Episode Summary: Speakers of Truth to Power: Razan
Podcast Title: The Power of Balance
Host: Stephen Barden
Episode: Speakers of Truth to Power: Razan
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Power of Balance, host Stephen Barden engages in an insightful conversation with Razan, a young Palestinian-origin student residing in Stavanger, Norway. The episode delves deep into Razan's personal journey, her challenges as a refugee, and her impactful activism advocating for Palestinian rights within an academic setting.
Razan's Background and Early Life
Razan shares her poignant backstory, highlighting her family's refugee roots and their settlement in Norway. Born outside of Norway, Razan moved to the small village of Studern, Trøndelag, at the age of ten when her parents, also refugees, sought asylum from Palestine.
Razan [04:04]: "I was actually born outside of Norway, but I came here when I was a child. My parents came to Norway as refugees..."
Adjusting to a new culture and language posed significant challenges. As the sole brown girl in a village of 6,000, Razan faced isolation and bullying during her elementary years. Her determination led her to master Norwegian fluently within six months, a testament to her resilience.
Razan [06:16]: "I always like to be controlling everyone. Not in a bad or negative way. But the language is actually, it's a barrier."
Despite her linguistic success, forming friendships proved difficult initially, especially given her conservative Muslim background, which often conflicted with the prevailing Norwegian cultural norms.
Family and Personal Struggles
Razan discusses her close-knit family, mentioning her three younger sisters and the profound impact of her father's untimely death due to cancer at the age of 50.
Razan [12:20]: "My dad was pretty young. He was exactly 50 years. It was very unexpected..."
The loss deeply affected her, yet she maintains her strength and continues her pursuits with the support of her mother and sisters.
Embracing Activism: Speaking Truth to Power
2024 was a tumultuous year for Razan, marked by personal loss and heightened activism. The escalating genocide in Gaza propelled her to establish a student organization, Students for Palestine, aiming to demand the Norwegian University of Stavanger sever ties with Israeli institutions.
Razan [21:22]: "We started Students for Palestine... We wanted the university to cut all ties with Israeli institutions."
Despite limited initial resources, Razan and her team initiated a student encampment on campus. Their perseverance was rewarded when community members generously donated tents and supplies, enabling them to establish a four-week encampment.
Razan [25:06]: "We initiated it with zero funds... A woman and her husband donated tents and sleeping bags."
Confronting University Administration
The encampment initially garnered minimal attention from the university, with only informational articles acknowledging their presence. However, as the weeks progressed, university decision-makers, including the rector, engaged with the activists.
During a pivotal board meeting, Razan and her fellow activists presented their demands unequivocally, pushing for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions.
Razan [40:24]: "We demanded full academic boycott... We had three clear demands."
Although the university reformulated their demands, reframing them as a call to "cut all ties" rather than an outright boycott, Razan views it as a partial victory. The compromise led to ongoing discussions and demonstrations, emphasizing the complexity of institutional change.
Motivations and Philosophy
Razan articulates her unwavering commitment to activism, rooted in her personal values and inspired by her late father's support. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice, guided by a principle she inherited:
Razan [42:43]: "...if you see an evil, change it with your hands, and if you cannot, change it with your tongue..."
Her approach underscores the significance of resilience, moral integrity, and the relentless pursuit of justice, even in the face of institutional resistance.
Conclusion and Insights
Razan's narrative is a powerful testament to the impact of determined activism and the quest for balance in power dynamics. Her experiences shed light on the challenges faced by refugees and the younger generation in reconciling their heritage with their new environments. The episode encapsulates the essence of The Power of Balance—highlighting how true leadership thrives on equilibrium and the courage to challenge the status quo.
Razan [43:40]: "In a world saturated with disinformation and propaganda, it's very crucial that we speak up."
Her story serves as an inspiration for current and future leaders to foster inclusive environments that respect and integrate diverse perspectives, ultimately leading to more balanced and ethical decision-making processes.
Notable Quotes
- Razan [06:16]: "I always like to be controlling everyone. Not in a bad or negative way."
- Razan [21:22]: "We started Students for Palestine... We wanted the university to cut all ties with Israeli institutions."
- Razan [42:43]: "...if you see an evil, change it with your hands, and if you cannot, change it with your tongue..."
- Razan [43:40]: "In a world saturated with disinformation and propaganda, it's very crucial that we speak up."
Final Thoughts
Razan's journey from a solitary refugee child to a determined student activist embodies the podcast's theme of balanced leadership. Her ability to "speak truth to power" without aggression, yet with unwavering determination, offers valuable lessons for leaders aiming to advocate for meaningful change within their organizations and beyond.
For listeners seeking inspiration on effective leadership and the power of balanced activism, this episode provides a nuanced and heartfelt exploration of these themes through Razan's remarkable story.
Host Note: If you have any comments or suggestions on future guests for the Speaking Truth to Power series, feel free to reach out through our preferred contact channels.
This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided, capturing the essence and key moments of the episode to ensure a comprehensive understanding for those who haven't listened.