STORIES OF RESILIENCE, Solidarity & HOPE |
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Everyone has a story. The Human Connections "Storytelling Beyond Borders" podcast is a place to delve into these diverse stories of courage, solidarity, justice, resilience, identity, culture, etc. Stories provide a potent means of expression and demonstrate the courage and resilience required to navigate pressing issues. By sharing stories, we become formidable agents of change, empowering others to use their own voices to advocate for the issues that matter. Through this podcast, we are devoted to changing the narrative and taking action together. Share yours!
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connect with us!
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Listen on Spotify | Watch on YOUTUBE
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tell yours!Our stories showcase the diversity, vibrancy, resilience, hope & power of connections & we invite you to be part of this narrative!
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CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO CLIPS OF EACH STORY ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM
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EPISODE 16This "Storytelling Beyond Border" podcast features Dr. Ilise Cohan, a scholar-activist on Israel/Palestine, Middle East history, Jewish studies, and global justice issues and policies. She co-founded the Jews of Color, bijocsm (Black, Indigenous Jewish of Color Sephardic & Mizrahi) network in partnership with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). Dr. Cohan shares her Sephardic heritage and multicultural upbringing that significantly shaped her worldview and her understanding of justice and how her unique work for justice— intertwining scholarship and activism— has driven her to become a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights and a vocal critic of systemic racism within the Jewish community.
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EPISODE 15In this story, Jonathan Kuttab—a leading human rights lawyer and co-founder of Al-Haq—discusses his vision for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. He explores the complexities of the conflict, the shortcomings of the two-state solution, and the potential for a single state where both peoples can coexist in equality. Kuttab also critiques the influence of Christian Zionism and advocates for a nonviolent resistance that forwards solidarity.
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EPISODE 14In this podcast, Rene Lichtman shared his powerful story woven from the threads of history's darkest and most resilient moments. As the son of Polish Jews who fled to France during the 1930s, he survived as a hidden child during the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied France. His journey of antiwar activism began during the 1960s with the Vietnam War, and he has been actively involved in numerous demonstrations. Today, he is a vocal critic of what he terms the "ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza," drawing unsettling parallels between his own experiences and the current plight of Palestinians.
Rene was a founding member of the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust (WFJCSH) and Co-Chair of the Hidden Children and Child Survivors of Michigan. He is also President of the Holocaust Education Coalition, founded in 1992. |
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EPISODE 13In this "Storytelling Beyond Border" podcast, we feature Lori Ajlourny, whose family's Nakba story is one of resilience, rich cultural heritage, and steadfast activism. Born to a Palestinian family from Ramallah, her narrative intertwines personal family history with the broader historical events of the Nakba and the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians. Through her journey, Lori provides a powerful testimony of her family's experiences, the vibrant culture of pre-1948 Palestine, and her unwavering commitment to Palestinian activism in the United States.
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EPISODE 12The latest episode of the 'Storytelling Beyond Borders' Podcast features Pranay Somayajula, an Indian-American human rights activist, writer, and organizer who shares his story of uniting diverse histories and struggles for justice to foster solidarity between movements and people —from South Asia to Palestine and beyond.
Pranay highlights the interconnected struggles for justice and liberation worldwide, focusing on the parallels between the Indigenous peoples of Palestine and Kashmir's struggles for self-determination and freedom. He also emphasizes the need to address the intertwined ideologies of Zionism and Hindutva—both are ethno-nationalist movements that seek to establish a homeland for a chosen national community at the expense of others. |
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EPISODE 11In this "Storytelling Beyond Border" podcast episode, Jeyda Muhammad, a student at Princeton University, shared her compelling story about her active participation in the college encampments movement for Palestinian liberation. She also discussed the aftermath of the October 7th, highlighting a notable surge in Islamophobia on campus. Despite the challenges—including harassment and discrimination—Jeyda and her peers remained undeterred.
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EPISODE 10In this episode, we explore Matthew Clark's personal journey of self-discovery and growth as an American Jew and advocate for Palestinian liberation. His story reflects deep introspection, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to justice. Matt's transition from Zionism to Palestinian activism is a compelling testament to the transformative influence of critical thinking and compassion. His journey challenges us to confront ingrained beliefs, engage in challenging dialogues, and strive toward a just and more equitable world.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 9The latest episode of the 'Storytelling Beyond Borders' Podcast featured Indigenous Activist Jaike Spotted Wolf, a prominent voice in the fight for Native American rights—who shared her compelling life story. She highlights how the enduring legacy of colonization continues to impact Native American communities, causing profound pain and generational trauma. Jaike also draws significant parallels between colonial practices, highlighting the shared struggle of both Native Americans and Palestinians.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 8In this episode, Felicia Eaves, a black activist inspired by the Black Panthers, draws many connections between the struggles of African Americans and Palestinians. Felicia recounts the untold history of the Black and Palestinian Alliance that is often overlooked and crucial in understanding the intersection of struggles against oppression. As social media exposes ongoing atrocities, more black voices are joining the call for justice, challenging the narrative of apathy.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 7As we continue to try and center Palestinians, their voices, & their struggles for liberation, we are joined by Nadia, a Palestinian woman who shares her Palestinian roots, her own family's experience in the Nakba of 1948, their lives following their forced displacement, and their resilience that has kept her family hopeful & fighting for a free Palestine. Nadia reminds us of the importance of remembering Palestinians are not numbers. They are living, breathing, beautiful people who deserve a chance at life & liberation.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 6Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American human rights attorney, activist, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), and former chair of the Free Gaza Movement, shares her journey and vision for the Palestinian cause in our recent storytelling interview, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity. She discusses the history of struggle, her involvement in nonviolent grassroots initiatives to support Palestine, ISM work, and how criticism of Israel is often twisted with antisemitism. She also recounts the narrative behind the Free Gaza movement and its endeavor to challenge the Gaza Blockade through the sailing of Flotillas in 2008 and 2010.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 5In this episode, Joshua Feinstein narrates his story of justice and peace. Over the past several years, Joshua has become a leading voice for peace among the Jewish people. In his quest for a Free Palestine, he is inspired by the words of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…Whatever affects one directly affects us all indirectly.’
Read story HERE
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Episode 4In this episode, Mariam Alboustani, a Lebanese American, shares the story of her upbringing in Lebanon and her formative years that were profoundly influenced by the Israeli occupation of Lebanon.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 3In this episode, Lori-Kamleh Ajlouny, a committed Christian Palestinian activist, shares her journey of advocating for Palestinian rights and fostering global understanding. Raised with a strong connection to her Palestinian heritage, Lori's passion for education and justice grew from witnessing the injustices faced by Palestinians, especially regarding access to Jerusalem and the construction of the separation wall. She highlights the interconnectedness of justice movements worldwide, from South Africa to the Black Lives Matter movement. Her powerful message to diverse communities is simple: "See us as human beings, and then you will see us from our hearts."
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 2In a recent episode of Storytelling Beyond Borders, we had the privilege of engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Brandi Hebert, a dynamic individual whose journey of faith and commitment to justice has been a guiding force in her life.
Read story HERE
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EPISODE 1It is a human reflex to feel numb. We’ve all felt it. Powerless. Paralyzed. Desensitized. So many intense emotions boiling inside you—unable to escape—but suppressed to a sour cooling point. Crowded by so many issues of such significant scale, today’s young Americans feel helpless as they are guided by the hand of quietism, passivity, and normalization.
Mary Hanna and Melody Arnst, from the Meta Peace Team, hope to halt this cycle of normalization and detail their first-hand experience with conflict management in this podcast. Read story HERE |
