Palitalks

Aseel grew up in one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world; Jerusalem. To Aseel, this means leading a life of bravery, creativity and authenticity. In this episode, Aseel speaks to the power of art as a way of bringing people together, and closer to their true selves. From hosting dinner parties to performing in concerts, art is central in both Aseel's daily life and her long-term ability to stay connected to the Holy Land that she no longer lives on.

The US election was the show-stopper of 2020. Everyone was watching, and for good reason; it was a time of transformation. Iman Jodeh, a second-generation Palestinian immigrant, played a part in this historic transformation by being elected for the Colorado House of Representatives. By being elected, Iman went down in history as the first Arab and Muslim law maker in Colorado's history.In this episode, Iman shares her journey to this role and unpacks what it means to be a politician from different identity viewpoints.

When we think of a refugee, we think of someone far far away from home. Waseem is a refuge, who lives a mere 43 kilometres from home and is not allowed to go due to apartheid. He lives in a refugee camp in Gaza, one of the most conflicted zones and one of the largest open-air prisons in the world. Freedom of movement is severely restricted, and access to basic resources such as education and health care put under strain.Through this all, Waseem is a fifth year medical student, a social activist, a local health provider, a first aid trainer and a dreamer for a better future for himself for his people and for his country.

People say that your first love is like no other. But what if your first love is with a land; with Palestine?In this episode you hear Assala's story filled with passion and love for her hometown Kharas. She's a poet, activist, public speaker and social worker who centres Palestine in all of her work. In 2018 she worked as a social worker with internally displaced young Palestinians. She spent this time working with young refugees on how to harness their individual talents and skills. With this story comes authentic reflections on what it means to have a voice when all else is taken.

Palestinian stories and culture are scattered around the globe in fragments that Palestinians try to hold onto. Ever since 1948 when Palestinians became dispossessed of their land, it is the art that remains, carried through diaspora. This is what the Palestine Museum US represents; the first Palestinian Museum established in the US, a cultural beacon that Palestinians around the world can be proud of.This vision was brought to life by Faisal Saleh. Saleh was born into a refugee family of 11 kids and moved to the US on his own at just 17. He earned an MBA and opened a successful tech company. After 40 years of this work, he turned towards his most ambitious project. A museum set up by Palestinians for Palestinians around the world to showcase their art. In this episode, Saleh speaks deeply about the power of art and the potential it has to create powerful change in both the mind and heart.*Correction: In the episode, the Palestine Museum US is described as the first in the Northern Hemisphere, meant to be first in the Western Hemisphere*

Amer Zahr has been making people laugh for as long as he can remember. Being born to two activist parents and growing up Palestinian in the US, it wasn't long until Amer started using his comedy as a tool for political change. His main goal has always been to amplify the voices of the Arab-American community and this has seen him working on Bernie Sanders' 2016 and 2020 presidential campaign. He's a published author, a law professor a public speaker, but above all, he's the Palestinian Comedian.

People inherit all types of things from their parents; their wits, their laugh, their looks. For Jeanine, she inherited her father's Palestinian refugee status. Jeanine's story begins with her grandfather being exiled from Palestine in 1948. In this episode, she explores the nuances of how growing up Palestinian is to grow up stateless.

During the pandemic, our movement has become significantly restricted. For Mahmoud Abumarzou, this is something he has a lot of experience in. He grew up in one of the most polarising places in the world; Gaza. In this episode, Mahmoud provides authentic insight into what it is actually like to grow up in Gaza; from the destruction and despair to the hope and wonder.