Redefining Palestinian Identity with Jenan Matari

Today, we have the honor of introducing Jenan Matari, a dedicated advocate and storyteller whose journey encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of embracing one's identity. Born into a first-generation Arab American household, Jenan's family history is deeply rooted in the Palestinian experience. Her grandparents' stories of displacement during the 1948 Nakba and their subsequent migrations to Brazil, Jordan, and eventually the United States, set the backdrop for her life's narrative. Despite growing up in a predominantly white, Jewish town in New Jersey, Jenan struggled with her Palestinian identity, often feeling the pressure to assimilate. It wasn't until her early twenties that she began to reconnect with her roots, leading her to become a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and media literacy. Join us as Jenan shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, the importance of reclaiming her identity, and her mission to positively impact future generations.