In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we’re happy to host USA Today best-selling author and environmental journalist, Sim Kern. Known for their bold critiques of petrochemical polluters and billionaires, Sim has become a leading voice in mobilizing solidarity for Palestine. Since October 2023, they’ve raised over $500,000 in direct aid for families in Gaza, while using their platform to educate and challenge narratives around Palestine.

We discuss their latest book, "Genocide Bad: Notes on Palestine, Jewish History, and Collective Liberation," which examines the ongoing genocide in Gaza, counters Zionist propaganda, and connects Jewish history with the fight for justice. Sim shares their journey from grappling with Zionist narratives to becoming a vocal anti-Zionist activist and how this has shaped their advocacy for collective liberation.

This episode delves into:

➡️ Sim’s personal journey as a Jewish anti-Zionist.

➡️ The systematic erasure of Palestinian voices in publishing and beyond.

➡️ The intersections of environmental justice, colonialism, and Palestine.

➡️ The backlash and resilience of anti-Zionist activists.

🎧 Listen now to hear Sim’s insightful reflections and learn how we can all be part of the fight for justice.

📲 Follow Sim Kern: https://linktr.ee/simkern 

📲 Follow our host: @DrEdHasan

Special thanks to Zeina Ashrawi

🌍 Support the podcast and stay updated: https://sumudpod.com

Check out the only Palestinian-owned publisher in the U.S., Interlink Books:

https://www.instagram.com/interlinkbooks

https://linktr.ee/interlinkbooks 

https://x.com/interlinkbooks 

https://www.facebook.com/interlinkbooks 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:44 Sim’s background: Jewish identity and growing up in rural Illinois

086:42 Their journey to anti-Zionism: Key influences and first encounters with Palestinian narratives

13:36 Building community for anti-Zionist Jewish people

20:40 Suppression in the publishing industry of anti-zionism

23:01 Their journey to becoming a power-house author

31:17 Environmental justice, colonialism, and the climate crisis in Palestine

39:22 The creation and impact of "Genocide Bad"

57:41 Messages for anti-Zionist allies and reflections on collective liberation

Stay tuned for more powerful conversations on justice, resistance, and humanity. 🌟

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