PalCast - One World, One Struggle

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this podcast we are joined from Gaza by teacher, storyteller and mother, Banyas Abu Harab, who focuses on educating, comforting and inspiring young learners in Gaza, even as the bomb blasts are audible above her voice. This is a very different insight into the reality of the ongoing Genocide in Gaza. Thank you, Banyas Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-129326641 The Abubaker Abed podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-129356565 English Translation of the story Banyas tells in Arabic below The Woodcutter and the Three Wishes Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, there was a poor woodcutter. Every day, he went into the forest to cut wood. He sold the wood to people in the village, just so he could feed his children at the end of the day. One afternoon, while he was chopping wood, he suddenly heard a loud, strange noise. He stopped, looked around, and saw a big, glowing blue light. He didn't know what it was, and he thought maybe it was going to rain. Then, out of nowhere, he heard a deep, scary voice: “Ask for anything you wish—I will give you three wishes!” The woodcutter was surprised, but he quickly made his first wish. “I want food for my children,” he said. And just like that, a table full of delicious food appeared! For his second wish, he said, “I want lots of money!” The genie brought him piles of gold and coins. For his third wish, the woodcutter said, “I want a big house for my family.” In the blink of an eye, a beautiful, large house stood in front of him. The woodcutter ran home happily and told his children the whole story. But his children didn't believe him. He took them to the forest to show them the genie—but the genie was gone. The woodcutter felt sad that his children didn't see the magic. Still, they all went back to their new home, ate the delicious food, and were very happy. But as time passed, they spent all the money. Soon, it was all gone, and the family became poor again. The woodcutter went back to the forest to look for the genie and ask for more money—but the genie was nowhere to be found. That day, the woodcutter learned a very important lesson: Instead of asking for money, he should have wished for a good job, something that could help him earn and care for his family for a long time. And that's why we should never depend on magic or other people's money. We should work hard, believe in ourselves, and build our future with our own hands. The woodcutter was kind—but he had been a little greedy. Next time, he would make wiser choices—not just for himself, but for his children too.

Dr. Akram Habeeb is a professor of English at the Islamic University of Gaza. He taught and inspired many academics including Dr. Refaat Alareer. He left Gaza after 45 days of displacement in Rafah, where he did his best to care for his family. In this episode, he talks about his special relationship with Refaat Alareer, education and his own experience of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He also shares a wonderful poem that you should stay tuned for. We want to express our condolences to Tony and his family on their loss. The Brendan Ogle Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-128733772 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-to-126186702

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Shrouq Alaila is a journalist from Gaza. She won the Freedom of Press Award in 2024 for her journalism work in Gaza. She speaks to us from Gaza on the challenges of reporting, securing food and caring for a baby whose father, also a journalist, killed by Israel as he shielded them from Israeli bombing. Tune in for this powerful episode. Editors Note: I've recorded over 2,000 podcasts and this is maybe one of the most important and impactful episodes I've ever had the privilege to be involved in. The Housing Tzar Debacle podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-127977984 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-to-126186702

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Soliman Hijjy is an award winning visual journalist from Gaza. He's also the fella in the group who keeps everyone smiling, even in the most difficult moments. He joins us from Khan Yunis only 7 minutes after another deadly Israeli attack. We talk about his work, the role of journalism beyond telling stories and how making jokes in moments of danger is an act of resistance. Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-to-126186702

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ruwaida Amer is an award winning film-maker and producer from Gaza, yet she trained as a teacher. War has a way of turning everything upside down. She now dedicates her time to telling the stories of people in Gaza and the children who she cares deeply for. She joins us to speak about how the destruction of her family home as a child by Israel made her the journalist she is now and how the ongoing genocide motivates her to tell more stories. Please watch One Day in Gaza here:https://youtu.be/SxgZsNb7z4o?si=v19PiOmpiTtr6vZV The John Harris podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-127125764 Donate to Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-to-126186702

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this very special PalCast we are joined by Abeer Barakat, who is a lecturer in the University of Applied Sciences, Gaza and a PhD candidate of English at the University Putra Malaysia. She joins us from Gaza to talk about displacement, the difficult decision to send two of her children outside Gaza to continue their education and the day to day difficultly of living 550+ days under the Israeli war on her home. Abeer is a remarkable educator and while she shares her personal story of loss, she also shares uplifting stories of working with her students and her friendship with Dr Reefat Alareer. The Trade War and New Austerity Agenda Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-126205978 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/shoutout-to-mr-126186702

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast, Yousef and Tony discuss the latest news out of Gaza, the rapidly spreading famine and the way in which the international community has largely disgraced itself in standing by as the genocide restarted. We also talk the Garda treatment of the Mothers Against Genoicide activists, the new Irish governments burying of the Occupied Territories Bill and much more. Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-your-124980167

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Content Warning: This podcast contains topics that some people may find upsetting. Maram Mohammed Hammo is a 4th year medical student in Gaza. In high school, she was one of the top students nationally, with a GPA of 99.6%. Her aunt, who was her biggest supporter, was killed along with 17 members of her family and her medical studies were understandably interrupted. She still dreams of finishing her medical school and becoming a doctor. Please help her realise this dream and reach out to us here on the tortoise shack if you want to help. The latest RTE Workers Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-125501173

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr Hashil Al-Saadi is a language lecturer, researcher and research trainer at Centre for Preparatory Studies at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) who is currently teaching students online in Gaza. He joins us to explain the process, the bravery and dedication of his students and his hope that this work helps Gazans to maintain some sense of control of their lives. We also discuss the suppression of pro-Palestinian speech in Western countries and Helena's recent deeply troubling experience at the London School of Economics. Please support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-your-124980167

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editors Note: Samah went to great lengths to record this PalCast and as a result the audio is variable, but it is a must listen Samah Zaqout is a Palestinian graduate of English Literature, who's studying was ended by the brutal Israeli military ‘campaign' in Gaza. She endured displacement, starvation and loss for 15 months. She lost her grandfather, who was a survivor of the Nakba and as she explains could not bear becoming a refugee for the second time in his life. “Every place is marked red in Gaza. One day I woke up with a shrapnel next to my head on my pillow.” Tune in for the full important interview. Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ramadan-mubarak-123298347

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Content Warning: This podcast contains subjects that some listeners may find disturbing. In this PalCast host Yousef Aljamal and producer Tony Groves talk with Dr Khaled Alser- who is a surgeon in Nasser Hospital, Gaza and who had been abducted by Israeli soldiers in March, 2024 and was finally released from his unlawful detainment on Sept 30, 2024. He is still recovering from the torture and abuse he faced in the Israeli “prison” Sde Teiman and Ofer detention centres. He tells us about the entire harrowing experience, from working during the Israeli genocide of Gaza, to the siege of his hospital and on through his unlawful imprisonment, humiliation and torture. Note: Dr Khaled Alser joined us from Nasser Hospital, because even after all he's been through he continues to work to help the people who need him. A true hero in these dark times. The New Constantin Gurdgiev podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-123623938 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ramadan-mubarak-123298347

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack.com In this PalCast - One World, One Struggle, Yousef and producer Tony are joined from Gaza City by lecturer, researcher and educator, Dr Ahmed Junina. Ahmed talks about his and his family's decision not to join the displaced during the Israeli brutal campaign on Gaza. He describes the challenges they faced and talks passionately about ‘home', education, purpose and the need for the International education community to step up and help Palestine students, educators and researchers. This is courage, real courage. The Matt Carthy on Sinn Féin's immigration policy is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-123157069 Donate directly to Palestinian medical student Rajeh via PayPal:anas.kassab.2000@gmail.com

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this very special PalCast - One World, One Struggle episode, Yousef and Tony are joined by educator, academic (from a longline of Palestinian educators and academics) , Dr Ahmed Nehad, who has a PhD in Sustainable Development. Ahmed, who is working with others in planning the reconstruction of the Gazan education system, was a friend and colleague of Dr Refaat Alareer. He talks about the obligation of universities and schools around the world to support Gaza's education system, his commitment to building infrastructure beyond bricks and mortar and shares some stories about our late friend, Refaat. To support Gazan Medical Student, Rajeh, please, if you can, donate directly via PayPal to anas.kassab.2000@gmail.com

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Rajeh Al-Kahloot is a Gazan medical student who is currently in Istanbul. His medical studies were disturbed by the genocide when his parents lost their home and businesses. Now, so close to completion, he is forced to look for support himself to survive. Rajeh will return back to Gaza to contribute to his community when he is qualified, and he highlights the role of medical workers and students in sustaining the community and in the rebuilding of Gaza. Please, if you can, donate directly via PayPal to anas.kassab.2000@gmail.com

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast episode BAFTA and Emmy award winning filmmaker, Yousef Hammash joins us to discuss his work during the genocide in Gaza, the role of storytelling in informing the world and how, on the day that Dr Refaat Alareer's body was given a proper burial, the Palestinian people will persevere despite the absolute madness coming out of Donald Trump. This is Gaza. They aren't leaving. Gareth Browne in Damascus podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-121472788 Stream This is Gaza here:https://www.channel4.com/programmes/this-is-gaza

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast, Yousef and Tony are joined by special guest, Gazan Political Analyst and Advocate, Muhammad Shehada. They discuss the return of over a million people to their destroyed homes in the north of Gaza, Trumps plan for ethnic cleansing, the arrest of Electronic Intifada's Ali Abunimah and yes, even the ridiculous “condoms for Gaza” story. As always, Muhammad is erudite, concise and historically honest in his analysis. The Soc Dem Deputy Leader Cian O'Callaghan podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-121106933

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast, host Helena Cobban and producer Tony Groves turn the tables on new father (congratulations) and PalCast's resident expert, Yousef Aljamal by asking him to explain what is happening since the ceasefire was agreed, what it means on the ground and what Gaza needs now from the international community. We also talk about the media coverage of the ceasefire, the hostage exchange and the fear that Jenin is to be “the next Gaza.” Yousef's piece:https://inthesetimes.com/article/gaza-genocide-ceasefire-israel-palestine-trump

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack As reports of a ceasefire deal are emerging, we are joined on the PalCast by a very special guest, Dr Ayesha Khan, who is an Emergency Medicine physician. Dr Khan has recently returned from Gaza, where she worked in trying to hold together the crumbling medical facilities. This is a first-person account of the reality on the ground by a remarkable woman who has helped build health system capacity in thirteen regions across the globe. Please listen. PalCast - One World, One Struggle. The Ceasefire Deal pod with Mahmoud Mushtaha is out now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/120110740 Support Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/117612489

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Nour Nafez Hammad is a Palestinian educator and scholar who is engaged in the fields of literature and education. In this episode of PalCast, she speaks of personal loss, the role of storytelling and literature in creating a Palestine away from the control of Israeli narrative. She explains how the use of literature, videos and social media posts are a way of maintaining some sanity in what is an insane situation. Tune in for much more. Support the AFSC @ https://afsc.org/ Details for the Sameer Project are @ https://www.patreon.com/posts/118211557

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Banias is a wonderful a 8-year old child living in Gaza, now displaced in Al-Zawayda. She joins us to speak of the dreams that she still carries and the life that she left behind in her home, now destroyed, in Gaza city, Banias shares her hopes for the new year, talks about rebuilding Gaza, wanting to visit New York, her favourite Christmas film, Home Alone, and how much she wants to see an end to the war. Her mom, Maram, also joins us towards the end of the conversation. Banias likes Christmas, and she lit up this podcast. Let's hold her and the people of Gaza in the light during this holiday season. Tune in for more Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/117612489

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Mahmoud Alhirthani is an Associate Professor of Translation and Intercultural Studies at Alaqsa University, Gaza. Author of Utopia of Existence: Prospects of the One State Solution in Palestine (in Arabic), Alhirthani is also a translator with specific focus on International Law and Human Rights in Palestine. His Arabic translation of Brownlie's Principles of Public International Law (2022) won Shiekh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding (2023). In this episode of PalCast, he examines English-speaking media coverage of human rights in Palestine with special reference to the Israeli de-civilianisation of the Palestinians. He talks about narrative, demonization and the need for a de-colonial narrative. We also discuss Israel's decision to close its Embassy in Ireland and what that means beyond the headlines. Tune in for more details. Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/117612489

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack This is the live recording of the Remembering Refaat Alareer memorial that took place on the one year anniversary of his killing by the Israeli military. If I Must Die the book is available now here:https://orbooks.com/catalog/if-i-must-die/ Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/117612489

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The situation in Gaza is getting worse. Three women were crushed to death by men who lined up to get aid in Central Gaza. Israel continues to expand the Netzarim Corridor and attack family homes full of displaced people. More people are getting hungrier each day. At this year's conference on Palestine Studies at Universiti Malaya, Palestinian scholars and activists spoke of their vision for Gaza and told their personal stories of loss. More plans to preserve Refaat Alareer's legacy in Malaysia, tune in for more details. Remembering Refaat registration:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_itlESZDCSymnWfBuE7kqUA#/registration

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Aid trucks are looted in Gaza. People are desperate. But is all as it seems? A Washington Post article revealed that looters coordinate with the Israeli army and stay close to them! 109 aid trucks for UNRWA were looted and this week the Hamas police killed 22 looters. Meanwhile in the north of Gaza, Israel killed 74 people from the same family, while their campaign continues to still try push people out of the north: just before we recorded Israel bombed the third floor of the Kamal Edwan hospital. In the south, starvation is spreading and Israel destroyed the Abu Yousef Alnajjar hospital. Tune in for more details also about new books on and by Refaat Alareer. Yousef's piece:https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/11/19/facing-genocide-while-disabled For all our GE 2024 coverage go to patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ahmed Masoud is a Palestinian novelist and writer who grew up in Jabalyia refugee camp. He joins us to speak about his family in Jabalyia, a brother who was killed by Israel, and a sister who was under siege in the refugee camp for 40 days. Ahmad shares his thoughts on the importance of literature, writing, storytelling during this critical time. A powerful testimony from a brilliant writer. Tune in for more details. GE 2024 Candidates Pods are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-115534461

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Yipeng Ge is a primary care physician and public health practitioner who has witnessed the atrocities in Gaza firsthand as a humanitarian medical volunteer. He shares with the PalCast co-hosts his experience of being in Gaza as a medical worker during the ongoing genocide. He tells us how hungry people were so kind to him and his colleague, going so far as to share their meals, and although the medical system in Gaza was destroyed by Israel, and many medical professionals were targeted by Israel, Palestinians still maintained a sort of social structure to survive. He also sadly outlines how the deaths are much higher than many people think and how hospitals became a target. Listen to hear heartbreaking stories from Gaza. We must bare witness. Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735 The US Election Reaction Pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-115480043

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast we talk to Executive Director of the International Forum for Justice in Palestine, Nabil Hallak, who is currently in Lebanon and is witnessing firsthand the Israeli war there. They discuss the recent events in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, as well as Nabil's recent trip to South Africa, whose government has taken the case against Israel to the International Criminal Court. The GE2024 Candidate Podcasts are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/115017828 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Abubaker Abed is a sports journalist in Gaza but since October last year he had to change his scope to cover an ongoing genocide by Israel in the Gaza Strip. He opens up to PalCast hosts about the trials and tribulations of existing in Gaza today. He says, despite the unbearable atrocities has he seen, he has not lost hope because he insists on being a human every day. In fact he demands that we all do. Abubaker calls on people all over the world to speak up to end the genocide in Gaza and call out their complicit governments. What we have seen is beyond a genocide, he repeats. As he speaks, gunshots and noise are heard in the background from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital where Palestinians were burnt alive by an Israeli airstrike last week. Rory's Dublin Marathon for Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Nour Naim holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. In this episode of PalCast she talks about the use of AI techniques during the genocide in Gaza by Israel. Naim notes that what is lethally dangerous about Israel's use of AI in Gaza which started in 2019, long before October 7th, and how AI has turned into a marketable killing machine, facilitated by humans with minimal efforts. This includes the use of AI machines Lavender and Where's Daddy based on algorithms fed by the Israeli military. Helena Cobban talks about the US letter that gave Israel 30 days to allow aid into Gaza otherwise the administration might (MIGHT) reconsider US arms to Israel, noting that this is all related to the US elections on November 5th. Tune in for more! Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack It has been a year since October 7th. The world has changed, but the world of Palestinians has changed beyond imagination during this fateful year. Much of Gaza has been destroyed, 42,000 Palestinians have been killed, 10,000 others are still under the rubble of their homes. Their bodies unburied as a cruel reminder of the ongoing war on Gaza. In this episode, PalCast hosts speak of the difficulty of keeping sane during these challenging times. The war started in Gaza, but it has been expanding, reaching Lebanon and Yemen, and involving countries such as Iraq and Iran. The world will never be the same again. Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ayah Arafat has been organizing for Palestine in the Washington DC Metropolitan area for over 7 years. She has been organizing with the Palestinian Youth Movement and Students for Justice in Palestine. She joins PalCast co-hosts to talk about how the organizing landscape works but also changes in the US in light of regional developments in the Middle East, the upcoming election and the disconnect between politics and the people. We also discuss the expansion of the war, the globalisation of protest and the need to not lose hope even in the face of so many daily tragedies. Tune in for the full episode. The Budget 2025 Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/113223241 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Asem Alnabih is an engineer and a PhD candidate from Gaza. He currently serves as a member of the emergency committee, the spokesperson and the Director of Public Relations and Media at Gaza Municipality. He speaks to PalCast about the role the Gaza municipality plays during the genocide, his close relationship and last moments with Dr. Refaat Alareer, and the impact he had on him, finally pushing him to start publishing his work earlier this month. Also Helena Cobban talks about the escalation in Lebanon, which is developing into a regional war between Hezbollah and Israel. To donate to Gaza municipality click here https://gaza-city.ensany.com/campaign/6737 To support Rory's Marathon for Dignity for Palestine visit:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Rawan Yaghi was a student of our dearly missed friend, Dr. Refaat Alareer. She holds an MA from CUNY in the United States and she is launching a newsletter titled “Refaat Writes Back.” The Initiative aims to nurture young writers from Gaza and to help get their message out to the world, a mission Refaat himself dedicated his life to Rawan speaks to PalCast co-hosts about his own journey as a writer who centered the voices of children in Gaza, and how Refaat supported her in this process. Tune in for more details. Gaza Appeal Details:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111983961

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Malak Mattar is an artist from Gaza, known for her incredibly colorful paintings. She is now struggling to paint the Gaza that she knew. That Gaza is no more, and for this reason, Malak wants to document what she knew, having left on October 5, 2023. For her, documentation, baring witness and her art is a national duty, an obligation of her heart and a continuation of a legacy started by many Palestinian artists. Malak hails the works of Palestinian artists who were killed in Gaza or those who continue to paint from their tents. Listen to this PalCast episode to understand the role of arts during genocide in Gaza. The US Presidential Debate Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111858654 The Gaza Appeal is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/109090405 -Art has a power to heal.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Mohammed H. Alaqad is a distinguished academic from Gaza, now based in Malaysia. In the Autumn of 2023 he went to visit home after 14 years of being away. Having received a red carpet reception by family and friends, he wanted most for his wife and kids to meet his extended family, including his mother who had only recently being diagnosed with cancer. A few days later on October 7, his kids woke up the sound of rockets and a war that still rages. He shares his story of living seven months during the genocide in Gaza, including the story of how his disabled brother was killed; of whom they only recovered his head after an Israeli drone targeted him with 2 missiles. This is a powerful, sometimes uplifting, but more often heartbreaking story. Above all it is a story everyone should listen to. The Gaza Appeal details are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/108592125 The Ditch on Israeli weapons in Irish Airspace Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/47414904

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Anas Abu Samhan is a Palestinian writer and translator with a deep focus on the decolonization of mind and language, as well as decolonial epistemology. Anas talks about language, literature and translation during genocide and he narrates how his family was displaced multiple times and lost all their homes. In between, Anas brings in the memory of Refaat Alareer, his late lecturer from Gaza. Helena Cobban touches on regional developments, the Hezbollah-Iran Israel tensions and the possibility of a regionals war breaking out. Tune in for more. Tickets for the Live Show are here:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-tortoise-shack-tells-an-echo-chamber-exclusive-tickets-1002392050607?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*1f8z42w*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjYyMzc5OTcyLjE3MjQ4MjU4NjI.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTcyNDgyNTg2Mi4xLjAuMTcyNDgyNTg2Mi4wLjAuMA..

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ibrahim Alsemeiri is a PhD Candidate at the University of Utarah in Malaysia. Being from and living in Gaza, with four children, he has been displaced 5 times since October 7th. He lost his home and as you'll hear, is doing his best to comfort his children. He joins the PalCast co-hosts, yousef, Helena and Tony to talk about the daily struggles in Gaza and an academic initiative he started along with other colleagues to help Gaza rebuild. Helena Cobban shares her pessimistic insights from the US about the DNC and the US political system this week. Gaza appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-what-you-us-109090405

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Hani Albassous is an Associate Professor in Security and Strategic Studies, he taught in Gaza, Qatar and Oman. He joins PalCast to talk about recent developments in Gaza and Israel, his view of the ongoing negotiations, the possible regional war breaking out between and Iran and Hezbollah on one hand and Israel on the other hand. This is all in light of the next National Democrat Convention in Chicago next Monday. Tune in for more detail! Gaza appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/109090405

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hana Salah is a Palestinian journalist from Gaza who endured and reported on the genocide until she was able to leave to Egypt then to Qatar in March 2024. Her two sisters were injured after an Israeli airstrike hit the building that she and her family took as a shelter. She was displaced a couple of times in the process. Hana joins co-hosts Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and producer Tony Groves to talk about her experience in Gaza, but also the recent developments in the region and world wide, which might see an all out war. Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-what-you-us-109090405

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ahmad Al-Naouq is the co-founder of We Are Not Numbers. He lost his family due to Israeli bombing on his family home in Gaza in October 2023. Since then, he has been appearing on different media outlets to defend and put forward the Palestinian narrative. He joins PalCast co-hosts Yousef and Helena to talk about the ongoing genocide in Gaza, international solidarity, the depraved violations in Israeli jails and the Israeli bombing of schools and filming of war crimes for social media clout. Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-what-you-us-109090405

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack As if US politics couldn't get any more chaotic, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived for an official visit. Add in the ICJ's opinion on the Israeli illegal settlements and the ongoing daily horrors in Gaza and there is a lot to discuss. On this PalCast, Yousef, Helena and Tony are joined by Gazan journalist and regular contributor Mahmoud Mushtaha. Don't miss it. Please check out this important update from Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/water-for-gaza-108592125

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Shahd Safi is an Arabic/English translator and teacher, freelance journalist, social media coordinator, and human rights advocate. She is from Gaza and is now in Cairo. She joins Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves to talk about her journey out of Gaza and her experience of surviving Israel's airstrikes which ended with her movement to safety in Egypt after she paid for her exit. The Hana Salah Podcast is out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-108054435 Gaza Appeal here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-103882396