Olive Branch
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsHello everyone, my name is Dr. Anwar Mhajne. I am an Assistant professor of Political Science at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. I created Olive Branch due to my frustration with the never-ending conflict affecting my family and friends in Israel and Palestine. I am hoping that this podcast will help restore our hope in achieving sustainable and equitable peace. Therefore, Olive Branch interviews activists with ties to Israel and Palestine who use non-violent means to promote peace and end the Israeli occupation of the Palestine Territories.
Join me as I talk with activists dedicated to their work, even though it sometimes alienates them from their families and communities. In these conversations, they think through alternatives to violence and how these concepts might disrupt cycles of bloodshed. Olive Branch provides ideas and tools for changing Israeli and Palestinian social attitudes, political ideologies, and policies.
Image Credit: Stef Murawsky
The music is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Episodes
23: Izat Elamoor
April 05, 2023 14:00 - 35 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode, I speak to my friend Izat Elamoor about his activism and research on LGBTQIA+ issues in Israel and Palestine. Izat touches on the complexity of being gay and a Palestinian citizen of Israel for advocacy, solidarity, and belonging. Organizations mentioned: Alqaws (http://alqaws.org/siteEn/index) Recommended book: Queer Palestine and the Empire of Critique by SA’ED ATSHAN
Episode 22: Zachary Foster
February 24, 2023 18:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBAfter a long break, I am happy to restart the conversation with inspiring activists working on a peaceful and just resolution to the Occupation. For this episode, I talk to Zachary Foster about his research on Palestine. This episode includes critical historical facts about the name Palestine. In addition, it challenges attempts by radical groups to undermine the Palestinian cause by claiming that Palestine is and was never a real place. We also discuss settler colonialism, Zionism, the recen...
Episode 21: Episode 20: Itamar Feigenbaum
June 12, 2022 19:00 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MBI apologize for not posting the last episode before taking a break for the summer earlier. I traveled to attend my brother's wedding in Umm Al Fahem. In this episode, I interview Itamar Feigenbaum, a longtime Combatant for Peace activist. In the episode, we discuss his work on the Joint Memorial Day Ceremony, meeting Arabs in "normal situations," and the segregation between Arabs and Jews even in mixed cities. We also chat about his experience at checkpoints both as an activist and as a sol...
Episode 21: Itamar Feigenbaum
June 12, 2022 19:00 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MBI apologize for not posting the last episode before taking a break for the summer earlier. I traveled to attend my brother's wedding in Umm Al Fahem. In this episode, I interview Itamar Feigenbaum, a longtime Combatant for Peace activist. In the episode, we discuss his work on the Joint Memorial Day Ceremony, meeting Arabs in "normal situations," and the segregation between Arabs and Jews even in mixed cities. We also chat about his experience at checkpoints both as an activist and as a sol...
Episode 20: Episode 19: Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man
May 06, 2022 17:00 - 58 minutes - 81.1 MBIn this episode, I talk to Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man about his work with DAWN and 972 Magazine, antisemitism, and the centrality of a supportive community to any activist. We chat about key moments shaping his ideology and activism. He explains how his family's advocacy for marginalized groups in the US and worldwide influenced his progressive liberal values. We also discuss, among other things, the importance of having Jewish allies, the privilege of code-switching, and archaeology as a dis...
Episode 20: Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man
May 06, 2022 17:00 - 58 minutes - 81.1 MBIn this episode, I talk to Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man about his work with DAWN and 972 Magazine, antisemitism, and the centrality of a supportive community to any activist. We chat about key moments shaping his ideology and activism. He explains how his family's advocacy for marginalized groups in the US and worldwide influenced his progressive liberal values. We also discuss, among other things, the importance of having Jewish allies, the privilege of code-switching, and archaeology as a dis...
Episode 19: Sarai Aharoni
April 18, 2022 18:00 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MBIn this episode, I interview Sarai Aharoni, a feminist scholar and a Senior Lecturer at Ben-Gurion University. We discuss her background as a Mizrahi Jewish woman, her research, her activism, and how they are connected. She highlights the challenges facing critical scholars in Israeli academia. She also reflects on the meaning of peace and security in the Israeli-Palestinian context and how that can help us achieve a just solution.
Episode 19: Episode 18: Sarai Aharoni
April 18, 2022 18:00 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MBIn this episode, I interview Sarai Aharoni, a feminist scholar and a Senior Lecturer at Ben-Gurion University. We discuss her background as a Mizrahi Jewish woman, her research, her activism, and how they are connected. She highlights the challenges facing critical scholars in Israeli academia. She also reflects on the meaning of peace and security in the Israeli-Palestinian context and how that can help us achieve a just solution.
18: Episode 17: Shaqued Morag
April 04, 2022 12:00 - 43 minutes - 60 MBIn this episode, I speak to Shaqued Morag, Executive Director of Peace Now. We discuss her social and political activism, her views on land swaps and having allies in the government coalition, and her understanding of peace and justice. We also discuss the importance of strategic framing in changing your audience's view on issues such as the occupation. Organizations mentioned: Peace Now: https://peacenow.org.il/en Mahpach-Taghir: https://mahapach-taghir.org/en/home/
18: Shaqued Morag
April 04, 2022 12:00 - 43 minutes - 60 MBIn this episode, I speak to Shaqued Morag, Executive Director of Peace Now. We discuss her social and political activism, her views on land swaps and having allies in the government coalition, and her understanding of peace and justice. We also discuss the importance of strategic framing in changing your audience's view on issues such as the occupation. Organizations mentioned: Peace Now: https://peacenow.org.il/en Mahpach-Taghir: https://mahapach-taghir.org/en/home/
Episode 17: Episode 16: Louis Fishman
March 18, 2022 17:00 - 59 minutes - 82.5 MBI had the privilege of speaking with Louis Fishman from Brooklyn College. I became aware of his academic and public scholarship through Twitter. Even though we never met in person, I feel like I got to know him well through this conversation. In the episode, you will hear more about his research on the Ottoman Empire and why it is crucial for understanding Zionism. You will also hear about his teaching and activism and his deep connections to Turkey, Israel, and the US. Some of the organizati...
Episode 17: Louis Fishman
March 18, 2022 17:00 - 59 minutes - 82.5 MBI had the privilege of speaking with Louis Fishman from Brooklyn College. I became aware of his academic and public scholarship through Twitter. Even though we never met in person, I feel like I got to know him well through this conversation. In the episode, you will hear more about his research on the Ottoman Empire and why it is crucial for understanding Zionism. You will also hear about his teaching and activism and his deep connections to Turkey, Israel, and the US. Some of the organizati...
16: Aida Touma-Suleiman
March 03, 2022 19:00 - 53 minutes - 74 MBI had the honor of speaking to Knesset Member Aida Touma-Suleiman in this episode. We chatted about feminism, political and social activism, elevating other women, and Ra'am. We also talk about the importance of intersectionality for understanding oppression and the challenges facing the Palestinian community and its leadership in Israel. Finally, Aida argues that peace should focus on bringing human security to everyone.
16: Episode 15: Aida Touma-Suleiman
March 03, 2022 19:00 - 53 minutes - 74 MBI had the honor of speaking to Knesset Member Aida Touma-Suleiman in this episode. We chatted about feminism, political and social activism, elevating other women, and Ra'am. We also talk about the importance of intersectionality for understanding oppression and the challenges facing the Palestinian community and its leadership in Israel. Finally, Aida argues that peace should focus on bringing human security to everyone.
Episode 15: Yair Wallach
February 18, 2022 17:00 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBIn this episode, I chat with Yair Wallach about his research, antisemitism, colonialism, and the importance as well as the limitations of social media for sharing scholarship. We also talk about scholars' active duty of care toward students and how being an immigrant solidified his understanding of the Palestinian cause. Declarations: The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism: https://jerusalemdeclaration.org Scholars mentioned: Salim Tamari: https://oldwebsite.palestine-studies.org/institu...
Episode 15: Episode 14: Yair Wallach
February 18, 2022 17:00 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBIn this episode, I chat with Yair Wallach about his research, antisemitism, colonialism, and the importance as well as the limitations of social media for sharing scholarship. We also talk about scholars' active duty of care toward students and how being an immigrant solidified his understanding of the Palestinian cause. Declarations: The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism: https://jerusalemdeclaration.org Scholars mentioned: Salim Tamari: https://oldwebsite.palestine-studies.org/institu...
Episode 14: Episode 13: Galia Golan
January 29, 2022 13:00 - 45 minutes - 63.2 MBIn this episode, I interview Galia Golan, Professor emeritus in the Department of Political Science at the Hebrew University and a leader of Combatants for Peace. We chat about the Six-Day War, the history of the peace process, the marginality of the left, BDS, and feminism. Galia argues that in the early years, peace agreements were possible, but mistrust from Israeli leaders exacerbated the conflict. However, later on, the desire to hold on to the territories was stronger than the desire fo...
Episode 14: Galia Golan
January 29, 2022 13:00 - 45 minutes - 63.2 MBIn this episode, I interview Galia Golan, Professor emeritus in the Department of Political Science at the Hebrew University and a leader of Combatants for Peace. We chat about the Six-Day War, the history of the peace process, the marginality of the left, BDS, and feminism. Galia argues that in the early years, peace agreements were possible, but mistrust from Israeli leaders exacerbated the conflict. However, later on, the desire to hold on to the territories was stronger than the desire fo...
Episode 13: Episode 12: Thabet Abu Rass
January 14, 2022 17:00 - 41 minutes - 57.7 MBIn this episode, I chat with Thabet Abu Rass, Co-Executive Director of The Abraham Initiatives, an NGO that promotes equality and Jewish-Arab partnership in Israel’s society, about promoting co-existence through promoting equal education, combating crime and violence, and engaging with NGOs. We also talk about what it means to be a Palestinian citizen of Israel, the connection between the occupation and discrimination against Palestinians in Israel, housing problems, the lack of police acco...
Episode 13: Thabet Abu Rass
January 14, 2022 17:00 - 41 minutes - 57.7 MBIn this episode, I chat with Thabet Abu Rass, Co-Executive Director of The Abraham Initiatives, an NGO that promotes equality and Jewish-Arab partnership in Israel’s society, about promoting co-existence through promoting equal education, combating crime and violence, and engaging with NGOs. We also talk about what it means to be a Palestinian citizen of Israel, the connection between the occupation and discrimination against Palestinians in Israel, housing problems, the lack of police acco...
Episode 12: Episode 11: Rawan Odeh
December 31, 2021 15:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MBI interview Rawan Odeh, the managing CO-director of New Story Leadership, in this episode. We chat about how to infuse diplomacy with activism using personal stories, how the occupation is forcing people to be silent about their stories, on the importance of forming allyships between Palestinians and Israelis for building credibility and swaying the opinions of US lawmakers, and on being compassionate to yourself. We also discuss the importance of developing a community of young leaders fro...
Episode 12: Rawan Odeh
December 31, 2021 15:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MBI interview Rawan Odeh, the managing CO-director of New Story Leadership, in this episode. We chat about how to infuse diplomacy with activism using personal stories, how the occupation is forcing people to be silent about their stories, on the importance of forming allyships between Palestinians and Israelis for building credibility and swaying the opinions of US lawmakers, and on being compassionate to yourself. We also discuss the importance of developing a community of young leaders fro...
Episode 11: Episode 10: Edan Ring-Bittman
December 17, 2021 17:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBIn this Episode, Edan and I chat about the socioeconomic inequality facing the Palestinian community in Israel. We also talk about how a true partnership between the Jewish and Palestinian communities in Israel can be formed, the importance of learning Arabic, and the need to challenge and improve minority representation in Israeli media. Finally, Edan shares how his family's background led him to activism. Sikkyu: https://www.sikkuy-aufoq.org.il/en/
Episode 11: Edan Ring-Bittman
December 17, 2021 17:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBIn this Episode, Edan and I chat about the socioeconomic inequality facing the Palestinian community in Israel. We also talk about how a true partnership between the Jewish and Palestinian communities in Israel can be formed, the importance of learning Arabic, and the need to challenge and improve minority representation in Israeli media. Finally, Edan shares how his family's background led him to activism. Sikkyu: https://www.sikkuy-aufoq.org.il/en/
10: Libby Lenkinski
December 03, 2021 15:00 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBIn this episode, I interview Libby Lenkinski from the New Israel Fund. We chat about art, film, and music as a tool for cultural change. We also discuss privilege, anti-Semitism, traveling to Hebron, Umm al Fahem, empathy, and finding spaces of resilience. Recommended music: DAM: https://www.damofficialband.com/about Recommended series and films: Our boys: https://www.hbo.com/our-boys Comrade Dov: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8JbS679iSU The Viewing Booth: https://www.theviewingboothfilm....
10: Episode 9: Libby Lenkinski
December 03, 2021 15:00 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBIn this episode, I interview Libby Lenkinski from the New Israel Fund. We chat about art, film, and music as a tool for cultural change. We also discuss privilege, anti-Semitism, traveling to Hebron, Umm al Fahem, empathy, and finding spaces of resilience. Recommended music: DAM: https://www.damofficialband.com/about Recommended series and films: Our boys: https://www.hbo.com/our-boys Comrade Dov: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8JbS679iSU The Viewing Booth: https://www.theviewingboothfilm....
Episode 9: Jonathan Hempel
November 19, 2021 20:00 - 44 minutes - 61 MBIn the episode, I chat with Jonathan Hempel about his database on Israeli security and military exports and how this export fuels conflict and violence around the world. We discuss the centrality of the military for constructing toxic masculine identities in Israeli society. We also chat about apartheid, occupation, intellectual influences, and feminist approaches to understanding and resolving the occupation. Organizations mentioned: New Profile: http://www.newprofile.org/english Zochrot: ht...
Episode 9: Episode 8: Jonathan Hempel
November 19, 2021 20:00 - 44 minutes - 61 MBIn the episode, I chat with Jonathan Hempel about his database on Israeli security and military exports and how this export fuels conflict and violence around the world. We discuss the centrality of the military for constructing toxic masculine identities in Israeli society. We also chat about apartheid, occupation, intellectual influences, and feminist approaches to understanding and resolving the occupation. Organizations mentioned: New Profile: http://www.newprofile.org/english Zochrot: ht...
8: Sahar Vardi
November 05, 2021 17:30 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBIn this episode, I chat with Sahar Vardi about the refusal movement, the militarization of Israeli society, the human costs to Israel's military industry, and what it means to be an effective Jewish ally to the Palestinians. We also talk about olive trees and the situation in the South Hebron Hills. Finally, Sahar suggests that we need to reclaim the term peace, which has been misused to pacify the Palestinian side, to tie it to justice and equality. Organizations mentioned: American Friends...
8: Episode 7: Sahar Vardi
November 05, 2021 17:30 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBIn this episode, I chat with Sahar Vardi about the refusal movement, the militarization of Israeli society, the human costs to Israel's military industry, and what it means to be an effective Jewish ally to the Palestinians. We also talk about olive trees and the situation in the South Hebron Hills. Finally, Sahar suggests that we need to reclaim the term peace, which has been misused to pacify the Palestinian side, to tie it to justice and equality. Organizations mentioned: American Friends...
Episode 7: Osama Elawat
October 22, 2021 17:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBIn this episode, I talk to Osama Elawat about his journey from spending time in Israeli prisons to becoming a peace activist. In the conversation, Osama highlights the importance of personal stories, meeting the other, and distinguishing between oppressive institutions and people for achieving justice for all. He also highlights the importance of focusing on the power of love and forgiveness than the love of power.
Episode 7: Episode 6: Osama Elawat
October 22, 2021 17:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBIn this episode, I talk to Osama Elawat about his journey from spending time in Israeli prisons to becoming a peace activist. In the conversation, Osama highlights the importance of personal stories, meeting the other, and distinguishing between oppressive institutions and people for achieving justice for all. He also highlights the importance of focusing on the power of love and forgiveness than the love of power.
Episode 6: Episode 5: Kochav Shachar
October 08, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about how even though the Occupation is physically close to many Israelis, it is mentally far. We discuss the power of language as a tool for both Occupation and emancipation, settler-colonialism, the importance of education, the intersectionality of oppression, apartheid, and justice activism vs. peace activism. We also highlight how you can't be truly free if your freedom is based on the oppression of others. Authors: Ilan Pappé
Episode 6: Kochav Shachar
October 08, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about how even though the Occupation is physically close to many Israelis, it is mentally far. We discuss the power of language as a tool for both Occupation and emancipation, settler-colonialism, the importance of education, the intersectionality of oppression, apartheid, and justice activism vs. peace activism. We also highlight how you can't be truly free if your freedom is based on the oppression of others. Authors: Ilan Pappé
Episode 5: Episode 4: Ron Skolnik
September 24, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MBIn the episode with Ron Skolnik, we talk about being an accidental activist, just compromises, the importance of history, narcissism, and political change. We also discuss Zionism in the context of peace activism. Some of the books and organizations mentioned: מלחמת שולל - מאת זאב שיף, אהוד יערי Peace Now Partners for Progressive Israel Hashomer Hatzair
Episode 5: Ron Skolnik
September 24, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MBIn the episode with Ron Skolnik, we talk about being an accidental activist, just compromises, the importance of history, narcissism, and political change. We also discuss Zionism in the context of peace activism. Some of the books and organizations mentioned: מלחמת שולל - מאת זאב שיף, אהוד יערי Peace Now Partners for Progressive Israel Hashomer Hatzair
Episode 4: Episode 3: Nancy Stern
September 10, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this conversation with Nancy Stern, we discuss the importance of generational trauma, letting go of myths, and our responsibility as scholars to create a democratic, just, and peaceful society. Books mentioned: The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine by Miko Peled Initiatives mentioned: One Democratic State Campaign: https://onestatecampaign.org/en/
Episode 4: Nancy Stern
September 10, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this conversation with Nancy Stern, we discuss the importance of generational trauma, letting go of myths, and our responsibility as scholars to create a democratic, just, and peaceful society. Books mentioned: The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine by Miko Peled Initiatives mentioned: One Democratic State Campaign: https://onestatecampaign.org/en/
Episode 3: Michal Fux
August 27, 2021 20:00 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBIn this episode, I interview Michal Fux. In the episode, we talk about how her experiences in Northern Ireland and South Africa opened her eyes to her own biases and the oppressive structures she was made to believe are there to protect her. Books mentioned in the episode: 1) The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé 2) The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined is a 2011 by Steven Pinker
Episode 3: Episode 2: Michal Fux
August 27, 2021 20:00 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBIn this episode, I interview Michal Fux. In the episode, we talk about how her experiences in Northern Ireland and South Africa opened her eyes to her own biases and the oppressive structures she was made to believe are there to protect her. Books mentioned in the episode: 1) The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé 2) The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined is a 2011 by Steven Pinker
Episode 2: Episode 1: Aziz Abu Sarah
August 13, 2021 19:00 - 38 minutes - 52.2 MBIn the first episode of Olive Branch, I interview Aziz Abu Sarah about the importance of building bridges while pursuing justice, why he carried onions to school, being an Arab boss, generational trauma, and joy as a form of resistance.
Episode 2: Aziz Abu Sarah
August 13, 2021 19:00 - 38 minutes - 52.2 MBIn the first episode of Olive Branch, I interview Aziz Abu Sarah about the importance of building bridges while pursuing justice, why he carried onions to school, being an Arab boss, generational trauma, and joy as a form of resistance.
Episode 1: Trailer
August 11, 2021 01:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MBHello everyone, my name is Dr. Anwar Mhajne. I am an Assistant professor of Political Science at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. I created Olive Branch due to my frustration with the never-ending conflict affecting my family and friends in Israel and Palestine. I am hoping that this podcast will help restore our hope in achieving sustainable and equitable peace. Therefore, Olive Branch interviews activists with ties to Israel and Palestine who use non-violent means to promote peace and en...