NEW PODCAST EPISODE: A respectful dialogue with a Palestinian-Canadian

On episode 15 of the Common Voices podcast, we sit down with Ishaq Ismail, a Palestinian-Canadian based in Edmonton who values finding common ground

Click the above animation to listen to episode 15 of Common Voices, featuring Palestinian-Canadian Ishaq Ismail

⁠On our most newest episode of the Common Voices podcast, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren (a Jewish-Canadian hailing from Israel) sits down with Ishaq Ismail (a Palestinian-Canadian raised and based in Edmonton) to take part in something that's become increasingly rare: have an honest, respectful dialogue about one of the world's most complex conflicts. 

Rather than debating narratives, they begin by sharing their own. The conversation explores the generational trauma both Daniel and Ishaq's families have faced and how they've heard different accounts of the history and what transpired leading to, and following, the modern State of Israel's establishment in 1948.

Ishaq, who recently launched the Bridge of Dialogue podcast, shares his story through the lens of his own family's experience and history. He acknowledges the complexity of 1948, rejects simplistic blame when using contentious or polarizing terms, and recognizes that multiple truths and lived experiences can exist simultaneously.

Rather than competing over suffering, Daniel and Ishaq discuss why acknowledging each other's histories is essential to building understanding. While the conversation is uncomfortable at times, both treat each other with respect, civility, and compassion, which is evident throughout their entire conversation.

LISTEN TO EPISODE 15 WITH ISHAQ ON SPOTIFY

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That perspective feels especially timely amid recent public debate surrounding the Canadian Museum for Human Rights' exhibit on the “nakba” in Winnipeg. At a moment when the topic has become increasingly politicized and has led to disinformation surrounding Israel's establishment, this conversation offers a different model: one that neither dismisses Palestinian experiences nor erases Jewish history, but instead makes space for both with empathy, nuance, and intellectual honesty.

In the episode, Ishaq himself points out that he does not put blame Israel for coming to existence and recognizes the nuances and complexities of this point in history.

The episode also challenges common misconceptions about what it means to be pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli, rejecting the false choice between embracing one's identity and promoting hate. Together, Daniel and Ishaq confront hatred and online extremism targeting both Jews and Muslims, as well as the polarization fuelled by social media, arguing that empathy and dialogue are essential if coexistence is ever to become a reality.

To listen to A respectful dialogue with a Palestinian-Canadian, please click here. 

Click the above graphic to stream the full episode

The podcast reminds us about the importance of having uncomfortable conversations and finding common ground with people of various backgrounds, something AVI has recognized repeatedly through our work and recent efforts.

Just this month, we have facilitated respectful dialogue and bridge-building through the Building Indigenous-Jewish Friendship symposium, The Israel Conference hosted by our Christian friends at National House of Prayer, and of course, through this important conversation with Ishaq, where an Israeli and a Palestinian both shared uncomfortable truths.

It is these very uncomfortable truths that ultimately build bridges, dismantle divisions, and create healing through empathy and common ground. To get anywhere, we have to first understand the root of where we come from.

Ultimately, Ishaq and Daniel did find common ground, both concluding that the radical extremists who promote hatred and demonization make it worse for everybody.

Even when there were parts where Daniel and Ishaq disagreed, they did so respectfully and in a good-faith dialogue, which is ultimately the foundation upon which AVI was built, and a key driver behind the work that we continue to do.