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  • JWE launches ‘Call to Humanity’ to over-ride Washington’s UNSC veto on Gaza, Iran

    JWE launches ‘Call to Humanity’ to over-ride Washington’s UNSC veto on Gaza, Iran


    On June 14, the board of Just World Educational issued a strong ‘Call to Humanity’ that appealed to leaders of governments around the world to invoke the “Uniting for Peace” mechanism to over-ride Washington’s UN Security Council veto on the two crucial topics of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the completely unprovoked war that Israel launched against Iran in the early hours of June 13.

    The Call noted that,

    For many years, our government here in the United States has arrogated to itself the right to dominate international diplomacy on both the Israel-Iran issue and the Israel-Palestine issue. In both cases it has used that dominance to protect and bolster Israel’s position (while successive U.S. governments have also continued to provide high levels of military and intelligence support to Israel’s unlawful military actions and severe abuses of human rights.)

    The Call noted how, during the Suez Crisis of 1956, U.S. Pres. Dwight Eisenhower had used the UN’s “Uniting for Peace” mechanism to over-ride the veto that Britain and France had (and still have) in the UN Security Council , while he also used the United States’ strong position in the world economy to compel Britain, France, and Israel to withdraw from Egyptian-administered lands they had occupied during the crisis.

    It then noted the following:

    [T]oday, China, the European Union, the BRICS nations, ASEAN, and many other nations command considerable power within the global economy. We call on these nations’ leaders to recognize the extreme threat that the illegal and escalatory violence of the Israeli-U.S. axis today poses to the international order and to use all nonviolent means at their disposal– including their economic power– to nullify Washington’s veto on Middle Eastern issues and thereby to regain for the United Nations the degree of diplomatic leadership… that was promised to the peoples of the world in the UN Charter.

    You can read the full text of the Call to Humanity here.

    JWE’s board has also appealed for like-minded antiwar and pro-rights organizations to join Just World Ed in pushing this campaign forward. People in the leadership of such organizations can communicate their willingness to do this by using this form.



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  • PalCast in Belfast: A Powerful Conversation on Gaza’s Ongoing Crisis

    PalCast in Belfast: A Powerful Conversation on Gaza’s Ongoing Crisis


    The latest episode of PalCast marked a rare and powerful moment as Yousef and Tony met in person for the first time in Belfast. As part of Yousef’s book tour for Displaced in Gaza, the two discussed the worsening situation in Gaza and the urgent need for civil society to respond. Their conversation highlighted the militarization of humanitarian aid and the growing frustration with international inaction. This special episode is now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    In their wide-ranging discussion, Yousef and Tony revisited the roots of their collaboration and reflected on the impact of their work, especially the Displaced in Gaza project. They shared their gratitude for the solidarity they encountered during events in Belfast, Liverpool, and Manchester. Notably, Senator Frances Black read a story from the book, amplifying the voices of Palestinians and honoring the legacy of Dr. Refaat Alareer. The episode shed light on how these stories are being shared in multiple formats and languages to reach broader audiences.

    The conversation painted a grim picture of life in Gaza. Aid distribution centers, described as death traps, became a symbol of the cruelty Palestinians endure daily. Israel’s military actions—such as targeting civilians awaiting aid and the use of tank shells in populated areas—were called out clearly. The speakers emphasized that these actions go beyond neglect; they represent a deliberate policy to break Palestinian resistance by engineering a humanitarian catastrophe. Thousands of aid trucks remained blocked at the border, while Gaza continued to be starved of basic necessities like food, water, and electricity.

    Technology also featured in the episode, as Yousef and Tony discussed how AI is now being used to assign live-or-die scores to Palestinians. These systems, based on data like social media posts and facial recognition, are not only dehumanizing but are also being exported globally, threatening civil liberties far beyond Gaza. While some European countries have shifted their tone, the episode made it clear: rhetorical changes are not enough. National action is urgently needed, and supporting war crimes must never be an option.

    Listen to this essential episode of PalCast now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.



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  • New PalCast Episode: Israel’s Deadly Humanitarian Aid Plan

    New PalCast Episode: Israel’s Deadly Humanitarian Aid Plan


    PalCast released a powerful new episode titled “Israel’s Deadly Humanitarian Aid Plan.” In this episode, hosts Yousef and Helena sat down with producer Tony to unpack the disturbing realities behind Israel’s so-called Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF). They exposed the fund as a calculated attempt to control aid, replace trusted humanitarian agencies, and tighten Israel’s grip on Palestinians in Gaza under the pretense of assistance.

    The hosts explained how the Israeli military established “humanitarian centers” in Rafah, which Palestinians feared could be used for arrest and surveillance. Reports emerged of individuals being detained at these centers, fueling concerns that Israel was using aid as a tool for intelligence gathering. They compared this system to colonial-era tactics, especially the British pipeline model in Kenya, highlighting how Israel deployed surveillance technologies to profile and control the population.

    The episode also examined Israel’s move to block 3,000 UN aid trucks at the Egyptian border while pushing its own limited aid distribution plan. The resignation of the GHF’s Israeli-American head, who claimed he was misled by Israeli officials, raised serious questions about the credibility and goals of the fund. Meanwhile, the hosts criticized Western complicity, pointing out how some governments expressed concern but failed to take action, like cutting arms sales or ending financial support.

    Despite the week’s devastating headlines, the episode ended on a note of guarded hope. The hosts pointed to a shift in rhetoric from countries like Spain, which called the situation in Gaza a genocide. They argued that while this shift mattered, meaningful change would only come through action, not words. The episode is now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.



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  • New PalCast Episode: “I Saved Him Only For My Taxes To Pay For The Bomb That Then Killed Him”

    New PalCast Episode: “I Saved Him Only For My Taxes To Pay For The Bomb That Then Killed Him”


    PalCast released a powerful new episode featuring Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, a U.S.-based trauma and critical care surgeon who recently returned from Gaza. Over the course of Israel’s ongoing assault, Dr. Sidhwa provided emergency care to hundreds of Palestinians. He spoke about the March 18 airstrike that turned Nasser Hospital into a mass casualty zone, the devastating killing of a boy he had just saved, and the heavy moral burden he carries knowing that his own tax dollars helped fund the bombs that tore through lives.

    In this episode, Dr. Sidhwa joined hosts Yousef and Tony to give a firsthand account of what he saw inside Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals. He described a healthcare system under direct attack: staff killed, hospitals bombed, and medical supplies cut off. He shared the horrifying statistics—Gaza’s medical workers have been killed at rates far higher than in any other war zone, and many have been imprisoned simply for doing their jobs. Despite this, he praised Palestinian doctors and nurses for their incredible strength, professionalism, and humanity.

    Dr. Sidhwa also traced his own path to Palestine, which began after he witnessed the second Intifada and saw how little Americans were told about life under occupation. He talked about working in Hebron, where he saw apartheid up close, and reflected on the failure of American media to report honestly on the violence. He shared moving stories of patients like Sham, a little girl with shrapnel in her brain, and Ibrahim, a teenager killed in his hospital bed just days after surviving surgery.

    The episode called out the U.S. government’s deep involvement in Israel’s war, not just as a bystander but as a funder and enabler. Dr. Sidhwa didn’t hold back in naming the complicity and silence of institutions back home. This episode is now streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.





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  • Banyas the Storyteller – Just World Educational

    Banyas the Storyteller – Just World Educational


    PalCast released a new episode featuring Banyas Abu Harab, a teacher, mother, and storyteller from Gaza. She joined the podcast from under siege, where the sound of bombs echoed in the background as she spoke. Despite the harsh conditions, Banyas remained committed to comforting and inspiring children through stories. This episode offered a deeply personal perspective on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

    During the episode, Banyas shared two stories, one in Arabic and one in English. She told the tale of The Woodcutter and the Three Wishes, a story that teaches the value of work and wisdom over quick solutions. Her storytelling gave listeners a rare glimpse into how children in Gaza use imagination to escape the fear around them, even if only for a few moments.

    The episode also explored Banyas’s life as a displaced mother. She spoke about her journey from Gaza City to Rafah and later to Az Zawayda, where she and her family lived in a tent for nearly a year. She described the daily struggles of cooking with scarce resources, and the pain of seeing her daughter burned in a fire caused by unsafe cooking conditions. Through it all, she kept telling stories—her only way to offer hope.

    The hosts, Yousef, Helena and Tony, also discussed the broader reality in Gaza, including the killing of journalist Hassan Isleih and the silence of the international community. Banyas’s voice reminded listeners that even in the darkest moments, storytelling can resist despair. The episode is now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.



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  • I’m Not a Beast with a Horn, But a Freedom Fighter with a Stone

    I’m Not a Beast with a Horn, But a Freedom Fighter with a Stone


    PalCast released a new episode featuring Dr. Akram Habeeb, professor of English at the Islamic University of Gaza. In Episode 62, he spoke about his 45 days of displacement in Rafah and his eventual departure from Gaza under Israeli evacuation orders. He reflected on the loss of his home, the suffering of his people, and the deep emotional weight of leaving behind his land and family. He also discussed his special relationship with the late Dr. Refaat Alareer, who inspired generations through poetry and education.

    Dr. Habeeb described the destruction he witnessed—hospitals, schools, and homes reduced to rubble. He explained how he resisted leaving Gaza at first, choosing to stay with his family despite the bombing. He only left after his home was sabotaged and soldiers entered the area. Even in those final days, he tried to care for his pigeons in his garden, feeding them before he left. In Rafah, he faced severe shortages of food, water, and fuel, and followed the news of constant bombings, including the assassination of his friend, Dr. Sufian Tayeh.

    After reaching Turkey, Dr. Habeeb continued his academic work. He supervised students remotely, spoke to international media, and shared the stories of Palestinian writers. He said teaching became a form of resistance. He spoke at length about Dr. Alareer—his sense of humor, their time playing ping pong, and his powerful poetry. He remembered Refaat’s words about having only a marker to fight with and said his legacy would continue through literature and teaching.

    Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Habeeb recited a poem he wrote, titled “I’m Not a Beast with a Horn, But a Freedom Fighter with a Stone.” The poem challenged the dehumanizing language used against Palestinians and honored the stone as a symbol of dignity and resistance. The episode ended with a call to preserve Palestinian voices through education and poetry. The hosts also expressed condolences to Tony and his family. The episode is now available on Apple and Spotify.



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  • This is Gaza – Trump’s Clownish Ethnic Cleansing Plan

    This is Gaza – Trump’s Clownish Ethnic Cleansing Plan


    PalCast has released a new episode titled “This is Gaza – Trump’s Clownish Ethnic Cleansing Plan,” featuring BAFTA and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Yousef Hammash. In this episode, Hammash discussed his work documenting the genocide in Gaza, the significance of storytelling in shaping global awareness, and the resilience of the Palestinian people. The conversation highlighted the burial of Dr. Refaat Alareer and how, despite relentless hardship, Palestinians continue to resist displacement and erasure.

    The episode explored the devastating impact of Trump’s policies on Palestinians and the broader consequences of Western complicity in the ongoing violence. Hammash shared the personal and collective trauma experienced by Gazans, emphasizing the role of citizen journalism in countering misinformation. He recounted the forced displacement of his family from northern to southern Gaza, shedding light on the humiliation and suffering endured by displaced Palestinians due to Israeli military actions and inadequate infrastructure.

    Listeners also heard about the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) and how it hindered rebuilding efforts by imposing severe restrictions. The discussion covered the dire conditions in Gaza, including destroyed hospitals, a collapsing health sector, and the looming threat of disease. Additionally, the episode critiqued the loss of professionals in Gaza due to violence, warning of the long-term consequences for education and healthcare.

    The episode concluded with a reflection on the power of storytelling as a means of resistance and preservation. Hammash underscored the importance of shifting global perceptions through Palestinian narratives. “This is Gaza – Trump’s Clownish Ethnic Cleansing Plan” is now available for streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Tune in to hear this critical conversation and gain deeper insight into the realities faced by Palestinians today.



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  • New PalCast Episode: “Goodbye from Genocide” Now Streaming

    New PalCast Episode: “Goodbye from Genocide” Now Streaming


    Episode 61 of PalCast, titled “Goodbye from Genocide,” featured Gaza journalist Shrouq Al Aila. Speaking from the heart of a war zone, Al Aila shared her personal and professional struggles while reporting under Israeli bombardment. Her story included the devastating loss of her husband, journalist Roshdi Sarraj, who was killed while protecting their family and documenting attacks on ambulances. Al Aila, who won the 2024 Freedom of Press Award, offered a rare and raw account of life in Gaza during the ongoing genocide.

    Hosted by Yousef and Tony, the episode documented the use of starvation as a weapon, the destruction of basic infrastructure, and the emotional toll on Gaza’s people. Al Aila described how civilians faced hunger, displacement, and constant danger from drones and airstrikes. She explained the near-impossible task of securing food and clean water, and how parents struggled to feed children with nothing more than canned goods or foraged vegetables cooked over dangerous wood fires.

    Listeners heard how Israeli forces targeted people gathering firewood and blocked critical supplies like food, medicine, and fuel at border crossings. Al Aila recounted the impact of water shortages, fuel outages, and the collapse of Gaza’s health system. She also opened up about her own trauma—carrying her husband’s body to the hospital and raising their baby daughter in the ruins of their home. Her testimony captured not only personal grief but also the shared pain of thousands of Palestinian families.

    Tony, who has recorded over 2,000 podcasts, called this “one of the most important and powerful episodes he had ever worked on.” The hosts urged international attention to the genocide and honored the courage of Gaza’s journalists. Episode 61 is now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.





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  • Support Gazan Doctors – Just World Educational

    Support Gazan Doctors – Just World Educational


    PalCast has released a new episode featuring Rajeh Al-Kahloot, a final-year medical student from Gaza who had been studying in Istanbul. Hosted by Yousef Aljamal, the episode explored Rajeh’s journey in medical education, the challenges faced by medical professionals in Gaza, and the urgent need for support to sustain healthcare in the region. Rajeh had shared his personal experiences, including the devastating impact of the genocide on his family and his commitment to returning to Gaza to contribute to the medical field.

    During the episode, Rajeh recounted how his parents had initially encouraged him to study abroad, but his deep connection to Gaza had led him to pursue medical education there. Limited resources, including the lack of essential medical equipment, had later forced him to continue his studies in Turkey. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to specialize in trauma surgery and return to Gaza to help rebuild the healthcare system that Israel destroyed. His story highlighted the resilience of medical students and professionals in Gaza who had continued to work under extreme conditions.

    Rajeh also spoke about the immense hardships his family had endured, including the destruction of their home and businesses, multiple displacements, and their ongoing struggle living in tents. His financial situation had become increasingly difficult, as he had to support himself while completing his education. The discussion underscored the critical role of medical workers in Gaza, many of whom had been volunteering in hospitals despite the risks and lack of proper resources.

    The episode concluded with a call to action for listeners to support Rajeh’s education and to raise awareness about the dire conditions faced by medical professionals in Gaza. It also emphasized the need for the protection of civilians and healthcare workers in conflict zones. This compelling conversation is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, offering an insightful look into the challenges and perseverance of Gaza’s medical community.



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  • Rebuilding More than Buildings – Just World Educational

    Rebuilding More than Buildings – Just World Educational


    PalCast has released a powerful new episode titled “Rebuilding More than Buildings” as part of the One World, One Struggle series. Hosted by Yousef Aljamal and Tony Groves, the episode features Ahmed Nehad, an educator and academic specializing in sustainable development. Coming from a long line of Palestinian educators, Ahmed shared his experiences in planning the reconstruction of Gaza’s education system. He also reflected on the legacy of his late professor and colleague, Dr. Refaat Alareer, and the essential role of education in preserving Palestinian identity and resilience.

    In the episode, Ahmed recounted the devastating impact of the ongoing war on his family and community, including the destruction of his home and the challenges of securing basic necessities like water and electricity. Despite these hardships, he emphasized the unwavering commitment of Gaza’s educators, who continue to teach in makeshift settings. He also highlighted the importance of education as both a cultural value and a means of survival, pointing to Gaza’s high literacy rates as a testament to its people’s determination.

    The discussion also explored the role of international institutions in supporting Gaza’s education system. Ahmed criticized external rebuilding initiatives that fail to consider Gaza’s local context and stressed the need for collaboration between Western and Palestinian academics. He advocated for research partnerships, volunteering programs, and institutional support to help rebuild the region’s higher education infrastructure. He also referenced a recent publication that outlines models for collaboration between UK and Palestinian universities, serving as a guide for effective partnerships.

    The episode concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Refaat Alareer, whose mentorship deeply influenced Ahmed’s academic journey. Ahmed shared the story of a student, Huda, who gained confidence in publishing her work through Dr. Refaat’s encouragement, only to be killed during the war. This tragic account underscored the profound dedication of Gaza’s educators and the lasting impact they have on their students. “Rebuilding More than Buildings” is now available for streaming on Apple & Spotify, offering an essential conversation on education, resilience, and international solidarity.



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