Israel/Palestine Podcast

Welcome to our Israel/Palestine Podcast, a project by graduating high school students from Berlin-Neukölln. Our district is home to Germany’s largest Palestinian diaspora and to many young Israelis. Israel and Palestine are painfully present in our district and in our schools. We’ve spoken to historians, legal scholars, trauma researchers, and educators — some of them world-leading experts — to better understand a conflict that shapes identities, divides communities, and echoes through generations. Our approach is multiperspectival. We don't aim to resolve contradictions or controversies, but to hear different perspectives. Human rights and international law are the foundation of responsible multiperspectivism. Across eight chapters and 51 episodes, we explore human realities, urgency, history, the legacies of antisemitism and racism, political and legal debates, psychological dimensions, and challenges for education. “This series, featuring truly internationally leading scholars in their fields, is, I believe, one-of-a-kind.” — Prof. Gudrun Krämer, recipient of the 2025 Historikerpreis, the highest distinction in historical scholarship in Germany “Astonishing … a mammoth undertaking that, in its breadth and depth — and above all in its multifaceted nature — seeks its equal. A treasure trove of historical knowledge. … It is precisely the diversity of perspectives that makes the podcast so valuable — far beyond the targeted education sector.” — Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Christian Meier, Middle East Correspondent Featuring: Michel Friedman — one of the most prominent German public intellectuals Alena Jabarine — best-known Palestinian journalist in Germany Gudrun Krämer (FU Berlin) — leading historian of the Middle East Michael Brenner (LMU Munich) & Derek Penslar (Harvard ) — leading scholars of Zionism Adel Manna (Van Leer Jerusalem Institute) — leading scholar of the Nakba Victor Kattan (University of Nottingham) — leading expert on the legal history of the British Mandate Meron Mendel (BS Anne Frank) — leading educational voice on Israel in Germany Eyal Benvenisti (Yale) — leading authority on the laws of occupation Omer Bartov (Brown University) — leading scholar of Holocaust and genocide studies Omri Boehm (The New School) — one of the most influential voices on Israel/Palestine in Germany Claus Kreß (University of Cologne) — leading authority in international criminal law Moshe Zimmermann (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) — leading scholar of modern Jewish history Yael Danieli — pioneer of trauma studies and victims’ rights Ken Stern — lead drafter of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism Alex de Waal — leading authority on hunger and mass violence Norman Stillman — leading scholar on Jews in the Islamic world … and many more The series begins and ends with voices whose lives were deeply affected by the violence of this conflict: Udi Goren (Bring Them Home Now!), Khalil Sayegh (The Agora Initiative), and Sima & Mai (Young Ambassadors for Peace). “One of the most exciting initiatives of the year." "I am not aware of any comparable initiative driven primarily by high school students. Multiperspectivity is a widespread buzzword that is rarely lived up to. This podcast is quite different. It will greatly enrich (not only) the German debate.” — Prof. Simon W. Fuchs, Hebrew University of Jerusalem “They should be applauded for their maturity and inner resoluteness in confronting some of the most painful legacies of our time.” — Dr. Yael Danieli, UN Senior Representative “The students did an amazing job assembling this series and organizing the individual episodes.” — Prof. Derek Penslar, Harvard University “What an inspiring achievement.” — Prof. Omri Boehm, The New School “This initiative is both extraordinary and exemplary.” — Prof. Claus Kreß, co-author of the Rome Statute; Special Adviser to the ICC; Judge ad hoc at the ICJ