An hour prior to dawn in an unassuming structure in Hilversum, a tranquil town located thirty minutes south of Amsterdam, Nora Akachar seizes the microphone. While it may seem ordinary for a radio host to rouse the nation from its slumber, this moment, in her own words, holds significant importance.
The Dutch Moroccan actress turned radio presenter is currently live on air hosting Suhoor Stories, a talk radio program led by seven Dutch Muslim women. The show aims to invite Muslim guests to elucidate and demystify aspects of their culture for the broader public. Notably, this program stands as Europe’s sole daily Ramadan radio and television broadcast facilitated by a national public broadcaster.
Through Akachar’s voice, resonating in cars and households throughout the Netherlands, the show caters to individuals who are awake, heading to work, or observing suhoor to commence their Ramadan fast.
The exclusively female lineup of the show serves as Akachar’s response to entrenched stereotypes surrounding Muslim women, emphasizing their autonomy and their ability to reshape narratives on their own terms.
Above all, Suhoor Stories represents an avenue for fostering greater comprehension in a nation that faced turmoil last year due to the (PVV), under the leadership of Geert Wilders.
Amid the backdrop of post-election uncertainties regarding the formation of the next government, the significance of Suhoor Stories has escalated. It not only amplifies Muslim voices within the national discourse but also stands as a beacon of resistance during challenging times.
Acknowledging the current complexities in the Netherlands, Akachar expressed, “It’s a challenging period right now. What have I done wrong? I’ve always tried to be kind. Yet, 2.5 million people voted for [PVV]. I might even know some of those individuals.”
Suhoor Stories delves into contemporary issues through the perspectives of everyday Muslims: from an entrepreneur specializing in halal sausages to a former Dutch language instructor turned spoken word artist. The show blends elements of nostalgia and inspiration, with guests sharing suhoor-related memories and recipes.
Guests on the show are encouraged to address and dispel the “silly questions” frequently posed to Muslims. Akachar highlighted the persistence of queries like “Not even water?,” emphasizing the importance of challenging such misconceptions.
With an average of 160,000 listeners tuning in each morning, spanning urban to rural areas, Suhoor Stories has garnered both praise and faced derogatory, at times “racist” comments. Despite criticisms, the show has been commended for its groundbreaking approach in publicly funded media, aiming to unify audiences through shared experiences of food, nostalgia, and current affairs.
Akachar, a theatre performer and film producer, is well acquainted with the enduring vilification of immigrant families in the Netherlands. Originating from Morocco, she has witnessed the continuous stigmatization of Muslims in the media, portraying them as “predators or criminals.” Her involvement in the Dutch TV series Mocro Maffia further exposed her to the negative stereotyping of the Moroccan community.
Seeking to alter this narrative, Akachar views the radio show as a platform for change. She aims to shift the focus away from societal issues like terrorism or crime being depicted solely through a “white lens,” neglecting the authentic experiences of marginalized communities.
In her efforts to challenge stereotypes, Akachar is producing a documentary set to air this summer, showcasing the lives of queer Muslims to combat the misconception that Muslims are intolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite her unwavering optimism and energy during Ramadan fasting, Akachar acknowledges the weariness that comes with advocating for counter-narratives on multiple fronts. She emphasized the exhaustion of constantly proving the goodness of her community, stating, “We’re tired of defending our character.”
In her relentless pursuit to amplify diverse voices and narratives, Akachar remains resolute, determined to reshape perceptions and advocate for inclusivity and understanding.