In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Egyptian journalist Rahma Zein discusses journalism, propaganda, resistance, and identity, with a focus on Palestine. She shares her upbringing, experiences covering revolutions and war zones, and insights on media bias and Western narratives. Rahma reflects on reporting from Rafah during Gaza, the viral moment that amplified her voice, and the emotional toll of witnessing injustice. The conversation highlights ethical storytelling, challenges dehumanizing narratives, and explores themes of solidarity, Arab identity, and resilience in a raw and deeply human exchange.

Rahma Zein is an Egyptian journalist with over a decade of experience in field reporting, media strategy, and public relations. She began her career as an investigative reporter for Egyptian TV and CBC, covering the Arab region during 2011 political changes in Egypt and Libya and interviewing key political figures. Currently Rahma works as a consultant for Tech for Palestine, an incubator for advocacy projects across the world.

In this conversation, we explore
→ Rahma’s upbringing in a family of journalists and political thinkers
→ The power of storytelling in shaping empathy and public understanding
→ Media propaganda, Western bias, and narratives around Palestine
→ Her experiences reporting during the Egyptian revolution and Arab Spring
→ The emotional toll of covering war, including at the Rafah border
→ The viral Clarissa Ward confrontation and its global impact
→ Identity, activism, and the role of solidarity in the fight for justice

Director: Dr. Ed Hasan | 2026