Episode 28: Le Souk

We speak with Jumana Jaber, who in 2013, packed up her family, locked up her house, handed a neighbor the key ... and became one of the millions of families to escape Syria.  In Damascus, the Syrian capital, Jumana taught art and theater design but thanks to the Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund, Jumana found work taking her talent to Montclair State University. 

Just over a year ago, she opened the doors to Watchung Plaza's Le Souk which in the middle east is an outdoor marketplace.  There Jumana invites guests to gather, sip some tea and enjoy bites of authentic middle eastern treats, just like they would in her home city.  She also fills the shop with beautiful imported gifts from Syria, Turkey and Morocco. She hopes after listening, you just drop by to say "Good morning, Jumana."