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Humanity in the Holy Land

Humanity in the Holy Land

by Adam & Ciara

Education Society & Culture

Season 1

A Darwishian Love Story

Adam and Ciara speak with Tamar, an Israeli-American peace activist in Jerusalem and a member of the anti-war bloc. She reflects on her Yemenite Jewish heritage, her journey to Israel, and the realities of life there. Tamar also shares her experiences navigating a relationship with a Palestinian from Jerusalem.

The Language of Peace

Adam and Ciara speak with Awad Awad, the inaugural director of Salaam, Middle East and North African Cultural Center at the University of Illinois, who shares his experiences and perspectives on his Palestinian identity and the complexities of the Middle East. We discuss the need for healthy dialogue, equal rights for all, and the importance of understanding the diverse cultures and histories of the holy land and the Arabic-speaking world. We also discuss the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine, the role of diplomacy versus violence in resolving it, and the importance of empathy, understanding, and dialogue in resolving conflicts (Awad's statements do not represent the center or the university but rather his own personal beliefs).

Radical Humanity

Adam and Ciara speak with Ilham, a Palestinian-German citizen living in Munich, to discuss her experiences as a member of the Palestinian diaspora and her efforts to foster dialogue for peace. Ilham shares insights on encountering anti-Palestinian racism growing up in Germany and talks about her activism with groups such as BiPOC+ Feminism, which unites Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Feminists, and Jews (Instagram: @bipoc.feminismen), and Palestinians and Jews for Peace (Instagram: @palestinians_jews_for_peace @maozinon).

In the Eyes of a Druze

Adam and Ciara speak with Lana Halabi, an Arab Druze from Israel, about her experiences growing up in the Holy Land. Currently residing in Jerusalem, Lana works with an NGO called Lissan, which means "tongue" in Arabic, focused on teaching Hebrew to Palestinian women from East Jerusalem. The discussion delves into Lana's complex identity, the ongoing conflict, and her hopes for peace in the region. To learn more about Lissan, please visit their website at lissan.org.

Life in the Shadow of 9/11

Adam and Ciara talk with Adam's mother, Danya Karram, about her post-9/11 activism, where she worked with various interfaith groups across the United States to foster understanding about Islam and what it means to be Muslim. Danya shares her experiences collaborating with Jewish and Christian communities to promote dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding during a time of heightened tensions between different groups. She also reflects on her personal journey as a second-generation Lebanese American immigrant and her involvement in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Part 2: Brick by Brick all Walls come Down

In part 2, Becca discusses the on-the-ground realities of the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and how it impacts the political situations of both Israelis and Palestinians. She shares her hopes for a unified future for both peoples and outlines the necessary steps to make that vision a reality. To learn more about Becca's grassroots work in Israel and Palestine, visit her Instagram page @becca.explains.the.occupation.

Part 1: Eyes Over The Walls

Adam and Ciara speak with Becca, a Jewish dual American-Israeli citizen living in Israel. Becca is the creator of the Instagram page "Becca Explains the Occupation" (@becca.explains.the.occupation), which educates people about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza that began in 1967. She shares her work with grassroots organizations like Breaking the Silence (@breakingthesilenceisrael), a group of former Israeli soldiers who discuss their experiences serving in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as her involvement in political education in the West Bank and Israel.

Holy Land University

Adam and Ciara speak with Jadd Hashem, a student at University of Texas- Austin and Vice President of Atidna International, about his Palestinian identity, campus activism, and his perspective on peace. Atidna International is a grassroots, campus-based peace and open dialogue initiative which seeks to solidify Arabs and Jews as one unified family. He shares the invaluable work they are doing across American Universities and the impact they have made with campus communities. More information on the organization can be found at https://www.atidnainternational.com and on instagram @atidna_international.

Part 2: Euphrates meets Jordan

Adam and Ciara continue their conversation with Avshalom Matalon about his experiences working with Palestinians, his vision for coexistence, and a grassroots project dedicated to returning stolen items from Gaza by IDF soldiers.

Part 1: Echoes of Babylon & Beirut

Adam and Ciara speak with Avshalom Matalon, an Israeli of Iraqi-Jewish and Lebanese-Jewish descent who also works within the Israeli anti-war bloc to bring an end to the war and the release of the hostages. In this episode, we discuss the nuances of his family’s experiences as Jews who once lived in the Middle East, as well as their expulsion and subsequent feelings towards their new country.

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