In the latest episode of PalCast titled “Dark Humour for Dark Times,” hosts Yousef, Helena, and Tony engaged in a powerful conversation with Tadhg Hickey, an Irish comedian, satirist, and activist. The episode, available on Apple & Spotify, delved into the critical role that activist art plays in protesting the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Tadhg fearlessly spoke up, emphasizing that the price creatives pay for raising their voices is one he willingly accepts and adds that amidst the darkness, the need for laughter emerges as a powerful tool for resilience and resistance. Tadhg Hickey Tadhg Hi ..read more

In a recent episode of PalCast, available on Apple & Spotify, Palestinian professor Eman Abdelhadi joined co-hosts Yousef, Helena, and Tony to discuss the student movement in the United States and its profound impact on both domestic and global politics. Abdelhadi, an academic, activist, and writer, brought her unique perspective to the conversation, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition faced by Palestinians. Abdelhadi emphasized that the current student movement in the US is not an isolated phenomenon. Instead, it builds upon a rich history of activism within ..read more

Helena Cobban of Just World Educational and Tony Groves of the Tortoise Shack send their deepest condolences to Dr Yousef Aljamal, the inspirational leader of the PalCast project, on the loss of his father in Gaza, Palestine. Our hearts go out to Yousef and his family at this difficult time. Despite the heartbreaking news, the PalCast team decided to go ahead with this episode, which is now available on Apple & Spotify, amid significant developments in recent days regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested arrest warrants ..read more

In the heart of the Gaza Strip, where generations have tilled the land, Asmaa AbuMezied’s connection to agriculture runs deep. Now based in New York, Asmaa is a Palestinian agricultural expert who carries the weight of her family’s legacy—a legacy rooted in the soil of Palestine. Asmaa AbuMezied In a recent episode of our PalCast podcast, Dr. Yousef Aljamal, Tony Groves, and Helena Cobban delved into the critical role of farming in Gaza and the profound impact of genocidal and colonial practices on this vital sector. Asmaa’s insights shed light on the resilience of Palestinian farmers and the ..read more

Just World Ed is now midway through the educational project we launched May 2, whose full title is “Understanding Hamas & Why That Matters”. Thus far, my co-host Rami G. Khouri and I have conducted extremely informative on-air conversations with three different experts on the subject: Dr. Paola Caridi, Dr. Khaled Hroub, and Dr. Jeroen Gunning. You can learn more about these experts here— or, on the Online Learning Hub that we have already started to build, in order to preserve and optimally present the many multimedia products of this project. We will have two more similar sessions, on May ..read more

Last week, Just World Ed’s “Understanding Hamas & Why That Matters” project got off to a great start, with the presentation of the first our planned series of five weekly webinars and the launch of the project’s (still in-progress) Online Learning Hub. On the Learning Hub we’ll be presenting the multimedia records of all the webinars as they occur– video, audio, and transcripts– along a selection of learning resources that we and our Guest Experts have found helpful, participant bios, etc. Screenshot In our first webinar, JWE board member Rami G. Khouri and I hosted Dr. Paola Caridi, an It ..read more

Zarefah Baroud, a Palestinian American with family ties to Gaza, embarked on a life-changing journey when she visited the coastal enclave in 2022. Little did she know that her trip would be marked by tragedy, loss, and a deeper understanding of her role as a Palestinian in the diaspora. Zarefah Baroud Zarefah’s connection to Gaza runs deep. Having lost multiple family members during ongoing genocide on Gaza, including her missing uncle, the realities of life in the besieged territory hit home. Campus Encampments and Advocacy Back in the United States, Zarefah found herself at the intersection ..read more

On April 21, JWE President Helena Cobban took part in an 80-minute conversation at Westmoreland Church (UCC), in Bethesda MD, at the invitation of the church’s Middle East Committee, which has long pursued a strong commitment to Palestinian rights. The event took the form of a conversation conducted, for the first 35 minutes, by longtime Middle East Committee member Robert Mertz, as shown above. In the second half of the program, several attendees at the gathering asked questions, both in-person from the church parlor, and online via the event’s well-populated Zoom feed. With the help of Mr. L ..read more

Hebh Jamal, a Palestinian-American journalist who grew up in New York, is currently living in Germany and facing legal prosecution due to her activism for Palestine. This remarkable woman has been at the forefront of the fight for Palestinian rights, raising her voice against injustice. Hebh Jamal In a recent episode of PalCast, available on Apple & Spotify, Hebh, along with Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban, and Tony Groves, discussed the German position on Israel in relation to its history and their declared commitment to human rights. The conversation highlighted the global solidarity ..read more

In a world ablaze with conflict, there are those who strive to make a difference. One such individual is Dr. Alice Rothchild, a board member of Just World Educational (JWE) and a tireless advocate for peace and justice. Dr. Alice Rothchild Recently, Dr. Rothchild returned from an impactful week in Atlanta, Georgia, where she delivered a stirring sermon at Congregation Bet Haverim. For those with limited time, this sermon is a must-listen, providing a glimpse into her dedication and passion for her work, available here. On March 19, 2024, Dr. Rothchild participated in a Q&A session titled ..read more