Looking for a sense of home

As a Palestinian by origin, Syrian by birth and upbringing, and (since six years) Dutch by nationality, I have been wrestling with questions and feelings about identity and belonging for years. And in these turbulent times in the world, they are more relevant than ever.

Questions of our time

Reports recently reached us about Syria's liberation from the Assad regime. Some Dutch politicians deny the existence of the Palestinian people, while the war in Gaza continues. We also see increasing polarisation and growing discrimination. All this prompted me to dive deeper into these issues.

Questions such as: what does home mean? When do you call a place home? Is an ID card or a passport enough to feel at home somewhere? What if your memories and sense of belonging stem from a place where you are not a citizen? And what if you live in a country whose citizenship you have, but in which you are also rejected?

Looking together

These are not fleeting, passing thoughts. They are part of the daily reality of many, including myself. That's why I created the documentary podcast ‘In search of a sense of home’, in which I share my personal experiences. I explore these in conversation with sisters Farah (19) and Marah (18), who came to the Netherlands alone three years ago.

I invite you to listen to my conversations with Farah and Marah and join us in searching for answers to these questions.

Listen to the podcast ‘Looking for a sense of home’ on NPO Radio 1.

Photo at top: Maria Bodrug