From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:25:03 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2281634 en-us © 2026 From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea yes b59dfe7b-f925-525d-b91a-3bb10c5ecb17 fromtheyarra@gmail.com Ittay Flescher episodic false This podcast seeks to be a conversation starter for those who seek to break beyond the binaries and labels of pro-Israel and pro-Palestine, exploring what it means to be pro-peace. Ultimately, it seeks to comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable.


Season 1 of From the Yarra was hosted by Hannah Baker and Ittay Flescher, a conversation between two Jews in Melbourne and Jerusalem about war and peace. It was recorded between December 2023 - October 2024. 

 

Season 2 of 'From the Yarra' is coming soon, featuring exclusive conversations with Ittay Flescher about his new book, 'The Holy and the Broken.' 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Ittay Flescher fromtheyarra@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/hsb719gu7kort01wo3a2oitbwij5?.jpg From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea The Journeys and Destinations of Young Jewish Anti-Zionist Jews The Journeys and Destinations of Young Jewish Anti-Zionist Jews In the increasingly fractured landscape of contemporary Jewish life, few subjects trigger as visceral a reaction as the rising tide of anti-Zionism among young Jews.

For many in the mainstream community, this shift is viewed with a mixture of bewilderment, betrayal, and deep-seated alarm. Seeking to move beyond the high-decibel rhetoric of social media and op-ed pages, Robbie Gringras and Abi Dauber Sterne of the organisation For the Sake of Argument embarked on an ambitious qualitative research project. Their report, “The Journeys and Destinations of Young Jewish Anti-Zionists,” offers a sobering yet necessary look at the internal schisms threatening communal coherence. 

While specifically focused on the schism happening in the US, based on interviews with 30 self-described anti-Zionist Jews, the report contains many insights that may be relevant for Australian Jewish families struggling with this question.

In an interview with Robbie Gringras, an Israel educator with over two decades of experience in the field, he unpacked the complexities of the report and addressed the sharp criticisms directed at any attempt to engage with those who reject the Jewish state. 

One of the most provocative aspects of the report is its systematic dismantling of common assumptions held by the pro-Israel mainstream about anti-Zionist Jews. Gringras emphasised that these were not assumptions the researchers set out to prove, but rather findings that emerged from the lived experiences of the participants.

]]> In the increasingly fractured landscape of contemporary Jewish life, few subjects trigger as visceral a reaction as the rising tide of anti-Zionism among young Jews.

For many in the mainstream community, this shift is viewed with a mixture of bewilderment, betrayal, and deep-seated alarm. Seeking to move beyond the high-decibel rhetoric of social media and op-ed pages, Robbie Gringras and Abi Dauber Sterne of the organisation For the Sake of Argument embarked on an ambitious qualitative research project. Their report, “The Journeys and Destinations of Young Jewish Anti-Zionists,” offers a sobering yet necessary look at the internal schisms threatening communal coherence. 

While specifically focused on the schism happening in the US, based on interviews with 30 self-described anti-Zionist Jews, the report contains many insights that may be relevant for Australian Jewish families struggling with this question.

In an interview with Robbie Gringras, an Israel educator with over two decades of experience in the field, he unpacked the complexities of the report and addressed the sharp criticisms directed at any attempt to engage with those who reject the Jewish state. 

One of the most provocative aspects of the report is its systematic dismantling of common assumptions held by the pro-Israel mainstream about anti-Zionist Jews. Gringras emphasised that these were not assumptions the researchers set out to prove, but rather findings that emerged from the lived experiences of the participants.

]]> Ittay Flescher Buzzsprout-18711669 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2818 2 6 full false Two Years On - Moving from Yes But to Yes And Two Years On - Moving from Yes But to Yes And This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025. A reflection of words and music, it explores what has been, the opportunities and challenges of the 20-point plan, and what can be. 


Feedback is welcome at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025. A reflection of words and music, it explores what has been, the opportunities and challenges of the 20-point plan, and what can be. 


Feedback is welcome at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Ittay Flescher Buzzsprout-17963318 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1056 2 5 full false Will peace ever be possible? Will peace ever be possible? This episode is a conversation that took place on August 10, 2025 as part of the Torah 2020 series established by Tamra Aviva Wright. Ittay was interviewed by Dr Lindsay Simmonds, a Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) where she has lectured, written, and convened courses for over 20 years, focusing on women in Biblical narrative, the Talmud, and Jewish Law. 

In 2024, Lindsay completed a three-year project at the Religion and Global Society Unit at the London School of Economics (LSE), UK, where she led research on Women of Faith and Peacebuilding, examining the work of Israeli and Palestinian women peacebuilders.

The conversation touches on a range of issues from empathy and humanisation to social media and hope. 

Feedback is welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

For more resources on facilitating dialogue or deepening knowledge, visit https://www.ittay.au/what-can-i-do


]]> This episode is a conversation that took place on August 10, 2025 as part of the Torah 2020 series established by Tamra Aviva Wright. Ittay was interviewed by Dr Lindsay Simmonds, a Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) where she has lectured, written, and convened courses for over 20 years, focusing on women in Biblical narrative, the Talmud, and Jewish Law. 

In 2024, Lindsay completed a three-year project at the Religion and Global Society Unit at the London School of Economics (LSE), UK, where she led research on Women of Faith and Peacebuilding, examining the work of Israeli and Palestinian women peacebuilders.

The conversation touches on a range of issues from empathy and humanisation to social media and hope. 

Feedback is welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

For more resources on facilitating dialogue or deepening knowledge, visit https://www.ittay.au/what-can-i-do


]]> Ittay Flescher Buzzsprout-17734876 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 3778 2 4 full false Dr. Sari Nusseibeh and Ittay Flescher in conversation Dr. Sari Nusseibeh and Ittay Flescher in conversation Jerusalem Book Launch for The Holy and the Broken

Dr. Sari Nusseibeh and Ittay Flescher in conversation at the Albright Institute on the evening of July 7, 2025.

Introduction by Lana Ikelan from Kids4Peace, with closing remarks by Mahmoud Muna. The Educational Bookshop and the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research sponsored the event. 

Feedback is welcome at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

For more info on upcoming book events in the UK, visit ittay.au 


]]> Jerusalem Book Launch for The Holy and the Broken

Dr. Sari Nusseibeh and Ittay Flescher in conversation at the Albright Institute on the evening of July 7, 2025.

Introduction by Lana Ikelan from Kids4Peace, with closing remarks by Mahmoud Muna. The Educational Bookshop and the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research sponsored the event. 

Feedback is welcome at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

For more info on upcoming book events in the UK, visit ittay.au 


]]> Ittay Flescher Buzzsprout-17468622 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2343 2 3 full false Wrestling with Revenge Wrestling with Revenge This episode features a Dvar Torah for Parshat Mishpatim shared by Ittay at Kehilat Kolenu in Melbourne on February 21, 2025  

It deals with issues of hostage-taking, revenge, justice and peace.


]]> This episode features a Dvar Torah for Parshat Mishpatim shared by Ittay at Kehilat Kolenu in Melbourne on February 21, 2025  

It deals with issues of hostage-taking, revenge, justice and peace.


]]> Ittay Flescher Buzzsprout-16688251 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 591 2 2 full false Melbourne Book Launch - The Holy and the Broken Melbourne Book Launch - The Holy and the Broken This is a live recording of the Melbourne Book Launch of 'The Holy and the Broken,' hosted by the ACJC and TJI.

It features music from Beth Riordan and Or Sagiv followed by a conversation between Sidra Kranz Moshinsky and Ittay Flescher.

Thanks to John Circosta for arranging the sound setup at the Malvern Town Hall on February 9, 2025.

'The Holy and the Broken' is now on sale in bookshops across Australia and online. For more information on the book, see www.ittay.au

Feedback is welcome to fromtheyarra@gmail.com 

]]> This is a live recording of the Melbourne Book Launch of 'The Holy and the Broken,' hosted by the ACJC and TJI.

It features music from Beth Riordan and Or Sagiv followed by a conversation between Sidra Kranz Moshinsky and Ittay Flescher.

Thanks to John Circosta for arranging the sound setup at the Malvern Town Hall on February 9, 2025.

'The Holy and the Broken' is now on sale in bookshops across Australia and online. For more information on the book, see www.ittay.au

Feedback is welcome to fromtheyarra@gmail.com 

]]> Ittay Flescher Buzzsprout-16678358 Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500 3450 2 1 full false Finale: The Holy and the Broken Finale: The Holy and the Broken One year on from October 7, Hannah and Ittay reflect on the past year, expressing their fears, hopes and disappointments. 

And a very exciting announcement: Ittay has written a book! "The Holy and the Broken: A cry for peace from a land that must be shared" is now available for pre-order at ittay.au 

2025 Australian Book Tour Dates:

Perth - February 2

Sydney - February 6

Melbourne - February 9

Podcast feedback is always welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

For more updates and special events, follow us at @fromtheyarra  

]]> One year on from October 7, Hannah and Ittay reflect on the past year, expressing their fears, hopes and disappointments. 

And a very exciting announcement: Ittay has written a book! "The Holy and the Broken: A cry for peace from a land that must be shared" is now available for pre-order at ittay.au 

2025 Australian Book Tour Dates:

Perth - February 2

Sydney - February 6

Melbourne - February 9

Podcast feedback is always welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

For more updates and special events, follow us at @fromtheyarra  

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-15853006 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0400 1957 1 11 full false Episode 10: Conversations over cancelling with Ahmed Fouad Al-khatib Episode 10: Conversations over cancelling with Ahmed Fouad Al-khatib In our tenth episode, Ittay speaks with Ahmed Fouad Al-khatib, a U.S. citizen from Gaza and a Middle East political analyst.  Ahmed has a master’s degree in intelligence studies from American Military University and has written and contributed extensively to publications on Gaza’s affairs in U.S., Israeli, Jewish, and Arab outlets.

In this episode, Ahmed speaks to Ittay about his childhood experience attending the UNWRA schools of Gaza, which is a timely discussion as we have been hearing and seeing a lot about UNWRA in the news. ( For those unaware, UNWRA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees).

Both Ittay and Ahmed touch on the many challenges facing Jewish-Palestinian dialogue groups at this time, and provide some suggestions as to how we can learn to build bridges so that we can move forward together.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Further reading:
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/as-a-gazan-i-still-believe-israelis-and-palestinians-must-talk/

Comments welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram at @fromtheyarra

]]> In our tenth episode, Ittay speaks with Ahmed Fouad Al-khatib, a U.S. citizen from Gaza and a Middle East political analyst.  Ahmed has a master’s degree in intelligence studies from American Military University and has written and contributed extensively to publications on Gaza’s affairs in U.S., Israeli, Jewish, and Arab outlets.

In this episode, Ahmed speaks to Ittay about his childhood experience attending the UNWRA schools of Gaza, which is a timely discussion as we have been hearing and seeing a lot about UNWRA in the news. ( For those unaware, UNWRA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees).

Both Ittay and Ahmed touch on the many challenges facing Jewish-Palestinian dialogue groups at this time, and provide some suggestions as to how we can learn to build bridges so that we can move forward together.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Further reading:
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/as-a-gazan-i-still-believe-israelis-and-palestinians-must-talk/

Comments welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram at @fromtheyarra

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14694677 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400 3363 1 10 full false Episode 9: Unapologetically, From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea Episode 9: Unapologetically, From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea In this episode, we have teamed up with the incredible Ibrahim and Amira, co-hosts of the podcast "Unapologetic - The Third Narrative" to bring you "Unapologetically, From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea".  

Ibrahim and Amira are Palestinian-Israeli Citizens, who are unapologetic about their views and vision for a better future for all those who live between the river and the sea.

In this episode we have honest conversations about what the term "resistance" means, the Boycott Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement, Zionism, Justice and so much more. 

We are so proud of this episode and extremely grateful for Ibrahim and Amira sharing their thoughtful, kind and empathic views for the future of this land. 

We know it's a long one but it is SO worth the listen!

A big thank you to Ben Levitt for his support in editing this episode.

Feedback is welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> In this episode, we have teamed up with the incredible Ibrahim and Amira, co-hosts of the podcast "Unapologetic - The Third Narrative" to bring you "Unapologetically, From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea".  

Ibrahim and Amira are Palestinian-Israeli Citizens, who are unapologetic about their views and vision for a better future for all those who live between the river and the sea.

In this episode we have honest conversations about what the term "resistance" means, the Boycott Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement, Zionism, Justice and so much more. 

We are so proud of this episode and extremely grateful for Ibrahim and Amira sharing their thoughtful, kind and empathic views for the future of this land. 

We know it's a long one but it is SO worth the listen!

A big thank you to Ben Levitt for his support in editing this episode.

Feedback is welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14569970 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500 4920 1 9 full true Episode 8: Strong Opinions, Weakly Held with Elica Le Bon Episode 8: Strong Opinions, Weakly Held with Elica Le Bon It’s the episode we know many of you have been waiting for. 

Welcome to episode 8 of From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea: “Strong Opinions, Weakly Held with Elica Le Bon”. 

Elica is an Iranian attorney, activist and artist who is currently living in LA. She has over 150,000 followers on Instagram which is where we discovered her in the weeks following October 7 sharing content from “both sides”. 

In this conversation, we explore Elica’s experience of looking through the current war through the eyes of an Iranian who wants justice, freedom and equality for all. We also discuss identity politics, the Truth vs Harmony spectrum and social media activism. 

We want to acknowledge that Hannah recorded this podcast episode on unceded Wurundjeri land and we pay our deepest respect to elders, past and present. 

 RESOURCES: 

Dr Emily - Truth Vs Harmony on the Imperfects podcast 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7iXjJ8EO9jsDk17biWHV5m?si=-Xrg9Vp7QKGYx79ip33oKg 

 Questions and feedback are welcome via email to fromtheyarra@gmail.com or on Instragram @fromtheyarra 

 Elica can be found on Instagram @elicalebon

]]> It’s the episode we know many of you have been waiting for. 

Welcome to episode 8 of From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea: “Strong Opinions, Weakly Held with Elica Le Bon”. 

Elica is an Iranian attorney, activist and artist who is currently living in LA. She has over 150,000 followers on Instagram which is where we discovered her in the weeks following October 7 sharing content from “both sides”. 

In this conversation, we explore Elica’s experience of looking through the current war through the eyes of an Iranian who wants justice, freedom and equality for all. We also discuss identity politics, the Truth vs Harmony spectrum and social media activism. 

We want to acknowledge that Hannah recorded this podcast episode on unceded Wurundjeri land and we pay our deepest respect to elders, past and present. 

 RESOURCES: 

Dr Emily - Truth Vs Harmony on the Imperfects podcast 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7iXjJ8EO9jsDk17biWHV5m?si=-Xrg9Vp7QKGYx79ip33oKg 

 Questions and feedback are welcome via email to fromtheyarra@gmail.com or on Instragram @fromtheyarra 

 Elica can be found on Instagram @elicalebon

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14476032 Sat, 10 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3297 1 8 full false Episode 7: One State, Two States or a Land For All? Episode 7: One State, Two States or a Land For All? Following on from our conversation with Moaz Inon in the previous episode, Hannah and Ittay closely examine the various "solutions" that currently exist in the public domain that can help us move from a state of war to a state of peace.

RECOURCES

Haaretz Video featuring maps of all solutions explored: "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: One state, two states and other possible solutions"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpBHYkra_qs

Not Two States, Not One State: A New Way Out of Disaster for Israelis and Palestinians, By Dahlia Scheindlin, Nov 30, 2023

http://tinyurl.com/5n7vjbss


Questions and comments are welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram for episode updates at @fromtheyarra 



]]> Following on from our conversation with Moaz Inon in the previous episode, Hannah and Ittay closely examine the various "solutions" that currently exist in the public domain that can help us move from a state of war to a state of peace.

RECOURCES

Haaretz Video featuring maps of all solutions explored: "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: One state, two states and other possible solutions"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpBHYkra_qs

Not Two States, Not One State: A New Way Out of Disaster for Israelis and Palestinians, By Dahlia Scheindlin, Nov 30, 2023

http://tinyurl.com/5n7vjbss


Questions and comments are welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram for episode updates at @fromtheyarra 



]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14386110 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500 3068 1 7 full false Episode 6: Creating Hope with Maoz Inon Episode 6: Creating Hope with Maoz Inon In this episode,  we welcome Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon onto the podcast.

Maoz lost both his beautiful parents, Bilha and Yakovi Inon on October 7. They were two of the first people killed on that horrific day when a Hamas rocket landed directly on their house in Moshav Nativ Ha’asara. Since suffering the pain of their loss, Maoz has been campaigning against revenge and for reconciliation.

Maoz speaks about his life before the war as a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Abraham Hostel’s network and shares how he saw his whole life as preparation for what happed on October 7.  Maoz now sees himself as a "naive man with a plan" which is one of the most powerful forces known to humanity.

Resources:

Two States, One Homeland
https://www.alandforall.org/english/?d=ltr

A Guide for Hosting a Together for Humanity Peace vigil in your city
https://togetherforhumanity.co.uk/resources/

]]> In this episode,  we welcome Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon onto the podcast.

Maoz lost both his beautiful parents, Bilha and Yakovi Inon on October 7. They were two of the first people killed on that horrific day when a Hamas rocket landed directly on their house in Moshav Nativ Ha’asara. Since suffering the pain of their loss, Maoz has been campaigning against revenge and for reconciliation.

Maoz speaks about his life before the war as a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Abraham Hostel’s network and shares how he saw his whole life as preparation for what happed on October 7.  Maoz now sees himself as a "naive man with a plan" which is one of the most powerful forces known to humanity.

Resources:

Two States, One Homeland
https://www.alandforall.org/english/?d=ltr

A Guide for Hosting a Together for Humanity Peace vigil in your city
https://togetherforhumanity.co.uk/resources/

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14346870 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2706 1 6 full false Episode 5: Building Trust with Lana Ikelan Episode 5: Building Trust with Lana Ikelan Welcome back to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea  - Episode 5: Building Trust 

Lana Ikelan is a Palestinian Journalist and graduate of the Tomorrows Women peace building dialogue program.  In this episode, she speaks about her experiences growing up in Jerusalem, how this war has shaped her relationships with Jewish friends, and her hopes for the future.

RECOURCES:

For more information about Tomorrow's Women:
https://tomorrowswomen.org

Video on the status of East Jerusalem
https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-of-jerusalem-the-maqdasyin/

Comments and feedback are welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Welcome back to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea  - Episode 5: Building Trust 

Lana Ikelan is a Palestinian Journalist and graduate of the Tomorrows Women peace building dialogue program.  In this episode, she speaks about her experiences growing up in Jerusalem, how this war has shaped her relationships with Jewish friends, and her hopes for the future.

RECOURCES:

For more information about Tomorrow's Women:
https://tomorrowswomen.org

Video on the status of East Jerusalem
https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-of-jerusalem-the-maqdasyin/

Comments and feedback are welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14203372 Mon, 25 Dec 2023 20:00:00 -0500 4021 1 5 full false Episode 4: Mapping Empathy with Mushon Zer Aviv Episode 4: Mapping Empathy with Mushon Zer Aviv In this episode of "From the Yarra River the Mediterranean Sea", we interview Israeli map designer and peace builder Mushon Zer Aviv.  We first came across Mushon after reading a powerful article he wrote called “Your Empty is Killing us” which explores the importance of holding space for YES AND statements during this war.

In the second half of the episode, we have a discussion between ourselves about what it means to be connected to land and the links we have seen between Palestinians, Israelis and Australia's First Peoples. 

We also discuss the Australian Left and how we feel their advocacy has been, at times, somewhat one-sided. 

In what has been a particularly tragic week for both Israelis and Palestinians, we hope this conversation again gives our listeners hope that another way is possible.

]]> In this episode of "From the Yarra River the Mediterranean Sea", we interview Israeli map designer and peace builder Mushon Zer Aviv.  We first came across Mushon after reading a powerful article he wrote called “Your Empty is Killing us” which explores the importance of holding space for YES AND statements during this war.

In the second half of the episode, we have a discussion between ourselves about what it means to be connected to land and the links we have seen between Palestinians, Israelis and Australia's First Peoples. 

We also discuss the Australian Left and how we feel their advocacy has been, at times, somewhat one-sided. 

In what has been a particularly tragic week for both Israelis and Palestinians, we hope this conversation again gives our listeners hope that another way is possible.

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14160403 Sun, 17 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 4309 1 4 full false Episode 3: October 7 War Diary Episode 3: October 7 War Diary This episode will likely comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable, so have a listen to it in a space where you can breathe, process and reflect.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • A brief history of the disengagement from Gaza and the seige that has been in place since 
  • Hamas' rise to power
  • Ittay's experience of October 7 in Jerusalem
  • Hannah's experience of October 7 in Melbourne
  • How October 7th broke Israel's "conception" of Hamas and how Israel's response has broken Hamas' "conception" of Israel

RESOURCES

For further reading, we recommend looking at this piece by Adam Raz about the legacy of the 2005 Gaza Disengagement on our current situation

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-23/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/it-wasnt-the-gaza-disengagement-but-netanyahus-policies-that-led-to-disaster/0000018b-fcf1-de73-a9bb-fef7ab240000

In the lead up to our next episode with Mushon Zer Aviv, please read:

https://medium.com/@mushon/your-empathy-is-killing-us-1a50a4fc0488

We welcome feedback, comments and questions at:

fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> This episode will likely comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable, so have a listen to it in a space where you can breathe, process and reflect.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • A brief history of the disengagement from Gaza and the seige that has been in place since 
  • Hamas' rise to power
  • Ittay's experience of October 7 in Jerusalem
  • Hannah's experience of October 7 in Melbourne
  • How October 7th broke Israel's "conception" of Hamas and how Israel's response has broken Hamas' "conception" of Israel

RESOURCES

For further reading, we recommend looking at this piece by Adam Raz about the legacy of the 2005 Gaza Disengagement on our current situation

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-23/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/it-wasnt-the-gaza-disengagement-but-netanyahus-policies-that-led-to-disaster/0000018b-fcf1-de73-a9bb-fef7ab240000

In the lead up to our next episode with Mushon Zer Aviv, please read:

https://medium.com/@mushon/your-empathy-is-killing-us-1a50a4fc0488

We welcome feedback, comments and questions at:

fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14118784 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0500 4444 1 3 full false Episode 2.2: Where did it all begin? Episode 2.2: Where did it all begin? Welcome to part 2 of Where did this all begin?

In this episode we discuss:

  • what the Nakba is;
  • whether Israel is an apartheid State and what that actually means; and
  • previous offers for peace since 1947.

For more resources:

Letter from Dr. Theodore Hertzl to M. Youssuf Zia Al-Khalidi, Mayor of Jerusalem

https://aldeilis.net/english/letter-from-herzl-to-mayor-of-jerusalem-1899/

Maps showing peace offers made by both Israeli and Palestinian negotiators over the past 30 years.

https://www.shaularieli.com/en/maps/negotiations/

More information about breaking the silence can be found here: https://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/

Please send any questions, feedback, or comments to us at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

Special thanks to our sound engineer Benjamin Levitt for all your work bringing this together.




]]> Welcome to part 2 of Where did this all begin?

In this episode we discuss:

  • what the Nakba is;
  • whether Israel is an apartheid State and what that actually means; and
  • previous offers for peace since 1947.

For more resources:

Letter from Dr. Theodore Hertzl to M. Youssuf Zia Al-Khalidi, Mayor of Jerusalem

https://aldeilis.net/english/letter-from-herzl-to-mayor-of-jerusalem-1899/

Maps showing peace offers made by both Israeli and Palestinian negotiators over the past 30 years.

https://www.shaularieli.com/en/maps/negotiations/

More information about breaking the silence can be found here: https://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/

Please send any questions, feedback, or comments to us at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

Special thanks to our sound engineer Benjamin Levitt for all your work bringing this together.




]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14083818 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500 3111 1 2 full false Episode 2.1: Where did it all begin? Episode 2.1: Where did it all begin? Welcome back to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea.

This is the first of a two part episode where we deep dive into the history of Israel/Palestine.

In part 1, we discuss:

  • why we were only taught one half of the Israeli/Palestinian narrative at our Jewish day schools and the impact that has had on this current war;
  • who is "indigenous" to the land; 
  • the first wave of Jewish immigration to Palestine from Russia in the 1880s and how those settlements were established;
  • the term "colonialism" and whether or not Zionism should be considered a colonialist movement; and
  • the establishment of the Israeli State in 1948 and the fact that to the Palestinians, this is called the Nakba.

For those who'd like to read more about the history of both nations, we recommend reading Israel/Palestine by Alan Dowty. 

Is Zionism a form of settler colonialism?

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/feature/herzls-troubled-dream-origins-zionism

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/north-africa-west-asia/theodor-herzl-and-trajectory-of-zionism/

Please send any questions, feedback, or comments to us at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

Special thanks to our sound engineer Benjamin Levitt for all your work bringing this together.

]]> Welcome back to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea.

This is the first of a two part episode where we deep dive into the history of Israel/Palestine.

In part 1, we discuss:

  • why we were only taught one half of the Israeli/Palestinian narrative at our Jewish day schools and the impact that has had on this current war;
  • who is "indigenous" to the land; 
  • the first wave of Jewish immigration to Palestine from Russia in the 1880s and how those settlements were established;
  • the term "colonialism" and whether or not Zionism should be considered a colonialist movement; and
  • the establishment of the Israeli State in 1948 and the fact that to the Palestinians, this is called the Nakba.

For those who'd like to read more about the history of both nations, we recommend reading Israel/Palestine by Alan Dowty. 

Is Zionism a form of settler colonialism?

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/feature/herzls-troubled-dream-origins-zionism

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/north-africa-west-asia/theodor-herzl-and-trajectory-of-zionism/

Please send any questions, feedback, or comments to us at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com

Special thanks to our sound engineer Benjamin Levitt for all your work bringing this together.

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14083769 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500 2436 1 2 full false Episode 1: Jews who swipe left Episode 1: Jews who swipe left Welcome to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea.

In this first episode, we explore what motivated us both to create this podcast.

We also discuss where we are getting our news from and how you can differentiate between what is most likely real news and what is most likely fake news.

We finish by explaining the reasoning behind the name of this podcast.

For those who want to inform themselves through other news sources, podcasts, books etc. here is a list put together by Ittay: https://thesocialblueprint.org.au/ittayflescher/

Comments and questions are always welcome - please email us at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Welcome to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea.

In this first episode, we explore what motivated us both to create this podcast.

We also discuss where we are getting our news from and how you can differentiate between what is most likely real news and what is most likely fake news.

We finish by explaining the reasoning behind the name of this podcast.

For those who want to inform themselves through other news sources, podcasts, books etc. here is a list put together by Ittay: https://thesocialblueprint.org.au/ittayflescher/

Comments and questions are always welcome - please email us at fromtheyarra@gmail.com

]]> Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14083707 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500 2056 1 1 full false Trailer: From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea Trailer: From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea Hannah & Ittay Buzzsprout-14077527 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0500 86 trailer false