My 2025 Reading List (aka: Books That Rewired My Brain)
2025 was a “multiple tabs open” kind of year. This reading stack is the stuff that kept me grounded, suspicious of hustle-culture, allergic to propaganda, and still soft enough to believe humans can be better than the systems we’re trapped in. The image says it all: me in a bookstore-library maze, sitting at a piano, surrounded by stories and ideas like they’re sheet music. That’s basically my whole philosophy in one frame. Reading is how I tune my mind back to the right key—especially when the world is loud, cruel, and trying to sell you distraction as destiny. Below is my 2025 list based on the covers in the collage—what each book gave me, and why it mattered.
The 10 Best Films I Watched in 2025 (Out of 70)
I watched 70 films in 2025. These 10 hit the hardest—some like a gut-punch, some like a mirror, and a few like a chaotic little group chat that accidentally tells the truth. I’m not ranking these by “objective greatness” because I’m not a robot (and even robots have Letterboxd opinions now). This is about impact: ...
Thursday: Organize to Win: JVP Action Hanukkah Virtual Fundraiser w/Naomi Klein, Rashida Tlaib, Delia Ramirez, others
THURS DEC 18 • 8pm EST Join JVPA (Jewish Voice for Peace Action) Thursday, December 18 at 8pm ET for Organize to Win: A JVP Action Hanukkah Fundraiser Together, we'll gather on the 5th night of Hanukkah to hear from movement leaders, progressive policy champions, and organizers about JVP Action's critical work to end U.S. ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2026” Annual Priorities Publication Targets Ranked C hoice Voting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2025 Contact: press Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2026” Annual Priorities Publication Targets Ranked Choice Voting The Heritage Foundation has pledged to oppose Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in its annual priorities publication. Dubbed “Project 2026” by critics, the publication champions anti-voter positions beyond a nationwide ban on Ranked Choice Voting, including making ...
Stopping Genocide — An Urgent Briefing & Action Hour
On September 22, 2025, organizers from the Illinois Green Party (ILGP) and the Arab & Muslim American Green Party Caucus (NAMA) went live on YouTube to demo a simple idea with big consequences: if Greens want to scale campaigns and committees without burning out, get off the hamster wheel of scattered chats and run the work in Basecamp. In a one-hour Q&A hosted by Dearborn Blog, Eyde Arndell (ILGP) and Wissam Charafeddine (NAMA) showed, click-by-click, how message boards, task lists, check-ins, and “Hill Charts” make transparency normal and chaos optional. Watch the full session on @DearbornBlog and grab the starter links at ilgp.org and linktr.ee/dearborngreens.
TOMORROW: Lobby Day for Gaza Resolution
SIGN UP TO LOBBY In Lansing for the Gaza Solidarity Resolution or help from home We’re at a critical moment. The Michigan Gaza House Resolution is ready to move. But it will only gain traction if every state representative feels the pressure from their constituents. Here’s everything you need to act now and help move ...
Friday: Never Again for Anyone Conference Against Apartheid, Genocide; Gaza Resolution Update/Lobby Day
Friends of Sabeel North America-Michigan Presents: Never Again for Anyone: Mobilizing an Interfaith Movement Against Apartheid, Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide in Palestine Friday, Nov 7 • 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM EST Note: The address of the conference, which will be in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be sent to you uponregistration. Use QR code above ...
Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 5: Sexual Freedom — A Conservative Case for Liberty With Guardrails
Everyone has the right of freedom of choice and expression in their sexual orientation, and the only limitation of law should be related to securing the consent of adults within the sexual relationship and preventing rationally considerable harm related to it. Let me start where many of my friends in Livonia start: with a healthy ...
Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 4 Freedom of Religion: Defending not only the dignity of the believer—but the humanity of the doubter
.FridayMusings is pleased to provide our readers with Article 4 – Freedom of Religion from the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam Charafeddine, a Livonia author and lecturer. This article is particularly important with its discussion of defending the dignity of the believer–but the humanity of the doubter.Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience ...
Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 3 – Freedom of Expression and Assembly
“Every human being has the right for freedom of expression without transgression on the rights of others. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”From the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam Charafeddine These freedoms have deep historical roots. From Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire to the American ...
Article 2 – The Principle of Equality
From the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam CharafeddineThroughout history, humanity’s understanding of equality has been shaped by both struggle and revelation. While ancient societies often accepted hierarchy as natural, the idea that all human beings are equal began to take root during the Axial Age, around 800–200 BCE, when spiritual and philosophical traditions ...
Michiganders, share your health insurance rate increase letter with me.
The Trump Administration has created a health care crisis, with every single Michigander either losing their health care or paying more than they already have. Starting this month, individuals will start receiving letters from their insurance providers about how much their 2026 plans will cost. So, I'm asking Michiganders to share your health insurance rate ...
Detroit Amnesty: Monthly Vigil for Guantanamo
Dear members and supporters of Detroit Amnesty, As we do every month, we'll meet in front of the Detroit Federal Building on Wednesday in solidarity with groups in other parts of the world. We do this vigil so that we don't forget the people illegally detained in Guantanamo; we continue to hope for their fair ...
TODAY: ZACHARY FOSTER: ZIONISM—Myths, Histories & Realities During Times of Horror, 9/26; Protest at Eastern M arket Sat.
RSVP for addresses and more info: zacharyonzionism.eventbrite.com JVP Detroit invites you to two presentation with Dr. Zachary Foster 1 pm: Ann Arbor at a location near central campus at the Friends Meeting House at 1420 Hill St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, and 8 pm: Ferndale at Congregation T’Chiyah with accessible, safe, free parking VERY LIMITED ...
The Israeli Threat to America
The Israeli Threat to Americahttps://mearsheimer.substack.com/p/the-israeli-threat-to-america John J. Mearsheimer Sep 19 On 18 September 2025, I talked with Judge Napolitano on his show — “Judging Freedom” — about the impact Israel and its supporters are having on the United States, not just on the foreign policy front, but on the home front as well. We agreed ...
ZACHARY FOSTER: ZIONISM—Myths, Histories & Realities During Times of Horror, 9/26
ZACHARY FOSTER: ZIONISM Myths, Histories & Realities During Times of Horror RSVP for addresses and more info: zacharyonzionism.eventbrite.com JVP Detroit invites you to two presentation with Dr. Zachary Foster 1 pm: Ann Arbor at a location near central campus and 8 pm: Ferndale with accessible, safe, free parking Both events include refreshments and are free ...
From Doha to the UN: Turning Israel’s Terror Into Global Action
Funeral in Doha for 5 people killed in September 10 Israeli strike. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ...
Urgent Next Steps Be the Lifeline for Palestine
Be the Lifeline for Palestine 🇵🇸✨ Dear Friends, With heartfelt gratitude, we thank you and the over 3,200 people worldwide who joined the Lifeline for Palestine campaign this week. Your voices and solidarity are the foundation of this movement. We also thank the webinar speakers for delivering their compelling calls to action. Please join us ...
Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki
This August marks the 80th anniversary of one of the darkest times in human history – the United States initiated the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by another atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9th. Photo of the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 In Hiroshima, it’s estimated ...
Stop Starving Gaza! 🚨 Picnic for Palestine TOMORROW 7/26
CALL YOUR REPS TODAY: STOP STARVING GAZA! Palestinians in Gaza are being starved to death and risking their lives to collect what meager rations Israel allows into Gaza. Dozens of Palestinians, the vast majority of them children, have died of starvation since the beginning of the genocide. But now, Israel’s campaign of mass starvation has ...
Gaza: Doctors Under Attack Screening with Palestine Museum
Join us for a special screening of "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack". Dear Wissam, We’re pleased to invite you to a special virtual screening of the powerful documentary “Gaza: Doctors Under Attack,” hosted in collaboration with Palestine Museum (Scotland). 📽️ Film Screening: "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack" 🗓️ Date: Saturday, July 19 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM US ...
War criminals with Peace Prizes?Netanyahu nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
https://youtu.be/lltJaV79it8?si=O5vrzlz1PDEMGjAm 🕊️ War criminals with Peace Prizes?Netanyahu nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — while Gaza burns, mercenaries kill the hungry, and history repeats.This isn’t irony.It’s tradition.#NobelPeacePrize #GenocideInGaza #Trump2024 #Netanyahu #GazaGenocide #WarCriminals #Palestine #StopTheWar #HumanRights #DarkHistory #ExposeTheTruth #TikTokNews #SatireWithTruth
Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 1: Freedom
Written and shared with Musings readers by Livonia resident and author Wissam CharafeddineAs an Arab American activist, author, and educator dedicated to the values of human dignity, justice, and enlightenment, I have long been fascinated by the evolution of human rights across civilizations. Our modern understanding of freedom, equality, and human dignity did not arise ...
9 French Films Premiering at Cannes 2025
Source: https://frenchly.us/french-films-premiering-at-cannes-2025/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=What+You+Missed+at+Cannes+2025&utm_medium=email The Cannes Film Festival, the premium showcase for world cinema in general and for French cinema in particular, is just wrapping up on La Croisette. Here is a rundown of nine French films that premiered in various programs at this year’s festival. The Great Arch (L’Inconnu de la Grande Arche) The Great Arch ...
When the Lesser Evil Becomes the Greatest Betrayal: Why I Cannot Vote for a “Less Bloody” Killer— By Wissam Charafeddine
“If someone must be killed, let it be the one whose death causes the least harm.”This is how the logic of the “lesser evil” simplifies moral dilemmas in times of crisis.But what if all options are evil?What if this logic becomes a tool to normalize genocide and political corruption? One of the most famous philosophical ...
عندما يصبح الشرّ الأصغر أكبر خيانة: لماذا لا يمكنني التصويت لقاتل “أقل دموية” ـ بقلم وسام شرف الدين
إذا كان لا بد من قتل أحد، فليكن القتل الأقل ضررًا، هكذا يختصر منطق "الشر الأقل" أزمة الخيارات الأخلاقية في زمن الأزمات. لكن ماذا لو كانت كل الخيارات شريرة؟ وماذا لو أصبح استخدام هذا المنطق أداة لتطبيع الإبادة الجماعية والفساد السياسي؟ من أشهر الأمثلة الفلسفية على المعضلات الأخلاقية ما يُعرف بـ"مأزق القطار" : قطار منفلت ...
Arab and Muslim American Green Party Caucus Condemns the Arrest of Dr. Jill Stein and Demands All Charges Be Dropped
https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdxHQhuHc7/?img_index=1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 20, 2025 Arab and Muslim American Green Party Caucus Condemns the Arrest of Dr. Jill Stein and Demands All Charges Be Dropped The Arab and Muslim American Green Party Caucus unequivocally condemns the unjust arrest and politically motivated charges against Green Party Presidential Candidate, Dr. Jill Stein. We demand the immediate ...
Arab & Muslim American Green Party Caucus launches
Arab & Muslim American Green Party Caucus launches Join the movement:Linktr.ee/dearborngreens In Arabic: https://youtu.be/vhvoQ9VQmQI?si=qOQnQw4Nd32u_OcC In English: https://youtu.be/IjVX0v129cY?si=UjOriafmKb-Lt2ik
My Top 10 Reads for 2024
This year, Wissam Charafeddine explored a diverse range of books that broadened his understanding of history, humanity, and innovation. Here are his top 10 picks for 2024, complete with a synopsis of each book, its author, a memorable quote, and resources for readers. 1. War Against the People by Jeff Halper Synopsis of the Book: ...
Top 10 Films for Wissam Charafeddine in 2024
This year has been an incredible journey through cinema. From thought-provoking dramas to uplifting tales, these are my top 10 favorite movies of 2024. For each film, I’ve included the IMDb score and a YouTube trailer to give you a taste of their brilliance. Here are the top 10 movies I watched in 2024, complete ...
Invitation to a January 29, 2025 Online Event on Thomas Paine’s Brithday
Thomas Paine’s birth was officially recorded in Thetford, Norfolk, England as January 29, 1737. While the Gregorian calendar we use today changes his birthdate to February 9, 1737, the Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA) is a “historical documentation purists” organization. TPMA, Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science ...
Top 30 Films for Wissam Charafeddine
Welcome to Wissam Charafeddine’s curated list of top 30 films! This selection features a diverse range of cinematic masterpieces from around the globe, spanning different genres, themes, and eras. Each entry includes an IMDb rating, a brief overview, the country of origin, the year it was made, and a YouTube trailer link. 1. The Hunt ...
To Watch This Weekend: 🎦French Comedy’s Cinema Evolution
French Comedy: Shifts in Humor and Culture Through Cinematography French cinema has a long-standing tradition of using comedy not just to entertain but furthermore, to offer social commentary. Over the years, this genre has evolved, adapting to societal changes while maintaining its ability to reflect and critique the world that informs and inspires it. The ...
Culture and Arts: The Lebanese National Theater Nominated for the ICCROM-Sharjah Award
The ICCROM-Sharjah Regional Center (the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) has announced the shortlist for the 4th edition of the ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practices in Cultural Heritage Conservation in the Arab Region (2023-2024). The shortlist includes 18 outstanding projects from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, ...
Film Screening ‘Israelism’ w/panel from Palestine, Israel, US (Nov 21-26)
Save the dates: Nov 21-26 See film ‘Israelism’ and meet Simone Zimmerman (protagonist in the film/co-founder of IfNotNow) with Rotem & Osama from Salt of the Earth, activists from Israel & PalestineFree Tickets are available on JewishVoicesinDetroit.eventbrite.com Screen the Film ‘Israelism’ & Panel with Simone, Osama & Rotem RSVP: JewishVoicesinDetroit.eventbrite.com Join Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit, ...
Dearborn Greens Post-Election Meet up, Sunday 7pm
Dear Green Team, Dearborn was the epicenter of the Stein campaign and it was great working with the Dearborn Greens. They're hosting a post-election gathering tomorrow 7pm It'll be a chance to discuss the election and the plans going forward. I'm going! Who else wants to join me? Also, last week's discussion with 2024 Green ...
Sat & Sun: Special Events w/Dr. Alice Rothchild: Gaza & Beyond
Save the dates: Nov 21-24 See film ‘Israelism’ and meet Simone Zimmerman (protagonist in the film/co-founder of IfNotNow) with Rotem & Osama from Salt of the Earth, activists from Israel & Palestine Tickets will be posted on JewishVoicesinDetroit.eventbrite.com Join human rights activist, author, filmmaker Dr. Alice Rothchild for conversation, book signing and refreshments. RSVP: JewishVoicesinDetroit.eventbrite.com ...
Events for Palestine, speakers, films, Dr. Alice Rothchild: Gaza & Beyond
Scroll down to read about events TODAY Join human rights activist, author, filmmaker Dr. Alice Rothchild for conversation, book signing and refreshments. RSVP: JewishVoicesinDetroit.eventbrite.com Topics may include: Destruction of Healthcare & Human Rights in Gaza, Physical & Psychological Trauma to Children & Families, Teaching Our Children about Palestine, Ending the Genocide, and more. SATURDAY, November ...
Post-Zoom Email! Not Another Hospital Campaign
Thank you for attending the start of the Not Another Hospital Campaign!We must take action ASAP to stand up and defend healthcare while condemning genocide. Please organize a press conference and vigil at your local hospital, and invite all your colleagues. Here are some resources to help you set up press conferences at your respective ...
الخيار الوحيد في انتخابات الرئاسة الأمريكية 2024 للعرب الأمريكان ـ وسام شرف الدين
مع أن استشراء الفساد في النظام الديمقراطي في الولايات المتحدة ليس مسؤولية الناخب أو المواطن الأميركي، إلا أن هذا الواقع يدفع عموم الأمة الأميركية إلى التنازل عن مصالحها وخياراتها ودورها في تشكيل الحكومة، من دون أن يبدل ذلك من حقيقة أن الحزبين الحاكمين هما المسؤولان عن هذا الحال المرير، وسوف يدفعان عاجلاً أم آجلاً ثمن ...
W Community News – The Whole World Is In Dearborn
The Whole World Is In Dearborn View this email in your browser Community News I Would Like to Share Hello Friends, It seems that the whole world is in Dearborn for the next two weeks. The district we live in is one of 21 districts that will determine the outcome of the US Elections in ...
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 12: بين الأدلجة والفكر النقدي
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdEouT_ezYQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Sux244YRA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j32nky_rFm0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ingiifTEg4U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTlQTbNPhik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L74qjzOsq0E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYwyA1AIxqw Join & Follow Livonia Salon
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 11: تحفيز الوعي والفكر الحر في المجتمع
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1b_v5lwSGE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2c9U3R9Kso https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpZKZw6-H_Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUl1rT-rSI4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmkJrypS6ao https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ7e0HuJd14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJHpms_WqnE Join & Follow Livonia Salon
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 10: ولادة الصحوة من المعاناة
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBIWlVMZ9dU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMCggzN96s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHqA0uAkGmk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RiIAPGr7mE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICWBFPSJPoY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_49YlItcIDg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWf4kNVhYc4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPfXCBxzQjc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTHPL4nshSw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrzXUPt_25E Join & Follow Livonia Salon
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 9: المثقف والمجتمع
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4NZsh5fM6M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgN8_KgncV4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR4mSskQrIo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd9qyOZDeao https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B6LgHEPDWw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ag8edtmGPU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PISlZS4xt2Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OJvFa7tG1I Join & Follow Livonia Salon
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 8: الهجرة والتنوير
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk4g2XFCtHM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8kgnI8lN34 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPU1TPdI3IE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnri-Pq3oqc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay8holasMjM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxWnedVrxEc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkIY2EVM02g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPmKOkaj11U Join & Follow Livonia Salon
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 7: نظرية المعرفة والذكاء الاصطناعي
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8piWcSZqj4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9C2bXzkqqg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j7UAoIOnII https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA3AArXoeLM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC9YcEtcykE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5mJ7rUAJj8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KH21cD7wQQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtJPimIalEo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq5lesPwvrI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpxb37X0wVA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUZY-5Q1rpo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n07m5xyumjw Join & Follow Livonia Salon
الصالون الثقافي في ليفونيا 6: الفن بين الأصالة والحداثة
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMmlittQXHM https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LLJC8BYNsS0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHjxrrIUMio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzfkTevVmiQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzguP1R8A-8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKCX-ZU714A https://www.tiktok.com/@wissamcofficial/video/7256922301193801006 https://www.tiktok.com/@wissamcofficial/video/7257929627736378670 Follow on Facebook https://www.tiktok.com/tag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8A_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%88%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A7
Green Party Condemns Reinstatement of Draft, Demands Repeal of Authorization of Use of Military Force
Green Party Condemns Reinstatement of Draft, Demands Repeal of Authorization of Use of Military Force Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org For Immediate Release: June 20, 2024 Contact: Gregg Jocoy, Co-chair, Media Committee, media, 202-804-2758 Gloria Mattera, Co-chair, Media Committee, media, 202-804-2758 WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 15, 2024) - The U.S. Green Party condemns the ...
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