this podcast follow @goingplacesmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on...