- 1 day ago
Category
🎵
MusicTranscript
00:00New York City had its usual morning rhythm.
00:03Honking taxis, the rumbling subway beneath the streets,
00:07the smell of fresh bagels drifting from corner shops,
00:10and the constant rush of people trying to reach work on time.
00:14The city never slept, but it also never stopped surprising its people.
00:20Today, however, something truly unexpected was circulating through media offices.
00:26Judge Judy is giving a special interview today,
00:30producers, journalists, and bloggers were buzzing with curiosity.
00:35Judge Judith Scheindlin, famously sharp-tongued, famously straightforward,
00:40famously intimidating, did not usually give special interviews.
00:45Her public persona was carved out of decades of courtroom grit.
00:50But this interview was for a podcast known as Voices of Harmony,
00:54a platform dedicated to interfaith dialogue, cultural understanding,
00:59breaking stereotypes, showcasing unheard voices.
01:04Why would Judge Judy, a figure known more for stern judgments than soft discussions,
01:09choose this platform?
01:12Juniper Fields, the podcast's producer, stood in the sound studio giving instructions.
01:17Everyone, listen up, she said.
01:20Today is important.
01:22Judge Judy reached out herself.
01:24She said she wants to talk about misunderstanding,
01:27especially surrounding Muslims.
01:30The team froze.
01:32Even Mark, the senior editor who hardly reacted to anything, raised an eyebrow.
01:38Judge Judy talking about religion?
01:40And that, too, Islam.
01:42That's unexpected.
01:45Juniper nodded.
01:47Exactly.
01:48That's why it matters.
01:50Judge Judy sat in the green room, reading over a few notes her assistant had prepared.
01:55Her glasses sat low on her nose.
01:57She looked every bit like the strict judge Americans watched for years.
02:01Sharp gaze, unshakable posture.
02:03But something about her was different today.
02:07Her granddaughter, Emma, sat beside her.
02:10Emma was a sociology student, deeply interested in cultures and religions.
02:14She had been volunteering at a cultural center in Queens for months.
02:18Emma, Grandma, are you sure you want to do this?
02:22People might misinterpret.
02:25Judy looked at her slowly, smiling just slightly.
02:29Emma, I'm 82 years old.
02:31I've spent my whole life speaking my mind.
02:34But I've also spent it dealing with people.
02:36Real people.
02:38Different backgrounds.
02:39Different beliefs.
02:41She paused.
02:42I've seen so much ugliness come from ignorance.
02:45So much fear.
02:47And too many times, Muslims have been painted unfairly.
02:51I want to say something different today.
02:54Emma leaned back, surprised yet proud.
02:57I think people need to hear this from someone like you.
02:59Judy nodded.
03:02Her strong fingers tapped the folder gently.
03:04Then let's give them something worth listening to.
03:07The studio lights flickered on.
03:09The soundboard operator signaled.
03:12Juniper stepped forward.
03:13Judge Judy, whenever you're ready.
03:16Judy took a breath and faced the microphone.
03:19The host, Malik Henderson, a calm, articulate African-American journalist known for his gentle
03:24interviewing style, smiled warmly.
03:27It's an honor to have you here, Judge Judy.
03:30Thank you, Malik.
03:31After a few warm-up questions about her career, Malik leaned forward.
03:36Judge Judy, you said you wanted today's discussion to focus on Muslims.
03:42May I ask why?
03:43There was a tense silence.
03:47Judy adjusted her glasses, looked straight into the camera, and said,
03:52Because I think a lot of Americans misunderstand Muslims, and I think it's time someone like me,
03:58someone they've watched for years, tells them the truth.
04:02Malik blinked, stunned that she was being so direct.
04:06And what truth is that?
04:09He asked.
04:11Judy's voice didn't tremble.
04:14It didn't soften.
04:16It simply became honest.
04:19That Muslims are some of the most family-oriented, respectful, community-driven people I've ever met.
04:27And fear has blinded too many people from seeing that.
04:31The studio froze.
04:34Even the camera operator forgot to blink.
04:37Malik leaned in.
04:39That's not a perspective many hear often.
04:42Have you had personal experiences?
04:45Judge Judy smiled for the first time.
04:48Yes, and I've never shared this publicly.
04:52She sat up straighter.
04:54A few years ago, I had a case involving a young Muslim woman.
04:59She wore a hijab.
05:01She was soft-spoken, very respectful.
05:04Her issue wasn't serious, just a small dispute.
05:08But what struck me wasn't the case.
05:11It was her parents waiting outside the court.
05:15Judy continued.
05:16They stood the entire time while she was inside.
05:20Her father kept praying quietly.
05:23Her mother kept whispering encouragement.
05:25When they saw their daughter come out, they both hugged her as if she had returned from war.
05:32Judy paused.
05:34Her voice softened.
05:36In all my decades on the bench, I have rarely seen such raw love and respect within a family.
05:44Malik nodded deeply.
05:46And that changed something for you?
05:48It reminded me, Judy said, that we judge too quickly.
05:54We paint entire communities using the brush of fear.
05:58She tilted her head.
06:01Muslims are not new to America.
06:03They've been part of this country for centuries.
06:06Teachers, doctors, business owners, soldiers.
06:10But people only focus on a few headlines.
06:15Judy then shared another story.
06:17One morning, I took a cab.
06:20Yes, sometimes I still take cabs.
06:23Because my car was stuck in a snowstorm.
06:26The driver was a middle-aged Muslim man.
06:29His name was Samir.
06:31She chuckled.
06:32He recognized me immediately.
06:35But instead of talking about my show, he asked me a question.
06:40Judge, do you think people will ever stop being afraid of us?
06:45She paused dramatically.
06:46That question hit me harder than any case I ever judged.
06:52The studio fell silent.
06:55I asked him why he felt that way.
06:58And he told me.
07:00His children were bullied in school.
07:02His wife avoided shopping malls alone.
07:05And himself was called names while simply doing his job.
07:09Judy looked directly at the camera.
07:11That taxi ride lasted 35 minutes.
07:15But the guilt, I felt, has lasted years.
07:19Malik smiled.
07:21Your granddaughter, Emma, also works closely with Muslim communities, right?
07:27Judy's eyes softened again.
07:29Yes, she's the reason I'm here today.
07:32Emma waved shyly from behind the camera.
07:35Judy continued.
07:36When Emma started volunteering at a cultural center in Queens, she would come home every day with stories.
07:43Stories of kindness.
07:45Stories of hospitality.
07:47Stories of resilience.
07:49One day, Emma had met an elderly Muslim woman who had fled war and rebuilt her life from scratch.
07:56She gifted Emma a handmade scarf and told her,
08:00You are like my own granddaughter now.
08:03Judy took a breath.
08:04I watched my granddaughter grow through these experiences.
08:08And I realized I was growing too.
08:12Malik leaned back.
08:13Judge Judy, what do you think the biggest misunderstanding is?
08:17She answered without hesitation.
08:20That Muslims are somehow different.
08:22They're not.
08:23They want what every family wants.
08:26Peace, safety, respect, opportunity.
08:29She raised a finger the same way she used to in the courtroom.
08:32And anyone who thinks otherwise hasn't met enough Muslims.
08:37Malik laughed lightly, but respectfully.
08:40Judy added,
08:42I've lived long enough to know that ignorance is the easiest road.
08:46Understanding requires effort.
08:49While the interview was still ongoing, the studio team noticed comments flooding the livestream chat.
08:56Wow, didn't expect this from Judge Judy.
08:59Respect.
09:00She's right.
09:01We judge too quickly.
09:02As a Muslim, this means a lot.
09:05I'm crying right now.
09:06She's bridging gaps.
09:09Juniper's eyes widened as she watched thousands of viewers typing.
09:13This is going viral, she whispered.
09:15And she was right.
09:17Something genuine was happening.
09:20A shift.
09:21A conversation.
09:22A moment of understanding the kind that doesn't happen every day.
09:26Judy shared another story.
09:28This one personal.
09:29I was in Florida once, visiting a friend.
09:33She wasn't feeling well, so I drove her to an urgent care clinic.
09:38The nurse who checked us in was a Muslim woman.
09:41Hijab, warm smile, gentle voice.
09:44Judy looked nostalgic for a moment.
09:46She treated my friend like family, not because we were important, not because she recognized me, but because caring for people was in her nature.
09:57Malik nodded.
09:58Malik nodded.
09:59And after that?
10:00I asked her where she was from, Judy replied.
10:03She said she was born in Michigan.
10:06Her parents immigrated decades ago.
10:08She paused.
10:10That's when it hit me.
10:12Most Muslims in America are just Americans.
10:15Ordinary people.
10:17Trying to live their lives.
10:19Malik looked intrigued.
10:20I heard you once attended a community event in Queens.
10:25Is that true?
10:26Judy chuckled softly.
10:28Oh, yes.
10:29That was an experience.
10:32Emma had invited her to a Ramadan Iftar event at the cultural center where she volunteered.
10:37At first, I wasn't sure what to expect.
10:40I imagined it like a formal religious gathering.
10:44Quiet, serious, maybe even somber.
10:46She laughed.
10:48But it was the opposite.
10:50Children running around.
10:52Families chatting.
10:53People smiling.
10:54The smell of delicious food everywhere.
10:57It felt like a giant family reunion.
11:00The highlight for her was when a grandmotherly figure approached her.
11:04She said,
11:05You are our guest today.
11:07You eat first.
11:09I insisted she should go ahead, but she refused.
11:13Lovingly, but firmly.
11:15Judy shrugged.
11:15This hospitality?
11:17It reminded me of my own upbringing.
11:20My mother would never let a guest leave hungry.
11:23Malik smiled warmly.
11:25Love looks the same everywhere.
11:28Exactly, Judy nodded.
11:30And sometimes we forget that.
11:33Malik shifted gears.
11:35Judge Judy, not everyone in America feels the way you do.
11:39Many still hold fears and biases.
11:42What would you say to them?
11:43Her eyes sharpened with the same intensity viewers knew from her show.
11:48She would say this.
11:50Fear is easy.
11:52Understanding is hard.
11:54She pointed toward the camera.
11:56And if you choose fear without ever meeting the people you're afraid of, that says more about you than them.
12:03She didn't raise her voice.
12:05She didn't raise her voice.
12:06She didn't need to.
12:08The message was powerful enough.
12:10Judy then shared a story she had kept private for years.
12:14Once, I received a letter from a Muslim soldier serving overseas.
12:19He wrote that he watched my show during breaks, and it reminded him of home.
12:24She smiled sadly.
12:26He thanked me for making me laugh, even when he was thousands of miles from his family.
12:32Judy inhaled deeply.
12:34That letter made me realize something important.
12:38Muslims aren't just part of America.
12:40They serve America.
12:42They protect America.
12:44They sacrifice like everyone else.
12:48Malik nodded solemnly.
12:50That's a perspective many forget.
12:53Yes, Judy said softly.
12:55And forgetting is dangerous.
12:58The interview had now been going on for nearly 45 minutes, but instead of slowing down, it was gaining emotional intensity.
13:06Malik asked,
13:08Judge Judy, do you think your voice can help change public perception?
13:13Judy raised an eyebrow.
13:16I'm not claiming to change the world, Malik.
13:18I'm just telling the truth.
13:21She leaned closer.
13:22But if even one person watching today stops and thinks before judging an entire community, then this interview was worth it.
13:32Malik clapped lightly.
13:34That's beautifully said.
13:36Judy chuckled.
13:37I'm full of surprises.
13:39As the interview neared the end, Juniper received a notification on her phone.
13:44She gasped.
13:46Malik, she whispered urgently.
13:48The mayor's office is watching.
13:51Malik blinked.
13:52What?
13:53Juniper nodded, pointing to the screen showing the live comments.
13:58The mayor's official account had commented,
14:00This is one of the most important conversations of the year.
14:05Thank you, Judge Judy.
14:06Judy raised her eyebrows when Malik read it aloud.
14:09Well, she said with a smirk.
14:12Looks like I've started something.
14:14Malik nodded.
14:15Something good.
14:17The interview wrapped with a warm handshake between Malik and Judge Judy, but long after the camera stopped rolling, the conversation kept echoing across social media.
14:27Within ten minutes, hashtag Judge Judy speaks, hashtag Voices of Harmony, and hashtag Understanding Muslims began trending.
14:37People were posting clips, quotes, but the most surprising part wasn't the number of comments.
14:46It was their tone.
14:48Not hateful.
14:49Not divided.
14:51Not argumentative.
14:52Just reflective.
14:54Many wrote,
14:56I never knew she had so much empathy.
14:59This interview made me rethink things.
15:02Respect to Judge Judy for speaking truth.
15:06Judy stepped out of the studio, unaware of the growing storm of positivity behind her.
15:12She simply adjusted her scarf and turned to Emma.
15:15Well, she said with a smirk.
15:17Was that good enough?
15:18Emma hugged her tightly.
15:20Grandma, that was more than good.
15:23That was history.
15:25Judy decided to take a walk before heading home.
15:28The New York air was brisk but refreshing.
15:32As she strolled through Bryant Park, a small group of young women approached her.
15:36They wore colorful hijabs and warm smiles.
15:40Judge Judy?
15:41One of them asked shyly.
15:43Judy nodded.
15:44We just watched your interview, another girl said.
15:49You have no idea what it meant.
15:52Judy placed a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder.
15:55Oh, I think I have some idea, she said warmly.
15:59The girls laughed softly, overwhelmed.
16:02We grew up watching you, one said.
16:05But today, we saw another side of you.
16:08Judy chuckled.
16:09I didn't change.
16:11I just shared more.
16:13They posed for a photo, exchanged thanks, and the girls walked away smiling.
16:17Emma whispered.
16:19You're trending, Grandma.
16:21Judy rolled her eyes.
16:23Oh, dear, please not TikTok.
16:26Emma burst out laughing.
16:28Later that evening, Judy's phone rang.
16:31It was Howard, an old colleague from her courtroom days.
16:35Judy, he said.
16:36I watched your interview.
16:37She braced herself, expecting criticism.
16:41Old judges weren't known for embracing new conversations.
16:45But Howard surprised her.
16:47That was the most honest thing I've seen on television in years, he said.
16:52About time someone said it.
16:55Judy was silent for a moment.
16:57You're not offended, she asked.
17:00Offended, he scoffed.
17:02I'm proud.
17:03You used your voice for something bigger than entertainment.
17:07Judy sighed with relief.
17:09Thank you, Howard.
17:11Don't thank me, he said.
17:13Just promise me you'll keep speaking like this.
17:16Judy smiled.
17:18We'll see.
17:19Meanwhile, at the Queen's Cultural Center, families gathered around screens to re-watch the interview.
17:25Children sat cross-legged on the carpet.
17:28Mothers wiped tears from their eyes.
17:31Elderly uncles nodded thoughtfully.
17:34One woman said,
17:35She spoke like she knew our hearts.
17:39Another added,
17:40She saw us as humans.
17:42That is all we ever wanted.
17:44A young boy, no older than ten, looked up to his father and asked,
17:49Baba, why don't more people talk like her?
17:53The father smiled sadly.
17:55They will, inshallah.
17:58It takes one brave voice to make others brave.
18:02Back at the studio, Malik sat alone in the now empty room.
18:06The lights were off, but the glow from his laptop illuminated his thoughtful face.
18:12He replayed the interview in his mind.
18:14He had interviewed countless personalities, politicians, actors, activists, authors, but none had struck him quite like this.
18:25It wasn't because Judge Judy was famous.
18:28It wasn't because she was unexpected.
18:30It was because she was sincere.
18:33He opened his notebook and wrote,
18:36Real change begins when someone respected chooses truth over silence.
18:42He closed the notebook gently.
18:45This interview would be remembered, not because it was dramatic, but because it was human.
18:51The next morning, Juniper arrived early at the studio.
18:55She was surprised to find someone waiting at the door.
18:58A middle-aged Muslim woman wearing a navy blue abaya.
19:03Can I help you?
19:04Can I help you?
19:04Juniper asked politely.
19:06The woman smiled.
19:08I'm sorry to come unannounced.
19:10I just wanted to thank the team for the interview yesterday.
19:15Juniper blinked in surprise.
19:17Thank us?
19:18Yes, the woman nodded.
19:20My daughter watched the interview.
19:23She has been struggling at school, feeling different, feeling unwanted.
19:27Her eyes glistened, but after watching Judge Judy speak so kindly, she said she felt proud
19:35for the first time.
19:37Juniper felt her heart twist.
19:39That means a lot, she said warmly.
19:42Would you like to leave a message for the team?
19:45The woman shook her head.
19:47No, I've already said what needed to be said.
19:51She turned to leave but then added,
19:53Tell Judge Judy that she healed something in my home.
19:57Juniper swallowed hard.
20:00I will.
20:02Lucinda, one of the studio's senior camera operators, sat in the break room watching
20:06the clip on her phone.
20:08She had been with the podcast for years.
20:11She had seen emotional interviews, political interviews, heated debates, but never something
20:17like this.
20:18Her co-worker Darren walked in.
20:21You're watching.
20:21The next morning, Judy sat at her kitchen table, sipping her usual black coffee.
20:27The morning sunlight filtered in through sheer curtains, painting soft patterns on the
20:33table.
20:34She picked up her iPad to scroll through the news, but her inbox caught her eye.
20:40Over 1,200 unread emails.
20:44Her assistant had organized many of them under the label,
20:48Re Voices of Harmony Interview.
20:51Curious, she opened the folder.
20:55The first email read,
20:57Dear Judge Judy, I am a Muslim high school teacher.
21:02Yesterday, your interview brought tears to my eyes.
21:06Thank you for showing the world who we really are.
21:10The next said,
21:11My parents are Muslim immigrants.
21:13They watched your interview and cried.
21:17They said,
21:18Finally, someone sees us.
21:21Another,
21:22I was bullied for wearing hijab in seventh grade.
21:26People called me names I didn't understand.
21:29Your words made me feel visible.
21:32Judy shook her head slowly.
21:35She hadn't expected this.
21:36She hadn't expected the wave of emotion, the gratitude, the stories.
21:43She hadn't expected to touch so many hearts.
21:48Emma entered the kitchen, hair still messy from sleep.
21:52Whoa, she said, noticing Judy's expression.
21:56You okay?
21:57Judy handed her the iPad.
21:59Read.
22:00Emma scrolled, and her eyes widened.
22:04Grandma, this is incredible.
22:08Judy nodded slowly.
22:10Incredible and humbling.
22:13Later that afternoon, Judy received a call from a well-known TV network host, Cynthia Rhodes.
22:20Judy, Cynthia said excitedly.
22:23I watched your interview.
22:25My entire team watched it.
22:27This is the conversation America needs.
22:31Judy smiled politely.
22:32Thank you, Cynthia, but I didn't do anything extraordinary.
22:37I just spoke from the heart.
22:39That's exactly why it resonated, Cynthia insisted.
22:43People trust you.
22:45They listen when you speak.
22:48Cynthia then made an unexpected offer.
22:51We'd love to have you on our primetime show.
22:53Would you be open to discussing cultural understanding,
22:57maybe even highlighting Muslim contributions to America?
23:00Judy paused.
23:03It wasn't that she was afraid.
23:05She simply wasn't seeking attention.
23:08She wasn't trying to be a crusader.
23:11She was just trying to be honest.
23:13Let me think about it, she replied.
23:16Cynthia understood.
23:17I'll wait.
23:18And Judy, whatever you decide, thank you for yesterday.
23:23Judy hung up and sighed.
23:25She knew this wasn't the end.
23:28It was the beginning of something bigger.
23:32At the cultural center in Queens, excitement buzzed around the halls.
23:37Families, volunteers, and coordinators gathered in the activity room.
23:42A young volunteer named Amina held up a printed flyer.
23:46We're going to host an appreciation event for Judge Judy.
23:51The room erupted with applause.
23:54She reminded the world who we are.
23:57She made my children feel proud.
23:59She stood up for us.
24:01The center director, a dignified elderly man named Yusuf,
24:06raised his hands to quiet the room.
24:08Judge Judy does not know us, he said gently,
24:12but she defended our honor as if she did.
24:17He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
24:20We cannot repay her, but we can thank her.
24:24The community began planning.
24:27Food from different Muslim cultures,
24:29handmade gifts,
24:31letters written by the children,
24:33a framed plaque with the words,
24:35Thank you for seeing us.
24:38Back in the studio,
24:40Malik reviewed the interview footage for an extended cut,
24:44but as he watched Judy speak,
24:46something stirred inside him.
24:48Something he hadn't expected.
24:51He remembered his own experiences
24:53growing up as a black teenager in America.
24:56People clutching their bags when he walked by.
24:59Teachers assuming he'd fail.
25:02Strangers making judgments before knowing him.
25:05The way Judy spoke about Muslims
25:08reminded him of his own struggles.
25:11He whispered to himself,
25:13People just want to be seen.
25:16His assistant, Lila, walked in.
25:19You okay?
25:20Malik looked up and smiled.
25:22Yeah, just thinking,
25:25this interview wasn't about Muslims only.
25:27It was about all of us.
25:29Every group that gets misunderstood.
25:32Lila nodded.
25:33And every group that deserves humanity.
25:37Malik exhaled deeply.
25:39Exactly.
25:41In a high school in New Jersey,
25:43an English teacher named Mr. Thompson
25:45paused his lesson to play a clip from the interview.
25:48The students,
25:50diverse, energetic,
25:51sometimes chaotic,
25:53fell silent as Judge Judy spoke about
25:56understanding Muslims
25:57and fighting ignorance.
25:59When the clip ended,
26:01a boy in the back raised his hand.
26:04I didn't know Judge Judy felt like that.
26:07Another girl said,
26:09I wish more famous people talked honestly
26:11instead of trying to sound perfect.
26:14A Muslim student named Lila spoke softly.
26:18It means a lot hearing someone respected
26:21say we're not dangerous.
26:23People always look at me like I'm weird.
26:27The class nodded.
26:29Mr. Thompson approached her desk.
26:31You're not weird, Lila,
26:33he said kindly.
26:34You're brave.
26:35And voices like yours matter.
26:38The room warmed with understanding.
26:41That evening,
26:42while Emma was preparing dinner,
26:44the doorbell rang.
26:46Judy opened it carefully
26:47and found an elderly man
26:49standing there with a cane.
26:51He wore a brown coat
26:52and a warm smile.
26:54Are you Judge Judy?
26:56He asked gently.
26:57Yes,
26:58she replied cautiously.
27:00My name is Ibrahim.
27:02I live three blocks away.
27:04Judy smiled politely.
27:06How can I help you?
27:08Ibrahim held out a small paper box.
27:11This is for you.
27:12My wife and I baked some homemade date cookies.
27:16We watched your interview.
27:19Judy felt her throat tighten.
27:21Ibrahim continued.
27:23You spoke beautifully.
27:25You spoke with fairness.
27:27That is rare.
27:29She took the box,
27:30moved by the gesture.
27:32Thank you,
27:33she said sincerely.
27:34Please tell your wife I appreciate it.
27:37He bowed his head.
27:39May God bless you,
27:40Judge Judy.
27:42When he left,
27:43Judy stood in the doorway
27:44for a long moment,
27:46deeply touched.
27:48Emma peeked out from the kitchen.
27:50What was that?
27:51Judy turned,
27:52holding the small box
27:53like a delicate treasure.
27:56A thank you,
27:57she whispered quietly.
27:58A very sweet thank you.
28:01Late that night,
28:03Judy sat by her window again.
28:05The moon cast soft light
28:07across the city.
28:08She thought about fear.
28:11Fear of the unknown.
28:13Fear of the unfamiliar.
28:15Fear passed down
28:17from generation to generation.
28:20She realized something important.
28:23Fear disappears
28:24the moment you meet
28:25the person you're afraid of.
28:27Judy whispered to herself,
28:29We fear what we don't understand.
28:33And we don't understand
28:34what we don't try to learn.
28:37She shook her head softly.
28:39How did we forget
28:40such a simple truth?
28:42Her thoughts drifted
28:43to all the Muslims
28:44she had met.
28:45The taxi driver.
28:47The nurse.
28:48The family at the Iftar.
28:50The soldier who wrote her a letter.
28:53The young people she met
28:54in Bryant Park.
28:56Each one had taught her something.
28:58Each one had chipped away
29:00at her assumptions.
29:02Each one had opened her eyes.
29:04And now she realized
29:06their stories were just as American
29:09as anyone else's.
29:11The next morning,
29:12Judy sat at her desk
29:13with a notebook.
29:15She flipped through blank pages.
29:17Emma walked in.
29:18What are you doing?
29:20Judy took a deep breath.
29:22I'm writing talking points.
29:24For what?
29:25Emma asked.
29:26Judy looked up,
29:28a soft fire in her eyes.
29:30For Cynthia's show,
29:32I'm going.
29:33Emma broke into a proud smile.
29:36You're really doing it?
29:38Yes, Judy said firmly.
29:41If I'm going to speak,
29:42I will speak fully,
29:44publicly, fearlessly.
29:47Emma hugged her tightly.
29:49I'm proud of you.
29:51Judy smiled.
29:52I'm proud of me too.
29:54She opened her notebook again.
29:57At the top of the page,
29:58she wrote,
29:59Understanding begins with listening.
30:02And that was the beginning
30:03of her next mission.
30:06Judy spent the next few days
30:08preparing meticulously.
30:10She didn't want a script
30:11that sounded rehearsed.
30:13She wanted honesty.
30:15She wanted clarity.
30:17Emma helped her review points,
30:19suggesting questions viewers might have.
30:21How do you reconcile stereotypes
30:24with reality?
30:26Why did you choose to speak up now?
30:29What message do you have for young Muslims?
30:32Judy wrote notes on small cards,
30:35tucking them carefully into her purse.
30:37This is serious, Emma,
30:39she said, adjusting her glasses.
30:42People will be listening.
30:44Millions of eyes.
30:46Millions of hearts.
30:47I want to get this right.
30:49Emma smiled.
30:51Grandma, just be you.
30:53That's why they're listening.
30:55Judy chuckled.
30:56I hope they like what they hear.
30:59The night before the interview,
31:01Judy sat in her living room
31:02with the small date cookie box
31:04from Ibrahim.
31:05She nibbled one
31:06while staring out the window,
31:08reflecting on everything
31:09that had happened.
31:11The taxi driver's words.
31:12The soldier's letter.
31:14The heartfelt emails.
31:16This time of the interview,
31:16it was a hard buffer,
31:17but the truth was,
31:17it was a Clementine,
31:18I don't know if you'reresford,
31:19but you can't see him.
31:19I don't know if he can't wait here.
31:20I don't know if he did.
31:20But he doesn't know .
31:22While he's listening,
31:22it is just you're listening to those
31:23and it's a little bit more
31:23in your dział.
31:23You interview this morning,
31:24you're listening to these
31:25content at the end of the day.
31:26You have a well turnedicken.
31:27So he just gave him the test.
31:28How do I turn the asteroids instead?
31:28And I did that last minute jak
31:29and I didn't see you answering
31:30and do it with him?
31:32So the doctors posed like
31:33what it was about
31:33and do the positives
31:34and I normally think
Be the first to comment