Isabella Hammad, an author renowned for her exploration of narratives and their political implications, discusses her transformative speech, "Recognizing the Stranger." She delves into the complex intersections of aesthetics and ethics within storytelling, particularly concerning Palestinian experiences. Hammad reflects on her personal turning point and the urgency of literature in articulating collective struggles. The conversation also addresses the emotional weight of conflict, the necessity for empathy, and the role of writers in fostering understanding amidst systemic injustice.