ویرا فروهر

دسته: سیاست

  • New PalCast Episode: Dr. Ahmed Junina on Resilience, Education, and Survival in Gaza

    New PalCast Episode: Dr. Ahmed Junina on Resilience, Education, and Survival in Gaza


    PalCast released a powerful new episode titled “Gaza – ‘We Stayed Knowing That We’d Either Live Together Or Die Together.’” Hosted by Yousef and Tony, the episode featured a deeply moving conversation with Dr. Ahmed Junina, a lecturer, researcher, and educator from Gaza City. Dr. Junina shared his and his family’s courageous decision to remain in Gaza despite the Israeli military campaign, emphasizing the importance of home, community, and resilience. He spoke about the immense challenges they faced and highlighted the urgent need for international support for Palestinian students, educators, and researchers.

    Dr. Junina, who returned to Gaza after earning his PhD in Applied Linguistics from Auckland University of Technology, reflected on the role of education as a means of survival and advocacy. He described the devastating impact of war on Gaza’s educational institutions, including the destruction of libraries and the struggles of students facing travel restrictions. The episode shed light on how education remained a beacon of hope for Palestinians, with individuals like journalist Mahmoud Mushtaha continuing to advocate for Palestine despite personal hardships. Dr. Junina called on the global academic community to provide scholarships and initiatives to help Palestinian students and scholars overcome the barriers imposed by the occupation.

    Throughout the discussion, Dr. Junina painted a vivid picture of life under siege, describing the loss of loved ones, the destruction of homes, and the emotional toll of daily survival. He recounted heartbreaking stories, such as that of a student writing a book amidst the war, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Palestinians even in the direst circumstances. The episode also paid tribute to the late Dr. Refaat Alareer, a dedicated educator and human rights advocate, whose loss left a profound impact on the academic community in Gaza.

    This episode of PalCast stood as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Palestinian people and the necessity of global solidarity in rebuilding Gaza’s educational sector. Dr. Junina urged the world to recognize that hospitals, health workers, and children should never be targets of war, reinforcing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Listeners could tune in to this essential conversation on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to hear firsthand accounts of courage, resistance, and the fight for education in Palestine.



    Source link

  • Interrogated, Tortured and Still Determined – Dr Khaled Alser

    Interrogated, Tortured and Still Determined – Dr Khaled Alser


    The latest episode of PalCast, titled Interrogated, Tortured and Still Determined – Dr. Khaled Alser, brought listeners a deeply moving account of one Palestinian doctor’s harrowing experiences under Israeli detention. Yousef and Tony spoke with Dr. Khaled Alser, a surgeon at Nasser Hospital in Gaza, who had been abducted by Israeli soldiers in March 2024. After spending seven months in custody, enduring brutal torture and mistreatment, Dr. Alser was finally released on September 30, 2024. In this candid conversation, he reflected on the unimaginable suffering he had faced, from the siege of his hospital to his inhumane treatment in Israeli prisons.

    Dr. Khaled Alser

    Throughout the episode, Dr. Alser recounted his unwavering dedication to his patients even as Gaza was engulfed in violence. Despite the extreme danger and the mass departure of his colleagues for safety, he had chosen to remain at Nasser Hospital, treating over 150 patients with limited resources. His hospital had been invaded by Israeli forces in February 2024, and many of the healthcare staff had been detained. Dr. Alser described the horrors he had witnessed, including the death of a colleague from severe blood loss due to lack of medical resources and the emotional toll it had taken on him.

    Dr. Alser’s ordeal had continued as he was detained and tortured in various Israeli detention centers, including Sde Teiman and Ofer. In the prisons, he had endured physical and psychological abuse, including inadequate food, lack of medical care for his injuries, and forced humiliation during interrogations. Despite these conditions, he had remained determined and had even provided medical advice to fellow prisoners. His resilience, in the face of unimaginable hardship, spoke volumes about the strength of the Palestinian people and the unsung heroes who had continued to fight for their communities.

    This episode of PalCast is now available on both Apple and Spotify. It is a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand the true cost of occupation and the strength of those who had continued to resist, even after facing profound trauma. Dr. Khaled Alser’s story is one of immense suffering, courage, and hope, and his commitment to serving others despite everything he had endured is a testament to the resilience of Palestinian medical workers.



    Source link

  • JWE’s Latest & Forthcoming ‘Understanding Hamas’ Events: A Quick Guide

    JWE’s Latest & Forthcoming ‘Understanding Hamas’ Events: A Quick Guide


    On the weekend of March 22-23, our board member Rami G. Khouri will be presenting a series of in-person events in Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, in which he will assess the situation in Gaza and introduce some of the themes addressed in Just World Ed’s ongoing project “Understanding Hamas And Why That Matters”, which he co-led along with JWE President Helena Cobban.

    Click on the full flier here to see details of these events– and please share this information widely with any friends or colleagues you have in that part of North America!

    Rami Khouri’s exciting schedule of upcoming events are just the latest phase in this project, which started with a series of web-based conversations with recognized subject-matter experts that he and Cobban presented last May.

    In the second phase of he project JWE prepared and last October released (with the help of OR Books) a book that married the transcripts of the May 2024 webinars with excerpts from some key source documents on and from Hamas and readers’ aids that provide non-specialist readers with solid information on the history, people, and, events referred to in the five substantive conversations.

    You can read accounts of most of the earlier public events that Cobban and Khouri have headlined as part of this project here (early October), here (mid-October) and here (early December.)

    In recent weeks, the project has once again picked up steam. Since early December, Khouri and Cobban have given four significant public presentations on the “Understanding Hamas” theme. Despite opposition that has sometimes been intense, we’re proud that our team has continued to bring these critical conversations to significant audiences worldwide:

    Helena Cobban with Jeroen Gunning and Mouin Rabbani, at LSE London, March 10

    On March 10, the London School of Economics’s Middle East Center hosted an evening event billed as a “book launch” for our Understanding Hamas book, which almost immediately upon its announcement attracted hefty pushback from the pro-Israeli community in London– and indeed, also, an explicit, public call by Israel’s ambassador to London to LSE, to cancel the event.

    In the end, LSE went ahead, though by then they had restricted in-person attendance to LSE’s staff and students. At the event,JWE’s Helena Cobban, and book contributors Jeroen Gunning, and Mouin Rabbani presented their work despite a heavy Zionist protest outside the lecture hall. That protest was met with an equally strong counter-protest, demonstrating the significance of these discussions.

    We hope to share the video of this event soon, once LSE has made it available.

    In the meantime, we’re happy to share recordings from several other recent events– in London, Washington DC, and online:

    Helena Cobban on the Origins of Hamas | SOAS, University of London | March 6, 2025

    This event featured JWE’s president, Helena Cobban, in a discussion moderated by Dr. Nathaniel George, a SOAS Lecturer in Middle Eastern politics. Cobban provided a deep historical analysis of Hamas, covering its founding during the First Intifada, its ideological foundations, and its role in Palestinian resistance. The discussion offered critical insights into Hamas’s political and historical significance.

    Watch the full video here. Audio and transcript to come.

    Understanding Hamas, Book Talk | American University, Washington, DC | February 10, 2025

    Cobban spoke about JWE’s book Understanding Hamas alongside Palestinian nonviolence leader Jonathan Kuttab. The discussion explored Gaza’s role as a key incubator of Palestinian nationalism and its global impact today. This hybrid event was sponsored by American University’s Abdul Aziz Said Chair and Nonviolence International.

    Watch the full video here.

    Virtual Event: Understanding Hamas Webinar | Hosted by the Center for Nonviolent Solutions, Worcester, MA | December 5, 2024

    Looking back, one additional virtual event remains key in our calendar. Helena Cobban and her co-author, Rami G. Khouri, participated in a conversation hosted by the Center for Nonviolent Solutions. The discussion built on the themes of Understanding Hamas and engaged audiences on the importance of critically analyzing Palestinian resistance.

    Watch the full video here.

    Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events as we continue to push for open and honest conversations about Palestine. For more videos and discussions, follow Just World Educational on our platforms.



    Source link

  • The Three Times I Should Have Died

    The Three Times I Should Have Died


    PalCast released a powerful new episode featuring Samah Zaqout, a Palestinian graduate of English Literature, who shared her harrowing experiences of survival in Gaza. Hosted by Yousef and Tony, this episode documented the devastating impact of the Israeli military campaign that disrupted Samah’s studies and forced her into displacement. Despite immense challenges, she managed to record her testimony, resulting in variable audio quality, but her story remains a must-listen. Listeners can tune in on Apple and Spotify to hear her firsthand account of endurance and loss.

    During the episode, Samah recounted the three times she narrowly escaped death in Gaza. She described how bombings targeted places she had just left, including a bakery and a supermarket, highlighting the ever-present danger. She also shared the terrifying moment she woke up to find shrapnel on her pillow, a chilling reminder of the indiscriminate violence. Her story underscored the inescapable reality of living under siege, where no place remained safe, and every location bore the mark of destruction.

    Samah also reflected on the immense hardships she endured, from food shortages during Ramadan to the psychological toll of losing her home and community. She spoke of her grandfather, a Nakba survivor, who tragically passed away, unable to bear the pain of becoming a refugee once again. Her words painted a stark picture of life in Gaza, where even basic communication depended on unreliable solar panels, and daily survival required extraordinary resilience. The loss of her land and the forced separation from her roots deepened the emotional and cultural wounds inflicted by war.

    Despite everything, Samah found solace in writing, using it as a means to document her experiences, assert her identity, and connect with the world. Her testimony serves as a crucial reminder of the human cost of war and the voices that refuse to be silenced. PalCast invites listeners to hear Samah’s courageous story and acknowledge the ongoing suffering in Gaza. This important episode is now available for streaming on Apple and Spotify.



    Source link

  • New PalCast Episode: “My Smile is Resistance” Featuring Soliman Hijjy

    New PalCast Episode: “My Smile is Resistance” Featuring Soliman Hijjy


    PalCast released a powerful new episode titled “My Smile is Resistance,” featuring award-winning visual journalist Soliman Hijjy, who joined the conversation from Khan Younis just seven minutes after an Israeli airstrike hit the area. Despite the horror unfolding around him, Soliman remained calm and even joked during the recording—a reminder that humor in the face of violence can be its own form of resistance.

    In the episode, Soliman described the relentless Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the devastating toll it took on civilians, homes, and basic infrastructure. He reported that Khan Younis, though often labeled a “safe zone,” faced 10 to 15 airstrikes each day, leaving no place untouched by destruction. The conversation shed light on Israel’s systematic use of airstrikes, displacement tactics, and siege policies to collectively punish Palestinians in Gaza.

    Soliman also spoke about the role of journalism during war—not just to tell stories, but to preserve truth and dignity. He stressed the need for independent voices to push back against distorted narratives and international indifference. His presence on PalCast gave listeners a rare, unfiltered window into the daily realities of life under siege and the power of resistance through documentation.

    The episode is now streaming on Apple and Spotify. PalCast called on listeners not just to tune in, but to take action—by supporting humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza and helping keep independent media alive. With no ads or sponsors, PalCast depends on its community to keep these voices on the air, telling the stories that others won’t.



    Source link

  • Gaza – Some Light in a Dark Week

    Gaza – Some Light in a Dark Week


    PalCast released a new episode titled “Gaza – Some Light in a Dark Week,” shedding light on the resilience of Gaza’s students and educators amidst ongoing violence. Hosted by Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban, and Tony Groves, the episode featured Dr. Hashil Al-Saadi, an Omani language lecturer at Sultan Qaboos University, who has been teaching students online in Gaza. Dr. Khalid, a surgeon in Gaza, also shared his firsthand experience dealing with the catastrophic impact of bombings on hospitals and the medical system. The episode explored the struggle to maintain education and healthcare in the midst of destruction.

    Dr. Hashil Al-Saadi described the courage and dedication of his students, who continued their studies despite severe challenges such as limited internet access, power outages, and the destruction of educational resources. He highlighted their determination to learn, even as they studied by candlelight or traveled long distances to access an internet connection. His reflections painted a powerful picture of resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, education remained a source of hope and resistance for the people of Gaza.

    The episode also examined the global suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, particularly in Western academic institutions. Helena shared her recent troubling experience at the London School of Economics, where she faced pressure for her advocacy. The discussion emphasized the growing external pressures on academic institutions, especially in the U.S. and U.K., and the urgent need to defend education and free speech. The speakers underscored the broader implications of this repression, linking it to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    The conversation concluded with a call for diplomatic solutions and international recognition of the suffering endured by Palestinians. Dr. Khalid’s message was played as a clip at the beginning of the episode, where he detailed the dire medical conditions in Gaza, describing the lack of essential resources such as suction and oxygen in hospitals and the devastating loss of patients. The episode framed these attacks on civilians and protected institutions as crimes against humanity, demanding urgent global attention. “Gaza – Some Light in a Dark Week” is now available for streaming on Apple and Spotify, offering an unfiltered look at the courage and perseverance of those living under siege.



    Source link

  • Timely re-launch for Palestinian-British author Masoud’s gripping Gaza-set mystery

    Timely re-launch for Palestinian-British author Masoud’s gripping Gaza-set mystery


    In Spring 2025, Just World Books is re-issuing– for, in the first instance, North American readers*– the Gaza-set mystery novel Vanished: The Mysterious Disappearance of Mustafa Ouda, by Palestinian-British wrter and dramatist Ahmed Masoud.

    The main event for this very timely (re-)launch of Vanished will be presented online on April 1, starting at Noon ET. Author Masoud will be in conversation with:

    • Electronic Intifada’s Ali Abunimah,
    • poet and writer Zeina Azzam,
    • Ethnic Studies/Lit professor Dr. Omar Zahzah, and
    • JWB’s CEO Helena Cobban (who promises there will also be time for some audience participation.)

    Pre-registration is required for this launch event. You can register at bit.ly/Vanished-launch, or by using the QR shown above.

    When Vanished was first issued in 2015 by ] Cyprus-based publisher Rimal Books, it attracted many rave reviews. It was shortlisted for the MEMO Palestine Book Awards in London, whose jury described it as “fast-paced and compelling.”

    The New Internationalist described it as,

    “[A]n accomplished novel that, quietly and without didacticism, gets to the heart of the terrible sacrifices demanded of a people living in a state of permanent, unrelenting siege.”

    Rebecca Sowray wrote,

    “There are many bittersweet references to the idea of loss and return; the lost country, the lost father. The resolution of those themes, when it comes, towards the end of the novel, is both startling and unexpected.”

    You can see many of the other plaudits Vanished received back in 2015, at this page on the JWB website.

    A few years ago, the pioneering founder of Rimal Books, Gaza-born Nora Shawwa, passed away and amidst radical changes in the company’s activities the copyright in Vanished reverted to Masoud.

    JWB’s Helena Cobban said she was delighted to re-issue the book, which had never previously been well-known in North America and which acquired urgent new poignancy and relevance given the Israeli military’s thoroughgoing (and still ongoing) devastation of the whole of Gaza.

    Vanished is set in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s in the homes and alleyways of Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, which over the past 18 months has met with systematic destruction from Israel’s demolition squads.

    In a short segment on the Electronic Intifada livestream on March 27, Masoud talked from his current home in London about the fate of his family back in Gaza– and a little about what the novel Vanished has meant to him and his readers over the years.

    We hope you can join us for the launch event on April 1. Be sure to tell your friends about it, too!

    ** JWB is publishing the book in the first instance in the company’s core markets in the United States and Canada and is actively looking for publishing partners interested in acquiring rights to publish it in other world markets.



    Source link

  • When my Aunt died I stopped living – Maram’s Story

    When my Aunt died I stopped living – Maram’s Story


    PalCast released a new episode titled “When My Aunt Died, I Stopped Living – Maram’s Story,” bringing attention to the resilience of a young medical student from Gaza. Hosted by Yousef and Tony, the episode featured Maram Mohammed Hammo, a fourth-year medical student, who shared her deeply personal journey of loss, displacement, and perseverance. Maram, once a top student with a GPA of 99.6%, saw her dreams shattered when her aunt, her biggest supporter, was killed along with 17 members of her family. The conversation explored the devastating impact of the ongoing genocide on her education, aspirations, and the healthcare system in Gaza.

    Maram recounted how the destruction of her home and the emotional toll of losing her family left her feeling hopeless and disconnected from her goals. She described how a writing workshop helped her process her grief and rebuild her determination to continue her medical studies. Despite the immense challenges, she remained committed to her dream of becoming a doctor, inspired by her own health struggles and the dire need for medical professionals in Gaza. Her story highlighted the power of resilience and the necessity of finding ways to move forward in the face of unimaginable hardship.

    The episode also delved into Maram’s ongoing struggle to continue her education while displaced. She explained how she had been admitted to a medical school in Malaysia but faced significant obstacles in leaving Gaza due to the destruction of resources and the ongoing conflict. In the meantime, she took on various jobs to support her family and provide education to displaced individuals. Her story served as a powerful testament to the determination of Gaza’s youth, who, despite all odds, refused to give up on their dreams and their future.

    The discussion concluded with a broader reflection on the collapsing healthcare system in Gaza and the urgent need to protect hospitals, medical personnel, and human rights. The speakers emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, which remained absent in Gaza, leaving civilians and healthcare workers vulnerable to relentless attacks. “When My Aunt Died, I Stopped Living – Maram’s Story” is now available for streaming on Apple and Spotify, offering a compelling insight into the resilience of one young woman determined to heal and rebuild despite the devastation surrounding her.



    Source link

  • We Are Not Doing Enough!

    We Are Not Doing Enough!


    PalCast has released Episode 57, titled “We Are Not Doing Enough!” In this episode, hosts Yousef and Tony discussed the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing on the rapidly spreading famine and the international community’s failure to intervene effectively.

    The episode highlighted the severe food shortages and mass displacement affecting over 140,000 Palestinians in Rafah and other areas. Yousef and Tony also addressed reports of the Israeli military’s use of more destructive weapons, causing widespread fear and destruction even in previously considered safer regions of southern Gaza.

    Additionally, they discussed the treatment of ‘Mothers Against Genocide’ activists by the Gardaí in Ireland and the new Irish government’s shelving of the Occupied Territories Bill. These topics underscored the broader implications of international inaction and the suppression of peaceful protests advocating for Palestinian rights.

    Listeners can access Episode 57 of PalCast on Apple & Spotify. The hosts concluded the episode with a call to action, urging individuals to speak out against the injustices faced by Palestinians and to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Every effort counts in addressing this humanitarian catastrophe!



    Source link

  • Our Understanding Hamas Experts Join Key Lawsuit in London

    Our Understanding Hamas Experts Join Key Lawsuit in London


    We are proud to share that two of the expert voices featured in our project Understanding Hamas and Why That Matters—Dr. Azzam Tamimi and Prof. Jeroen Gunning—have contributed significant testimony in a legal application recently submitted to the British Home Secretary. This application seeks the deproscription of Hamas, calling for the removal of the organization from the United Kingdom’s list of proscribed (banned) groups. The application features detailed scholarly reports that aim to present a more nuanced and informed understanding of Hamas’s political and ideological role in Palestinian society. These contributions align closely with the goals of our Understanding Hamas initiative: to challenge reductive narratives, promote informed public discourse, and open space for more constructive engagement with the Palestinian political reality.

    Professor Jeroen Gunning, an expert in Middle East politics and conflict studies, submitted two important reports as part of the legal case. In “The Effects of Proscription,” he examined how designating Hamas as a terrorist organization obstructs political solutions, hinders humanitarian efforts, and perpetuates the cycle of violence by foreclosing opportunities for dialogue. Gunning placed this analysis within a broader context, explaining how such labels have historically been used to delegitimize non-state actors, including anti-colonial resistance movements. In a second report, “The Evidence Base,” he critically evaluated the information used to justify Hamas’s proscription, raising questions about the selectivity and intent behind the designation. Both reports are available on the case’s official website and offer a rigorous, evidence-based perspective that challenges prevailing policy assumptions. Readers can access them at The Effects of Proscription and The Evidence Base.

    Dr. Azzam Tamimi also submitted a comprehensive report titled “The Ideology, Aims and Objectives of Hamas as Reflected in Its Charters and Pursuit of Peace.” In it, he traced the evolution of Hamas’s ideological framework through its charters, public statements, and political behavior. Dr. Tamimi addressed sensitive issues such as allegations of antisemitism and the group’s position on Israel’s right to exist, situating these elements within the broader political and historical context. He also documented Hamas’s participation in various peace initiatives over the years, offering a more complete picture of the movement’s political development and motivations. This report can be accessed here: Tamimi – Hamas’s Ideology.

    We were honored to host both Professor Gunning and Dr. Tamimi in our Understanding Hamas and Why That Matters project. Each of them delivered a webinar exploring the topics they address in their legal testimonies, helping our audience gain a deeper understanding of the complexities behind Hamas’s role in Palestinian political life. The entire project, along with additional resources and webinar recordings, is available through Just World Educational’s dedicated page: Understanding Hamas at Just World Educational. The book that emerged from the project is available for purchase through our publisher OR Books: Understanding Hamas – OR Books. We are pleased to note that OR Books has already sold the translation rights for the book into Brazilian Portuguese and Korean, marking a significant step in making this critical conversation accessible to audiences around the world.

    Interest in the project continues to grow internationally. In a recent speaking tour, JWE board member Rami G. Khouri addressed audiences at the University of Michigan, other Michigan venues, and in Windsor, Ontario. His talk offered a wide-ranging critique of Western policy discourse on the Middle East, highlighting the need for more grounded, historically informed engagement with groups like Hamas. A recording of one of his talks is available here: Rami Khouri Talk – University of Michigan.

    We are also encouraged by the interest in the Understanding Hamas project from groups and institutions around the world. Most recently, JWE President Helena Cobban took part in a conversation with peace scholars in Sweden, reflecting the continuing global reach of the project. The discussion is available online and includes reflections on the significance of the book and the broader debates it seeks to foster. The conversation can be viewed here: Helena Cobban with Swedish Group. This builds on earlier engagements with groups in Australia, London, and other parts of the world.

    As the legal process in the United Kingdom continues, we hope that the expert testimony from Dr. Tamimi and Professor Gunning will contribute meaningfully to a reassessment of policies that have too often closed the door on peace and justice. Their work, and our broader project, underscore the urgent need for honest, historically grounded, and politically courageous engagement with the realities of the Palestinian struggle.



    Source link