Palestine Remembered

In this first of a two-part series, Yousef takes us through the history of Palestinian efforts for independence, beginning in the 18th century with Zahir al-‘Umar al-Zaydani under the Ottoman Empire, and moving through to the 1920s and the era of British Mandate Palestine.Yousef also shares his experience translating the writings of Michel Sabbah, the first Palestinian Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who addressed refugees in Paris and beyond, and reflects on the emergence of the Zionist project led by Theodor Herzl.Part two will continue exploring the complexities of Palestinian statehood. For info on Yousef's lecture series on Palestinian history and politics, head to facebook.com/averroesarabcentre.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: Palestine stamp (2015) by Monocletophat123, CC BY-SA 4.0 licence. 

Nasser presents an interview he did as a guest on Radio Islam in South Africa, where he speaks with Annisa Essack of The Insight program, on a range of current geopolitical and social issues. The discussion covers the recent banning of Israeli politician Simcha Rothman from Australia, the dynamics of two-way military trade, and the different classes of Palestinians living in Israel.Nasser also speaks about the conflation of Israel, Zionism, and Judaism, the global anti-apartheid campaign of the 1970s, and Amnesty International’s declaration that the ongoing genocide constitutes a war crime. Listen to Radio Islam via radioislam.org.za.Nationwide march for Palestine, Sunday 24 August, more info.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: @iamthenassman 

Nasser provides commentary on Day 680 of the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, discussing how to continue supporting and showing solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Occupied Lands and across the diaspora.Nasser then speaks about the withdrawal of several authors from the Bendigo Writers Festival in protest of its repressive Code of Conduct, the deliberate targeting and killing of Anas Al Sharif, Gaza’s most prominent journalist, along with four of his Al Jazeera colleagues by the Israeli Occupation Forces, and the ongoing lies of Israel that remain unchallenged by mainstream media. Nationwide march for Palestine, Sunday 24 August, more info.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: @freepalestinecoalition.naarm 

Nasser speaks with Jiselle Hanna about her recent appointment as Victorian secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the vital role unions play in the Palestinian solidarity movement.Nasser then discusses local and international issues, including APAN's BDS superannuation campaign calling for divestment from companies profiting from the occupation of Palestine; the Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) monitoring Australians who have fought for, or are currently serving with, the he Israel military; Penny Wong’s comments regarding F-35 fighter jet parts being “non-lethal”; and the unparalleled destruction in Gaza, which has experienced the equivalent of nearly six times the power of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb. Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: @freepalestinecoalition.naarm 

Yousef speaks about Palestinian cultural icon Rohi al-Khammash, a celebrated figure in Palestinian and Iraqi music, whose work has shaped generations of musicians and listeners.Yousef also discusses the evolution of travel documents for Palestinians, from the era of British colonisation to the present day, and describes the impacts these documents have had on Palestinian identity, statelessness, and freedom of movement.To close, Yousef reads On This Land, a poem by the renowned Palestinian poet and author Mahmoud Darwish. To hear Tarab Ensemble's music and info on upcoming performances, head to @tarab_ensemble.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: Tarab Ensemble performing a musical work by Rohi al-Khammash. Image used with permission and owned by Tarab Ensemble. 

Yousef continues discussing Palestinian symbols, and in this episode he talks about Handala - the fictional cartoon character created by the late cartoonist Naji Al-Ali that became a symbol of Palestinian dispossession, defiance, and hope. Handala first appeared in the Kuwaiti newspaper Al‑Seyassah on July 13, 1969.Yousef also explains the significance of naming the Freedom Flotilla ‘Handala’, which sailed on 13 July 2025 from Siracusa, Italy, to break the blockade of Gaza. For info and updates on the Freedom Flotilla, visit freedomflotilla.org.Donate to Free Gaza Australia 2025 via chuffed.org.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: Palestine Remembered co-host Robert Martin on board the Handala. Courtesy of Robert Martin, used with permission. 

Yousef discusses the symbolism, history, and significance of the Palestinian flag, from when it was adopted in 1916 during the Arab Revolt to when it was made the official flag of the proclaimed State of Palestine in exile in 1988.He then explores the significance of the key as a symbol of the right of return for Palestinians, and shares his own mother’s family’s story of statelessness and their right of return. For info on Tarab Ensemble upcoming evenrts, head to @tarab_ensemble.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: 'Palestine Nakba Day demo in Berlin', Montecruz Foto (2015), CC BY-SA 2.0. 

Nasser speaks with Kia Zand, an Iranian artist and photographer based in Naarm (Melbourne), whose creative practice weaves together the personal and political. As a queer asylum seeker, Kia shares his experience of fleeing Iran and the challenges of navigating identity.They discuss the recent missile strikes between Israel and Iran, the shifting geopolitical landscape, and look at Iran’s history from the era of the Shah to the ongoing impacts of Western imperialism and capitalism. Find Kia's work at zand.com.au.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: From 'Border(less)' series by Kia Zand (2008-2010) 

In our Radiothon special, Nasser provides updates on current headlines, including the Madleen Freedom Flotilla, Israel’s attack on Iran, and the ongoing internet blackout in Gaza.Nasser also urges listeners to stay informed, speak out, and support independent media like 3CR - a station that has been platforming Palestinian voices and issues since the 1970s. To donate, head to 3cr.org.au/donate.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: Artwork by Sofia Sabbagh 

Nasser speaks with Sarah Wehbe, a Palestinian student and writer living in Naarm (Melbourne), currently pursuing an Honours degree in microbiology. They discuss Sarah’s Nakba story, her article 'Plant hatred in our hearts', her experience as a university student and the growing solidarity with Palestinian students, and the parallels between Palestinian liberation and other Indigenous and land justice struggles. Read Sarah's article 'Plant hatred in our hearts' via overland.org.au.Naksa rally, Sun 8 June, State Library Victoria, from 12 PM. More info.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: Courtesy of Sarah Wehbe, used with permission. 

Nasser provides commentary on the history of the 1948 Nakba and current news headlines, including reports of Trump’s plan to relocate one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, and the recent release of a U.S-Israeli captive.Nasser then unpacks and debunks some of the most common myths surrounding the Nakba, looking at the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. He also discusses the significance of the BDS movement in challenging international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and in pressuring Israel to comply with international law. Nakba Day rally, May 18, State Library Victoria, from 12 PM. More info.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: @freepalestinemelb 

Nasser provides commentary on the latest news headlines, including: Gaza receiving no aid for 68 days due to Israeli blockade, activist Hash Tayeh facing court for allegedly using an insulting chant at a recent rally, former Eurovision contestants demanding Israel’s exclusion from the contes, and the 77th anniversary of the 1948 Nakba.Nasser then speaks with Fernanda Trecenti of Free Palestine Melbourne and the Vote Palestine for Wills campaign about the federal election results in the seat of Wills, including the achievement of a 6.8% swing away from Labor MP Peter Khalil, the key learnings from the campaign, and the importance of diversifying activism. Nakba Day rally, May 18, State Library Victoria, from 12 PM. More info.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Image: @votepalestinewills 

Nasser provides commentary on the latest news headlines, including: the People’s Pledge for Palestine; 61 days since aid was last allowed into the Gaza Strip, blocked by Israel; the bushfires throughout historic 1948 Palestine and their links to ecocide; 130 days since Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was taken hostage by Israel; and the controversy sparked by Kneecap’s pro-Palestinian statement at Coachella.Nasser then speaks with James, spokesperson for Free Gaza Australia and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, following an attack on The Conscience, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, while in international waters. The ship's mission was to challenge Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid. For more info and to donate to Freedom Flotilla Coalition, visit gaza-freedom-flotilla-australia.For info on Louis Theroux's recent documentary The Settlers, head to bbc.co.uk.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actio

Nasser speaks with Dr Mohammed Mustafa, an English-Australian emergency doctor of Palestinian hertage who recently returned from volunteering at hospitals in Gaza with the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA) on his second medical mission.Dr. Mohammed shares his experiences working as an emergency doctor during the ceasefire period—performing procedures in sub-optimal conditions, witnessing the effects of targeted killings, and navigating the very real risks of entering Occupied Palestinian Territories. For more info PANZMA via panzma.org.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. 

Nasser provides commentary on the latest news headlines, including the ongoing genocide of Palestinians following the failure of ceasefire deals, and the trial use of an Australian-designed weapon by the Israeli military.Nasser then speaks with Peter Slezak, a Jewish academic, Assoc. Professor of Philosophy at UNSW, and occasional public commentator on science, philosophy, religion, and politics. They discuss the newly revised definition of antisemitism and how it has been weaponised to silence criticism of Israel and uphold ideologies of Zionism and ethno-supremacism. Sign the People’s Pledge for Palestine and notify your local election candidates of your pledge to Vote with Palestine in the upcoming federal election.Read Peter Slezak's recent Gaza rally speech.Read Australian Centre for International Justice's (ACIJ) media release on the ABC’s report of the export of a remote weapon system Israel.Join the Free Palestine rally every Sunday at the State Library Victoria, from 12 PM.For info on upcoming events

Nasser provides commentary on Australian politics, including the clash between Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash and Foreign Minister Penny Wong regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and discusses issues of anti-Palestinian racism and discrimination, as well as the Australian Human Rights Commission's (AHRC) definition of anti-Palestinian racism.Nasser gives updates and commentary on the attacks in North Gaza, commentary on the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on the unlawful occupation of Palestinian lands and Australia's complicity in coal exports totalling an estimated AUD $1.534 million. He also highlights controversies surrounding Disney's latest film Snow White, which stars Zionist actor Gal Gadot, and the cesssation of funding for Queensland Music Awards by Brisbane City Council following pianist Kellee Green being awarded the Jazz Award for her song River To Sea. For info on AHRC, visit humanrights.gov.au.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine

Nasser presents a commemoration of Rachel Corrie, an American nonviolence activist, diarist, and member of the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Rachel was killed by an Israeli armoured bulldozer on March 16, 2003, at the age of 23, during the height of the Second Intifada. Nasser shares excerpts from Rachel's writings and audio recordings, where she spoke about nonviolent activism, human rights, and her advocacy for the Palestinian people under occupation. These reflections centred around her personal experiences and the impact of her time in Rafah, Gaza. For more on Rachel, visit rachelcorriefoundation.org.For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. 'I'd Rather Be Dancing (Rachel Corrie's Song)' performed Jim Page. The lyrics of this song are based on letters Rachel Corrie wrote to her parents before she was tragically killed. Rachel was attempting to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian d

Nasser speaks with Hiba, an activist and speaker with Sawt Al Sudan and Unimelb for Palestine, on her personal story, the "silent genocide" and displacement of Sudanese people, Sudan’s war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the effects of colonisation and exploitation, and the importance of mutual aid. For more info on the work of Sawt Al Sudan, head to @sawtalsudan.au.Sign the petiton to demand the end of global complacency and isolation of the Sudanese people via change.org. Asli Ana Falastini (Dubstep Edit) performed and produced by Nazo x Deens Image: #HandsOffSudan @sawtalsudan.au 

Guest hosts Mai Saif and Lina Breik present this week’s episode in recognition of International Women’s Day 2025.Mai is a Palestinian activist, an organiser with Free Palestine Melbourne, and member of the Palestinian Community Association for Victoria. Lina is a Palestinian-Australian dietitian working in critical care nutrition, founder of Tube Dietitian, and an advocate for the role of nutrition during religious festivities.Mai and Lina discuss what it means to be a Palestinian woman, speaking about their experiences of displacement, dispossession, and their connection to their homeland whilst contending with the impacts of the Israel Occupation Forces. They also acknowledge the resilience of Palestinian women, sharing their personal stories reflecting on how Palestinian women are the backbone of their communities. For info on upcoming events and actions, follow APAN and Free Palestine Melbourne.Catch daily broadcast updates via Let's Talk Palestine. Better Things performed by Kee'han 

Nasser speaks with Héritier Lumumba, an Australian-Brazilian-Congolese former professional AFL player, known for his advocacy in human rights, focusing on racial equality, refugee rights, and supporting marginalised communities.They discuss the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Western imperialism and European colonization, the exploitation under King Leopold and the abuse, mutilation, and deaths of Congolese people, the extraction of the country's minerals, and the environmental and climate justice implications of this continued exploitation.Nasser also plays an excerpt from the documentary Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024), which explores how Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach protested at the UN Security Council over Patrice Lumumba's murder. For more info on the challenges of the Congo and to support Congolese institutions, head to friendsofthecongo.org. Image credit: @hlumumba