Episode 83: Ghassan Shamieh - Attorney Partner at Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden
“It’s not us or them. This is humanity. Everybody wants to live in peace with their families and have basic human rights,” - Ghassan Shamieh, Attorney Partner at Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden.
In this episode of Real Talk, Grace speaks with Ghassan Shamieh, immigration attorney partner at Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden. The son of Palestinian immigrants, Ghassan was compelled to pursue a career in law after witnessing firsthand the systemic disparities in access to essential services confronting marginalized communities on a daily basis.
In this episode we’ll dive deeper into these key takeaways:
Never underestimate the power of showing up. Whether it’s calling your senator or simply listening as someone recounts their experiences, Ghassan explains how the simple act of showing up can impact real change on individual lives and within the legal framework of our nation.
Unity through advocacy. Amid ongoing tragedies in regions such as Palestine, Gaza and Ukraine, immigration attorneys nationwide are uniting to advocate for more robust laws and policies, facilitating safe passage and essential services into the United States.
Justice through reconciliation. Reflecting on his experiences in South Africa, Ghassan highlights the transformative power of restorative justice, wherein residents of Johannesburg spoke with their former oppressors to address the injustices inflicted upon themselves and their families. Through these profound exchanges, forgiveness and reconciliation were attained, fostering national unity and progression.
You are enough. So often individuals grapple with the belief that they must do more to aid those in need. Ghassan, drawing from his own experiences of maintaining physical and emotional well-being, underscores that success lies in striking a balance between professional commitments, familial responsibilities, and the pursuit of social change. A robust support network enables him to remain grounded and focused on manageable objectives each day.
If you’re looking to celebrate connection and community, tune in for this special episode.
With so much love & gratitude,
Grace 💋