POV Season 35 Episode 6 He's My Brother

He's My Brother, the seventh episode of Season 35 of POV, follows the story of Zahed and Najah, two former enemies from opposite sides of the Iran-Iraq War who find themselves reunited under unexpected circumstances.

Zahed and Najah first met on the battlefield during the Iran-Iraq War, where they fought each other as soldiers. However, in a moment of compassion, Zahed saved Najah's life when he discovered him lying injured on the ground. Zahed went against orders and took Najah back to his own camp to receive medical treatment, an act that could have resulted in his own punishment or even death. To Zahed's surprise, Najah's family was part of a Shia Muslim group who had aided Zahed's own family during a previous conflict with the Iraqi regime.

Years later, after both had left the military and faced personal challenges, the two former enemies met again by chance in Canada. Zahed was now living as an openly gay man and had been estranged from his own family for years due to their disapproval of his sexuality. Najah, on the other hand, had fled Iraq in fear of persecution for his religious beliefs and had undergone a traumatic journey to seek asylum in Canada, ultimately ending up homeless on the streets.

Despite their past differences, Zahed felt compelled to help Najah, recognizing the irony of their situation and the common struggles they both faced. He gave Najah shelter in his home and helped him navigate the complicated process of seeking asylum. Over time, their relationship grew beyond that of mere roommates, as they found solace in each other's company and shared their personal stories and inner demons. Zahed saw in Najah a reflection of his own family, while Najah found in Zahed a kindred spirit and a sense of belonging.

He's My Brother offers a poignant reflection on the shared humanity that connects us all, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences and conflicts. Zahed and Najah's story is a testament to the power of compassion and empathy, and the transformative potential of reaching out across divides to help one another. The episode challenges us to look beyond the labels and stereotypes that often define our perceptions of others, and instead to seek out the commonalities and connections that make us all fundamentally human.