All Things Palestinian

In this episode, Tom is joined by Fargo Tbakhi, a queer Palestinian American writer and performance artist based in Washington D.C. and winner of 2018 Ghassan Kanafani Resistance Arts Prize. His writings have been published in various literary publications including The Berkeley Review. He is also the recipient of several fellowships. Fargo’s writings and performances challenge notions of erasure and colonization and propose a reality of a free and unoccupied Palestine. Links: FollowVisitSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla, and Tom are joined by Ahmed Masoud, Gaza-born Palestinian writer, director, and academic based in the United Kingdom. Ahmed is the author of Come What May and Vanished which address issues in Gazan society, as well as in broader trends in Palestinian history. Ahmed has also directed a number of plays and is the co-founder of PalArt, a collective initiative aimed at promoting Palestinian voices and content in the arts and media. Listen in as we learn about Ahmed’s interest in creative writing and his efforts to amplify Palestinian voices. Links: Come What MayhereVanished herehereReadLearnSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla, and Tom are joined Dr. Ussama Makdisi, Palestinian-American scholar and academic, currently a Professor of History and Chancellor’s Chair at the University of California Berkeley. Dr Makdisi is the author of several books and publications on sectarianism, Ottoman and Arab history, US-Arab relations, and US missionary work in the Middle East. Listen in as we discuss Dr. Makdisi’s achievements and contributions to Middle-Eastern history, Arab identity and issues around Palestine-Israel. Links: FollowPurchaseAge of Coexistence: The Ecumenical Frame and the Making of the Modern Arab WorldSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla, and Tom are joined by Chris Gazaleh, Palestinian-American muralist, activist, and community organizer. Using different mediums like ink, paint, and digital illustrations, Chris uses powerful symbols and imagery to advocate for Palestinian human rights and social justice. Listen in to learn about Chris’s art, his inspiration, and his efforts to use art to advocate for Palestinian justice and liberation. Links: hereFollowhereSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Tayla and Tom are joined by Heifa Odeh, Palestinian-American chef, recipe developer and food blogger. Founder of the blog Fufu’s Kitchen and author of the recent cookbook, Dine in Palestine, Heifa seeks to celebrate and preserve traditional Palestinian dishes and recipes. Listen in to learn about Heifa’s expression and celebration of her Palestinian identity and culture through food. Links: hereDine in Palestine: An Authentic Taste of Palestine in 60 Recipes from my Family to Your Table hereFollowFufu in the Kitchen Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla and Tom are joined by Mirna Bamieh, Palestinian chef, artist and founder of the Palestine Hosting Society - a cultural and social project that seeks to reclaim and revitalize Palestinian food practices and dishes. Listen in to learn about Mirna’s commitment to celebrating the Palestinian identity, culture, and heritage through food. Links: herewebsitePalestine Hosting Society hereFollowhere Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla and Tom are joined by Farah Nabulsi, Palestinian-British filmmaker and human rights advocate. She has written and produced four short films including Today They Took My Son and Nightmare of Gaza. Her most recent short The Present has won over 50 International awards for its powerful portrayal of the daily struggles faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Listen in as we discuss The Present, her inspiration, and her efforts to use film to share the Palestinian experience under Israeli occupation and apartheid system. Links: visithereReadThe Teacher. Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef, Tayla and Tom are joined by Darin Sallam, Palestinian-Jordanian writer, director and filmmaker. Her most recent film, Farha, follows a young-girl’s traumatic experience during the Nakba. Despite obstacles in producing the film, Farha has been extremely well-received, especially among Palestinians for its realistic depiction of the devastating events of the Nakba. Listen in as we discuss Farha, her inspiration, and her efforts to use film to share important Palestinian stories and experiences. Links: articleFarhaReadFarhaFarha hereSubscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef and Tayla are joined by Maysoun Odeh, Palestinian entrepreneur and co-founder and director of “NISAA”, the first Arabic radio station in the Middle East that is run by women for women. Launched in 2010, NISAA’s mission is to transform the perception of “women’s role in society by highlighting their social engagement, successes, and creativity.” Maysoun has worked to help inform and inspire Palestinian to assert their rights and empower themselves. Links: NISAA FMhereRead Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Tom, Rafeef and Tayla are joined by Vivien Sansour, the Palestinian-American founder of the Palestine Heirloom Library – a cultural and social project that works with farmers and advocates to recover and conserve threatened crop varieties. Through her art and storytelling, Vivien advocates for greater social engagement with Palestinian agriculture, heritage, and culture. Currently working on an autobiographical book documenting her work on seeds in Palestine and around the world, Vivien weaves together her personal experiences and research, making her work both a cultural and political act. Links: Palestine Heirloom LibraryTraveling KitchenherehereReadJadu’larts.and.seeds@gmail.com Subscribe to this podcast and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, Rafeef and Tom are joined by Nasser Jaber, the Palestinian-American co-founder of the Migrant Kitchen - a social enterprise in NYC which showcases the stories and cuisines of immigrant chefs. Nasser arrived in New York from Ramallah in 2001 hoping to make it big on Wall Street; but ended up being one of the city’s most influential restauranteurs. His journey as an advocate for marginalised communities, refugees, and immigrants is just beginning. Links: The Migrant KitchenThe Migrant Kitchen Initiativeheredonate to CJPME

In this episode, we’re joined by Najat El-Taji El-Khairy, a Palestinian-Canadian artist who has created a unique art form combining her interests in both embroidery and porcelain painting. Najat’s art has been exhibited in various venues throughout North America, the Middle East and Europe. Najat has made it her mission to immortalise, protect and preserve the art of Palestinian embroidery. As she describes it, she’s, ‘Painting her way home, one stitch at a time.’ Links: Find Najat’s Website here and her Instagram account here; and see a collection of Najat’s amazing artwork here. Order Najat’s book, Palestinian Heritage … Worth Celebrating!, from the Musée des métiers d'art du Québec (MUMAQ) here. See Najat’s full written responses to CJPME’s podcast questions. Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we’re joined by Wafa Ghnaim, an award-winning Palestinian researcher, educator, author and tatreez expert living in Washington, DC. Her book, titled, Tatreez and Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the Diaspora was published in 2018 and documents the stories and meanings behind the Palestinian embroidery motifs that were handed down to Wafa by her mother, Feryal Abbasi Ghnaim, an award-winning artist herself. Join us as Wafa shares the story of moving from embroidery circles with her mother and aunts, to being the first ever Palestinian embroidery instructor at the Smithsonian Museum. Links: Wafa’s Tatreez and Solidarity Website, https://www.tatreezandtea.com/ Buy Wafa’s book, Tatreez and Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the Diaspora Article about Wafa Ghnaim in Vogue Magazine Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rana Nazzal, a Palestinian-Canadian artist living between Palestine, Ottawa and Toronto. Among other things, Rana’s powerful art explores Palestinians’ relationship with the land, and the themes of Palestinian memory and loss. In addition to her art, she is also an activist and campaigner on grassroots issues including not only Palestinian human rights, but also climate change, Indigenous rights, and more. Join us as we talk to Rana about her art, and how it’s an expression and extension of her activist roots and passion. And Rafeef Dajani joins ATPC to co-host her first podcast. Links: Websitehttps://www.rananazzal.com/photo tour1/1000th of a Dunamdonate to CJPME

As we launch our first ATPC episode for 2023, we note that we sadly said goodbye to Nur Watad in December, as she made the decision to move on to new career challenges elsewhere. But we are thrilled to have lined up a very articulate and capable new co-host in the meantime, Ms. Rafeef Dajani. Rafeef has been a friend to CJPME for several years, and more importantly, an ardent participant in the global Palestine solidarity movement. So this is our chance to introduce Rafeef, and have her talk a bit about her journey up until this point.

In this episode, we’re joined by Fida Jiryis, Palestinian author currently living in Ramallah. Jiryis grew up in Lebanon and Cyprus, the daughter of famed Palestinian thinker and leader, Sabri Jiryis. As her family fled Israel’s oppression and wars, Jiryis’ life has spanned the full spectrum of the Palestinian people’s forced fragmentation: in Israel, the West Bank and the diaspora. Her writings include several collections of Arabic short stories; a contribution to the book, Kingdom of Olives and Ash, a Washington Post bestseller; and Amputated Tongue, an anthology of Palestinian literature. Her most recent book, Stranger in My Own Land describes her and her family’s remarkable life journey which is, in many respects, the story of Palestine. Our lead host, Nur Watad was unable to be present, so ATPC’s backup host, Thomas Woodley, interviewed Ms. Jiryis. Links from this podcast: Oxford University PressAmazonKingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rimah Jabr, a Palestinian play wright and theatre director based in Toronto who is currently pursuing her PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies at York University. Rimah’s career arc is far from ordinary: after studying and working in accounting for several years, Rimah finally had her breakout opportunity at age 30, and found herself at Belgium’s Royal Institute for Theatre, Cinema & Sound. There, while she earned her Masters degree, she wrote and directed a number of plays. With her late start, Rimah is making up for lost time with an ambitious vision which includes her most recent co-production, “Broken Shapes,” with visual Artist Dareen Abbas, which premiered earlier this month and runs through Dec. 4th at The Theatre Centre in Toronto! Links: To Learn more about Broken ShapesPurchase tickets to watch Broken ShapesRimah’s ThisGen podcastSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Wafa Alzaghal, Palestinian-Canadian President & CEO of The Canadian Arabic Orchestra. Wafa grew up playing the Qanun, also known as the dulcimer, after being inspired by his father’s love for classical Arabic music. Wafa co-founded the Canadian Arabic Orchestra in 2014, and has been busy touring Canada with a repertoire of both Western and Eastern tunes. Join us for a conversation with Wafa to hear about his motivation to establish the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, and his experiences presenting to Canadian audiences. Learn more: The Canadian Arabic OrchestraCanadian Arabic Conservatory of Music Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Dalia Elcharbini, Palestinian-Canadian contemporary artist and international exhibitor based in Toronto. While Dalia’s artistic style is distinct and unique, she frequently infuses it with symbolism and memories of Palestine. Listen in as we discuss her art, her inspiration, her Palestinian identity and her efforts to use art to help children impacted by war. Links: Dalia Elcharbini’s InstagramDalia Elcharbini’s WebsiteOur Stars School Foundation WebsiteSubscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.

In this episode, we are joined by Serene Husni, a video editor, mentor, writer and translator. A Diasporic Palestinian and immigrant from Jordan turned Canadian settler, she calls herself “a displaced human existing between multiple cultures, languages, and locales.” She creates most of her own work in her mother tongue, Arabic. Freely available to watch online, her latest film “Brown Bread & Apricots” (2020) talks about the importance of the pantry in her father’s exiled Palestinian family. The film won the Qayrub Award for “Best Canadian Short Film” from the Toronto Arab Film Festival in 2022. She is also co-writer and co-editor of the recent feature documentary Eulogy for The Dead Sea (2022), directed by Polina Teif. Serene holds an MFA in Documentary Media from the Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more: Check Serene's Work Subscribe to this podcast, and donate to CJPME to support the work that we do.