In this evocative episode of our podcast series, host Tadhg Hickey invites Leen Maarouf, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon who has made Ireland her home since 2021, to share her remarkable journey and the challenges she has faced along the way. Leen's story is one of resilience and ambition, having arrived in Ireland to pursue her education at University College Cork (UCC) through a scholarship—an opportunity that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Leen's narrative reaches a poignant climax as she recounts the events of her graduation ceremony at UCC last month, a moment that should have been a celebration of her achievements but was marred by controversy. With raw emotion, she describes how she was denied the right to carry her Palestinian flag on stage—a symbol of her identity and the struggles of her people. Further compounding her distress, the live feed of the graduation was censored, a decision that left her feeling marginalized and silenced on what was supposed to be one of the proudest days of her life.

Through her conversation with Hickey, Leen delves into the deeper implications of these actions, reflecting on the pain of being denied the right to express her identity and the sense of invisibility it engendered. Her account is a powerful commentary on the broader issues of censorship, representation, and the rights of refugees and marginalized communities to celebrate their heritage and achievements without fear of discrimination.

Listeners will be moved by Leen's courage in speaking out about her experiences, as well as her determination to use her voice to advocate for change and recognition, not just for herself, but for all those who have been similarly silenced. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of standing up for one's rights and identity, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the stories of resilience and resistance that often go unheard.

Produced by @SwanIGuess