In Episode Three of the Forty-Eight Podcast, we hosted Noora Al-Amr, a doctoral student investigating the political allyship between Palestinians and Israelis at Aarmena - the academic alliance for reconciliation in the Middle East and North Africa.
We began the conversation by understanding the terms themselves such as partnership, coexistence, allyship, and shared living, to frame and comprehend what is meant when using these terms and whether there are significant differences between each side in what they intend.
We then moved on to Noora's research about the power disparities between the two sides, where on one side the Palestinians are under occupation and a colonial regime, and on the other side the Israelis enjoy both military power and international support. We discussed how, in this reality, a partnership can be built and what those in power need to do to create equal conditions.
And whether, in the absence of critical analysis around the joint projects, they are promoting the preservation of the existing status quo in which Israelis have the upper hand and privilege.
Accordingly, the question was asked, what political and emotional motives drive each of the sides to continue striving for cooperation despite the reality we live in, and at what cost this is required.
We concluded the conversation by addressing the current reality after the events of October 7th and what the political future holds for us in the entire region.
