In this episode of the podcast “Face to Face,” Afaf hosts maritime strategy and policy researcher and Director of the Jisr al-Zarqa Heritage Center, Sami Al Ali, for a conversation about the sea, identity, community work, and the future of Jisr al-Zarqa.

Sami shares his journey from childhood as the son of a family of fishermen, and how the sea shaped his identity and his outlook on life. He speaks about his efforts to defend fishermen’s rights and revive the relationship between the community and the sea.

He also discusses the “Hasakah” initiative, which uses water sports and maritime activities to empower young people and build a more confident generation with a stronger sense of belonging.