Welcome to our Israel/Palestine Podcast

Welcome to our Israel/Palestine Podcast. In this mission statement, we introduce ourselves — Alexandria, Efe, Yusuf, Philip, and Mert — and speak about our learning journey developing this podcast series during our graduation year in Berlin-Neukölln, a district where Israel and Palestine are painfully present. This Welcome note sets the stage for our series' exploration of history, law, human realities, and the complex challenges of understanding a conflict that echoes across generations. This project emerged in the context of the Oberstufenforum (Upper Secondary Forum) at the Catholic Academy of Berlin, a platform fostering exchange between academia and schools. The most comprehensive shownotes with all cross references can be found on our main site at the Catholic Academy. The comment section is disabled on all platforms as we have not the capacity to facilitate discussions. All 50 episodes will be released on December 30. For any questions or feedback, contact us at: [email protected] Here is an outline of the principles that have guided our work, accompanied by a teacher. A MULTI-PERSPECTIVE JOURNEY This project follows a multi-perspective approach that reflects the complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Guided by the Beutelsbach Consensus, we aim to make visible what is controversial in academia and politics to empower students to develop empathy and think critically rather than be overwhelmed by opinion. The podcast unfolds through eight chapters in 51 episodes that explore the human, historical, political, legal, psychological, and educational dimensions of this conflict. Together, they highlight the moral urgency of the current situation and make civil society’s perspectives for a just peace visible. We don't claim to be comprehensive, nor do we intend to lecture anyone. We're simply sharing our own learning journey – in the hope that others can learn from our guests as well.Within the historical chapter, we pursued two complementary lines: one rooted in collective narratives and one coming from an analytical distance. Both can intersect and enhance each other. Both are represented by recognized scholars. We moved from the big picture to the close-up, focusing on the Mandate and 1948 as these periods are most relevant to understand current debates.The political and legal episodes focus on analytical depth rather than ideological polarity, showcasing complex and nuanced positions, while reflecting controversies.Multiperspectivity, however, never means neutrality: Human rights and international law are the foundation of responsible multiperspectivism.To help us navigate this complex field, the project is guided by two anchor episodes. 🔹 All contested historical matters are addressed by the world renowned historian Prof. Gudrun Krämer, author of the acclaimed reference work “A History of Palestine. From the Ottoman Conquest to the Founding of the State of Israel” (C.H. Beck 2015 / Princeton University Press 2008). 🔹 All contested legal matters are addressed by Prof. Claus Kreß, one of the principal academic authorities on international criminal law, co-author of the Rome Statute, Special Advisor to the ICC, and Judge ad hoc at the ICJ.Our work has been AI assisted, verified by experts. It was led by five student hosts and guided by a teacher. All final decisions were made by the students. These podcast interviews were recorded over the course of an entire year during a rapidly evolving situation. The recording date for each episode is noted in the show notes. All interviews were either based on students’ own questions, complemented by the teacher to ensure a coherent learning arc, or conducted as research assignments inspired by questions that emerged along the way. In this way, every interview was like a lesson hosted by the students.