So, I was on Untribal Podcast...
A heads-up on my appearance on Untribal Podcast to discuss the Israel-Palestine issue, focusing on illumination rather than heat
Just a heads-up that I was invited by the good people at Untribal Podcast earlier today to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict, to withdraw heat and focus on illumination regarding the unfolding human catastrophe.
We discussed:
my own academic and personal connection to the issue
I offer a brief outline on my own relationship with Judaism as a secular atheist Scot who almost converted. Some might find it interesting how I became so closely connected to Jewish culture due to a significant other and friends. The way unusual personal circumstances provided me with a deep and genuine appreciation for Jewish traditions, values, and way of life. How I underwent a spiritual journey (process of self-discovery) ultimately leading (twice) in my 35 years to seriously consider converting to Judaism, although ultimately not doing so for personal and practical reasons
history of the Palestinian resistance
I attempted to provide an objective historical overview of the origins of the conflict. Why the story of Israel - the 1st & 2nd Aliyah - are not a story of European imperial colonialism, but rather a flight of desperate refugees. Also dig into the one-statist rejectionism of the (unavoidable) two state solution repeatedly by Palestinian & Arab leaders; and how this ends with the empty grim populism of Netanyahu and Hamas hardlinism
I outline why the occupation post-67 has been a catastrophe for Israel, and why Israel doesn’t solely shoulder the blame.
morality, legalities and proportionality
Explored the complex morality judgements facing Israeli policy makers right now as they pursue defensive objective of ending Hamas capacity to make war. Also challenge consistently reappearing misunderstandings of what international law actually states.
British reaction and foreign policy
Why the British government’s abstention vote in the UN recently was a disgrace (regardless how you think they should have voted). An abrogation of the burdens of leadership. Outline why I think Sir Keir Starmer has got the issue right, and why it’s a test of his leadership
finally what’s gone wrong as anti-Semitism spikes across the west
My analysis as a Scottish Labour member of where - philosophically - the left has lost the plot amid a rise of an illiberal faux-progressivism with its consistent blind-spot vis-anti-Semitism. It touches heavily on an article I wrote for Think Scotland earlier this month
If any of that sounds of interest, please feel free to give the podcast a listen. It’s calm, objective and I cite my sources. Always remember, hope not hate and let’s see a release the hostages (and preferably an end to Hamas and Netanyahu’s leadership)
CLICK: Israel-Palestine Conflict, Untribal Podcast
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