Shows
Occupied Thoughts"One hour after an attack, we prepare to be attacked again": Survival in Masafer YattaIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with writer and activist Ali Awad about life in Masafer Yatta, the part of the West Bank where he lives, which is subject to ongoing and escalating state-backed Israeli settler attacks. Ali describes life in his rural village, Tuba, on "a good day," a day without settler attacks, and also looks at the history of Masafer Yatta under Israeli occupation, including decades of being unsettled and facing forcible transfer and the threat of continued expulsion. Ali describes the escalations in attacks and threats against these communities since October 7th, 2023...2025-04-111h 10Occupied ThoughtsWhy are there so many child amputees in Gaza?In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart speaks with FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor about child amputees in Gaza, now estimated to number 3,000-4,000, the highest number of child amputees per inhabitant in the world. They discuss how Israel’s denial of medical supplies leads to amputation and what it's like to be a doctor in Gaza, and they analyze the effect these devastating injuries will have on Palestinian society. Ahmed recently published a detailed piece on this topic in the Guardian (3/27/25): There are more child amputees in Gaza than anywhere else in the world. What can the futu...2025-04-0338 minOccupied Thoughts"Centering Human Life, Disrupting Injustice Without Replicating It:" 2025 FMEP Fellow Hilary RantisiIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Hilary Rantisi, one of FMEP's 2025 non-resident Fellows. They discuss Hilary's work as a longtime educator seeking to teach the critique of power, her childhood and many years living in the West Bank, and how she understands the dynamics of the current moment in the context of Palestinian history and identity, highlighting the Palestinian values of sumud - steadfastness - and return. Hilary also discusses the challenges of false accusations of antisemitism undermining the telling of Palestinian lived experience, such as by the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which weaponizes...2025-02-0441 minOccupied ThoughtsIntroducing 2025 Fellow Ahmed Moor: When "the urgency of the need isn't met by the pace of change."In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with writer Ahmed Moor, one of FMEP’s 2025 Palestinian Non-resident Fellows, about his family and background, the values that guide his writing, and how he understands and engages with Palestinian survival in this moment. They also discuss urgent questions around navigating activism, policy change, and fraught conversations in a reality in which, in Ahmed’s words, “ the urgency of the need in Palestine isn’t met by the pace of change.”
Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-American writer born in Gaza. He is an advisory board member of the US Campaign fo...2025-01-1639 minOccupied ThoughtsConnecting the Bullets: Guns on the Kitchen Table to Organized Crime to Crimes Against HumanityIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with attorney and activist Meisa Irshaid, activist and author Rela Mazali, and Professor Jonathan Metzl about the proliferation of guns in civilian spaces in Israel/Palestine. They discuss the the acceleration of organized crime and gun violence in Palestinian communities inside of '48 Israel, the mass armament of Jewish Israeli citizens, mostly men, on both sides of the Green Line, spearheaded by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and the links between militarization, occupation, and crimes against humanity.
Meisa Irshaid is an attorney and an activist, legal advisor to...2024-12-171h 01Occupied ThoughtsPalestine in the 2024 U.S. ElectionsIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP President Lara Friedman discusses how Palestine is one of the defining issues of the 2024 elections with Rania Batrice, and FMEP 2024 non-Resident Fellow.
Read more: https://fmep.org/resource/palestine-in-the-2024-u-s-elections/2024-09-1846 minOccupied ThoughtsIntroduction to the Gaza Catastrophe: 2024 Congressional Briefing SeriesKhaled Elgindy of the Middle East Institute (MEI) and Lara Friedman of the Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP) speak with Sarah Anne Minkin (FMEP) about "The Gaza Catastrophe: 2024 Congressional Briefing Series." The Congressional Briefing Series is an educational program conducted annually by the Middle East Institute’s Palestinian Affairs Program and the Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP) to brief members of Congress and their staff on the most pressing issues facing Israel and Palestine today.
Go to this link for the full series: https://fmep.org/the-gaza-catastrophe-a-private-briefing-for-congress/
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.2024-06-0422 minOccupied ThoughtsNakba Day 2024On Nakba Day 2024 - commemorated amidst Israel's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza - FMEP is re-releasing a very special podcast produced last year in partnership with Project48. This project was created to commemorate the 75 years of the Palestinian Nakba, sharing the voices of 10 powerful Palestinian artists, sharing their works and that of other iconic Palestinian creators.
Featured artists are: Ahmed Abu Artema, Hala Alyan, Suad Amiry, Zeina Azzam, Cherien Dabis, Fady Joudah, Tamer Nafar, Raja Shehadeh, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Waleed Zuaiter – reading their own work and that of other iconic Palestinian artists. Bios and links to the works of ea...2024-05-1546 minOccupied ThoughtsIntroducing Nour Joudah, 2024 FMEP Palestinian FellowIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Nour Joudah, Assistant Professor at UCLA and one of FMEP’s 2024 Palestinian Non-Resident Fellows. Nour speaks of her background, her Palestinian identity, and her research that looks not only at indigenous survival but at indigenous life, knowledge, and duration. She discusses the meaning of this moment in time for Palestinians and Palestine and encourages the listener not to surrender to fatalism but instead to insist that there is another path forward.
Nour Joudah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Asian American Studies at UCLA and a former...2024-03-0225 minOccupied ThoughtsIntroducing Rania Batrice, 2024 FMEP Palestinian non-resident FellowIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin talks to Rania Batrice, political strategist, activist, coalition builder, and one of FMEP’s 2023-2024 Palestinian Non-Resident Fellows. Rania discusses her background, the vision and values guiding her wide-ranging work, and the urgent and high-stakes political opportunities for Palestinians and their allies in this US election year.
Rania Batrice is the daughter of Palestinian immigrants, an activist and strategist for progressive change, a public relations specialist, and a political consultant. Rania has worked as a Democratic operative for over twenty years, lending her expertise across political, non-profit, legislative strategy and cr...2024-02-2828 minOccupied ThoughtsThe Situation in Gaza: A BriefingTania Hary (Gisha)
Nour Odeh (Political Activist)
Omar Shakir (Human Rights Watch)
in conversation with Lara Friedman (FMEP)
For resources and bios, please visit: https://fmep.org/event/the-situation-in-gaza-a-briefing/2023-10-171h 26Occupied ThoughtsHuman Rights Work under Apartheid: “To show reality, to shed light…to create hope in the struggle”FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with the new Executive Director of B'Tselem, Yuli Novak, about the opportunities and challenges for human rights protection in an apartheid regime, as well as the relationship between personal and political change.
Podcast landing page: https://fmep.org/resource/human-rights-work-under-apartheid-to-show-reality-to-shed-lightto-create-hope-in-the-struggle/
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.2023-09-0454 minOccupied ThoughtsHebron (Al-Khalil)Through Palestinian EyesIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP 2023 non-resident fellow Rabea Eghbariah speaks with Abdullah (last name withheld), a tour guide from Hebron (Al-Khalil). The conversation touches on the history of Hebron, the development of the Israeli settlement project in the city post its 1967 occupation, and the division of the city into H1/H2 zones following the Oslo Accords. We also hear from Abdullah about the dystopian reality of living under hyper-militarization and the pervasive surveillance in the city.
For resources and bios, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/hebron-al-khalil-a-primer/2023-08-2349 minOccupied ThoughtsHas Israel Annexed the West Bank?In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Kristin McCarthy talks to Shira Livne (ACRI/Association for Civil Rights in Israel) about all things annexation. Including, how is annexation related to the current judicial reforms? What has annexation looked like previous to the current government? How significant are the changes in governance that the current government have taken? Should we consider the West Bank, or perhaps only Area C, annexed?
For bios and resources, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/has-israel-annexed-the-west-bank/2023-08-0756 minOccupied ThoughtsBlockade, Bombings, and Continuing Trauma: Assessing Mental Health in GazaMore than 15 years into Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, and after rounds of devastating Israeli bombing campaigns, life in Gaza continues to become more difficult and traumatic for the two million Palestinians who live there. What is it like to live under such conditions, with no end or reprieve in sight? Join FMEP for a conversation among experts about the current state of mental health in the Gaza Strip, and what it might mean for the future of Gaza’s residents. We will look at the findings from a recent study conducted over two years by Physicians for Human...2023-08-021h 25Occupied ThoughtsHow IHRA Antisemitism Definition Suppresses Palestinian Rights Advocacy in EU/UK: Insight from ELSCIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP President Lara Friedman speaks the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) director Giovanni Fassini and ELSC manager of communication and advocacy strategies and campaigns Alice Garcia about ELSC's groundbreaking new report, “Suppressing Palestinian Rights Advocacy through the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism – Violating the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Assembly in the European Union and the UK." This report is the first case-based account of human rights violations resulting from the institutionalization and application of the controversial IHRA definition by the EU and the UK.
For links/resources related to this podc...2023-06-1250 minOccupied ThoughtsPalestinian Rights, the IHRA Definition, & the Battle Around Biden's Antisemitism StrategyIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP President Lara Friedman speaks with Yousef Munayyer (Arab Center Washington DC) & Emma Saltzberg (Diaspora Alliance), in the context of the newly-release US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism (released by the White House May 25, 2023) and the its implications for both the fight against antisemitism and the ongoing, related fight against the use of antisemitism accusations to delegitimize criticism of the state of Israel and its policies and objections to the political ideology of Zionism, as well as to attack and to silence critics of Israel and advocates for Palestinian history, identity, and...2023-06-051h 04Occupied ThoughtsIsrael's new anti-NGO legislation: An Effort to Eradicate Opponents of IlliberalismIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP President Lara Friedman speaks with two formidable experts on human rights and civil society about pending Israeli legislation targeting civil society organizations and, in particular, the human rights sector: Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories occupied since 1967; and Jessica Montell, Executive Director of the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked and formerly executive director of the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem.
On Sunday, May 28th -- the Israeli government’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation (a body of ministers in the government which deci...2023-05-2542 minOccupied ThoughtsPalestinian Hunger Striking and Defiance of Israel's Carceral RegimeIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," 2022 FMEP non-resident Fellow Dr. Maha Nassar speaks with Dr. Basil Farraj about the recent death of Khader Adnan - a 45-year-old Palestinian prisoner who died on May 2, 2023 in an Israeli prison cell following a hunger strike that spanned nearly three months. Israel has refused to return Khader Adnan's body to his family. Adnan was protesting Israel’s widespread policy of arbitrarily detaining Palestinians against fair trial guarantees and in abhorrent conditions. Khader Adnan had been arrested at least 12 times, spent around eight years in Israeli prisons, and went on hunger strike five times.
For bi...2023-05-1647 min
Occupied ThoughtsLiving Memory: Palestinian Artists Mark 75 Years of the NakbaProject48 & FMEP proudly present a very special podcast commemorating 75 years of the Palestinian Nakba. We are honored to share the voices of 10 powerful Palestinian artists, sharing their works and that of other iconic Palestinian creators.
Featured artists are: Ahmed Abu Artema, Hala Alyan, Suad Amiry, Zeina Azzam, Cherien Dabis, Fady Joudah, Tamer Nafar, Raja Shehadeh, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Waleed Zuaiter - reading their own work and that of other iconic Palestinian artists.
You can find artists biographies and links to their works here: https://tinyurl.com/5ye6jsn6
The Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe") is the expulsion of over 750,000 Palestinians...2023-05-1244 minOccupied ThoughtsShireen Abu Akleh: Her Life, Legacy, & the Continuing Fight for JusticeIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with preeminent journalist Dalia Hatuqa on the 1-year anniversary of the killing of her friend and fellow journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's - killed by Israel on May 11, 2022 - including reflections on the continued efforts to secure justice and accountability for her death, and on Shireen's legacy. For more details & video see: https://fmep.org/resource/shireen-abu-akle…ight-for-justice/2023-05-0842 minOccupied ThoughtsFMEP-MEI Congressional Briefing Series, Part 6 - The Role Of CongressFeaturing: Hassan El-Tayyab (FCNL), Rebecca Abou Chedid (Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP), and Josh Ruebner (IMEU)
This session explored the unique role played by Congress in shaping US policy toward Israel/Palestine and the various intended and unintended consequences of that role.
Recorded March 17, 2023.
For resources and further information, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2023-congressional-briefing-series-on-palestine-and-israel-key-issues-for-the-118th-congress/2023-04-111h 15Occupied ThoughtsFMEP-MEI Congressional Briefing Series, Part 5 - Internal Palestinian PoliticsPart 5: Internal Palestinian Politics
Featuring: Dr. Dana El Kurd (University of Richmond), Salem Barahmeh, and Khaled Hroub (Northwest University – Qatar)
This session will look at the state of Palestinian politics and political institutions as well as the future of the Palestinian national movement, including the effects of the ongoing political division between Fatah & Hamas, the question of if, when and how to hold elections, prospects for internal political and institutional reforms, and the likely challenges of political succession (post-Abbas).
Recorded March 10, 2023.
For resources and information, visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2023-congressional-briefing-series-on-palestine-and-israel-key-issues-for-the-118th-congress/2023-04-111h 16Occupied ThoughtsFMEP-MEI Congressional Briefing Series, Part 4 - Free Speech, Lawfare, & the Right to ProtestPart 4 - Free Speech, Lawfare, & the Right to Protest
Featuring: Suhad Babaa (Just Vision), Yousef Munayyer (Arab Center Washington DC), & Dylan Saba (Palestine Legal)
In this session we explored issues surrounding grassroots activism in protest of Israeli policies, including through calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS), and the parallel rise in efforts, including in Congress and state legislatures, aimed at curtailing criticism of Israel/Zionism and/or advocacy for Palestinian rights and their implications for free speech and a healthy policy debate on Israel and Palestine.
Recorded March 3, 2023.
For resources and further information, visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2023-congressional-briefing-series-on-palestine-and-israel-key-issues-for-the-118...2023-04-111h 12Occupied ThoughtsFMEP-MEI Congressional Briefing Series, Part 3 - Human Rights & AccountabilityPart 3 - Human Rights & Accountability
Featuring: Francesca Albanese (UN Special Rapporteur), Rabea Eghbaria (Harvard Law School), Shawan Jabarin (Al-Haq)
This session will look at human rights conditions in Israel and the occupied territories, as they relate to both the Israeli government and Palestinian political actors in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as the broader question of accountability.
Recorded February 10, 2023.
For resources and further information, visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2023-congressional-briefing-series-on-palestine-and-israel-key-issues-for-the-118th-congress/2023-04-111h 08Occupied ThoughtsFMEP-MEI Congressional Briefing Series, Part 2 - Extremism in IsraelPart 2: Extremism in Israel
Featuring: Amjad Iraqi (+972 Magazine), Natasha Roth-Rowland (+972 Magazine), and Shaul Magid (Dartmouth)
This session explored the rise and normalization of extremism and extremists in Israeli politics, particularly in light of the current far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu, and what it means for Palestinian rights, prospects for peace, regional stability, and Israel’s standing in the international community.
Recorded February 17, 2022.
For resources and further information, visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2023-congressional-briefing-series-on-palestine-and-israel-key-issues-for-the-118th-congress/2023-04-111h 21Occupied ThoughtsFMEP-MEI Congressional Briefing Series, Part 1 – Beyond OsloPart 1 – Beyond Oslo
Featuring: Omar Dajani, Dr. Maha Nassar, & Dr. Shibley Telhami
This session examined the successes and failures of the Oslo process 30 years on and the extent to which the Oslo framework, including the two-state solution, remains relevant to a lasting peace settlement in Palestine/Israel.
Recorded February 10, 2023.
For resources and further information, visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2023-congressional-briefing-series-on-palestine-and-israel-key-issues-for-the-118th-congress/2023-04-111h 14Occupied ThoughtsPalestinian Public Health & Israeli Apartheid: Challenges, Possibilities, and PrioritiesIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP 2023 Palestinian Non-resident Fellow Dr. Yara Asi speaks with FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin about how to understand Palestinian public health, especially in the West Bank and Gaza. What are the impacts of Israeli apartheid and occupation on Palestinian public health? What is the role of the Palestinian Authority? What are possibilities and priorities for change?
Dr. Yara M. Asi is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics and a Visiting Scholar at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University i...2023-04-0555 minOccupied ThoughtsKohelet Policy Forum:How a Far-Right, US-Funded Israeli ThinkTank Shapes Policy&Law in the US&IsraelAs Israel’s far-right has gained political influence and momentum, including with respect to the current government’s “judicial reform” plans, the outsized impact of the Kohelet Policy Forum - a formerly low-profile, high-impact Israeli think-tank - has increasingly been making headlines. These include the New York Times (“Who’s Behind the Judicial Overhaul Now Dividing Israel? Two New Yorkers”), Haaretz (The Kohelet Tentacles: Inside the Web Surrounding the Right-wing Think Tank).
Two key parts of this story -- insufficiently understood and examined by the media -- are the ties between Kohelet and right-wing fellow travelers and funders in the U.S., and their...2023-04-041h 17Occupied ThoughtsThe Quest for Justice for Palestine at the ICC and ICJ: Where Things Stand Today & Why it MattersIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks to Vito Todeschini (legal expert in human rights law, international humanitarian law and international accountability, focusing on Palestine/Israel and the wider MENA region) about ongoing efforts to enforce some measure of accountability on Israel for its actions vis-a-vis Palestinians via international legal bodies - most notably the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. They also look at the stark contrast between the ICC’s quick action vis-à-vis Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and the ICC’s very slow process with respect to Palestine. For more details...2023-03-2940 minOccupied Thoughts'If the thief is the judge, who will hear the complaint?' Escalating SettlerViolence in MasaferYattaIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Ali Awad, writer & activist from Tuba in Masafer Yatta, and Cassandra Dixon, a carpenter from Wisconsin. On March 7th, Cassandra was present on Ali’s grandfather’s land in Tuba when Israeli settlers attacked. One of them hit Cassandra with a stick and fractured her skull, giving her a concussion. In this podcast, Ali and Cassandra discuss the attack and its aftermath, including appeals to the Israeli authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable, and put this attack into the context of an overall escalation of state-backed settler violen...2023-03-2156 minOccupied ThoughtsThe Cost of a Palestine Caveat: Biden Admin Chooses Politics Over Human Rights ExpertiseIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Non-resident Fellow Peter Beinart speaks to Maya Berry (Arab American Institute) and Jim Cavallaro (University Network for Human Rights) about the Biden Administration's recent decision to rescind Cavallaro's nomination to the serve as an independent expert on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Their discussion explores the Biden Administration's pitiful profile on Palestinian human rights, and an optimistic take on where the Democratic Party might be headed.
For resources and more information, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/the-cost-of-a-palestine-caveat-biden-admin-chooses-politics-over-human-rights-expertise/2023-03-1543 minOccupied Thoughts'We Are Determined to Stay": One Palestinian Family's Story of Dispossession in JerusalemIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Kristin McCarthy speaks to Rafat Sub Laban (human rights lawyer) and Amy Cohen (Ir Amim) about the Sub Laban family's 40-year legal battle against settlers (and the State) over their home in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. Facing a March 15th eviction deadline, the Sub Laban family needs international attention and intervention. This family's story is not unique, and the broader, systemic processes behind the forcible dispossession of Palestinians in Jerusalem is also discussed.
For resources mentioned in this webinar, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/we-are-determined-to-stay-one-palestinian-familys-story-of-dispossession-in-jerusalem/2023-03-0955 minOccupied ThoughtsBacklash and Perseverance: The UC Berkeley LSJP Bylaw and Its AftermathFMEP non-resident fellow Maha Nassar speaks with Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine members Malak Afaneh and Risa Nagel about the pro-BDS bylaw that nine Berkeley Law student clubs passed last fall, the national uproar that followed, and where things stand now.
For more, see: https://fmep.org/resource/backlash-and-perseverance-the-uc-berkeley-lsjp-bylaw-and-its-aftermath/
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.2023-03-0739 minOccupied ThoughtsIntroducing Yara Asi, a 2023 FMEP Non-Resident FellowIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin talks to Yara Asi, who is one of two 2023-2024 Non-Resident Fellows joining FMEP. Dr. Asi discusses her background, explains why and how the public health lens is so uniquely important to understanding Palestinians’ lives and experiences of oppression, and analyzes this moment in time and history for Palestinians.
For more information on Yara, and resources mentioned in this podcast, please visit: www.fmep.org/resource/introducing-yara-asi-2023-fmep-non-resident-fellow2023-02-2829 minOccupied ThoughtsIntroducing Rabea Eghbariah, 2023 FMEP FellowIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin talks to Rabea Eghbariah, human rights attorney, doctoral student at Harvard Law School, and one of FMEP's 2023-2024 Palestinian Non-Resident Fellows. Listen to Mr. Eghbaria discuss his background, his work as a human rights attorney and a scholar, and his analysis of this moment in time and history for Palestinians.
For more information on Rabea, and resources mentioned in this podcast, please visit: www.fmep.org/resource/introducing-rabea-eghbariah-a-2023-fmep-fellow
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.2023-02-2836 minOccupied ThoughtsNormalizing and Peacemaking as Discourses of ViolenceIn the third episode in FMEP and Al Shabaka’s four-part series, Learning and Unlearning Palestine, this webinar - featuring Dr. Maha Nassar, Dr. Yara Hawari, and Inès Abdul Razek - explored how the “dialogue discourse” has been used to undermine the Palestinian liberation movement, including through the insistence to engage in “peace” projects.
For more information on the speakers and resources mentioned in this podcast, please visit: https://fmep.org/event/learning-unlearning-palestine-pt-3-normalizing-and-peacemaking-as-discourses-of-violence/2023-02-271h 03Occupied ThoughtsThe Delusion of the Supreme Court as a Last Bastion of Human Rights in IsraelIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Nonresident fellow Peter Beinart is joined by Nathaniel Berman (Brown University) and Sawsan Zaher (human rights attorney) to discuss the notion that the Israeli Supreme Court - even before the proposed judicial reforms - is a protector of human rights and democratic principles in Israel. This conversation addresses the current protests against Netanyahu's overhaul, and the historic role the Israeli Supreme Court has played in systematically oppression (or allowing the oppression of) Palestinians.
For more information and resources for this podcast, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/the-delusion-of-israels-supreme-court-as-pillar-of-democracy/2023-02-2040 minOccupied ThoughtsLawfare in Action: Attack on US Campaign for Palestinian Rights as a Case StudyIn this episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP President Lara Friedman speaks with Ahmed Abuznaid (US Campaign for Palestinian Rights - USCPR) and Diala Shamas (Center for Constitutional Rights) about the lawsuit filed by the Jewish National Fund against USCPR -- which was dismissed by a U.S. federal judge in March 2021 and is now being appealed -- as well as about what can be learned from this case about efforts by pro-Israel actors to instrumentalize and weaponize U.S. laws to target and suppress Palestinian activism and solidarity.
For resources related to this podcast see: https://fmep.or...2023-02-1252 minOccupied ThoughtsDispatches from the Near FutureIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, Jehad Abusalim (FMEP 2022 Palestinian Non-Resident Fellow) speaks with Sarah Anne Minkin (FMEP Director of Programs and Partnerships) about the political and historical context of current escalations and his expectations for what the coming weeks and months will bring. The conversation draws from Jehad's recent article, "The West Bank is on the Brink of Collapse" and his Twitter thread on "the gravity of the current situation between the river and the sea."
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.2023-02-1038 minOccupied ThoughtsLearning & Unlearning Palestine Part 2: Limited ParadigmsIn this second episode in FMEP and Al Shabaka's four-part series, Learning and Unlearning Palestine, this panelists Dr. Muhannad Ayyash, Dr. Lana Tatour, and Dr. Yara Hawari examine various limiting paradigms that, in spite of their liberal facade, have sought to contain the Palestinian experience and limit critique on the Israeli settler colonial project. This will include a critique of the international law and apartheid frameworks.
For more resources on this webinar and to learn about past and future webinars in this series, please visit:https://fmep.org/resource/learning-unlearning-palestine-a-webinar-series/2023-02-091h 12Occupied ThoughtsSettler Violence: More Than CriminalIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, Kristin McCarthy (FMEP's Director of Grants & Operations) speaks with Ziv Stahl (Executive Director of Yesh Din) about the phenomenon of settler violence, including it's goals and utility, the totality of its affect on Palestinians, how it is used as a means for land takeover, and the complete lack of accountability or protection provided by the Israeli police and army.
For resources mentioned in this podcast, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/settler-violence-more-than-criminal/2023-02-0842 minOccupied ThoughtsCommonsense Rules for reporting & consuming news on PalestineIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts -- which comes in the context of ongoing violence in Palestine that only lately broke through to mainstream headlines when the casualties were Israelis -- Inès Abdel Razek (Executive Director, the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy) speaks with FMEP's Lara Friedman about what journalists need to keep in mind when reporting on Palestine, and what the public needs to keep in mind as they consume Palestine-related news.
For notes/links related to this podcast see: https://fmep.org/resource/commonsense-rules-for-reporting-consuming-news-on-palestine/2023-01-3054 minOccupied ThoughtsA War Crime in the Making: UN’s Francesca Albanese on Ethnic Cleansing in the South Hebron HillsIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks to Francesca Albanese -- international legal expert and the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 -- on ongoing and escalating actions by Israel to forcibly eject more than 1200 Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank region known as Masafer Yatta, located in the South Hebron Hills.
For resources related to this podcast, see: https://fmep.org/resource/a-war-crime-in-the-making-the-uns-francesca-albanese-on-ethnic-cleansing-in-the-south-hebron-hills/2023-01-1650 minOccupied ThoughtsPalestinian views on antisemitism from the 19th century to the present dayFMEP Fellow Peter Beinart speaks with FMEP Fellow Jehad Abusalim about antisemitism, ranging from the views of 19th century Palestinian intellectuals to responses to the Holocaust and Zionism, from the first Hamas charter to today's rising accusations of antisemitism to delegitimize Palestinian rights.
Peter Beinart is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace. He is also a Professor of Journalism and Political Science at the City University of New York, a Contributing opinion writer at the New York Times, an Editor-at-Large at Jewish Currents, and an MSNBC Political Commentator. Follow Peter: @PeterBeinart, peterbeinart.substack.com.
Jehad Abusalim...2022-12-2351 minOccupied ThoughtsALEC, Anti-ESG, & the Battle Against Palestinian RightsIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks to investigative journalist David Armiak about the role of the American Legislative Exchange Council, better known as ALEC, in drafting, promulgating, and promoting legislation in U.S. states targeting values-based protest and grassroots activism, These legislative efforts in the first instance targeted Palestine-related protest and free speech, but today have evolved into legislation targeting protest and free speech that relates to literally any industry or group that states might want to protect, all under the umbrella of fighting against “woke capitalism” and combating those who seek to hold the privat...2022-12-1550 minOccupied ThoughtsPromoting Risk & Undermining Rights: Morningstar’s Betrayal of Palestine & ESGIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks to international legal expert in business and human rights Tara Van Ho about the current controversy involving the Chicago-based financial services company Morningstar Inc. and its subsidiary Sustainalytics, over how it deals with Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories. Specifically, the podcast explores Morningstar’s recently adopted policy changes with respect to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in the context of Israel, and the questions these new policies raise both about the company's basic competence with respect to human rights in ESG research, analysis, and recommendations, and about the...2022-12-061h 13Occupied ThoughtsHow Do We Talk about Zionism and Anti-Zionism?In this episode of the Occupied Thoughts podcast, Dr. Maha Nassar speaks with FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin about how to talk about Zionism and anti-Zionism in ways that acknowledge different definitions of Zionism and, at the same time, take seriously the power asymmetries between anti-Zionists and Zionists/supporters of the state of Israel in Israel/Palestine and the U.S. public spheres. Speaking from experience as an educator, advocate, and scholar, Maha discusses how she navigates different audiences and invitations as well as her thoughts on anti-normalization, engaging with campus Hillels, and why and how it is imperative to keep...2022-12-0246 minOccupied Thoughts"Masks Off": Responding to the Israeli ElectionsIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin conducts a series of short interviews with analysts and experts discussing what's new and what's not new in the results of this week's Israeli elections. Tune in to hear:
Yousef Munayyer, non-resident fellow at Arab Center DC
Amjad Iraqi, editor and journalist at +972 Magazine
Dr. Maha Nassar, associate professor at the University of Arizona and non-resident fellow at FMEP
Hagai El-Ad, executive director of the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem
and Lara Friedman, president of FMEP.2022-11-041h 09Occupied ThoughtsThreats, Attacks, and Steadfastness in Masafer YattaIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, journalist and human rights activist Basel Adraa joins FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin to discuss the acceleration of threats and violence from the Israeli army and settlers in Masafer Yatta, both inside of Firing Zone 918, which is under special unique threat of expulsion and forced population transfer, and outside of it, including in A-Twani, Basel's village. See www.fmep.org for resources on the many incidents and developments Basel discussed.
Basel Adraa is an activist, journalist, and photographer from the village of A’Twani who publishes on +972 and Humans of Masafer Yatta on Instagram and Sub...2022-10-0948 minOccupied ThoughtsBeyond the Clickbait, Israel's New (and Old) Visa Procedures Reveal a Cruel Reality for PalestiniansIn this episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Jessica Montell, Executive Director of the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked, joins FMEP’s Lara Friedman to discuss the latest version of Israel's new procedures -- published, updated, and due to be implemented on October 20, 2022 -- governing all entry of foreigners solely to the West Bank. As Hamoked has noted in its September 14, 2022 analysis of the new regulations, this new version includes a few substantive changes, but "most of the flaws remain and some even exacerbated." Hamoked further notes: "the new procedure is highly restrictive and needlessly hampers the entry of fore...2022-09-2341 minOccupied ThoughtsPalestinian Political Prisoners and Israel's Carceral RegimeIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's non-resident fellow Dr. Maha Nassar is joined by Dr. Basil Farraj to discuss Palestinian political prisoners, which is a central issue for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Their discussion examines on how Israel's "carceral regime" is a key component of Israel's occupation, how arbitrary "administrative detention" is a key tool within that regime, how military courts system functions, and the effects all of this has on Palestinians and their struggle for liberation.
For more information and further resources, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/palestinian-political-prisoners-and-israels-carceral-regime/2022-09-2145 minOccupied ThoughtsA Settler Tool & A Catch-22 for Palestinians: Land Registration in East JerusalemOn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Kristin McCarthy is joined by Amy Cohen of Ir Amim to unpack the threat that land registration poses to Palestinians. Though land registration is a complex and bureaucratic process, Ir Amim characterizes it as one of (if not the) most pressing modes of dispossession facing Palestinians living in East Jerusalem. Listen to understand why and how Israel is cynically exploiting land registration to grow settlements, expropriate more land, and push Palestinians out of the city.
For resources mentioned in this podcast, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/a-settler-tool-a-catch-22-for-palestinians-land-registration-in-east-jerusalem/2022-09-0640 minOccupied ThoughtsIsrael, Palestine, & Take-Aways from the 2022 Democratic Party PrimariesDuring the 2022 Democratic Party Primaries Israel-aligned funders invested tens of millions of dollars to defeat progressive candidates who, as part of a broader rights-based, democratic agenda, support Palestinian rights. To examine this phenomenon and its implications, FMEP non-resident Fellow Dr. Maha Nassar will host political strategist Rania Batrice, FMEP President Lara Friedman, and analyst Dr. Yousef Munayyer in conversation to address questions like: How does Israel/Palestine show up in Democratic Party politics today? How deep is the embrace of Palestinian rights among progressive candidates and in the grassroots? What has pushback from Israel-aligned funders (from both parties) looked like...2022-08-301h 21Occupied ThoughtsIlliberals-in-Arms: The Deepening Alliance between the American & Israeli "New Right"In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with Israeli journalist Noam Sheizaf about the deepening love affair between the American and Israeli "new right" - a topic that Noam examined in his recent article in +972 Magazine, An Israeli home for America’s New Right.
Noam Sheizaf is a Tel Aviv based journalist, the founding editor of +972 Magazine where he still writes, along with Haaretz and other publications. Noam recently completed a documentary about Hebron, titled "H2: The occupation Lab," that premiered at the Doc Aviv film festival in Tel Aviv.
Lara Friedman is President of FMEP.
Original music b...2022-08-2557 minOccupied ThoughtsThis is Not a Drill: Israel Brings the Hammer Down on the Palestinian NGO Sector, ft Omar ShakirIn this episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks with Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, about Israel’s further targeting of Palestinian human rights/civil society, with the "ratification" 8/17/22 of Israeli decisions to designate 6 Palestinian NGOs as terror organizations, and Israel's move 8/18/22 to raid and shut down the groups. Further resources/links: https://fmep.org/resource/this-is-not-a-drill-israel-brings-the-hammer-down-on-the-palestinian-ngo-sector-ft-omar-shakir/2022-08-1845 minOccupied Thoughts"Treated as subhuman, deprived of rights and dignity," Gazans need "to heal, be heard, and be free"In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with FMEP Fellow Jehad Abusalim about the aftermath of the most recent escalation, the relationship between the Nakba and the ongoing violent realities of Gaza, and questions of how to talk about and envision Gaza within broader frameworks of Palestinian liberation and freedom.
Jehad Abusalim is the Education and Policy Coordinator of the Palestine Activism Program at the American Friends Service Committee. He is completing his PhD in the History and Hebrew and Judaic Studies joint program at New York University. His research focuses on Arab and Palestinian int...2022-08-1754 minOccupied ThoughtsIsraeli Supreme Court Opens Door to "Legalized" Ethnic Cleansing Inside the Green LineFMEP President Lara Friedman speaks with Dr. Lana Tatour about the recent Israeli Supreme Court decision that opens a legal path for the Israeli government to revoke citizenship of Palestinian citizens of Israel, and what this decision both reflects and demonstrates about the fragile status of Israel's Palestinian citizens.
Dr. Tatour is an assistant professor in global development at the School of Social Science, University of New South Wales, Australia. She was the 2019–20 Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Palestine Studies at Columbia University. She is currently completing a book provisionally titled Ambivalent Resistance: Palestinians in Israel and th...2022-07-2946 minOccupied ThoughtsMr. Biden Goes to the Middle EastIn mid-July, President Biden is expected to make his first visit as President of the United States to Israel and the Persian Gulf. What is the point of his visit? What does it mean for U.S. policy vis-a-vis Israel and the Gulf? What does it mean for Palestinians? To explore these and other questions, FMEP and Jewish Currents held a conversation with U.S.-based experts Peter Beinart (CUNY), Dana El Kurd (University of Richmond), Lara Friedman (FMEP), and Trita Parsi (Quincy).
Participants:
Peter Beinart teaches national reporting and opinion writing at the Newmark J-School and political science at the CU...2022-07-1159 minOccupied Thoughts“The people are devastated”: Demolitions, harassment, and live fire IDF training in Masafer YattaFMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Ali Awad about Masafer Yatta and particularly Firing Zone 918 and what has changed there since the Supreme Court handed down its decision in May authorizing the Israeli military to expel the Palestinian residents of the firing zone. Ali's most recent article on +972,"'They're not arriving with trucks to deport us, but the goal is the same'," was published on June 29, 2022.
Ali Awad is journalist and activist from the village of Tuba in Masafer Yatta. He is co-founder of the new media project Humans of Masafer Yatta.
Sarah Anne Minkin is Director of Programs & Partnerships...2022-07-0537 minOccupied ThoughtsThe Imperative of Accountability for Shireen Abu Akleh's KillingIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with preeminent journalist Dalia Hatuqa about the killing of her friend and fellow journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on May 11, 2022, the myriad investigations that have been carried out, and the imperative of getting justice, which requires accountability.
For resources related to this podcast see: https://fmep.org/resource/the-imperative-of-accountability-for-shireen-abu-aklehs-killing/2022-06-2232 minOccupied Thoughts'Peace in name only': Opposing the Abraham Accords & Normalization AgreementsIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Jehad Abusalim (2022 FMEP Fellow) and Dana El-Kurd (University of Richmond) about what the Abraham Accords and normalization agreements with Israel over the last few years have opened up in the Arab world, including state-sponsored efforts to cultivate acceptance of Israel and suppress support for Palestinians. Dana speaks about her research on Arab public opinion as well as pro-Palestine activism, and Jehad draws from the historical context of the long history of Arab Jews as well as Palestinian responses to Zionism and antisemitism before the establishment of the state...2022-04-271h 01Occupied ThoughtsNot a "Cycle of Violence" but a Cycle of ImpunityIn this episode of the Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks with Amnesty International’s Saleh Hijazi about the root causes of the violence currently in the headlines -- i.e., Israel's policy of apartheid, and the structural violence they impose against Palestinians. and why Amnesty International is calling for an end to the “cycle of impunity” that supports and enables it.
Saleh Hijazi is Amnesty International (UK)’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. He is also advisor to Al-Quds University Human Rights Clinic where he worked as academic coordinator and lecturer, and a fellow a...2022-04-2243 minOccupied ThoughtsWhose Jerusalem?Featuring: Daniel Seidemann (Terrestrial Jerusalem), Dana El Kurd (Non-Resident Fellow at the Middle East Institute) & Munir Nuseibah (Al-Quds University). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded February 11, 2022. This podcast is Part 1 of an 8-part series of webinars/podcasts. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored issues related to Israeli policies in Jerusalem, including ongoing displacement of Palestinian residents and expansion of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, why Jerusalem continues to serve as a catalyst for Palestinian protest (and Israeli violence in...2022-04-141h 06Occupied ThoughtsA New Era of Palestinian Unity?Featuring Lana Tatour (University of New South Wales, Australia) Dr. Yara Hawari (Al-Shabaka), and Tareq Baconi (Al-Shabaka). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded April 1, 2022. This podcast is Part 8 of an 8-part series of webinars/podcasts. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored how years of fragmentation of the Palestinian people are today being challenged/overcome, both in terms of connections across the Green Line and grassroots engagement and connections around the world.2022-04-121h 24Occupied ThoughtsWhere’s the Palestinian Mandela?Featuring Ahmed Abu Artema (Palestinian writer and activist) and Marwa Fatafta (MENA Policy Manager at Access Now). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded March 25, 2022. This podcast is Part 7 of an 8-part series of webinars/podcasts. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored issues surrounding Palestinian civil society, and in particular human rights defenders and democracy activists, and the challenges and threats they face — including direct attacks by Israel, targeting by Palestinian authorities, and apathy/indifference from the international community in th...2022-04-121h 16Occupied ThoughtsWhat is the BDS Movement & What Does It Mean that the U.S Legislating Against It?Featuring Omar Barghouti (Palestinian human rights defender & co-founder of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement), Brian Hauss (ACLU) and Olivia Katbi (North America Coordinator for the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded March 18, 2022. This podcast is Part 6 of an 8-part series of webinars/podcasts. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored issues surrounding growing grassroots protest of Israeli policies, including via support of boycotts, divestment campaigns, and calls for sanctions (BDS) — an...2022-04-121h 14Occupied ThoughtsWhy All the Fuss over Palestinian Prisoners/Martyrs?Featuring Jawad Boulus (Palestinian human rights lawyer), Sahar Francis (Addameer), and Shibley Telhami (Brookings/University of Maryland). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded March 11, 2022. This podcast is Part 5 of an 8-part series of webinars/podcasts. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored issues surrounding Palestinian public views, and Palestinian Authority/PLO policy, related to Palestinians killed and imprisoned by Israel, and how this issue has become enmeshed in debates in Congress over U.S. assistance for Palestinians.2022-04-121h 19Occupied ThoughtsAfter 70+ years, why are Palestinian Refugees Still An Issue?Featuring Umar al-Ghubari (Zochrot), Hani Almadhoun (UNRWA USA) and Francesca Albanese (Georgetown University). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded March 4, 2022. This podcast is Part 4 of an 8-part series of webinars. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored issues surrounding Palestinian refugees, including the plight of refugees inside and outside of Palestine, the role of UNRWA and the debate it engenders in Congress, and the Palestinian demand for a “Right of Return.”2022-04-111h 15Occupied ThoughtsThe Gaza Blind SpotFeaturing Mkhaimar Abusada (Al Azhar University in Gaza City), Jehad Abusalim (American Friends Service Committee), and Tania Hary (Gisha). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded Feb 25, 2022. This podcast is Part 3 of an 8-part series of webinars. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored issues related to Gaza, including the longstanding Israeli blockade and deliberate isolation of Gaza from the rest of Palestine and the world; the competing and complementary roles of Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Israel, and Egypt; and how...2022-04-111h 20Occupied ThoughtsPolicing the Narrative: Israel & Apartheid in the US DebateFeaturing Paul O’Brien (Amnesty International), Dr. Maha Nassar (University of Arizona), and Peter Beinart (CUNY), in conversation with Lara Friedman (FMEP)
For full bios & links to resources mentioned in this podcast, see: https://fmep.org/resource/policing-the-narrative-israel-apartheid-in-the-us-debate/
Last month, Amnesty International published a detailed and thorough report examining Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and concluding that it meets the legal definition of the crime of apartheid. With this conclusion, Amnesty joined the ranks of international and Israeli NGOs, including Human Rights Watch, B’Tselem, and Yesh Din, as well as Palestinian organizations and advocates, including Al Haq and Al Mezan...2022-03-301h 10Occupied ThoughtsIsraeli & Palestinian Response(s) to Russia's Invasion of UkraineIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart is joined by Khaled Elgindy (Middle East Institute) and Elizabeth Tsurkov (New Lines Institute) to discuss how Israeli and Palestinian officials have responded to Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, and how these responses are playing in the U.S. political world.
For more information on the panelists, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/israeli-palestinian-responses-to-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/2022-03-1736 minOccupied ThoughtsWho Are Palestine's People? with Dr. Maha NassarIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Dr. Maha Nassar, associate professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona and 2022 FMEP Fellow, about the question of "Who are Palestine's people?" This question anchors Dr. Nassar's new research into the communities that made their homes in Palestine over the last 1500 years. This deep dive into history sheds light on Palestinian nationalism, the Palestinian diaspora, and potential paths forward.
Original music by Jalal Yaquob.2022-03-0939 minOccupied ThoughtsIsraeli Apartheid & the Climate CrisisAs evidence of the current & future climate crisis continues to mount, join FMEP and key activists & researchers as we look at the dynamics of climate change for Palestinians. How do the realities of apartheid in Israel/Palestine, and additionally Israel’s siege and recurring bombardment of Gaza, affect Palestinians’ access to clean water, sustainable land, consistent electricity, and food security? What bearing do these Israeli-imposed environmental limitations have on Palestinians’ ability to stay on their land? And what does “climate justice” mean, and what could it look like for Palestinians? Featuring Jessica Anderson (Visualizing Palestine), Khalil Abu Yahia (Gaza-based scholar), and Manal S...2022-03-081h 36Occupied ThoughtsThe Double Standard on BDS - Russia/Ukraine vs. Israel/PalestineIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks to Yousef Munayyer (Arab Center DC) about how the near global embrace of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Russia in response to its military assault on Ukraine contrasts to longstanding, far-reaching efforts to delegitimize, quash, and even criminalize these same tactics as a response to Israel's systematic violence against Palestinians and violations of Palestinian rights.
Yousef Munayyer, PhD, is a non-resident Fellow at Arab Center Washington DC (ACW). He writes on the Arab-Israeli conflict and is a member of the editorial committee of the Journal of Palestine Studies. Some of h...2022-03-0331 minOccupied ThoughtsTalking About ApartheidFeaturing Salem Barahmeh (Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy), Hagai El-Ad (B’Tselem) and Sherine Tadros (Amnesty International). Co-moderated by Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Khaled Elgindy (MEI).
Recorded February 18, 2022. This webinar is Part 3 of an 8-part series of webinars. For more information regarding this series, and links to the other sessions, please see: https://fmep.org/resource/2022-congressional-briefing-series-israel-palestine-hot-topics-in-congress/
In this session we explored the increasing adoption by human rights experts of the term “apartheid” to describe the reality in Israel/Palestine, including on both sides of the Green Line, and the view that, today, Palestinians and Israelis live in a de facto one-st...2022-02-241h 15Occupied ThoughtsApartheid & Dispossession: Views from the West BankPalestinians face a growing matrix of mechanisms geared towards removing them from their land, dispersing their communities, and threatening their livelihoods. Join FMEP and B’Tselem to discuss the situation on the ground: what Palestinians in Area C (and increasingly in Area B) are facing and how they live under the shadow of dispossession, at the hands of the Israeli government, its security forces, its courts, and its private citizens.
Panelists
This webinar featured two Palestinians from Masafer Yatta in the South Hebron hills, an area in Area C whose residents are under particularly heightened threats and regular attacks, as we...2022-02-181h 24Occupied Thoughts"Knowledge Entails Responsibility": Introducing Jehad Abusalim, 2022 FMEP FellowIn this episode of “Occupied Thoughts,” FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin interviews Jehad Abusalim about his background, his research, his analysis of this moment in time and Palestinian history, and his plans for 2022 as an FMEP Fellow.
The Foundation for Middle East Peace is delighted to announce our new Palestinian Non-Resident Fellowship. FMEP’s 2022 Palestinian Non-Resident Fellows are Dr. Maha Nassar and Jehad Abusalim.
Jehad Abusalim is the Education and Policy Coordinator of the Palestine Activism Program at the American Friends Service Committee. He is completing his PhD in the History and Hebrew and Judaic Studies joint program at New York Universi...2022-02-1834 minOccupied ThoughtsAnother Week in the Life of the "Status Quo" in PalestineIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with +972's Amjad Iraqi about recent developments -- what is happening and how it fits into the status quo that defines Israeli policies and rule over Palestinians, framed by Amjad's incisive analysis: “Cruelty is baked into Israeli apartheid. And today’s destruction of the Salhiyeh home in Sheikh Jarrah — in the freezing cold before dawn, after their defiant stand against the police on Monday — is designed to be cruel, both to the family and to all Palestinians watching. Cruelty is needed to terrify, demoralize, and incapacitate Palestinians. The state needs us to fe...2022-01-2138 minOccupied ThoughtsIsrael Again Tries & Fails To Connect Palestinian NGOs to TerrorismIn this episode of “Occupied Thoughts,” FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks Oren Ziv (photojournalist, a founding member of the Activestills photography collective, and a staff writer for Local Call) about the latest twist in the story of Israel’s assault on Palestinian human rights NGOs. This twist comes in the form of a blockbuster report, co-authored by Oren and published January 13th by +972 Magazine, entitled "Israel’s new secret document still fails to tie Palestinian NGOs to ‘terrorism’"
For more resources and panelist biographies, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/israel-again-tries-fails-to-connect-palestinian-ngos-to-terrorism/2022-01-1439 minOccupied Thoughts"We don't have another place to go:" Dispossession, Settler Violence, & Resistance in Masafer YattaIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with activist and author Ali Awad about the threats of dispossession and state-backed settler violence facing Palestinians in the Masafer Yatta area of the South Hebron Hills. Ali's most recent article, co-authored with Awdah Hathaleen, describes extreme violence against a village elder in a non-violent protest in Masafer Yatta: "Israeli police shattered this Palestinian elder’s bones — and drove away."
Bios
Ali Awad is an activist from the village of Tuba in the South Hebron Hills.
Sarah Anne Minkin, PhD, is FMEP’s Director of Programs & Partnerships.
Original music by Jalal 2022-01-1235 minOccupied ThoughtsGaza, Apartheid, and Challenging Israeli ImpunityIn this episode of “Occupied Thoughts,” FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with Nuriya Oswald (International Advocacy Officer at Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, the Palestinian human rights NGO founded in 1999 and based in the Gaza Strip) and Yael Stein (Director of Research for B’Tselem, Israel’s preeminent human rights organization) about how manifestations of Israel's apartheid regime with respect to the Gaza Strip, both in general and specifically in the context of the Great March of Return. NOTE: In December 2021, Al Mezan issued a new report, “The Gaza Bantustan: Israeli Apartheid in the Gaza Strip,” and Btselem, together with the Palestinian...2022-01-1250 minOccupied Thoughts2021 Review/2022 Preview: Challenges & Opportunities on the Road to Palestinian RightsIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Lara Friedman hosts Palestinian organizer Fadi Quran and FMEP Non-resident Fellow Peter Beinart for a wide-ranging conversation about 2021's most defining events when it comes to the lived reality of Palestinians and Israelis on the ground, as well as U.S. politics on the issue. The trio also take on predictions for what might unfold in 2022.
For panelist biographies, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/2021-review-2022-preview-challenges-opportunities-on-the-road-to-palestinian-rights/2021-12-1758 minOccupied ThoughtsScorched Earth & Settlements in JerusalemIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Kristin McCarthy speaks with Daniel Seidemann (Terrestrial Jerusalem) about a myriad of developments in Jerusalem - - and the political, diplomatic, and bureaucratic forces at play behind them.
For more information including resources mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/scorched-earth-settlements-in-jerusalem/2021-12-0247 minOccupied ThoughtsWelcome to the Panopticon: Israel’s Systematic Surveillance of Palestinians & Its ImplicationsThree major stories broke over the past week about Israel’s cyber-surveillance of Palestinians, from hacking the phones of human rights defenders and officials, to increased monitoring of Jerusalemites, to the mass deployment of facial recognition software against Palestinians in the West Bank. To discuss these issues and their broader implications, FMEP is proud to host a conversation with four experts – Andrew Anderson (Front Line Defenders), Marwa Fatafta (Access Now), Avner Gvaryahu (Breaking the Silence), and Sophia Goodfriend (7amleh), in conversation with FMEP President Lara Friedman.
For biographies and a list of resources shared during this webinar, please visit: https://fmep...2021-11-181h 33Occupied Thoughts"Secret Israeli dossier provides no proof for declaring Palestinian NGOs ‘terrorists’"In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Israeli journalist Oren Ziv (Local Call, +972 Magazine) about the blockbuster article published today by +972 and the Intercept: "Secret Israeli dossier provides no proof for declaring Palestinian NGOs 'terrorists'." Together with journalists Yuval Avraham and Meron Rappaport, Oren combed through the classified dossier that Israel shared with representatives of European countries in a bid to persuade to end funding for designated Palestinian human rights organizations. Today's article exposes this dossier - which is believed to be the same dossier that Israel just shared with representatives of the U.S...2021-11-0435 minOccupied ThoughtsShow us the evidence: Peter Beinart with human rights attorney and Member of Knesset Gaby LaskyIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart speaks with Gaby Lasky, Member of the Israeli Knesset and human rights attorney with extensive experience defending Palestinians in Israeli military courts and working closely with Israeli human rights organizations. Background: In late December, the Israeli government declared six Palestinian human rights groups to be “terror organizations” – a designation that effectively outlaws the groups, criminalizes their work under Israeli law and enables Israel to seize assets, arrest staff, prohibit funding, and punish public expressions of support and solidarity. With this terror designation, the Israeli government has escalated its longtime efforts...2021-11-0234 minOccupied ThoughtsSpotlight on Al Haq with Shawan JabarinFMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart speaks with Shawan Jabarin, General Director of Al Haq, the preeminent Palestinian human rights organization, which is now directly targeted and threatened by the Israeli government.
On October 22, 2021, the Israeli government declared six Palestinian human rights groups to be “terror organizations” – a designation that effectively outlaws the groups, criminalizes their work under Israeli law and enables Israel to seize assets, arrest staff, prohibit funding, and punish public expressions of support and solidarity. With this terror designation, the Israeli government has escalated its longtime efforts to crush the Palestinian organizations that document Israel’s ongoing violations of Palesti...2021-10-2937 minOccupied ThoughtsUsing "Terrorism" Charges to Target NGOs: Lessons from the Case of Mohamed HalabiIn this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with award-winning Palestinian journalist Daoud Kuttab about the case of Mohamed Halabi -- a Palestinian employee of World Vision arrested by Israel in 2016 for alleged support for terrorism and held by Israel ever since. Among other things, they discuss: What does the Halabi case teach the world about Israel's politicization/weaponization of terrorism chargers? And what does it say about the ability of Palestinians to receive justice from an Israeli judicial system that is designed to promote the interests of Israel over the rights of Palestinians?
For background, bio, and...2021-10-2736 minOccupied ThoughtsNot Without Precedent: The History of Israel’s Escalating War on Palestinian Solidarity WorkIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, about Israel's "appalling and unjust " designation of 6 leading Palestinian human rights NGOs as "terrorist organizations," including Israeli actions/policies targeting NGOs that preceded the decision, the implications of the designations for Palestinian human rights, and the role of the international community in granting Israel impunity that has for years enabled, fueled, and legitimized Israel's attacks on human rights defenders.2021-10-2636 minOccupied ThoughtsIsrael Declares War on Palestinian Human Rights DefendersFMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with Sarit Michael (Btselem) and Ines Abdel Razek (PIPD) about the Israeli government's announcement that it has declared a list of Palestinian human rights groups to be “terror organization” -- and act that Israeli lawyer Michael Sfard called “a declaration of war on the entire human rights community.”
For bios and more, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/israel-declares-war-on-palestinian-human-rights-defenders/2021-10-2240 minOccupied ThoughtsWhat's Behind Shifting U.S. Politics on Palestine, and Where is it Going?FMEP's Lara Friedman and MEI's Khaled Elgindy speak with Tariq Kenney-Shawa about the Palestinian diaspora, the shifting narrative around Palestine in the U.S., the prospects for change in U.S. politics and policies, how all of this relates to the situation on the ground in Palestine today, and the hopes for achieving Palestinian rights and liberation.
For full bios and additional resources, please visit: https://fmep.org/resource/tariq-kenney-shawa-podcast/2021-09-2244 minOccupied ThoughtsPalestinian Bodies Held Hostage by IsraelIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," FMEP's Lara Friedman speaks with Budour Hassan (JLAC) and Noura Erekat (Rutgers) about Israel’s policy of holding hostage the bodies of slain Palestinians – an issue that has broken through into the news a bit with the continued holding of the body of Ahmad Erekat, and last week with a US Congresswoman, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, tweeting about another case: “Meet Mai Afana's mother, Khuloud, who is fighting to be able to bury her daughter & begin her healing. Mai was a mother, loving daughter & successful PhD student. She was killed by the Israeli government last June. I...2021-09-071h 04Occupied ThoughtsPalestinian Liberation & Leadership: What’s Next? W/ Ines Abdel-Razek, Tareq Baconi, & Lara FriedmanJoin FMEP and Palestinian analysts discussing the current state of Palestinian leadership and how Palestinians are contending with multiple layers of authoritarian rule (Israel, the PA, and Hamas). The discussion will address issues including: What are the challenges to Palestinian liberation? What roles - positive and negative - do the Palestinian Authority and Hamas play? What role does Palestinian civil society play in mobilizing against Israel and the PA? What can Palestinian resistance to Israel look like? What is behind Hamas’s rise in popularity since the most recent escalation with Israel? What is the status of the uprising against th...2021-07-291h 01Occupied ThoughtsCan US Law & the Israeli Government Force Ben & Jerry’s to Support Occupation? w/ Lara FriedmanIn this episode of "Occupied Thoughts," Peter Beinart interviews FMEP President Lara Friedman about the potential blowback Ben & Jerry's faces for their decision to stop selling their products in Jewish settlements in the Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Lara is an expert in the efforts to exploit U.S. laws (state and federal) and courts to quash criticism and activism challenging Israeli policies, which she has been documenting for years. Her databases are available on www.fmep.org.
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub2021-07-2328 minOccupied ThoughtsChallenging Israel's Policy of Legalized VengeanceIn this episode of FMEP's Occupied Thoughts podcast, Jessica Montell, Executive Director of the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked, joins FMEP's Lara Friedman to discuss the ongoing battle to prevent Israel from demolishing the West Bank home of a Palestinian-American mother and her children, as an act of collective punishment for a crime committed by her estranged husband. For more on this story, see: Palestinian mom fights to stave off punitive home demolition (Associated Press, June 7).
Original music by Jalal Yaquoub2021-06-2232 minOccupied ThoughtsWinds of Change in the Grassroots & Congress on PalestineFMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks to political, policy, and advocacy strategist Rania Batrice about the changing political landscape in the grassroots and in Congress with respect to Palestine.
For resources and bios, visit: https://fmep.org/resource/podcast-winds-of-change-in-the-grassroots-congress-on-palestine/2021-06-1630 min
Occupied ThoughtsPresenting: Israel, Palestine & the Role of Congress - An Accelerated Learning SeriesThe Middle East Institute (MEI) and the Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP) hosted an eight-part webinar series for members of the House and Senate and Congressional Staff discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. policy. The series is co-moderated by FMEP’s Lara Friedman & MEI’s Khaled Elgindy.
Access the series at FMEP.org
Original "Occupied Thoughts" music by Jalal Yacoub2021-04-1224 min
Occupied ThoughtsFMEP Partner Spotlight: +972 Magazine - Independent Journalism from Israel-PalestineFMEP Partner Spotlight: +972 Magazine - Independent Journalism from Israel-Palestine by Occupied Thoughts by FMEP2020-03-1814 min
Occupied ThoughtsFMEP Grantee Spotlight: 7amleh, A Digital Rights ChampionFMEP's Sarah Anne Minkin speaks with Alison Carmel about the important work 7amleh is doing in Palestine and Israel to protect the digital rights of Palestinians.
Find out more about 7amleh here: https://fmep.org/resource/grantee-spotligh…-rights-champion2020-02-2412 min