The Enlightenment Podcast

In Episode 36 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan speak with Thomas Suárez — a London-based historical researcher, acclaimed author, and professional violinist — about Zionism, colonial violence, and the ongoing pursuit of justice for Palestine.

His work as a meticulous researcher and author has made him one of the most fearless voices confronting the violent history of Zionism and its impact on Palestine.

Thomas is the author of Palestine Hijacked: How Zionism Forged an Apartheid State from River to Sea, State of Terror: How Terrorism Created Modern Israel, and Writings on the Wall: Palestinian Oral Histories, and Palestine 60 Years Later. His newest book, Palestine Mapped: From the River to the Sea in Early Geographic Thought, will be released in summer 2025.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan discuss Tom’s decades of archival research, the silenced voices of Palestinians under British Mandate rule, and how Zionist militias used terror to establish the Israeli state — tactics that still echo in today’s violence and displacement.

They also touch on personal resistance. In 2011, Tom’s partner, Nancy Elan — a violinist with the London Philharmonic — was, along with three colleagues, suspended without pay for seven months and placed under a gag order for co-signing a letter supporting BDS and opposing the BBC’s invitation to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. It was a bold stand for justice that came at great personal cost — and a reminder of the silencing faced by those who speak out.

Learn more about Tom Suárez’s work:

🔗 Website: thomassuarez.com

📚 Palestine Hijacked: palestinehijacked.net

🗺️ Palestine Mapped: palestinemapped.net

#theenlightenmentpodcast #thomassuarez #palestinehijacked #zionismexposed #palestinianhistory #decolonizepalestine #palestinemapped #resistance #justiceforpalestine #nakba #colonialviolence #palestinianvoices #stateofterror #bdsmovement #endtheoccupation #podcastforjustice #freepalestine

In Episode 35 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan speak with Mohammad Nawajhaa — a Palestinian activist from the village of Susya in the South Hebron Hills.Mohammad became involved in activism at a young age. At just 13, he traveled with a youth delegation to South Africa — a formative experience that opened his eyes to the deep parallels between apartheid there and the occupation in Palestine. Inspired and outraged by the settler violence, demolitions, and military restrictions surrounding his village, Muhammad began dedicating his life to resistance and advocacy.He has worked extensively with international activists and human rights organizations to spotlight the ongoing attempts to forcibly displace Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta, one of the most at-risk areas in the West Bank.In this episode, Shamim and Hanan talk to Mohammad about growing up under occupation, what solidarity means in practice, and how communities like Susya continue to resist erasure with strength, unity, and hope.

Follow Mohammad Nawajhaa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohammad__nawajhaa/

Interview at age 13 about life in Susiya village: https://youtu.be/RTpTAgb9vk4

#theenlightenmentpodcast #muhammadnawajaa #susiya #masaferyatta #palestinianvoices #endtheoccupation #southhebronhills #freepalestine #palestineresistance #settlercolonialism #apartheid #podcastforjustice #palestinianrights

In Episode 34 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan speak with Diana Buttu — a Palestinian-Canadian lawyer, political analyst, and former legal advisor to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

Diana played a pivotal role in the early 2000s as a spokesperson and negotiator for the PLO’s Negotiations Support Unit — one of the few women at the table during peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives.

She holds degrees from the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, Stanford Law School, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management . Diana has also been affiliated with Stanford University and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and is currently associated with the Institute for Middle East Understanding.

Born and raised in Canada to Palestinian parents, Diana moved back to Palestine in 2000. She lived in Ramallah from 2000 to 2005, then moved to Gaza, where she stayed until mid-2006. After being denied reentry into Gaza, she returned to Ramallah briefly before moving to Nazareth to live with her grandmother. In 2010, she purchased a home and settled in Haifa, where she continues her legal and advocacy work today.​

Diana’s work has long focused on exposing the imbalance of power in so-called “peace processes” — and on highlighting the human cost of occupation. In interviews and op-eds, she has been a powerful voice for Palestinian rights, speaking out against land theft, apartheid, and the international community’s complicity in maintaining the status quo.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan discuss Diana’s legal background, her behind-the-scenes experience in negotiations, and her evolving perspective on why justice — not just diplomacy — must be the foundation of any future for Palestine.

Follow Diana Buttu:

📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianabuttu/

📍 X (Twitter): @dianabuttu

Further Reading:

🔗 “Point-Blank Range”: How Israel Executed 15 Medics in Gaza (Zeteo) - https://zeteo.com/p/point-blank-range-israel-executed-medics-gaza?r=a61yu&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAactdZmJZCeuZ_Gw1HSd_Pp_IgiuRlQYAGrTkjwsRHseiUYxkoPWVBGcjQJimA_aem_Cj_xpD5nho-AaxhmpMJXag

✍️ Articles by Diana Buttu (Al Jazeera) - https://www.aljazeera.com/author/diana_buttu_161207133658884

Learn more about the movement:🌍 BDS Movement - https://www.bdsmovement.net/

#theenlightenmentpodcast #dianabuttu #palestine #palestinianvoices #legalactivism #humanrights #justiceforpalestine #palestinianlawyer #endtheoccupation #freepalestine #palestinianrights #resistance #palestinefreedom #podcastforjustice #middleeastexplained

In Episode 33 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan speak with Joudie Kalla — a Palestinian-British chef, food writer, artist, and passionate activist for Palestinian rights.

Joudie is the author of the critically acclaimed cookbooks Palestine on a Plate and Baladi, which showcase her deep connection to Palestinian culture through food — and stories passed down from her family’s history in Palestine.

After completing her master’s degree at the Sorbonne in Paris, Joudie trained at the prestigious Leith’s School of Food and Wine in London. She went on to hone her culinary skills at renowned restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay’s Pengelley’s, Daphne’s, and Papillon under Chef David Duverger.

From 2010 to 2013, Joudie ran her own catering business and owned a London deli called Baity Kitchen (“My Home” Kitchen). She also hosted Palestinian supper clubs at The Phene and other restaurants in the city — bringing people together over rich flavors and deeply rooted traditions.

Beyond the kitchen, Joudie is an artist and a fearless advocate for Palestinian rights. She doesn’t just cook Palestinian food — she tells stories of identity, belonging, and resilience through every ingredient. For Joudie, food is a powerful form of resistance against colonialism. It’s a way to reclaim heritage, preserve memory, and challenge the erasure of Palestinian culture. Her dishes are declarations — of existence, of history, and of home.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan explore Joudie’s journey from culinary excellence to activism — and how food serves as both a cultural bridge and a tool for social change.

What others say about Joudie’s books:

Nigella Lawson

“This book goes to the heart of the relationship between food and identity, and conveys a sense of belonging through beautiful, compelling and, yes, joyous recipes. I just want to eat everything in it.”

Anthony Bourdain

“An important cuisine and culinary tradition that needs to be understood, celebrated and enjoyed.”

Sami Tamimi

“The food of Palestine is mouth-watering and colourful. This treasure-trove of a book shows it at its best.”

New York Times

“Joudie Kalla looks homeward for inspiration... ‘I want to pay homage to the Palestine that my family knew and remembers.’ And that’s exactly what this book does so gracefully.”

Learn more about Joudie and her work:

- Follow Joudie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palestineonaplate/

On the ground in Gaza – additional reading:

#TheEnlightenmentPodcast #JoudieKalla #PalestinianFood #FoodIsResistance #PalestinianVoices #PalestinianCulture #Baladi #PalestineOnAPlate #JusticeForPalestine #FoodActivism #PalestinianCuisine #GazaUnderAttack #EndTheOccupation #PodcastForJustice #CulinaryActivism

In Episode 32 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan speak with Anna Lippman — a Canadian Jewish activist, scholar, and outspoken anti-Zionist. 

Anna is currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology at York University in Toronto, where her research and activism intersect around justice, solidarity, and decolonization. Raised in Canada in a family deeply rooted in Jewish tradition — as the granddaughter of an Auschwitz survivor — Anna was initially enmeshed in mainstream Jewish institutions and Zionist ideology, believing it to be inseparable from her Jewish identity. 

Her journey into Palestinian solidarity activism began at the age of 19 when she volunteered on a kibbutz just five kilometers from Gaza. Witnessing the stark realities of the occupation, Anna began to question the narratives she had been taught. She later joined If Not Now, a movement of American and Canadian Jews working to end U.S. support for the Israeli occupation, and has become a committed advocate for Palestinian rights. 

Anna is actively involved in Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). In this episode, Shamim and Hanan explore Anna's personal transformation from believing in Zionism to becoming a passionate advocate for Palestinian liberation, as well as the significance of challenging oppressive systems from within the Jewish community. 

Learn more about Anna's activism and related initiatives:

Palestinian Solidarity Campaign: https://palsolidarity.org/ 

Vote Palestine: https://votepalestine.ca/

Labour for Palestine: https://www.labourforpalestine.com/

Resources: 

Rachel Corrie: https://www.npr.org/2024/03/30/1241231447/rachel-corrie-gaza-palestinians-aid-israel-hamas-war

Aysenur Eygi: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/06/middleeast/american-activist-killed-west-bank-intl/index.html

#EnlightenmentPodcast #AnnaLipman #JewishVoiceForPalestine #AntiZionist #FreePalestine #PalestinianLiberation #EndTheOccupation #IfNotNow #IndependentJewishVoices #JewishSolidarity #JusticeForPalestine #ResistanceFromWithin #SocialJustice #HumanRights #BDSMovement

In Episode 31 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan speak with Ronnie Barkan — a Jewish Israeli dissident, human rights activist, and outspoken anti-Zionist.

Ronnie is the co-founder of Boycott from Within, a group of Israeli and Palestinian citizens (from 1948 territories) who support the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. His activism is rooted in a principled stance against apartheid, colonialism, and all forms of racial supremacy. He describes the Israeli state as a racial supremacist entity founded on ethnic cleansing and apartheid.

Since refusing to serve in the Israeli military as a conscientious objector in 1997, Ronnie has been involved in nonviolent direct action. He has been arrested multiple times for his protests and has represented Palestinian rights in international forums, including the European Parliament. His activism draws inspiration from the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

Ronnie is also a member of Anarchists Against the Wall and Palestine Action. On Nakba Day 2022, he participated in a direct action targeting the UK headquarters of Elbit Systems — Israel's largest weapons manufacturer — whose technology is used in the ongoing assault on Gaza.

Most recently, Ronnie faced harassment by the German secret police following a talk he gave in Munich at Professor-Huber-Platz, where he drew connections between the legacy of the White Rose resistance to Nazism and contemporary direct action against Zionism.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan explore Ronnie’s personal journey from within Israeli society to becoming an international advocate for Palestinian liberation — and his unrelenting commitment to justice, solidarity, and direct action.

📖 Learn more about Ronnie’s activism:

Boycott from Within: https://boycottisrael.info/

Palestine Action: https://palestineaction.org/

📚 Resources:

Made in Bristol, Tested in Palestine: https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/made-bristol-tested-palestine/

Jewish National Fund in Violation of International and Domestic Law: https://www.palestineremembered.com/Articles/JNF/Story1513.html

🐦 Ronnie’s Twitter:

https://x.com/ronnie_barkan?lang=en

☕ Support Ronnie:

https://buymeacoffee.com/ronniebarkan

#RonnieBarkan #EnlightenmentPodcast #AntiZionism #PalestinianRights #BDS #BoycottFromWithin #DirectAction #AnarchistsAgainstTheWall #PalestineAction #NakbaDay #AntiApartheid #JewishDissident

In Episode 30 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Dr. As’ad Abu Khalil, a political scientist, author, and prominent commentator on Middle Eastern affairs.

Dr. As’ad Abu Khalil, is best known for his critical perspective on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and his outspoken critiques of Zionism. He gained a wide following through his long-running blog, the Angry Arab News Service—a blog that has been a key platform for critical analysis of regional politics—and has since transitioned much of his commentary to Twitter/X, where he continues to challenge mainstream narratives and advocate for justice.

He is a Professor of Political Science at California State University, Stanislaus, and has also served as a Visiting Professor at UC Berkeley.

Born and raised in Lebanon—to a mother from Beirut and a father from Tyre in South Lebanon— Dr. As’ad Abu Khalil, lived experience in the region profoundly informs his academic and political work.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan delve into Dr. As’ad Abu Khalil’s views on Zionism, justice, and the broader struggle for liberation in the Middle East. With his trademark clarity and candor, he discusses the role of intellectual resistance, the failures of mainstream media, and the importance of maintaining an uncompromising stance on human rights and Palestinian advocacy.

📖 Follow Dr. Asad Abu Khalil’s work:

🔹 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/asadabukhalil

#AsadAbuKhalil #EnlightenmentPodcast #Zionism #MiddleEastPolitics #USForeignPolicy #PalestinianStruggle #PoliticalScience #Justice #Podcast

In Episode 29 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Dr. Sara Husseini, a political strategist and advocate for Palestinian representation.

Dr. Husseini is the Director of the British Palestinian Committee, an independent, diaspora-led organization dedicated to political and strategic advocacy in the UK. She also serves on the boards of the Britain-Palestine Centre and the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy (PIPD), working to elevate Palestinian voices in policymaking and international relations.

With a distinguished career in diplomacy, Dr. Husseini has advised senior Palestinian officials across multiple offices, including the Secretary-General of the PLO and the Palestinian Ambassador to Germany. She also spent three years with the Global Philanthropic Collective Compact, focusing on humanitarian and development initiatives.

Dr. Husseini holds a BA in German Studies and European History, an MA in Islamic Studies, and a PhD in Early Christian-Muslim Relations, all from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan explore the importance of Palestinian representation, the role of advocacy in shaping political discourse, and the challenges of influencing UK policy on Palestine.

📖 Learn more about Dr. Husseini’s work:

🔹 British Palestinian Committee: www.britpalcommittee.co.uk/

🔹 Britain Palestine Media Centre: https://www.britainpalestinemedia.com/

🔹 Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy (PIPD): https://www.thepipd.com/

📌 Take action:

🔹 Donate to BPC: https://britpalcommittee.co.uk/donate-bpc

🔹 Subscribe to BPC mailing list: https://britpalcommittee.co.uk/subscribe

🔹 UK listeners – Email your MP to stop the genocide and Britain’s complicity: http://britpalcommittee.eaction.org.uk/stopthegenocide

📰 Subscribe to The Enlightenment Podcast Newsletter on Substack for exclusive content and episode updates: https://enlightenmentpodcast.substack.com

#SaraHusseini #EnlightenmentPodcast #PalestinianRights #PoliticalAdvocacy #PublicDiplomacy #BritishPalestinian #MiddleEast #Podcast #FreePalestine

In Episode 28 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Sawsan Asfari, a Palestinian-Lebanese film producer, philanthropist, and human rights advocate.

Sawsan holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism and has dedicated her career to supporting Palestinian communities through education, cultural initiatives, and storytelling. She is the Executive Director of the Galilee Foundation, an organization that empowers Palestinian youth in Israel through education. She is also the co-founder and trustee of the Asfari Foundation, which provides educational opportunities and leadership development programs across the Middle East.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Sawsan is an award-winning film producer. She founded Cocoon Films (formerly Cactus World Films) to champion independent cinema that highlights Middle Eastern narratives. Several of her films have received international recognition, including Wajib, Salt of the Sea, and When I Saw You, which won multiple awards at major film festivals. She also produced The Teacher (2023) and Tomorrow’s Freedom (2022), continuing her commitment to impactful storytelling.

Sawsan is also a member of the Welfare Association and the US Middle East Project (US MEP), advocating for Palestinian rights and sustainable development initiatives.

In this episode, Shamim and Hanan explore Sawsan’s journey from journalism to award-winning film production, her commitment to uplifting Palestinian voices, and the role of storytelling in advocating for justice.

***

📖 Learn more about Sawsan’s work:

🔹 Asfari Foundation: https://www.asfarifoundation.org.uk/

🔹 Galilee Foundation: https://www.galileefoundation.org.uk/

🔹 Cocoon Films: https://cocoonfilms.co.uk/

📌 Explore the organizations Sawsan is involved with:

🔸 Taawon Welfare Association: https://www.unrwa.org/taawon-welfare-association

🔸 US MEP: https://www.usmep.us/

🔸 Arab Women’s Association: https://www.awa-london.org/

🔸 Hind Rajab Foundation: https://www.hindrajabfoundation.org/

🛍️ Support Palestine – Featured Item:

🧣 Map of Palestine Cashmere Shawl: https://anzclothing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopLPmc4NoSDNhC4yww2brPWEI5Hfa8zVKYF-g8Y0JFdFblHEO2J

#SawsanAsfari #EnlightenmentPodcast #PalestinianRights #HumanRights #GalileeFoundation #AsfariFoundation #CocoonFilms #MiddleEast #Podcast

In Episode 27 of The Enlightenment Podcast, Shamim and Hanan sit down with Farah Nabulsi, an Oscar-nominated and BAFTA award-winning filmmaker and human rights advocate.

After a successful career in finance, Farah pivoted to filmmaking following her first visit to Palestine in 2013. Since then, she has dedicated her work to highlighting the Palestinian experience through cinema.

She has written, directed, and produced several impactful films, including:

🎬 Oceans of Injustice – Her first short film, an adaptation of her writing, offering a deeply personal and autobiographical look at Palestinian struggles.

🎬 They Took My Son – A harrowing exploration of the brutal treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli detention.

🎬 The Present – An Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning short film that highlights the daily hardships faced by Palestinians under occupation.

🎬 The Teacher – A feature film that premiered at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), delving into the life of a Palestinian school teacher caught between personal loss and political resistance.

In this episode, Farah shares her journey from finance to filmmaking, her creative process, and the impact she hopes to make through storytelling.

🚨 Exciting News! The Teacher will be released in the U.S. on April 19th, distributed by Watermelon Pictures. Visit their site for more details: https://www.watermelonpictures.com 🍉

📖 Explore more of Farah Nabulsi’s work here: https://www.farahnabulsi.com#FarahNabulsi

#TheTeacher #WatermelonPictures #ThePresent #PalestinianCinema #TIFF #BAFTA #HumanRights #Storytelling #EnlightenmentPodcast #Palestine