Advancing compassion through education |
Turning communities into friends, advocates, and allies
The Qissah is a vibrant storytelling platform. "Qissah", an Arabic term also found in some South Asian languages, means "story". Our focus is on racial justice, human rights, and indigenous communities’ issues in the United States and around the globe. We share our work through stories, blogs, poetry, and reels. This page is a space to recognize each other’s struggles, share stories of resilency, foster genuine human connections, and advocate for a new era of peace and global solidarity to create a just and compassionate world.
Vision: To create, inspire, and promote a vibrant global movement that stretches across generations to fight for justice, human rights, and peaceful coexistence using the power of storytelling.
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Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American attorney, activist, and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), shared her journey and vision for the Palestinian cause in our recent storytelling interview, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity. Born to parents who fled occupied Palestine in search of a better future, she grew up with a keen awareness of the injustices faced by her people. Recognizing the privilege, she had received, Arraf felt a “tremendous responsibility to give back and contribute to the...
Raised in a family where Dawud Walid's mother's side was Christian and his father's side Muslim, he navigated complex interfaith dynamics from an early age. "I had a problem with the whole idea of Trinity," he reflected, recounting his teenage spiritual explorations. This struggle led him to Malcolm X's autobiography, which profoundly inspired him to embrace Islam fully and commit to activism. "Malcolm X's journey... put me on the path to Islam,"...
Dr. Ilise Benshushan Cohen’s unique work for justice— intertwining scholarship and activism— has driven her to become a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights and a vocal critic of systemic racism within the Jewish community.
Born into a family with a rich tapestry of Sephardic heritage, Dr. Cohen’s multicultural upbringing significantly shaped her worldview. “Growing up Sephardic made me deeply aware of the complexities and intersections of identity,”... |
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Pranay Somayajula, a second-generation Indian American, was raised in the liberal environment of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Growing up in a politically aware household, Pranay's initial activism was centered around domestic issues, particularly influenced by Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns.. However, his focus shifted dramatically during his college years in Washington, D.C.
"It wasn't really until I came to college in 2018 and started here in Washington, D.C., that I began to get more involved with Palestine solidarity... 
Lori Ajlourny's story is one of resilience, rich cultural heritage, and steadfast activism. Born to a Palestinian family from Ramallah, her narrative intertwines personal family history with the broader historical events of the Nakba and the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians. Through her journey, Lori provides a powerful testimony of her family's experiences, the vibrant culture of pre-1948 Palestine, and her unwavering commitment to Palestinian activism in the United States...
In an enlightening conversation with Matthew Clark, a Michigan-based American Jew and activist, we delved into his personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. Matt's story is one of introspection, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to justice. From his upbringing in a community where support for Israel was synonymous with Jewish identity to his current activism for Palestinian liberation, Matt's evolution offers valuable insights into...
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