In this episode of the Shifting Narratives podcast, we explore Austin Branion's transformative journey as an Arabic language expert and policy professional. Recorded on September 22, 2012, Austin shares the evolution of his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Initially facing racism while studying in the Middle East, he found himself less sympathetic to Arab causes, which complicated his stance on unjust US policies in the region. However, pivotal experiences and influential writers dramatically altered his views. Discover how his journey led Austin to deeply connect with the Palestinian tragedy and become a passionate advocate for justice and equality. The episode also details Austin's interactions with individuals and organizations in the US, highlighting his fervent advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Music by Lucas Knutter

Learning Resources:

• The Angry Arab News Service
• Mondoweiss
• Al Akhbar Newspaper

Events:

• Operation ‘Cast Lead’ in 2008
• Syrian Civil War
• 2012 Penn BDS Conference
• 2012 Occupy AIPAC Summit
• 2012 United Methodist Kairos Response Divestment Vote

Places:

• University of Damascus (Syria)

People:

• As’ad Abukhalil
• John Lewis
• Ahmed Moor
• Phillip Weiss

Policies:

• U.S. War Crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq

Organizations:

• NATO
• BDS Movement
• Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)
• Code Pink
• United Methodists for Kairos Response
• US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

Definitions:

• Zionism
• Palestine (British Rule in Palestine Mandate)
• Pan-Arabism
• Arab
• Zionism and Settler Colonialism

Lecture:
As'ad AbuKhalil Lecture

Bo Fauth, a lawyer and educator, shares her transformative journey of challenging perceptions and seeking justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through her experiences in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Bo evolved from viewing Palestinians as terrorists to recognizing their humanity and plight under occupation. She discusses shocking incidents she witnessed that shaped her understanding of the conflict. Bo's advocacy focuses on raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and promoting peaceful coexistence. Her powerful narrative sheds light on the complexities and injustices in the region.

Music by Lucas Knutter

Events:

Second Intifada

British Rule in Palestine Mandate

1948 War

Desmond Tutu a Speaker at Friends of Sabeel Conference in 2007

Organizations:

Friends of Sabeel North America

Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America

Knesset (Israeli Parliament)

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

J Street

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Code Pink: Women for Peace

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (Formerly US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation)

Places:

Israeli West Bank Barrier (The Wall)

St. George’s College: Jerusalem

Ben Gurion Airport

Policies:

Closed Military Zone in the West Bank

Israeli citizens discouraged from traveling to the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank (Area A)

A History of the US Blocking UN Resolutions Against Israel

BDS Movement

People:

Reverend Bob (Robert) and Maureen Tobin

Former Senator Lincoln Chafee

Donald (Don) E. Wagner – Author and former professor and National Program Director for Friends of Sabeel – North America

Jeff Halper – Anthropologist, author, and Head of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD)

Yasser Arafat

Other:

Demographics of Israel

Dive into the life-altering journey of Author Pamela Olson as she experiences the Israeli-Palestinian conflict first-hand, transitioning from small-town Oklahoma to the Middle East and later to a Washington think tank. Having experienced contrasting stories from the American media and on-the-ground reality, Olson shares her observations on Palestinian life and their dreams. She discusses her book, Fast Times in Palestine, which expounds on her experiences and the obliviousness of American citizens regarding the impact of their country's policies. This episode provides an unconventional glimpse into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with an evolving American viewpoint.

Music by Lucas Knutter

People:

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti
Pamela Olson

Organizations:

Palestinian National Initiative

Palestine Monitor

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

Historical Events:

Hamas Since the 2006 Election

Gaza Beach Killings in 2006

Books:
Fast Times in Palestine by Pamela J. Olson

Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt

Articles:

Neocons Slither Back, NY Times, By Maureen Dowd

Newsweek 'Muslim rage' cover invokes a rage of its own, The Guardian

Policies:

2012 Protection of Civilians Weekly Report (Palestinian family injured by Molotov cocktail thrown in a taxi) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs occupied Palestinian territory

The Palestinian children – alone and bewildered – in Israel's Al Jalame jail (Stone throwing) The Guardian

West Bank demolitions and displacement | January-March 2023 UNOCHA

"Economic costs of the Israeli occupation for the Palestinian people: The welfare cost of the fragmentation of the occupied West Bank” UNCTAD