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As Gaza undergoes ethnic cleansing, we look back at a history around the mass persecutions of Palestinians that have been well-documented but often overlooked or buried.

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We discuss the recent arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli leaders, and also debunk the idea that Palestine was an empty land with no people before Zionists took over with a look back at culture, arts and commerce in Palestine in the early 20th century.

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In Episode 12 of the Enlightenment Podcast, we delve into the concept of justice in the context of Palestine and the international world order. 🌍 We explore whether international law has been applied fairly and discuss these complex issues from a humanist perspective. Please note, we are not legal experts, but rather engage in a thoughtful conversation based on research and our own opinions, aiming to foster meaningful dialogue.

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We were thrilled to interview Palestinian artist and icon (and Hanan's aunt!) Samia Halaby. Samia is a pioneering abstract painter, activist, and scholar whose career spans over six decades. Born in Jerusalem in 1936, she became the first woman to hold the position of associate professor at the Yale School of Art. Her work has been exhibited globally and is housed in prestigious collections, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. In our wide-ranging conversation, Samia shares her memories of Palestine, discusses the importance of art, delves into her passion for abstract art, and offers her thoughts on how the world can change.

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Munir is the Head of Production & Acquisitions at Watermelon Pictures, a film production and distribution company dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly Palestinians. With a rich background in the entertainment industry, Munir previously worked at Netflix, overseeing creative writing strategy for emerging markets. His production credits include collaborations with A24, Peacock, and NBC News, and his work for PBS Frontline was nominated for a DuPont Award for Journalistic Excellence in 2020. In our wide-ranging discussion, we delve into his experiences as a Palestinian in the film industry, the importance of authentic representation, and the transformative power of storytelling. https://www.watermelonpictures.comhttp://muniratalla.com

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On our latest podcast episode, we were delighted to interview Susan Abulhawa. Susan is a Palestinian-American human rights activist, founder of the NGO Playgrounds for Palestine, a biomedical scientist, a poet, and an award-winning author of three incredible novels. Her debut novel, Mornings in Jenin, sold over a million copies, was translated into 32 languages, and established Susan as the most widely read Palestinian author of all time. Her second novel, The Blue Between Sky & Water, was sold in 19 languages, while her third, Against the Loveless World, also received critical acclaim. In addition to her literary achievements, Susan is an advocate for justice, actively involved in the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement and a speaker for Al Awda, the Right of Return Coalition. Join us for a profound discussion about her literary journey, activism, and her vision for justice and representation.

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🎄 Happy Holidays from Bethlehem! 🎄 We were thrilled to interview Palestinian chef and restaurateur Fadi Kattan, (Hanan's cousin), joining us from the heart of Bethlehem during this festive season. Fadi is the chef-owner of Fawda in Bethlehem and co-owner of Akub in London, known for their modern takes on Palestinian cuisine. His cookbook Bethlehem: A Celebration of Palestinian Food showcases the culinary richness of his hometown, blending tradition with innovation. In this episode, Fadi takes us on a journey through Palestinian food, culture, and his mission to preserve heritage and spread peace through cuisine. May this holiday season bring joy, peace, and love to all.

✨ Pre-order Fadi’s cookbook Bethlehem: A Celebration of Palestinian Food here: https://geni.us/bethlehem

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We were honored to interview Palestinian artist Sandra Watfa, whose work powerfully highlights themes of displacement, resilience, and Palestinian rights. Born in Lebanon to a family displaced during the Nakba, Sandra’s art captures the grief and strength of the Palestinian experience. Her evocative collection Nakba: Palestinians' Ongoing Dispossession combines art and poetry to tell these enduring stories. In this episode, we feature some of Sandra’s impactful work and a moving recording she wrote in November 2023, reflecting on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. "Nakba: Palestinians' Ongoing Dispossession" on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Nakba-Palestin...

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Chef Fadi Kattan takes us on a flavorful journey, sharing how Palestinian cuisine enriches history and preserves cultural heritage. 🌿🍞 Listen in as we explore how food connects us to our roots and inspires deeper conversations. 💡

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We were privileged to sit down with Omar Dajani, Carol Olson Professor of International Law at McGeorge School of Law and a key figure in the Middle East peace process. With roots in Jaffa, Syria, and France, Omar brings a rich cultural perspective to his work. A Yale graduate, he served as legal advisor to the Palestinian negotiating team during pivotal peace talks, including the Camp David Summit, and worked with the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in Jerusalem. As co-chair of A Land for All, a movement advocating for a two-state confederation in Israel-Palestine, Omar continues to push for innovative solutions to longstanding conflicts. His recent book, Federalism and Decentralization in the Contemporary Middle East and North Africa, explores institutional designs for addressing governance and identity challenges in the region. Join us as we discuss his journey, the complexities of the peace process, and ideas for a shared future. 📖 Explore Omar Dajani’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Federalism-Dec...

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In Episode 19 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Amal Ghandour, a Lebanese-Jordanian author and blogger behind This Arab Life. With over three decades of experience in research and community development, Amal offers deep reflections on Arab identity, generational silence, and storytelling. She is the author of two books: About This Man Called Ali and her latest, This Arab Life: A Generation’s Journey into Silence, released in October 2022. Amal holds an MS in International Policy from Stanford University and a BS from Georgetown, and her writings have appeared in Le Monde, The Daily Beast, and Canvas, among others. In this episode, they delve into Lebanon’s history, rich culture, and strong ties with Palestine, offering thoughtful and nuanced insights into the region’s past and present. 📚 Explore more of Amal’s work on her Substack: https://substack.com/@amalghandour#amalghandour#thisarablife#enlightenmentpodcast#lebanon#palestine#arabculture#storytelling#middleeasthistory#podcast

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In Episode 20 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Atef Alshaer, an Associate Professor in Arabic and Cultural Studies at the University of Westminster. With a career dedicated to exploring the intersections of literature, culture, and politics, Atef brings profound insights into Palestinian identity and resistance through poetry and storytelling. With a BA in English Language and Literature from Birzeit University in Palestine and a Master’s and PhD from the University of London, Atef has authored numerous works, including Poetry and Politics in the Modern Arab World, A Map of Absence: An Anthology of Palestinian Writing on the Nakba. His acclaimed book New Palestinian Poetry won the Palestine Book Award in 2020. In this episode, they discuss the power of Palestinian poetry, the enduring cultural impact of the Nakba, and how literature has preserved identity and resistance amidst occupation and displacement.

📚 Learn more about A Map of Absence: An Anthology of Palestinian Writing on the Nakba - https://www.amazon.com/Map-Absence-An... #palestine#palestinianculture#enlightenmentpodcast#middleeasthistory

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In Episode 21 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan welcome their first Israeli-British guest, Professor Avi Shlaim. As an Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford, Professor Shlaim is renowned for his critical perspectives on the history of Zionism and Israel, being a prominent figure among Israel's "New Historians." Born in Baghdad in 1945, Professor Shlaim and his family relocated to Israel in 1950. He pursued his education in history at Jesus College, Cambridge, and later obtained an M.Sc. in International Relations from the London School of Economics. In this episode, they delve into his book, Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jew, which is also going to be published in Arabic. The memoir offers a unique perspective on his personal journey and the broader historical context of Arab-Jews. Join them as they explore Professor Shlaim's personal narrative, the intricate history of Arab-Jews, and his critical insights into Zionism and Israeli history.

📚 Learn more about Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jew: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Worlds-A...

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In Episode 22 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an Emmy-nominated journalist, producer, actor, and activist of Palestinian descent. Ahmed has built an impressive media career, including roles with The Huffington Post, VICE, and AJ+. His work includes the Emmy-nominated project Defining Middle Ground: The Next Generation of Muslim New Yorkers, and he has received various accolades, including a Webby Award. His documentary Queer Egypt Under Attack won multiple awards, including the Amnesty International UK Media Award for Digital Creativity and the British Journalism Award for Social Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion in 2023. The film focuses on the treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals in Egypt. In this episode, they discuss Ahmed's diverse career, his advocacy for human rights, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the Middle East.

📽️ Watch Queer Egypt Under Attack here:    • Queer Egypt Under Attack - BBC World ...  

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! #AhmedShihabEldin#EnlightenmentPodcast#QueerEgyptUnderAttack#LGBTQ#MiddleEast#HumanRights#Journalism#Activism#Podcast

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In Episode 24 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Raja Shehadeh, a distinguished Palestinian lawyer, human rights activist, and prolific, award-winning writer. In 1979, he co-founded Al-Haq, a pioneering Palestinian human rights organization that continues to do remarkable work in the field. Shehadeh's literary contributions have garnered significant acclaim. His book Palestinian Walks: Forays into a Vanishing Landscape won the Orwell Prize, a prestigious British award for political writing, in 2008. More recently, his memoir We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I was a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award for Nonfiction. We are excited to discuss his forthcoming book, Forgotten: Searching for Palestine's Hidden Places and Lost Memorials, which delves into the overlooked memorials and sites within historic Palestine. This work is scheduled for publication on March 6, 2025, in London. In this episode, they explore Shehadeh's extensive career, his unwavering commitment to human rights, and the inspiration behind his latest literary endeavor.

📖 Pre-order Forgotten here: https://profilebooks.com/work/forgotten/

💡 Learn more about Al-Haq:

Website: https://www.alhaq.org

X:   / alhaq_org  

Instagram:   / alhaq_org  

Facebook:   / alhaqorganization  

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! #RajaShehadeh#EnlightenmentPodcast#AlHaq#PalestinianWalks#WeCouldHaveBeenFriends#Forgotten#HumanRights#Palestine#Podcast

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In Episode 23 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Miko Peled, an author and human rights activist born in Jerusalem. He is renowned for his influential books, including The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine and Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five. Miko is the founder and president of the Palestine House of Freedom (Dar Alhurriya), a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization dedicated to ending Israeli apartheid and establishing a free Palestine with equal rights for all. In this episode, they discuss Miko's personal journey, his perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the mission of the Palestine House of Freedom. Join us for this insightful conversation as we explore the path toward a just and peaceful resolution in the Middle East.

For more information about the Palestine House of Freedom, you can visit their official website: daralhurriya.org

Additionally, here's a video introducing the Palestine House of Freedom:    • Palestine House of Freedom- Who We Are 

You can also follow them on social media:

Instagram: @palestinehouseoffreedom

Facebook: Palestine House of Freedom

#MikoPeled #EnlightenmentPodcast #PalestineHouseOfFreedom #HumanRights #MiddleEastPeace #Activism #Podcast

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If you’re still wondering about climate change & earth’s curvature- some enlightenment from casts