Palestinians Podcast

On this episode of Palestinians Podcast we speak to poet and activist Sara Saleh. Sara discusses what it's like to be an Arab in Australia, what it was like to visit Palestine, and how she handles challenges to her identity. In addition, we hear one of Sara's poems entitled "Forgetting to Name our Daughters."  The music in this episode is by Clarissa Bitar. You can find out more about how to get her latest album, Bayyati, here.  Make sure to visit our website, give us a rating and written review on Apple Podcasts, and take our listener survey! 

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast you'll hear a beautiful and lyrical story told by Dalia Deak, a law school student at Harvard University. Dalia told a story about her grandparents at Palestinians, Live! Boston in 2018. This episode includes additional interview material from Dalia in which she discusses what it means to be Palestinian, what it means to love Palestine, and how she honors her grandparents in her daily life. You will not want to miss this episode! The amazing track, Billadhi Askara, in this episode is by Clarissa Bitar. To find out more about her upcoming album Bayyati, visit her website!  Please consider us leaving us a star rating and written review on Apple Podcasts. We'd also love to hear from you through our listener survey. Thank you for listening! 

We're thrilled to bring you a bonus episode of Palestinians Podcast produced and presented by Aceel Kibbi. Aceel tells the story of Sarah Hassan.  Sarah Hassan is an American of Palestinian descent. Her parents migrated to the US and settled in the Boston area. Born and raised in America, Sarah still feels like a foreigner. And it's not her hijab that makes her feel that way, but rather her homesickness. Although she's never seen Palestine for herself, Sarah feels a strong connection to the country and culture. You'll hear the many ways she incorporates elements of the Palestinian culture in her life and, as of 18 months ago, in her daughter's life. Sarah still longs for Palestine, and at the end, she paints a picture of what she expects to see and feel if she ever gets the chance to visit her homeland. Make sure to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Take our listener survey! Write us a written review on Apple Podcasts.   

In this special bonus episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear from Dr. David Mills, a pediatrician who has worked with the Palestine Children Relief Fund (PCRF) for the past 5 years. We hear about David's journey across the Atlantic with Abood Nofal, a young Palestinian boy injured during the Great March of Return. Abood was assisted by PCRF, an organization that sends children abroad for medical care. Dr. Mills told his story during the Boston Chapter's PCRF annual fundraiser on December 1, 2018.  To donate to PCRF, visit our Facebook fundraising page or give directly.  If you haven't already, please consider taking a few minutes to complete our listener survey. It'll help us improve the podcast. Happy listening!

It's been THREE years since we released our first episode of Palestinians Podcast! We need your help to keep the podcast going. Please take our brief listener survey to help us continue to producing episodes that you'll enjoy.  Thank you for listening and supporting the show! We're looking for young, enthusiastic, and talented audio and media producers to help sustain the podcast. We also need help in acquiring non-profit status. If you or anyone you know can help, please email Nadia: nadia@palestinianspodcast.com. Happy listening!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear from three members of the Dubbaneh Family (Issa and two of his sons: Danny, and Johnny). The Dubbaneh's are a close and tight-knit family who run a business together, Z&Z. They not only sell zaatar but they also create memories at their farm stand for everyone who visits. In this episode you'll hear about Issa's transition to the U.S. when he immigrated from Palestine and about what it was like to raise a family while owning restaurants. Danny and Johnny discuss their experiences as Palestinian Americans and describe the reasons for starting their zaatar company. Grab yourself a manouche and enjoy this family-centered episode of Palestinians Podcast! Please take a moment to provide a written review and give us a star rating on Apple Podcasts. You can listen to all episodes of Palestinians Podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, and our website. Thank you for supporting Palestinian storytelling! You can buy your own jar of Z&Z zaatar on Amazon!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear from Michael Maria, a Palestinian-American born and raised in Massachusetts. Michael reflects on his childhood, his heritage, and the legacy he plans to pass down to his young son, Sebastian. Michael is an essential member of the Boston Palestine Film Festival, happening from October 19-28, 2018.  The awesome music featured in this episode is by Bashar Murad, a Palestinian musician who pushes the boundaries with his alt-pop music. If you enjoyed it, please support him by purchasing his music!  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Write us a review on Apple Podcasts! Thank you for supporting us. Happy listening!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear about Lena Ghannam's experiences with her first loves, being third culture, and visiting Palestine for the first time. This episode features a story told live at Palestinians, Live! in Washington D.C. in October of 2017 as part of the DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival.  The music in this episode is by Basel Zayed and the Ayn Trio. The tracks featured are part of a beautiful new album released in September of 2018. To find out more about the music you can visit Basel Zayed's website or our website.  For more information visit: www.palestinianspodcast.com

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear from Andrew Kadi. Andrew told a story about his experience at the Tel Aviv airport live on stage at Palestinians, Live! in October of 2017 at the DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival. While his experience was traumatic, Andrew manages to tell the story with plenty of humor. In this episode, Andrew also reflects on his homeland, his mother, and his activism work in the United States.  Music in this episode is by DAM. We thank them for generously allowing us to use two of their songs (Mama, I'm in Love with a Jew and Freedom for My Sisters).  Transcription and audio editing was performed by our summer intern Rashad Saleh. 

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, we will be releasing two episodes this month. The second of these two features Samar Najia. In this episode we hear about Samar's relationship with her mother and the influence her mother has on her life. Samar also discusses the importance of community for Palestinian identity in the diaspora.  The music in this episode is by Huda Asfour from her upcoming album Kouni. You can find out more about her music and the album on our website. Please consider giving us a rating and writing a written review on iTunes. We hope that you help us spread the word on social media about the podcast. Visit our website for information on how you can get involved. Thank you for listening! 

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, we will be releasing two episodes this month. The first of these two features Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly. In this episode we hear about the struggles associated with growing up as a young teenager in occupied Palestine and also about the struggles associated with raising Palestinian children in the diaspora. Nijmeh also discusses the importance of her faith and her family.  The music in this episode is by Huda Asfour from her upcoming album Kouni. You can find out more about her music and the album on our website. Please consider giving us a rating and writing a written review on iTunes. We hope that you help us spread the word on social media about the podcast. Visit our website for information on how you can get involved. Thank you for listening! 

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear Tariq Luthun's reflections on his experience as a Palestinian-American, his parents' immigrant experiences in the United States, and the power of spoken word poetry. You'll get a chance to hear two of Tariq's poems and also hear about his experiences as a child visiting the Gaza Strip.  We dedicate this episode to all those marching for their Right of Return in Gaza and throughout Palestine. The music featured in this episode is by the Typo Band (Khata'a Mattbaie), a band from Gaza city. Check out their music! To find out more about Tariq's poetry and work, visit our website and blog. If you enjoy listening, spread the word by writing a written review on iTunes and telling your friends. Happy listening!

Ahmad Abuznaid's story of growing up in both the United States and Palestine helps us understand how he has become the nationally recognized activist he is today. As a co-founder of the Dream Defenders, Ahmad's advocacy in the United States reminds us that as Palestinians we are called to be in unity with other liberation and social justice movements around the world. We hope this special Black History Month episode of Palestinians Podcast inspires you to contribute your voice to social movements in the United States and Palestine.  Music in this episode is by Project Chaos. You can read more about Ahmad, the Dream Defenders, and Project Chaos on our website. Thank you for your continued support! Happy listening!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear a live story told in October 2016 at Palestinians, Live Boston. Activist Salma Abu Ayyash tells us about her experiences at Standing Rock in Sioux Country. She describes her solidarity with indigenous movements and the reasons why all Palestinians should feel called to protect indigenous lands. Salma's live story references many photos that can be found on our blog. The memory song is performed by Mark Tilsen. Visit our website for more information on live storytelling shows happening across the country! 

Palestinians around the world are reeling at the announcement by the President of the United States that Jerusalem will be recognized as the capital of Israel. In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, our host and creator, Nadia Abuelezam, discusses her feelings about the announcement and tells a personal story about her awakening as a Palestinian. She also talks about the role of the diaspora in these difficult political times. While this episode is slightly different and more political than our standard episodes, for Palestinians, the personal is political. We hope it inspires you to think of your role in taking back the Palestinian narrative.  Music in this episode is by Mohammad Bashar and Ahmad Al-Zamili (Real Time Media Production). Sound editing and engineering was performed by Sarouna Salfiti-Mushaha.  Visit our website for more on Palestinians in the diaspora and the music featured in the episode. 

Sari Abuljubein shares his reflections on finding home in the most unexpected place in this episode of Palestinians Podcast. Sari is a well known personality in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA in large part due to his past ownership of the popular restaurant Casablanca. We hear about Sari's journey from "fake" Palestinian to "true" Palestinian. Through Sari's infectious personality, we learn more about how one defines home and family when one is a Palestinian living in the United States.  Check out our new and updated website: www.palestinianspodcast.com!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we go back to school with Prof. Dana Sajdi. Dana tells us about living her early years of life under occupation, her struggles with her Palestinian nose, and how she figured out she wanted to pursue history. She also describes the historical figures in her own family who she wishes she had the opportunity to spend more time with. You'll be laughing, crying, and thinking through this episode of Palestinians Podcast. Please rate, like, rate, review and subscribe! Peace! For more information about the podcast you can visit our website: www.palestinianspodcast.com.

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear from Hasheemah Afaneh about her "reverse diasporic" experience. Hasheemah shares her experience of being a Muslim woman in the United States with a unique Arabic name and also about her experience of growing up in both the United States and Palestine. Happy listening! Visit our blog to read some of Hasheemah's writing and learn more about our event in Washington D.C. on October 6th as part of the D.C. Palestinian Film and Arts Festival: www.palestinianspodcast.com.

This episode is the second in a two-episode series featuring Dr. Shouki Kassis. As a note, you'll enjoy this episode more if you go back and listen to #18: Shouki, Arak with Baba. In this episode, we hear a bit more about Dr. Shouki's post-1948 experience in Palestine and listen to some of his deep reflections on the future of Palestine and the Arab world in general. To learn more about Dr. Shouki's life and childhood, you can visit our website and blog. Happy listening! Please keep an eye out on our social media pages to learn about the release of m ore episodes of Palestinians Podcast. Thank you for listening and supporting our project.

In this special Father's Day episode of a two-episode series featuring and honoring the legacy of Dr. Shouki Kassis, we hear about distinct memories of Amo Shouki's childhood and father in Palestine. We also hear from Amo Shouki's children and grandchildren about what their father meant to them. Happy listening! To read more about Amo Shouki's life please visit our blog on our website (www.palestinianspodcast.com). Please keep an eye out on our social media pages to learn about the release of the second episode in this series. 

What do Broadway plays, theology school, and a book club have to do with Palestine? You'll find out in this week's episode of Palestinians Podcast when we hear from Gloria Olivier. This dynamic episode features an in depth interview with Gloria at her home in New England and also includes a story she told at Palestinians, Live! in October of 2016 as part of the Boston Palestine Film Festival. Gloria's life journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and we hope that you enjoy listening to this episode. To learn more about Gloria and her time in Broadway, visit our blog at www.palestinianspodcast.com. Happy listening!

In the final episode of our series on the Azzam family, we hear from Hani Nicholas Azzam and learn about his experiences with and reflections on Palestine. Despite growing up near Boston, Hani found his way to Palestine after college. In his story, told live on stage at Palestinians, Live! in October of 2016, Hani relates his adventures in Palestine to the Chronicles of Narnia in a wonderful and captivating manner. "Like any good story,  this one's a trilogy!"  To hear more about the Azzam family story listen to Episodes #14 and #15. Additionally, you can read more on our blog: www.palestinianspodcast.com. Happy listening!  

This episode of Palestinians Podcast features Moneer Tawfiq Azzam and his son Hani Nicholas Azzam, two generations of men from the same family. We continue our series with the Azzam family and learn of Moneer and Hani Nicholas' experience with their father and grandfather's home on Mt. Carmel. We also learn a bit about what it was like for both Moneer and Hani Nicholas to grow up in the diaspora. Listen past the credits to hear Moneer's wife Sara's connection to the story! This is the second episode in a multi-episode journey featuring three generations of men from the Azzam family. The first episode in this series is #14: The Azzams, Home on Mt. Carmel. To learn more about the Azzam family home, you can visit our blog and our website: www.palestinianspodcast.com, happy listening! 

This episode of Palestinians Podcast features Hani Tawfiq Azzam and his son Moneer Hani Azzam, two generations of men from the same family. We are introduced to the Azzam family home in Mt. Carmel and learn about the family's perilous escape to Lebanon in 1948. Throughout, we hear family stories and share a few laughs remembering Hani's childhood and learning more about what it was like to grow up in Haifa and in Lebanon. We also learn about Hani's difficult transition as a Palestinian immigrant to the United States of America. This is the first episode in a multi-episode journey featuring three generations of men from the Azzam family.   To learn more about the Azzam family home, you can visit our blog and our website: www.palestinianspodcast.com, happy listening!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, we hear from members of the Salfiti family, displaced from Palestine to Kuwait. The episode highlights the importance of storytelling, of passing down stories to future generations, and includes some monkey business. Why did Samih Salfiti bring a monkey home one day? How did one of a few 50-gallon fish tanks explode in the middle of the night? What made the Siamese cat jealous? Find out the answer to these questions and learn about the adventures of growing up in a house of 8 on this episode of Palestinians Podcast! To find out more about the podcast or to listen to other stories, visit our website: www.palestinianspodcast.com. Happy listening!

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, Zena Agha shares some powerful poetry, stories, and reflections on identity, immigration, and refugees. Join us for a wonderful and eclectic episode filled with emotion and reflection. You can read more about Zena's poetry and work on our blog (www.palestinianspodcast.com).  Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes to help other find the show. Happy listening!

On this episode of Palestinians Podcast we hear from author Wafa Ghnaim about her struggle with being the daughter of immigrants in the United States. Wafa is the author of a new book called Tatreez and Tea provides Palestinian embroidery patterns and tea recipes, and also discusses Palestinian identity and the meaning of home. Happy listening! You can find more more information about Wafa's work and listen to more episodes of Palestinians Podcast by visiting the website: www.palestinianspodcast.com. 

Jehan Bseiso is the Head of Communications for Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East Region by day (and some long evenings) and a poet by night. In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, we will hear Jehan read us some of her beautiful poetry and reflect on the events that led her to poetry written from the diaspora for the diaspora. Please note this episode does contain some profanities. To listen to a "bleeped" version, please visit our website. To learn more about Jehan's poetry, her upcoming poetry anthology by refugees, and our live storytelling events please visit our website www.palestinianspodcast.com. Happy listening!

In this episode we hear from Saleem Haddad, author of Guapa. Saleem explores his Palestinian identity through storytelling and discusses shaming, grandmothers, and politics. Saleem recounts his experience coming out to his family and the difficulties with being a gay man in the Middle East.  You can learn more about Saleem's book Guapa or read his article in Slate magazine by following the links on our website (www.palestinianspodcast.com). We'd highly recommend reading Guapa, and we've come up with five reasons why on our blog! Happy listening!

In this episode, we hear from Amahl Bishara about her work with Aida refugee camp, the power of storytelling for the Palestinian cause, and how she met the love of her life. The episode includes features from young voices including those from Aida refugee camp. To find out more about Amahl's work and to purchase her Aida Refugee Camp Alphabet Book, visit our blog at www.palestinianspodcast.com.  If you like the podcast, please consider giving us a rating and review on iTunes! Suggest the podcast to friends and family! Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@PalestiniansPod) and Instagram (@palestinianspodcast)! Happy listening!

In this special Mother's Day episode of Palestinians Podcast you'll hear about Nadia Abuelezam's childhood and her love for her mother. Specifically, you'll hear about a painful (but hilarious) memory from the third grade that involves dessert, pants, and the library in her story told live at Palestinians, Live in Boston, MA in October of 2015! If you don't understand the Arabic references in the episode, please visit our website www.palestinianspodcast.com There you will also see pictures of Nadia as a child and get to know her a bit better! 

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, we feature a young Gazan health educator and nursing student Hamza Moghari. Hamza is one of the writers with We Are Not Numbers, an organization aiming to pair young Palestinian writers with mentors from around the world. Hamza shares a story he wrote about a young woman named Reham and also explains why he loves his life in Gaza so much.  To find out more about We Are Not Numbers and Hamza, visit www.palestinianspodcast.com.

We hear from Munir Jirmanus, a physicist residing near Boston, MA about his multiple experiences and encounters with the concept of "home." Munir tells a number of stories: his family's leaving of Jerusalem in 1948, how he met his wife of more than 35 years, experiences with raising his daughters in the United States, and his recent re-encounter with his childhood home in Jerusalem. To see supplemental material for this episode, you can visit our website www.palestinianspodcast.com. There you can find pictures and an accompanying blog post to Munir's story. You can share your story by calling our story hotline (415-POD-PAL5) or by emailing us at stories@palestinianspodcast.com 

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, we hear from Laila Kassis, a management consultant from Boston, MA. Laila's story, told live on stage at Palestinians, Live! (in Boston, MA in October 2015), recounts her fondest memories of Palestine and the family (and food!) that she associates with her home. Additionally, we hear from her husband Mohamad about his experience in Palestine and how the trip influenced their relationship.    For more information you can visit our website at www.palestinianspodcast.com

We hear from Amer Zahr, a comedian, writer, and activist who resides in Dearborn Michigan in this episode of Palestinians Podcast. Amer shares childhood stories of the memories he has from protests, watching the news, and running for class president. Additionally Amer tells us about some awkward experiences he has faced since September 11th. Amer is a wonderful storyteller who makes us laugh, think, and reflect about the political and social ramifications of being a Palestinian in America.  To hear more about Amer's current work including to see where he may be performing soon, makes sure to visit our blog on our website at www.palestinianspodcast.com. 

In the second episode of the new series, Palestinians Podcast, we hear from Rana Akleh, a doctoral student at Boston College. Rana artistically describes a "forgotten" city in Palestine. Rana shares this story live on the stage at Palestinians, Live! (in Boston, MA in October 2015) and describes how she contributes to changing the face of Palestine by being both a scientist and an artist in a bonus interview.    To see Rana's artwork and her family's recipe for shush-barak, make sure to visit our blog at www.palestinianspodcast.com.

In our first episode of Palestinians Podcast, we hear from Annalise Raziq, a storyteller from Chicago Illinois. Annalise describes her struggle with her "Palestinian-ness" by examining her childhood and her relationship with her father. Annalise shares a story live on the stage at Palestinians, Live! (in Boston, MA in October 2015) and shares more about her identity in a bonus interview.  This episode is dedicated to the memory of Said Raziq, Annalise's father, who passed away in December of 2015. Learn more about his life on our blog at www.palestinianspodcast.com.