
Shahd Safi
Student / Volunteer Corps Coordinator, Bard College
2026
I am a Palestinian writer and journalist from Gaza, as well as an advocate for Arab culture and human rights. Since 2020, I have taught Arabic as a second language, initially with NaTakallam and more recently at Bard College. I nearly graduated from Al-Aqsa University in Gaza with a degree in English Literature and Education Methods before my studies were interrupted by the war. Through a full scholarship, Bard College enabled me to continue my education, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Human Rights and Written Arts with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies.
Since 2019, my work has been published in leading outlets including The Los Angeles Times, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Middle East Eye, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, Le Monde, Electronic Intifada, and Mondoweiss. My career is deeply rooted in civic engagement and community development. At Bard College, I serve as Volunteer Corps Coordinator at the Center for Civic Engagement and conduct research at the Center for Indigenous Studies. I also have been working as a Company Management Assistant for Fisher Center at Bard.
In 2024, after surviving the genocide in Gaza, I was invited by the Carter Center’s Human Rights Program to represent Gaza at the 13th Human Rights Defenders Forum. I have since continued to represent Gaza at major international conferences addressing imperialism, colonialism, and human rights, including events at Fordham Prep, the Friends Committee on National Legislation Annual Gathering 2024, and the University of São Paulo and many others.

The Summit was more than empty words – it made clear that a solution-driven approach is the only way to fight hate. That’s why the working group activities, which are results driven are going to be critical in defeating violent extremism. The Summit brought together the best minds in government, private sector, academia, and civil society. Being surrounded by these experts sparked new ideas – some of which I’ve already implemented or have written about.

