Hope Not Fear

An extraordinary story that deals with the urgent issues of our era . . . a story about resilience, renewal' - Elif Shafak

A stunning testament to human strength, courage and compassion, Hope Not Fear shows that nobody is powerless to change the world. This memoir from refugee, filmmaker, and activist Hassan Akkad traces his campaigns for justice, from protesting the Assad regime in Syria to winning greater rights for cleaners in the NHS.

Since seeking asylum in the UK, Hassan’s unshakeable instinct to raise awareness, help and connect, has seen him share not only his experience as a refugee, but to the coronavirus pandemic as a covid ward cleaner and documentary filmmaker. As a witness and advocate, he bridges national and political divides; his humanity, sense of service and ideals bring people together.

If you find yourself wondering where to find hope in difficult times, this book is the place to start.

'Remarkable' - The Observer

'A journey of hope and connection . . . this will do much to restore your faith.' - Stylist

About the Author

Hassan Akkad is a photographer, film-maker and activist living in London. He fled Syria in 2015 and was part of the team that made Exodus: Our Journey to Europe which won the BAFTA for Best Factual Series or Strand in 2017. Hassan campaigned successfully for the removal of the £400 surcharge for immigrant NHS cleaners and porters to use the NHS themselves and for the reversal of their exclusion from its bereavement scheme. His video welcoming refugees to the UK, with Led by Donkeys, was projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover and featured across UK news networks. He has featured across print and broadcast media, including in Vogue, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Independent and on BBC News and Good Morning Britain. Hope Not Fear is his first book.