#28: Nijmeh, Palestine Lives in Me

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! 

#27: Tariq, Basketball in Gaza

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!

#26: Yasmeen, Not Your Habibti

In this episode of Palestinians Podcast, we hear from Baby Fist founder and Not Your Habibti activist Yasmeen Mjalli. In this first ever live episode of Palestinians Podcast, host Nadia Abuelezam discusses issues related to sexual harassment and female empowerment in Palestine and the rest of the Arab world. Taped inside Nadia Abuelezam's home, this episode is an intimate look at how a Palestinian American who moved to Palestine is making a difference. 

#25: Ahmad, Building and Dreaming

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!

#24: Salma, The Memory Song

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. 

#23: Nadia, Not on the Map

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. Illustration by Issa Wehab. 

#22: Sari, My Casablanca

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. 

#1: Annalise, Here We Are

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.

#2: Rana, Too East for the West

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.

#3: Amer, Subtracting from 1948

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.