Issamar Lteif is a multimedia investigative journalist who has become a rising voice in Arab media. Known for her fearless reporting and deep emotional insight, she has built a reputation for storytelling that challenges norms and amplifies unheard voices. Her journey reflects not only talent, but resilience, purpose, and integrity.
Early Passion for Journalism
Issamar’s love for storytelling began early. At just five years old, her teachers noticed her writing talent and curiosity. They would tell her, “You’re going to be a journalist one day.” That encouragement stuck with her, shaping how she viewed the world and giving her an early sense of purpose.
As she grew older, her fascination with stories, people, and truth only deepened. She often found herself asking questions others wouldn’t, observing details most missed, and crafting narratives with care and clarity. For her, journalism wasn’t just a career it was a calling.
Breaking Into the Field
Issamar began her professional journey in 2013 with a Beirut based news channel. One of her early mentors, Sami Kleib played a vital role in helping her find her voice in the newsroom. Entering a competitive and male dominated media industry wasn’t easy. She had to prove herself, earn trust, and stay grounded in her values, especially during high pressure moments.
One of her biggest early lessons was learning to balance speed with depth. In fast paced newsrooms, there’s always pressure to publish quickly. But Issamar learned the importance of slowing down, verifying facts, and telling stories with nuance.
Milestone Moments and Career Highlights
Her dedication to investigative work led to a breakthrough moment in 2024 when she won the Golden Prize for Best Investigative Report. This achievement wasn’t just about recognition, it was about the weight and risk of the subject matter, and her ability to tell the story with depth and accuracy.
Another defining chapter in her career came when she conducted an exclusive interview with women formerly affiliated with ISIS. It was a complex, emotionally intense experience that challenged her professionally and personally. Through it, she learned the power of humanizing every story, even the most difficult ones.
These moments shaped her career. They reminded her why she chose this path, to shed light on hidden truths, give a voice to the voiceless, and report stories that truly matter.
Working Across Borders and Platforms
Throughout her career, Issamar has worked with multiple media organizations in Lebanon and the Kurdistan region. She has worn many hats: reporter, anchor, segment producer, trainer, and multimedia journalist. And to be accurate and give the Gulf countries their due credit, she has also worked with several media institutions not only in Lebanon or Kurdistan, but also in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Jordan, the USA, and Egypt.
In recent years, her focus has shifted toward long-form investigative journalism. She explores topics such as human rights, extremism, and the impact of war on women’s lives. These are not just headlines to her—they are personal missions. She believes that journalism must go beyond the surface and dive into the root causes behind social and political issues.
Her work has also included training young journalists on responsible reporting, hate speech prevention, and gender-sensitive coverage. By doing so, she is helping shape the next generation of ethical journalists.
A Vision for the Future
Issamar is currently preparing to begin a PhD in Digital Media and Investigative Journalism. This next chapter reflects her desire to blend academic research with real world experience. Her goal is to innovate how investigative stories are told in the digital age, making them more accessible, interactive, and impactful.
She believes the future of journalism lies in combining field expertise with academic depth. This fusion, she says, will lead to more thoughtful, responsible, and sustainable reporting practices.
The Power of Empathy in Storytelling
If there’s one lesson Issamar holds close, it’s this, courage and empathy must always go hand in hand. Journalism often requires asking hard questions and entering uncomfortable spaces. But without empathy, the story risks losing its heart.
Whether she’s speaking with survivors of violence or investigating sensitive political topics, Issamar approaches each person with genuine care. She listens deeply. She gives space. She builds trust. That’s what allows her stories to not only inform but to connect.
She doesn’t rush stories. She believes that real storytelling takes time, patience, and emotional intelligence. That mindset has made her not only a better journalist, but a more compassionate human being.
Advice to Young Journalists
Issamar often reflects on what she would tell her younger self. Her message is clear, “The camera is not everything, focus on delivering the truth.”
It’s easy to get caught up in appearances, airtime, and recognition, especially early in your career. But she emphasizes that real journalism is about how well you listen, how responsibly you report, and how committed you are to the truth, even when it’s hard.
She also reminds aspiring journalists that credibility is fragile. It takes years to build and seconds to lose. And above all, she says, “Don’t lose your empathy, it’s your most powerful tool.”
Building a Legacy of Integrity and Impact
Issamar hopes to leave behind more than just a portfolio of powerful stories. She wants to be remembered as someone who told the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it was. As someone who stood by the people who were often silenced. As someone who used journalism to create real world change.
Her vision is to be part of a generation that redefines investigative journalism. Not just through exposes and headlines, but through storytelling rooted in dignity, courage, and consequence.
She dreams of a future where more women from the region feel seen, heard, and empowered to step into journalism. She wants young women to know, you belong in this field, and your voice matters.
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