From Isolation to Enlightenment
How Ideas Beyond Borders opened new doors for me and my community
Every new experience offers the opportunity to redefine ourselves. As a woman from a closed community in Syria, my journey with Ideas Beyond Borders (IBB) has allowed me to see the world through a radically different lens. I’ve come to learn more in my 38 years of life than previous generations ever had the opportunity to due to lack of access.
Growing up, life was predictable and unchanging. People around me seemed trapped in a cycle of limited possibilities, believing there was nothing new under the sun. Yet, I always sensed there was more to the world than we knew because I love to read, which was not popular among my peers. We lived as though surrounded by invisible walls, cut off from basic freedoms and broader knowledge. Our education was limited to what was taught in textbooks, and seeking knowledge elsewhere was discouraged, even feared. It was understood that knowing too much might lead one to question the customs and norms that govern our lives.
Communicating my broader perspective to those around me was challenging. The idea that people have walked on the moon, that evolution is a scientific reality, and that women have capabilities beyond household duties were met with disbelief. Women striving for their freedom seemed almost alien—our constrained access to information shaped a mindset that accepted only what was deemed appropriate by our society. Many women in my community were uneducated and unable to express themselves freely. They didn’t even understand the concept of women’s rights because the powers that be were careful to conceal the idea; they never saw or learned about free women.
My conviction that education is a path to change led me to seek ways to broaden the horizons of those around me. This is where Ideas Beyond Borders entered my life. I began translating information to make it accessible despite initial resistance rooted in deeply held beliefs. Staying objective and persistent, I worked to bridge the gap between our insular world and the broader global community. Through IBB, I encountered a wealth of influential experiences, scientific knowledge, and enlightening literature. I learned about the struggles and sacrifices women in the West endured to secure their rights, a history that resonated deeply with me. This realization further instilled in me a desire to work toward meaningful change. Motivated by this understanding, I joined IBB, marking a significant turning point in my life.
Over the past five years, I have faced numerous challenges navigating unfamiliar linguistic and cultural landscapes. My goal has been to present new perspectives in a way that would resonate with others. This experience has taught me the importance of embracing diversity and recognizing that our own heritage is just one piece of the world's rich mosaic. To truly understand the world, we must be willing to explore beyond our immediate surroundings.
Initially, the reaction to our translated articles and books was negative—aggressive, even. However, these reactions evolved over time into discussions and dialogues, gradually breaking down stereotypes and fostering a willingness to entertain new ideas. Slowly but surely, I watched as people overcame ignorance and fear.
Ideas Beyond Borders did not choose an easy path. The fruits of our labor are not immediately visible, but over time, the significance of our work becomes apparent. Ignorance fuels fear, and fear breeds extremism. Knowledge, therefore, is our most potent weapon against the extremism that plagues many societies in our region. Our efforts are an essential part of this broader struggle.
The impact of our work extends beyond our immediate readers. Each individual who engages with our content shares it with others, creating expanding circles of knowledge. My mother, for example, was very religious throughout my upbringing. Reading some of our translated works showed her different perspectives and gave her a newfound respect for people she disagrees with. Similarly, many of my friends used to hold very negative views of LGBT people. After reading more about LGBT people in our translated works, they became much more accepting.
I live in a patriarchal society that seeks to suppress women and maintain a mostly ignorant population—because they understand that informed societies will ultimately become free societies, threatening the status quo. Censorship in our society is pervasive, extending beyond government agencies to individuals who view change as a threat. This reality poses risks for those of us working toward change. Despite these challenges, I remain steadfast and joyful in my work. I watch with hope as the seeds of change take root, aspiring to rebuild our societies into safe and vibrant environments for future generations.
Translation has historically played a vital role in connecting cultures, bridging divides, and promoting knowledge exchange. Without it, humanity would not be where it is today. Ideas Beyond Borders is committed to fostering real, long-lasting, knowledge-based change by making information accessible to all. As Socrates wisely said, "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
This article was written by Alissar Obaid.