In this episode of the Shifting Narratives podcast, we explore Austin Branion's transformative journey as an Arabic language expert and policy professional. Recorded on September 22, 2012, Austin shares the evolution of his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Initially facing racism while studying in the Middle East, he found himself less sympathetic to Arab causes, which complicated his stance on unjust US policies in the region. However, pivotal experiences and influential writers dramatically altered his views. Discover how his journey led Austin to deeply connect with the Palestinian tragedy and become a passionate advocate for justice and equality. The episode also details Austin's interactions with individuals and organizations in the US, highlighting his fervent advocacy for Palestinian rights. 
Music by Lucas Knutter

Learning Resources: 

• The Angry Arab News Service 
• Mondoweiss 
• Al Akhbar Newspaper

Events: 

• Operation ‘Cast Lead’ in 2008 
• Syrian Civil War 
• 2012 Penn BDS Conference 
• 2012 Occupy AIPAC Summit 
• 2012 United Methodist Kairos Response Divestment Vote 

Places: 

• University of Damascus (Syria) 

People: 

• As’ad Abukhalil 
• John Lewis 
• Ahmed Moor
• Phillip Weiss

Policies: 

• U.S. War Crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq 

Organizations: 

• NATO 
• BDS Movement 
• Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)
• Code Pink 
• United Methodists for Kairos Response 
• US Campaign for Palestinian Rights 

Definitions:  

• Zionism 
• Palestine (British Rule in Palestine Mandate) 
• Pan-Arabism 
• Arab 
• Zionism and Settler Colonialism 

Lecture:
As'ad AbuKhalil Lecture

Bo Fauth, a lawyer and educator, shares her transformative journey of challenging perceptions and seeking justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through her experiences in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Bo evolved from viewing Palestinians as terrorists to recognizing their humanity and plight under occupation. She discusses shocking incidents she witnessed that shaped her understanding of the conflict. Bo's advocacy focuses on raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and promoting peaceful coexistence. Her powerful narrative sheds light on the complexities and injustices in the region. 

Music by Lucas Knutter 

Events:  

Second Intifada 

British Rule in Palestine Mandate 

1948 War 

 Desmond Tutu a Speaker at Friends of Sabeel Conference in 2007 

Organizations:  

Friends of Sabeel North America 

Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America 

Knesset (Israeli Parliament)  

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) 

J Street 

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 

Code Pink: Women for Peace 

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (Formerly US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation)  

Places: 

Israeli West Bank Barrier (The Wall) 

St. George’s College: Jerusalem 

Ben Gurion Airport 

Policies:  

Closed Military Zone in the West Bank

Israeli citizens discouraged from traveling to the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank (Area A)

A History of the US Blocking UN Resolutions Against Israel 

BDS Movement 

People: 

Reverend Bob (Robert) and Maureen Tobin

Former Senator Lincoln Chafee  

Donald (Don) E. Wagner – Author and former professor and National Program Director for Friends of Sabeel – North America

Jeff Halper – Anthropologist, author, and Head of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) 

Yasser Arafat

Other: 

Demographics of Israel

Dive into the life-altering journey of Author Pamela Olson as she experiences the Israeli-Palestinian conflict first-hand, transitioning from small-town Oklahoma to the Middle East and later to a Washington think tank. Having experienced contrasting stories from the American media and on-the-ground reality, Olson shares her observations on Palestinian life and their dreams. She discusses her book, Fast Times in Palestine, which expounds on her experiences and the obliviousness of American citizens regarding the impact of their country's policies. This episode provides an unconventional glimpse into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with an evolving American viewpoint.

Music by Lucas Knutter

People:

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti
Pamela Olson 

Organizations:

Palestinian National Initiative 

Palestine Monitor

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

Historical Events:

Hamas Since the 2006 Election

Gaza Beach Killings in 2006

Books:
Fast Times in Palestine by Pamela J. Olson

Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter 

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt

Articles:

Neocons Slither Back, NY Times, By Maureen Dowd

Newsweek 'Muslim rage' cover invokes a rage of its own, The Guardian

Policies:

2012 Protection of Civilians Weekly Report (Palestinian family injured by Molotov cocktail thrown in a taxi) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs occupied Palestinian territory

The Palestinian children – alone and bewildered – in Israel's Al Jalame jail (Stone throwing) The Guardian

West Bank demolitions and displacement | January-March 2023 UNOCHA

"Economic costs of the Israeli occupation for the Palestinian people: The welfare cost of the fragmentation of the occupied West Bank” UNCTAD

Explore Pastor Craig Hunter's transformative journey through the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from his early Holocaust interest to on-the-ground experiences in Israel and the West Bank. Balancing support for Israel with critiques of Zionism, Pastor Craig, who serves as the pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Denton, TX, advocates for Palestinian humanization, recognition of power disparities, and peace. Craig discusses his educational efforts and firsthand visits, offering a hopeful perspective on shifting American opinions. This episode provides a unique lens on the conflict's nature, evolving attitudes, and the role of America and the Presbyterian church. 

Definitions | Organizations | Books | People | Historical Events | Israeli Policies

• BDS
• Zionism
• Int'l Center of Bethlehem 
• BADIL 
• IPMN of the Presbyterian Denomination 
• The Israel Lobby & U.S. Foreign Policy: Mearsheimer & Walt 
• Peace Not Apartheid: Jimmy Carter 
• Night: Elie Wiesel 
• Ze’ev Jabotinsky
• Elie Wiesel
• Mitri Raheb
• 1948 War
• Presbyterian Church Divestment
• Oslo Accords
• Nazi Holocaust
• Israeli Settlements 
• Gaza Blockade & Impact on Palestinian Children 
• Exploitation of West Bank Resources
• Dual Legal Systems for Palestinians & Israeli Settlers 
• Formalized Discrimination in Israel & West Bank
• Israel - Top Recipient of US Foreign Aid & Weapons 
• Jewish & Christian Zionist Support for Israel
• Presbyterian Israel & Palestine Involvement

Introducing the inaugural episode of "Shifting Narratives" with host Kristine Knutter. This podcast delves into transformative journeys of Americans, exploring their profound shifts in understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and America's role. These individuals share experiences from the Middle East and the U.S., prompting reflections and actions toward justice and peace amid the complexities of the conflict.

Originally recorded in 2012 and 2013, the stories remain relevant today amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and America's involvement.

The episode previews upcoming interviews with guests, including Craig Hunter, a Presbyterian preacher delving into the conflict through his interest in the Nazi Holocaust. Pamela Olson, an author, describes how a tourist trip in the Middle East opened her eyes and led her to explore places off the beaten path. Austin Branion, an Arabic language expert and policy professional, shares challenges of racism and personal growth in the Middle East. Bo Fauth, a lawyer, recounts a pivotal moment hearing shocking experiences from Jerusalem.

These snippets offer a glimpse into profound transformations and their impact on perspectives. Dive deeper into each upcoming episode with detailed show notes and references for further learning.

If you find narratives of transformation intriguing, have a curiosity about this complex issue, or are seeking actionable ideas amid feelings of hopelessness, I invite you to tune into this podcast.


Music by Lucas Knutter