Spooked Podcast Episode Summary: "Duality" from Snap Judgment

Episode Title: Duality
Host: Glynn Washington
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Available On: All major podcast platforms
Creator: KQED and Snap Studios in partnership with PRX

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Duality," hosted by Glynn Washington, Spooked delves deep into the enigmatic world of reincarnation within the Druze community. This true-life supernatural story is narrated by Tamir Habakka, a 23-year-old man from the northern Israeli village of Yanukh, who believes he is the reincarnation of a fallen Druze soldier named Wafa. Throughout the episode, listeners are taken on a journey through Tamir's childhood experiences, the challenges of dual identities, and the profound emotional impacts on his life and family.

Early Supernatural Encounter

[04:14] Tamir Habakka:
Tamir recounts a pivotal childhood experience that set the stage for his lifelong connection to Wafa.

At five years old, Tamir attended a family wedding in the village of Yanu, a two-hour drive from his home. Reluctant to attend, he was “dragged by my mother” to the event. Feeling isolated and bullied by other children, Tamir broke into a fight, resulting in a head injury. After the altercation, he experienced severe dizziness and nausea, compelling him to leave the wedding alone.

[06:15] Tamir Habakka:
"I started sweating, like, this cold sweat. I started feeling like I was going to be sick as a kid. I was afraid of my mother and father."

Tamir describes an out-of-body experience where he felt detached and as if he were being guided by an unseen force. This led him to an old woman's house, where he introduced himself as her "mother," an unsettling encounter that culminated in him passing out.

Medical and Familial Aftermath

In the weeks following the wedding incident, Tamir suffered from mysterious fevers and a severe physical breakdown that lasted nearly a month. Despite extensive medical examinations, doctors were unable to determine the cause of his illness. His family and friends, however, interpreted these symptoms as signs of reincarnation, suggesting that an "old soul" had returned within Tamir's body.

[09:38] Tamir Habakka:
"Tamir didn't have a tumor. Doctors couldn't find a cause of his illness. It was his friends and family who diagnosed him."

Understanding Druze Reincarnation Beliefs

Tamir provides insight into the Druze faith, which centrally believes in the concept of reincarnation. According to Druze teachings, souls are reborn immediately after death, continuously inhabiting new bodies. However, not all reincarnated individuals retain memories of their past lives unless their previous death was traumatic.

[10:34] Tamir Habakka:
"When people die, they are born again. Like at the second that you close your eyes, you're gonna open them as a baby."

Interactions with Wafa's Family

Tamir's life became increasingly intertwined with Wafa's family, as they believed he was the reincarnation of Wafa, who had died while on reserve duty. From age five, Tamir visited Wafa's relatives, who treated him as their lost son. These interactions often led to emotional strain, as Tamir struggled to maintain his own identity while accommodating Wafa's family's grief and longing.

[12:01] Tamir Habakka:
"She wanted her husband back, she wanted someone to help her. She wanted someone to be there."

Tamir recounts the overwhelming emotions during these visits, including being forced to relive memories and scenarios that belonged to Wafa, making it difficult for him to assert his own individuality.

Adolescence: Coping and Control

As Tamir grew older, he sought ways to control the involuntary manifestations of Wafa's presence within him. Attempts included hypnosis, Ouija boards, and consulting spiritual guides. Despite these efforts, Tamir felt powerless, fearing a complete mental breakdown and loss of control to Wafa.

[22:39] Tamir Habakka:
"I'm afraid what's gonna happen. Like, maybe at a certain point, I'm gonna have a mental breakdown, and, I don't know, maybe he's gonna take control over everything."

In an effort to distance himself, Tamir adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, aligning his habits with what he perceived Wafa would prefer. These changes, however, only deepened the conflict between his own desires and the remnants of Wafa's influence.

Leaving Home: Seeking Independence

At seventeen, seeking to escape the constant tug-of-war between his identities, Tamir moved to Zurich, Switzerland. There, he embraced his individuality by getting tattoos and adopting a more alternative lifestyle. This period marked a brief respite from his supernatural struggles.

[25:35] Tamir Habakka:
"I came back with a beard and with tattoos everywhere."

Upon returning to Israel, Tamir's life took a positive turn when he met Lillian, a woman who brought stability and normalcy into his otherwise tumultuous existence. Their relationship marked the beginning of Tamir's attempt to reclaim his life from Wafa's shadow.

The Climactic Wedding

Tamir's past caught up with him when he and Lillian were invited to Wafa's daughter's wedding. This event forced Tamir to confront his dual identity publicly. Fearing the emotional turmoil it would cause, Lillian was hesitant to attend. Nonetheless, Tamir decided to go, determined to support Wafa's family while honoring his own life.

[28:45] Tamir Habakka:
"I told her, like, Wafa would want you to know that he's sorry he's not there, you know, And I told that to my daughter, too."

During the wedding, Tamir addressed the family, communicating Wafa's regrets and apologies to the groom and his father. This heartfelt interaction dissolved much of the family's grief, allowing for a moment of healing. However, the emotional toll on Tamir was profound, as he openly declared his desire to live as himself rather than as Wafa.

[27:21] Tamir Habakka:
"I want to have this chance of living. Give me a chance to live as Tamir, not as, you know, Wafa."

The ceremony culminated with a poignant photo session where Tamir and his wife were inadvertently featured alongside images of him and Wafa from the past. This visual representation symbolized the lasting impact of his dual existence and the complexity of moving forward.

Conclusion

"Duality" is a compelling exploration of identity, faith, and the supernatural. Through Tamir Habakka's personal narrative, the episode sheds light on the intricate beliefs of the Druze community regarding reincarnation and the profound effects such beliefs can have on an individual's life. Tamir's journey from a troubled child to a man seeking autonomy exemplifies the struggle between past inheritances and present realities.

Notable Quotes:

• Tamir Habakka at [04:14]:
  "I was feeling like I've been here before. It's like playing a video game and playing it again."

• Tamir at [22:39]:
  "I tried hypnosis and Ouija boards and, you know, a lot of spiritual guides and people and ways to communicate with spirits and everything else."

• Tamir at [27:21]:
  "I want to have this chance of living. Give me a chance to live as Tamir, not as, you know, Wafa."

Producer and Contributors

• Story By: Shayna Shealy
• Original Sound Design: Renzo Gorio
• Expert Contribution: Dr. Raja Saeed Faraj, Author of Reincarnation in the Druze Community

This episode of Spooked not only entertains but also provides a profound look into cultural beliefs and their impact on personal identity. Tamir's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of supernatural and emotional challenges.