I come from a city rich in history, so ancient it is even mentioned in the Bible—a place that has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations over millennia. This remarkable city is Jaffa, where, according to biblical tradition, the prophet Jonah set sail before being swallowed by the great fish. Jaffa’s port, with its storied past, has served as the gateway to countless journeys, both spiritual and historical, making it a symbol of resilience and transformation.

My family’s roots in Jaffa run deep, as Arab Greek Orthodox Christians who have been here since the time of Christ. Our ancestors helped sustain the city’s spiritual and cultural fabric, rebuilding churches and enriching the community. This legacy shapes my sense of belonging, defining who I am.

Education has always been a cornerstone of my family’s values. My parents, who did not have the opportunity to complete their schooling, believed that education was the only path to a better life. As the youngest of five, I have always looked up to my older siblings, who set a strong example by attending prestigious universities.

I attended an English immersion elementary school in Jaffa, celebrated for its diverse student body, which primarily draws from the city's large Arab population, including both Christians and Muslims, within the greater Tel Aviv area. After graduating, I went on to enroll in a prestigious public high school on the north side of the city, where the student body was predominantly Jewish.

For context, just a few generations ago, Jaffa was predominantly Arab. As the 20th century progressed, Tel Aviv emerged as a bustling urban center founded by Jewish immigrants in 1909, quickly growing to become a vibrant metropolis that overshadowed its historic neighbor. Today, fewer than 2% of Israel’s millions of Arabs live in Jaffa, making us a small minority navigating a parallel cultural experience. In my high school, each class of 30 to 40 students typically included only one or two Arab students, a reminder of the shifting demographics and the unique challenges we face in preserving our identity and heritage in a rapidly changing environment.

As a minority in school, I held firmly to my identity and roots, making it a point to share my history and culture with my classmates. However, standing my ground came with its challenges. While I generally got along well with my peers, there was an unmistakable limit to the depth of our friendships. Whether due to fear, distrust, or simple indifference, there was little curiosity about my lived experiences.

Upon completing my degree in Electrical Power Engineering, I embarked on my professional journey at an electrical engineering firm, where I currently lead a team of engineers specializing in infrastructure projects. Many of my colleagues are significantly older than I am and bring a rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, both similar to and distinct from my own. I approach this role with a blend of curiosity, respect, and expertise, striving to foster an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation. My goal is to build sustainable infrastructure solutions that will benefit future generations.

Eventually, I discovered the enriching experience of sailing and obtained my captain's license, which granted me the opportunity to venture out to sea and harness the wind while exploring the breathtaking coastline of the Mediterranean. The tranquility of the open water captivated me, fostering a profound love for the sea.

As my confidence grew, I began to sail farther afield, undertaking the exhilarating 24-hour journey to Cyprus and back. This particular expedition was transformative. Under a canopy of stars that illuminated the night sky, I experienced moments of sheer awe that deepened my appreciation for the art of sailing. I came to understand that the divisions of religion, politics, and race—often so pronounced on land—seemed to dissolve in the vastness of the ocean. The sense of freedom I encountered while sailing became a cherished aspect of my life, as each journey not only represented a passage across the water but also an exploration of the boundless possibilities that life offers.