I met my good friend Ziad at the swanky rooftop bar above The 9 in downtown Cleveland. He is visiting from New York where he is a manager of guest relations at Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.
We talk about what it’s like growing up in Brooklyn with immigrant parents, fun shows he gets to see at The Garden/Radio City, commuting by subway, and a little bit about the Knicks and Rangers. Also learn about how Ziad’s father was kicked out of Palestine as a youth, but now owns a house there. We discuss relations between Israel and Palestine without trying to get overly political.
Major shoutout to Ziad’s family member (sister or niece?) who was celebrating a birthday at Azure Sun Lounge. She let me take Ziad away from the party (in a roped-off VIP section) to be interviewed, and I am super grateful for that. Happy birthday!