All Things Palestinian

In this episode, Tom is joined by Fargo Tbakhi, a queer Palestinian American writer and performance artist based in Washington D.C. and winner of 2018 Ghassan Kanafani Resistance Arts Prize. His writings have been published in various literary publications including The Berkeley Review. He is also the recipient of several fellowships. Fargo's writings and performances challenge notions of erasure and colonization and propose a reality of a free and unoccupied Palestine.Links:Follow Fargo on Twitter Visit Fargo's website to learn about him and his work Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla, and Tom are joined by Ahmed Masoud, Gaza-born Palestinian writer, director, and academic based in the United Kingdom. Ahmed is the author of Come What May and Vanished  which address issues in Gazan society, as well as in broader trends in Palestinian history. Ahmed has also directed a number of plays and is the co-founder of PalArt, a collective initiative aimed at promoting Palestinian voices and content in the arts and media. Listen in as we learn about Ahmed's interest in creative writing and his efforts to amplify Palestinian voices. Links:Purchase Ahmed's book Come What May  here and Vanished  here.  Visit Ahmed's website hereRead more about Ahmed's experience growing up in GazaLearn more about PalArt and the work it does to amplify Palestinian voicesSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla, and Tom are joined Dr. Ussama Makdisi, Palestinian-American scholar and academic, currently a Professor of History and Chancellor's Chair at the University of California Berkeley. Dr Makdisi is the author of several books and publications on sectarianism, Ottoman and Arab history, US-Arab relations, and US missionary work in the Middle East. Listen in as we discuss Dr. Makdisi's achievements and contributions to Middle-Eastern history, Arab identity and issues around Palestine-Israel. Links:Follow Dr. Makdisi on Twitter Purchase Age of Coexistence: The Ecumenical Frame and the Making of the Modern Arab WorldSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Michael is joined by Palestinian journalist and activist Basel Adra, and Daniel Roth of the Centre for Jewish Nonviolence, to discuss Israel's plans to expel more than 1,000 Palestinians from their homes in Masafer Yatta. We hear about what is happening on the ground, and discuss the role of journalism and international solidarity in challenging dispossession and apartheid. Links from this podcast:Basel Adra on TwitterBasel Adra in +972 Magazine: “I was handcuffed and blindfolded for reporting on settler violence”Daniel Roth on TwitterThe Centre for Jewish NonviolenceCJPME factsheet on Masafer Yatta (2021)Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.If you can, rate us and write a nice review if you like what you hear. It helps other people find our podcast and learn about the issues. Here are the instructions on how to find, rate, review and share the podcast on eight different platforms: Apple, Spotify, Google, TuneIn, Deezer, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, and iHeartRadio. 

In this episode, Michael is joined by Ben Jamal, Director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in the UK. They discuss the anti-boycott bill currently being pushed by the British conservative government, how it poses a threat to freedom of speech and expression, and how civil society is fighting back to defend the ‘right to boycott.' Links from this podcast:Follow the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on Twitter The PSC's Right to Boycott campaign Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. If you can, rate us and write a nice review if you like what you hear. It helps other people find our podcast and learn about the issues. Here are the instructions on how to find, rate, review and share the podcast on eight different platforms: Apple, Spotify, Google, TuneIn, Deezer, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, and iHeartRadio.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla, and Tom are joined by Chris Gazaleh, Palestinian-American muralist, activist, and community organizer. Using different mediums like ink, paint, and digital illustrations, Chris uses powerful symbols and imagery to advocate for Palestinian human rights and social justice. Listen in to learn about Chris's art, his inspiration, and his efforts to use art to advocate for Palestinian justice and liberation.Links:To learn more about Chris and his work, visit his website hereFollow Chris Gazaleh on Instagram Check out the Clarion Alley Mural Project hereSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Tayla and Tom are joined by Heifa Odeh, Palestinian-American chef, recipe developer and food blogger. Founder of the blog Fufu's Kitchen and author of the recent cookbook, Dine in Palestine, Heifa seeks to celebrate and preserve traditional Palestinian dishes and recipes. Listen in to learn about Heifa's expression and celebration of her Palestinian identity and culture through food.  Links:Check out Heifa's blog and explore all the different Palestinian and Middle Eastern recipes here.Purchase Heifa's cookbook Dine in Palestine: An Authentic Taste of Palestine in 60 Recipes from my Family to Your Table here.  Follow Heifa's Fufu in the Kitchen on Instagram. Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla and Tom are joined by Mirna Bamieh, Palestinian chef, artist and founder of the Palestine Hosting Society - a cultural and social project that seeks to reclaim and revitalize Palestinian food practices and dishes. Listen in to learn about Mirna's commitment to celebrating the Palestinian identity, culture, and heritage through food. Links:Check out the Palestine Hosting Society founded by Mirna here and visit her website to explore her other art projects and initiativesWatch Mirna talk about the origins of the Palestine Hosting Society its importance hereFollow the Palestine Hosting Society on Instagram. Learn more about how Mirna researches and hosts a table here. Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla and Tom are joined by Farah Nabulsi, Palestinian-British filmmaker and human rights advocate. She has written and produced four short films including Today They Took My Son and Nightmare of Gaza. Her most recent short The Present has won over 50 International awards for its powerful portrayal of the daily struggles faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Listen in as we discuss The Present, her inspiration, and her efforts to use film to share the Palestinian experience under Israeli occupation and apartheid system.Links:To learn more about Farah and her work, visit her website.Check out the online resource Oceans of Injustice, named after Farah's first film which deconstructs the economic, social, and political aspects of Israeli occupation here. Read more about Farah's upcoming film The Teacher. Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Michael is joined by Jalal Abukhater, a Palestinian writer and activist based in Jerusalem, to discuss settler-colonial violence and dispossession in occupied Palestine. We discuss Israel's attacks on the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, Israel's repeated military invasions in the West Bank (including this week's deadly attack on Jenin), and Palestinian armed resistance. Links from this podcast:Jalal Abukhater on TwitterJalal's websiteTwitter thread by Jalal on the settler take-over of land in Silwan Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. If you can, rate us and write a nice review if you like what you hear. It helps other people find our podcast and learn about the issues. Here are the instructions on how to find, rate, review and share the podcast on eight different platforms: Apple, Spotify, Google, TuneIn, Deezer, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, and iHeartRadio.

In this episode, Michael is joined by Inès Abdel Razek, Executive Director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy (PIPD), an independent Palestinian organization focused on international mobilization and digital campaigning for Justice, Freedom and Equality. We discuss the work of PIPD and Palestine Virtual Reality, trends in Palestinian solidarity since May 2021, and what Palestinians think of Israel's far-right government.    Links from this podcast:The Palestine Institute for Public DiplomacyTwitter: @InesAbdelRazekSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.If you can, rate us and write a nice review if you like what you hear. It helps other people find our podcast and learn about the issues. Here are the instructions on how to find, rate, review and share the podcast on eight different platforms: Apple, Spotify, Google, TuneIn, Deezer, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, and iHeartRadio.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla and Tom are joined by Darin Sallam, Palestinian-Jordanian writer, director and filmmaker. Her most recent film, Farha, follows a young-girl's traumatic experience during the Nakba. Despite obstacles in producing the film, Farha has been extremely well-received, especially among Palestinians for its realistic depiction of the devastating events of the Nakba. Listen in as we discuss Farha, her inspiration, and her efforts to use film to share important Palestinian stories and experiences.Links:Check out this article for insight about Farha and Palestinian cinema. Read about the historical events of the Nakba that inspired scenes in Farha.Hear more from Darin about producing Farha  despite the obstacles here.Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Michael and Reem are joined by Antony Loewenstein to discuss his latest book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World. We discuss how Israel's arms industry uses the occupied Palestinian territories as a testing ground for weaponry and surveillance technology that it then exports around the world. We also discuss the censorship of Palestinians and their allies by social media companies and the growing impact of direct action campaigns against Israeli weapons manufacturers like Elbit Systems. Links from this podcast:·      Buy Antony's book The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World ·      Antony's website and Twitter·      Palestine Action in the UK #ShutElbitDownSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef and Tayla are joined by Maysoun Odeh, Palestinian entrepreneur and co-founder and director of “NISAA”, the first Arabic radio station in the Middle East that is run by women for women. Launched in 2010, NISAA's mission is to transform the perception of “women's role in society by highlighting their social engagement, successes, and creativity.” Maysoun has worked to help inform and inspire Palestinian to assert their rights and empower themselves.Links:Check out the NISAA FM, co-founded and directed by Maysoun.  Watch Maysoun talk about the aim of NISAA as a social enterprise and the importance of empowering women here.Read about how NISAA radio station helps empower Palestinian women in a patriarchal society but more restrictively under Israeli occupation. Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Tom, Rafeef and Tayla are joined by Vivien Sansour, the Palestinian-American founder of the Palestine Heirloom Library – a cultural and social project that works with farmers and advocates to recover and conserve threatened crop varieties. Through her art and storytelling, Vivien advocates for greater social engagement with Palestinian agriculture, heritage, and culture. Currently working on an autobiographical book documenting her work on seeds in Palestine and around the world, Vivien weaves together her personal experiences and research, making her work both a cultural and political act. Links:Check out the Palestine Heirloom Library, and Traveling Kitchen founded by Vivien.Buy seeds from the Heirloom Seed Library here.Watch Vivien talk about the origins of the Palestine Heirloom Library and its importance hereRead about Vivien's efforts to revitalize and conserve Jadu'l, a watermelon variety unique to the city of Jenin.Desires to support Vivien's work can be directed to this email address, arts.and.seeds@gmail.com. Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Nakba (“catastrophe” in Arabic), when more than 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and country during the creation of Israel. To mark this occasion, CJPME and the Ottawa Forum on Israel Palestine recently hosted a webinar with Umar al-Ghubari and Rachel Beitarie, co-directors of Zochrot, a Jaffa-based organization which is dedicated to exposing the truth about the Nakba in Israeli society and promoting the right of return for refugees. This podcast episode features an excerpt from that webinar. Links from this podcast:·      Full video recording of the webinar (April 16, 2023)·      Zochrot's website·      Support Zochrot's crowdfunding campaignSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this news round-up episode, Reem joins Tom and Michael to discuss last week's attack on Palestinian worshippers in the Al-Aqsa compound, and how Canada responded.  They'll also talk about an interesting comment by Canada's ambassador to the UN, and a recent humanitarian initiative for Gaza's struggling farmers.  Links from this podcast:Read CJPME's press release: Canada must condemn, sanction brutal Israeli attack on Al-Aqsa worshippers CJPME email campaign: Tell Trudeau: end Israeli atrocities at the Al-Aqsa mosque Watch: Bob Rae's comment on Israeli “de facto annexation” of the occupied West BankThe CJPME Foundation's “Gaza Farm Aid” project to help Palestinian farmers in Gaza Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef and Tom are joined by Nasser Jaber, the Palestinian-American co-founder of the Migrant Kitchen - a social enterprise in NYC which showcases the stories and cuisines of immigrant chefs. Nasser arrived in New York from Ramallah in 2001 hoping to make it big on Wall Street; but ended up being one of the city's most influential restauranteurs. His journey as an advocate for marginalised communities, refugees, and immigrants is just beginning.Links: Check out The Migrant Kitchen, co-founded by Nasser.See also “The Migrant Kitchen Initiative,” an international charity lifting-up the most vulnerable members of the world's communities.Read Nasser's story at The Migrant Kitchen here.Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

What is data storytelling? How do we shift the dominant narrative on Palestine? On this episode, we are joined by Aline Batarseh, Executive Director of Visualizing Palestine. We discuss the work of Visualizing Palestine, its successes, its challenges, its new strategic plan, international solidarity, and the importance of shifting the narrative toward justice. Links from this podcast:·      Visualizing Palestine's main website·      Visualizing Palestine 101·      VP's Palestinian Journeys·      VP's Growth of a Movement Timeline ·      VP's Palestine Open MapsSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we're joined by Najat El-Taji El-Khairy, a Palestinian-Canadian artist who has created a unique art form combining her interests in both embroidery and porcelain painting.  Najat's art has been exhibited in various venues throughout North America, the Middle East and Europe.  Najat has made it her mission to immortalise, protect and preserve the art of Palestinian embroidery.  As she describes it, she's, ‘Painting her way home, one stitch at a time.' Links: Find Najat's Website here and her Instagram account here; and see a collection of Najat's amazing artwork here.  Order Najat's book, Palestinian Heritage … Worth Celebrating!, from the Musée des métiers d'art du Québec (MUMAQ) here.See Najat's full written responses to CJPME's podcast questions.Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this news round-up episode, Tom and Michael discuss two important recent developments: The smear campaign against progressive Ontario NDP candidate Sarah Jama over her support for Palestinian human rights, and a new initiative from CJPME to demand great accountability of Canadian media in their news coverage of Palestine-Israel. Links from this podcast:Globe and Mail story on Sarah Jama, quoting Michael Toronto Star story on Sarah Jama, quoting CJPMELetter supporting Sarah Jama from members of Ontario's Jewish communityCJPME's Media Accountability ProjectSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this news round-up episode, Tom and Michael discuss several important recent developments: Canada expresses concern about the settler pogrom on the Palestinian town of Huwara; Canadian senators meet with a far-right member of the Israeli Knesset; and a Halifax school bans students from wearing the Kufiyah, in an incident of anti-Palestinian racism.Links from this podcast:·      CJPME: Canada must hold Israel responsible for settler terror (Feb 27)·      CJPME: Senate delegation to Israel raises human rights concerns (March 1)·      CJPME: Halifax School Board must apologize for incident of anti-Palestinian racism

In this episode, we're joined by Wafa Ghnaim, an award-winning Palestinian researcher, educator, author and tatreez expert living in Washington, DC. Her book, titled, Tatreez and Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the Diaspora was published in 2018 and documents the stories and meanings behind the Palestinian embroidery motifs that were handed down to Wafa by her mother, Feryal Abbasi Ghnaim, an award-winning artist herself.  Join us as Wafa shares the story of moving from embroidery circles with her mother and aunts, to being the first ever Palestinian embroidery instructor at the Smithsonian Museum.  Links: Wafa's Tatreez and Solidarity Website, https://www.tatreezandtea.com/Buy Wafa's book, Tatreez and Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the DiasporaArticle about Wafa Ghnaim in Vogue MagazineSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode of "Debrief," we introduce you to the other CJPME podcast: "All Things Palestinian Canadian."  Focused on the lives and experiences of Palestinians in the diaspora, "All Things Palestinian Canadian" (ATPC) has interviewed Palestinian authors, filmmakers, artists, and more.  In this episode, ATPC speaks with Wafa Ghnaim, an award-winning Palestinian researcher, educator, author and expert in Tatreez living in Washington, DC. Her book, titled, Tatreez and Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the Diaspora was published in 2018 and documents the stories and meanings behind the Palestinian embroidery motifs that were handed down to Wafa by her mother, Feryal Abbasi Ghnaim, an award-winning artist herself.  Join us as Wafa shares the story of moving from embroidery circles with her mother and aunts, to being the first ever Palestinian embroidery instructor at the Smithsonian Museum.  Links: Wafa's Tatreez and Solidarity Website, https://www.tatreezandtea.com/Buy Wafa's book, Tatreez and Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the DasporaArticle about Wafa Ghnaim in Vogue MagazineSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

Is the Trudeau government ignoring warnings from its diplomats about Israel's human rights abuses? On this episode, Michael is joined by Alex Cosh of the Maple to discuss his ongoing reporting on what Canadian officials are saying behind the scenes, and how that often conflicts with Canada's public statements. We talk about Canada's warm reception to Israel's far-right government, its reaction to Israel's 2022 attack on Gaza, and how it stopped pushing for accountability over Israel's assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.Links from this podcast:The Maple: Canadian Officials Acknowledged Israel's Forced Closure of Palestinian Infrastructure Violated RightsThe Maple: Canada Welcomes Israel's New Government Despite Internal Warnings of Far-Right ExtremismThe Maple: Diplomats Warned About Israeli Politician Who Provoked Violence. Then Trudeau Welcomed His GovernmentThe Maple: Canadian Diplomats Flagged Israel's Poor Record of Investigating Attacks on Journalists After Reporter's DeathSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

Last summer, a number of Canadian university presidents participated in a controversial trip to Israel, for the purpose of building partnerships between Canadian and Israeli universities. The trip, which was organized by a major pro-Israel lobby group, has sparked major concerns over the possible impact on human rights and academic freedom. On this episode, Michael is joined by faculty members Dyala Hamzah and Jillian Rogin to talk about what we know about the delegation, how Israeli universities are complicit in oppression, and how Israel restricts academic freedom for Palestinians. Links from this podcast:The Conversation: University presidents' trip to Israel undermines academic freedom and democracyJoint Letter: Faculty and civil society groups raise human rights concerns after Canadian university presidents tour IsraelJewish Faculty Network Joins Calls for Accountability Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we're joined by Rana Nazzal, a Palestinian-Canadian artist living between Palestine, Ottawa and Toronto. Among other things, Rana's powerful art explores Palestinians' relationship with the land, and the themes of Palestinian memory and loss.  In addition to her art, she is also an activist and campaigner on grassroots issues including not only Palestinian human rights, but also climate change, Indigenous rights, and more. Join us as we talk to Rana about her art, and how it's an expression and extension of her activist roots and passion.  And Rafeef Dajani joins ATPC to co-host her first podcast.  Links: See Rana Nazzal's Website, https://www.rananazzal.com/ See a photo tour of Nazzal's exhibition, 1/1000th of a DunamSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

On this episode, Michael is joined by Emma Paling of the Breach to talk about the recent discovery that the Bank of Montreal (BMO) gave a $90m loan to Israel's largest weapons company Elbit Systems. We discuss Elbit's human rights record, Canada's own contracts for military technology from Elbit, and why some investors have decided to divest from the company.Links from this podcast:The Breach: Revealed: BMO bankrolled Israeli weapons maker with a $90M loanCJPME backgrounder: Canada's Elbit Drone ContractThe Intercept: Secret Israeli Report Reveals Armed Drone Killed Four Boys Playing on Gaza Beach in 2014Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

As we launch our first ATPC episode for 2023, we note that we sadly said goodbye to Nur Watad in December, as she made the decision to move on to new career challenges elsewhere. But we are thrilled to have lined up a very articulate and capable new co-host in the meantime, Ms. Rafeef Dajani. Rafeef has been a friend to CJPME for several years, and more importantly, an ardent participant in the global Palestine solidarity movement. So this is our chance to introduce Rafeef, and have her talk a bit about her journey up until this point. 

On this episode, Michael is joined by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. We talk about Israel's recent deadly attack on the Jenin refugee camp and why she believes these actions violate international law. We also talk about apartheid, settler-colonialism, and what we can expect to see from the UN's Commission of Inquiry and the International Court of Justice, both of which are investigating Israel's occupation. Links from this podcast:·      Statement from UN experts condemning Israel's attack on Jenin·      First report by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese·      Call for input: Special Rapporteur's future thematic reports and activitiesSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

On this episode, Tom and Michael are joined by Ramzy Baroud and Ilan Pappé, co-editors of the book “Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out.” In their new book, they bring together a diverse group of Palestinian voices – from filmmakers to religious figures to politicians and more – to share their own experiences and perspectives on the way forward for Palestine. We discuss the meaning of Palestinian liberation and decolonization, why the May 2021 uprising continues to be a source of optimism, and whether there's a growing consensus among Palestinians about the need for a one-state solution.Links from this podcast: “Our Vision for Liberation” (Clarity Press 2022), edited by Ramzy Baroud and Ilan PappéSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

On November 1st, Israelis completed their fifth election in four years, returning Benjamin Netanyahu to power with the support of extreme, far-right figures who are about to play a major role in the emerging coalition government. Although negotiations to form the government are still underway, it is commonly said that this may be Israel's most far-right government in history. On this episode, we are joined by Natasha Roth-Rowland of +972 Magazine to break down the election, introduce us to the key players, and reflect on the impact that this may have on the lives of Palestinians under apartheid.Links from this podcast:Ben Gvir's dream ministry brings Kahane's vision one step closer (Roth-Rowland in +972 Magazine)Smotrich is about to become the West Bank's overlord. Here's what's at stake (+927 Magazine)Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we're joined by Fida Jiryis, Palestinian author currently living in Ramallah.  Jiryis grew up in Lebanon and Cyprus, the daughter of famed Palestinian thinker and leader, Sabri Jiryis.  As her family fled Israel's oppression and wars, Jiryis' life has spanned the full spectrum of the Palestinian people's forced fragmentation: in Israel, the West Bank and the diaspora. Her writings include several collections of Arabic short stories; a contribution to the book, Kingdom of Olives and Ash, a Washington Post bestseller; and Amputated Tongue, an anthology of Palestinian literature. Her most recent book, Stranger in My Own Land describes her and her family's remarkable life journey which is, in many respects, the story of Palestine.   Our lead host, Nur Watad was unable to be present, so ATPC's backup host, Thomas Woodley, interviewed Ms. Jiryis.Links from this podcast:Obtain a copy of Jiryis' most recent book, Stranger in My Own Land on Oxford University Press, or Amazon Jiryis was also a contributor to Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

 CJPME's Michael Bueckert recently returned from a two-week trip to Palestine-Israel.  During his time there, Bueckert met with dozens of Palestinian community leaders and organizations, politicians, youth activists, business leaders, and academics. He also visited current hotspots including Sheikh Jarrah, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Jenin, as well as unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Naqab.  Get an update from Palestine as Bueckert shares his observations, and ponders what the future may hold for Palestine, Israel, and Canada.Podcast Notes:Michael's full trip reportMichael's tweet about his treatment by Israel border police on his departureSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we're joined by Rimah Jabr, a Palestinian play wright and theatre director based in Toronto who is currently pursuing her PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies at York University.  Rimah's career arc is far from ordinary: after studying and working in accounting for several years, Rimah finally had her breakout opportunity at age 30, and found herself at Belgium's Royal Institute for Theatre, Cinema & Sound.  There, while she earned her Masters degree, she wrote and directed a number of plays.  With her late start, Rimah is making up for lost time with an ambitious vision which includes her most recent co-production, “Broken Shapes,” with visual Artist Dareen Abbas, which premiered earlier this month and runs through Dec. 4th at The Theatre Centre in Toronto! Links: To Learn more about Broken ShapesPurchase tickets to watch Broken ShapesRimah's ThisGen podcastSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Wafa Alzaghal, Palestinian-Canadian President & CEO of The Canadian Arabic Orchestra. Wafa grew up playing the Qanun, also known as the dulcimer, after being inspired by his father's love for classical Arabic music. Wafa co-founded the Canadian Arabic Orchestra in 2014, and has been busy touring Canada with a repertoire of both Western and Eastern tunes. Join us for a conversation with Wafa to hear about his motivation to establish the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, and his experiences presenting to Canadian audiences.  Learn more: Website of The Canadian Arabic OrchestraWebsite of Canadian Arabic Conservatory of MusicSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

In this episode, we are joined by Saba Amro and Annette Lengyel, two Calgary-based activists who have been at the forefront of pressuring Calgary to cancel a contract with Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) – a Spanish/Basque company which is unethically involved in a $2.5 billion CDN contract to expand Jerusalem Light Rail (JLR) network.  Join us as we discuss Calgary's contract with apartheid, and how Calgary's Palestinian solidarity groups are trying to bring it to an end. Podcast Notes:CAF out of Calgary campaign WebsiteCAF out of Calgary Facebook pageInstagram account for CAF out of CalgaryFacebook page of Justice for PalestiniansSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Dalia Elcharbini, Palestinian-Canadian contemporary artist and international exhibitor based in Toronto. While Dalia's artistic style is distinct and unique, she frequently infuses it with symbolism and memories of Palestine.  Listen in as we discuss her art, her inspiration, her Palestinian identity and her efforts to use art to help children impacted by war.  Links:  Dalia Elcharbini's InstagramDalia Elcharbini's WebsiteOur Stars School Foundation WebsiteSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

What and who are the main drivers of anti-Muslim hate in Canada? On this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by Jasmin Zine, author of a new report on the Canadian “Islamophobia Industry.” We talk about some of the key organizations, personalities, and discourses responsible for perpetuating anti-Muslim hate in Canada, and how the connections between them form an ecosystem of hate. As part of this discussion, we will look at the role of certain fringe-right, pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian voices in spreading Islamophobic views. Links from this podcast:Report: The Canadian Islamophobia Industry: Mapping Islamophobia's Ecosystem in the Great White North Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Serene Husni, a video editor, mentor, writer and translator. A Diasporic Palestinian and immigrant from Jordan turned Canadian settler, she calls herself “a displaced human existing between multiple cultures, languages, and locales.” She creates most of her own work in her mother tongue, Arabic. Freely available to watch online, her latest film “Brown Bread & Apricots” (2020) talks about the importance of the pantry in her father's exiled Palestinian family. The film won the Qayrub Award for “Best Canadian Short Film” from the Toronto Arab Film Festival in 2022. She is also co-writer and co-editor of the recent feature documentary Eulogy for The Dead Sea (2022), directed by Polina Teif. Serene holds an MFA in Documentary Media from the Toronto Metropolitan University.  Learn more: Check Serene's Work Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

Last spring, Fernwood Publishing announced a new book, Advocating for Palestine in Canada: one of the first-ever books about Palestinian solidarity work in Canada.  Michael Bueckert, one of Debrief's regular hosts wrote a chapter in the book looking at how Israel seeks to deflect and dismiss criticisms of its oppressive and apartheid practices.  This subject matter is also the focus of Michael's PhD dissertation.  Join us as Michael discusses his chapter, and learn how today's apologists for Israel take an approach eerily similar to that taken by apologists for apartheid South Africa. Links from this podcast:Link to Advocating for Palestine in Canada at Fernwood Publishing Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

Is Canadian media biased towards Israel and against Palestinians? Where does bias come from, and how can we challenge it? On this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by Passage's Davide Mastracci, author of a chapter on Canadian media and pro-Israel bias in the book Advocating for Palestine in Canada (Fernwood, 2022). We talk about the role of journalists, editors, corporate owners, and lobby groups in pushing media coverage to be favourable to Israel, and how these factors undermine reporting on Israel's human rights abuses. Links from this podcast:Read Mastracci's chapter in Advocating for Palestine in CanadaRead Mastracci's article in PassageNow You Know – Mastracci's newsletter on pro-Israel lobbying in media Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Saeed Teebi, a writer and lawyer based in Toronto who has recently released a highly celebrated book of short stories entitled, “Her First Palestinian.”  Teebi's book is a collection of stories about diaspora Palestinians struggling to find their place as immigrants to Canada.  It is also one of five books shortlisted for the $60,000 Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Prize for Fiction this year.  The title story in the book, "Her First Palestinian," was also shortlisted for the 2021 CBC Short Story Prize.  Teebi was born to Palestinian parents in Kuwait and has lived in Canada since 1993. Purchase Her First Palestinian Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

Tom and Michael discuss a recent report authored by Michael and its implications for upcoming votes on Palestinian human rights at the United Nations General Assembly. The report, based on documents obtained through an access to information request, found that Canada's career foreign affairs officials are highly critical of Canada's staunchly pro-Israel record, and have been pushing for a change in the government's approach. We break down the report's findings and what they say about Canada and its reputation on the international stage.Links from this podcast:CJPME Report: Voting Against Its Own InterestsCJPME's UN Dashboard Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

Shadia Qubti is a Palestinian from Nazareth who is currently completing a degree in Interreligious and Indigenous Studies at Vancouver School of Theology in Canada.  Prior to coming to Canada, Shadia studied International Relations and English Language at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, as well as Conflict Resolution and Nonviolent Action at Trinity Dublin College in Ireland. She has worked for over 10 years in policy initiatives and peacebuilding in various organizations, both local and international, working with both Palestinians and Israelis. Through her academic and professional work, Shadia seeks to amplify the voices of Palestinian women and create open discussions about the struggles that they face. Much of her work revolves around reconciliation, identity and political mobilization with a certain focus on Palestinian Christians.Women Behind The Wall Podcast Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

On this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by Sheryl Nestel and Rowan Gaudet of Independent Jewish Voices Canada to talk about their new report on the suppression of speech on Palestine on Canadian campuses. We look at how pro-Israel groups have used harassment and intimidation against pro-Palestine academics to create a “chilly” atmosphere for debate. We talk about how students have been affected by these attacks and discuss the role of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism in suppressing speech.Links from this podcast:IJV's report: Unveiling the Chilly Climate: The Suppression of Speech on Palestine in Canada Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

Abeer Barakat is a Palestinian lecturer of English at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza and is a PhD candidate at the University of Putra Malaysia.  Abeer is an activist for the Palestinian cause and has done amazing activism work in the field of female empowerment and has provided mothers and children impacted by attacks on Gaza with continuous psychological support.  She as well has published a number of academic articles about the Palestinian-Israeli media discourse. Abeer is also apart of Rose2Rose, a Malaysian women NGO that is working for the support of the Palestinian women and children, through education and is a part of MyCARE Malaysia which is a Humanitarian Aid Non-profit organization. In this episode, Abeer joins Nur and Tom to talk about the work she initiated when it comes to providing psychological aid and empowerment to Gazan citizens, its impact, and how Canadians can offer help. Learn more: Abeer Barakat's Academic Work Donate to Rose to Rose  Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

Shawky Fahel came to Canada in the 1960's and started his first business in 1979 with a $1000 loan and nothing more than a few carpet and paint supplies.  Based in Waterloo, ON, Shawky became successful businessman, political activist and philanthropist who has received innumerable awards over the years, both at the local and national level, for his various contributions.  Yet amidst all this busyness and success, he has remained committed to improving the lives of Palestinians, both in Palestine and in the diaspora in Canada.  His most recent philanthropic gesture – one that we'll discuss during our conversation – was a donation of $100,000 to launch a Foundation for Palestinian Studies at the University of Waterloo.   Learn more:Foundation for Palestinian Studies WebsiteFoundation for Palestinian Studies at the University of Waterloo WebsiteSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

Two months ago, Fernwood Publishing announced a new book, Advocating for Palestine in Canada: one of the first-ever books about Palestinian solidarity work in Canada.  Tom Woodley, one of Debrief's regular hosts wrote a chapter in the book discussing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that lie before the Palestinian solidarity movement in Canada.  With Michael on vacation, our podcast engineer Madeleine Moffatt takes the microphone to interview Tom about his chapter, and to explore the potential opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the movement.Links from this podcast:Link to Advocating for Palestine in Canada at Fernwood PublishingSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

On this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by Jasmin Zine to talk about her new book on Islamophobia and the 9/11 generation. We discuss how Islamophobia is more than just “fear” or “hate” towards Muslims, and why we should understand it as a “structure of oppression.” We also talk about the surveillance that Muslims students face on campus, the gendered nature of Islamophobia, and evaluate whether Canada is doing enough to address white supremacist and anti-Muslim violence.  Links from this podcast:Jasmin Zine's book: Under Siege: Islamophobia and the 9/11 Generation Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do. 

Earlier this year, McGill students won a major victory when a campus referendum passed by 71% to adopt a Palestine Solidarity Policy. Almost immediately, however, this decision was suppressed by university administrators and the student association. In this episode, Michael is joined by members of Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR McGill) to discuss their recent victory, and how they are dealing with McGill's attempts to crush student activism. Links from this podcast:SPHR McGill on InstagramA blacklist is terrorizing pro-Palestine students at McGill (SPHR McGill)List of Canadian student unions that have endorsed BDS (CJPME Resource)Students at McGill, UofT, and UBC Pass Pro-Palestine Policies (McGill Daily)Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.