🎙️ The Fortified Life Podcast with Jason DavisEP 211 |
Chozy Aiyub — Palestinian Actor, Filmmaker, Podcaster & Digital Designer

📌 Episode Summary
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jason Davis sits down with Chozy Aiyub, a Palestinian actor, filmmaker, podcaster, and digital designer whose life story bridges art, culture, faith, and identity. From growing up in Jerusalem under occupation, to pursuing the arts in America, to creating films that challenge narratives and inspire spiritual reflection, Chozy brings a rare depth and honesty to the conversation.

Jason and Chozy explore his journey into acting, his father’s early influence in the performing arts, the complex realities of filmmaking as a Palestinian creative, and how faith played a central role in uncovering his purpose. Chozy shares the incredible story of how a desperate prayer in his backyard led to an unexpected encounter that launched his acting career—proving how God can speak through anyone at any moment.

They dive into his first feature film, The Colonizer, a gripping narrative inspired by his grandfather’s displacement in 1948. Chozy discusses the challenges of producing a film that confronts controversial geopolitical issues, the importance of Biblical context in understanding modern conflict, and the responsibility of believers to seek truth beyond media narratives.

Chozy also opens up about The Olive Roots Podcast, where he engages people from all backgrounds on identity, faith, and resistance, bringing light to misunderstood stories and encouraging unity in Christ.

This episode is rich, challenging, and spiritually grounding—offering listeners a heartfelt reminder that God is always present, even in the most painful chapters of life’s story.

🎧 Topics Covered

Chozy’s Early Journey

• Growing up in Jerusalem as a Palestinian Christian
• His father’s influence as a musician, performer, and theater artist
• How creativity became a lifeline during childhood
• The early days of filming skits with neighborhood kids

Discovering His Purpose Through Faith

• The midlife crisis that drove Chozy to cry out to God
• The divine appointment with his new neighbor, Jackson
• How one conversation redirected him back to acting
• The role of obedience and surrender in stepping into purpose

Acting & the Entertainment Industry

• Training and landing his first agency representation
• The spiritual and moral challenges of Hollywood
• The importance of choosing roles rooted in integrity and values
• Why does he prefer independent or faith-based projects

Filmmaking & The Colonizer

• What inspired him to create a film about the 1948 Nakba
• The struggle to find distribution for a politically sensitive film
• Using storytelling to correct misconceptions about Palestine
• Weaving scripture and Biblical history into the narrative
• Why Palestine’s Christian heritage matters today

Faith, Unity & Biblical Clarity

• How political narratives distort Christian beliefs
• Why unity does NOT mean uniformity
• Jesus’ heart for all people: beyond ethnicity and geopolitics
• Identifying deception, confusion, and misplaced loyalties
• Keeping our eyes fixed on Christ in times of global turmoil

The Olive Roots Podcast

• The vision behind the show: identity, faith, and resistance
• Creating a platform for Palestinians and marginalized voices
• Talking to people of all beliefs with compassion and truth
• Planting seeds rather than condemning people
• Representing Christ in conversations about suffering and injustice

Future Film & Documentary Projects

• Going South — a modern-day Biblical allegory exploring spiritual warfare
• A planned documentary addressing Zionism, Christian nationalism, and Biblical interpretation
• Bringing pastors, scholars, and everyday people together to examine truth
• The urgent need for clarity, compassion, and Christ-centered dialogue

💡 Key Takeaways

• God can reveal purpose in the most unexpected moments.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for truth, healing, and unity.
• Faith-based artists must remain vigilant, discerning, and bold.
• Christians are called to be peacemakers—never participants in oppression.
• Unity in Christ transcends culture, politics, and national borders.
• Listening to personal stories humanizes conflict and combats deception.

🔗 Connect with Chozy Aiyub
🎬 Watch The Colonizer
👉 https://thecolonizerfilm.com
Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and additional platforms.
🎙️ The Olive Roots Podcast YouTube: Search “The Olive Roots Podcast”
Website: https://theoliverootspodcast.com
🌐 Official Websitehttps://chozyaiyub.com
📸 Instagram @chozino @thecolonizerfilm @theoliverootspodcast

🙏 Closing Thought
As Jason reminds us, faith is never meant to be compartmentalized. Whether in the marketplace, in media, or in moments of global crisis—God calls us to walk in truth, courage, compassion, and conviction. This episode is an invitation to seek a more profound understanding and to anchor ourselves in Christ, the trustworthy source of unity and peace.