As a part of our new interview series, we get into the deep into the complex and deeply rooted Israeli-Palestinian conflict with our special guest, Mark Patinkin, a nationally syndicated columnist and Pulitzer Prize finalist, who brings firsthand insights from his new book, "The Holy Land at War."

We unpack the intricate dynamics of Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. We'll explore the influence of Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran's role in the region, and the harrowing personal stories of those caught in the crossfire.

Mark shares his experiences from the ground, emphasizing the human aspect over political narratives and shedding light on the emotional toll this cyclical conflict takes on individuals. We'll address the ethical dilemmas journalists face, the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the US, and the historical significance of Jerusalem.

Common Sense Moments

10:03 Personal odyssey explores conflict and heartfelt connections.

15:21 Peace unlikely with current leadership, hope persists.

16:16 Amnesty International: Netanyahu arrest warrant, Gaza genocide.

24:06 Hamas prolongs conflict, ignores resolution possibilities.

30:55 Gaza taken by Hamas; questions about vote.

35:52 Her homeland's ongoing war challenges resumed life.

37:49 Speech is dangerous, complex narratives require sensitivity.

45:54 Civilians followed Hamas, causing further destruction.

49:57 Addressing Islamophobia and antisemitism on East Coast.

57:04 Mothers united for peace across sectarian divide.

01:00:10 Authors value meaningful reader connections over bestseller status.

01:03:52 Books unbanned on Amazon after social outcry.

Common Sense Takeaways

1. Hamas’s Tactics: We discuss how Hamas uses its civilian population as shields and leverages civilian casualties for political gain and international sympathy.
2. Iran’s Influence: We highlight Iran's significant funding and influence over both Hamas and Hezbollah, aiming to destabilize the region without direct involvement.
3. Gaza’s Governance History: A historical recount of Gaza's governance after Israel's withdrawal in 2005, from the Palestinian Authority's initial control to Hamas's rise post-2006 elections, following a civil war.
4. Human Impact: Personal stories, such as that of Salwa Thibi and a Gazan hospital head who lost family members, illustrate the devastating human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
5. Journalistic Ethics: Ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in conflict zones are discussed, emphasizing the safety of sources and the impact of human stories shared by journalists.
6. Personal Narratives and Extremism: Mark Patinkin shares stories from his book "Holy Land at War," detailing personal accounts of victims and their families while highlighting that not all Palestinians support Hamas and the possibility of peace with better leadership.
7. International Criticism and Genocide Accusations: Discussions on international bodies like Amnesty International labeling Israel's actions as genocide, with counterpoints arguing a lack of appreciation for Israel's warning efforts and the broader context of casualties.
8. Grassroots Peace Efforts: Mention of a Jewish-Arab school in Israel founded by a Jewish-Muslim couple, emphasizing grassroots peace initiatives as a means to influence governmental change and reduce extremism.
9. Rise in Hate in the US: Exploration of the increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism in the U.S., drawing parallels to historical events like 1930s Germany and highlighting recent tragic incidents involving hate crimes.
10. Book Challenges on Amazon: Discussion about the challenges faced by Mark Patinkin with Amazon regarding the advertising and listing of his book, "The Holy Land at War," due to its sensitive subject matter, and its reinstatement after public backlash on social media.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

[email protected]

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

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