Pandemic lockdowns enabled connecting with otherwise unreachable global informants

Evidence

Kindred lines of faith and common political experiences overcame linguistic barriers, and technology dissolved geographic distance. When the coronavirus pandemic crept in and closed down the world in the spring of 2020, virtual connectivity was strengthened, and ironically, enabled me to meet with people who were difficult to reach, and in some instances would have otherwise been unreachable. I forged relationships on social media platforms, where I was recognized for my work and advocacy, and technology formed a bridge when the world locked down travel. — Khaled A. Beydoun, The New Crusades_ Islamophobia and the…, 56