Survivor Stories
For decades, many Khmer Rouge survivors have held their stories close - some out of pain, others out of a desire to shield their families from the horrors they endured. But now, for the first time, they are speaking up.
Sharing these stories is not just about remembering history - it’s about healing. When survivors finally allow themselves the space to grieve, to reflect, and to share, they are not just reclaiming their voices. They are also giving future generations the gift of understanding, resilience, and a pathway forward.
This page is dedicated to those who have found the courage to speak. Their words carry the weight of an untold history, but also the hope for a future where silence is no longer necessary.
Skhom Saray Meak
In July of 2024, we had the honor of welcoming Skhom Saray Meak from Atlanta, GA, to share his story with us on the Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast.
Sitting with his daughter, Theary, in the room, Meak opened up about the unimaginable: surviving the Khmer Rouge genocide in 1975.
This episode marks a significant moment for us—it's the first time we've invited another survivor to share their story as part of our Survival Stories Series.
Our mission is to use our platform as a tool to heal as many survivors as we can through storytelling. So many survivors had lived their entire lives hoping the horrors of the Khmer Rouge would fade, only to realize a lifetime later that their trauma still lives within them. Through these conversations, Meak bravely goes into the deeply personal and painful memories of that time, touching on the devastating encounters and the lasting impact they have had on him and his family. The depth and emotion in his story remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
Sray Somaly Samreth Song
On December 17th, 2024, Sray Somaly Samreth Song flew from Virginia to join us in California and share the story she had been holding in her heart for decades.
Sray Somaly is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide—a time of unimaginable darkness that claimed the lives of millions and left deep scars on those who lived through it. For years, she carried her memories in silence, unsure if the world was ready—or safe enough—to hear them.
But on this day, surrounded by a small team, she found the courage to speak. Interviewed by Robert Chau entirely in Khmer, Sray Somaly shares not just what happened to her, but what it has taken to survive emotionally, spiritually, and physically over the years.
She finally felt safe enough to share her truth.
This is her story.
Survivor Story Submission
Are you interested in sharing your story?
Please fill out the submission form below if you would like to be considered for this program. As we are set in the Bay Area, we will start with local submissions first and work our way out to further cities. Please answer all questions fully. Our greatest concern is not to re-traumatize Khmer Rouge survivors. Please make sure your parents are aware of the interview happening, and they are willing and ready to talk.
After submitting, we will reach out within 2 weeks to schedule a zoom meeting to discuss next steps.