Ahmed Sulaiman is a language teacher, entrepreneur, and one of the kindest, most generous people I know. We first met nine years ago when I moved to Nablus in the West Bank to volunteer as an English teacher and study Arabic. What started as a professional connection quickly became a friendship that has remained across distance, years, and the ever-changing reality of life in Palestine.

In this episode, Ahmed and I reflect on our shared memories of Nablus and the ways the city has changed over the past decade, from the tightening of checkpoints to increased water restrictions, growing economic challenges, and daily life under occupation. We also talk about what hasn't changed: the warmth of the people, the power of community, and the deep connection to food, land, and culture. Ahmed shares the story of Tabouli Language School, the new business he and his wife, Bianca, have built together, offering online Arabic lessons, Palestinian cooking classes, and language cafés that bring people together across borders.

This conversation is about friendship, resistance, and building joy in the face of difficulty. It's a love letter to Palestine, its food, its people, its mountains and stories, and a reminder of how deeply we're shaped by the communities we become part of.
You can check out Tabbouleh Language school here.

Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute

Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: [email protected]

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Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/