Across the Divide Podcast

Across the Divide

Across the Divide explores the intersection of the faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel. Hosted and produced by a group of Palestinians and Americans, the podcast provides a space for thoughtful and critical conversations with theologians, scholars, and activists about the situation in Palestine-Israel through the lens of faith, justice and peacemaking.

Support our work at https://patreon.com/acrossthedivide

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21 episodes
weekly
Avg 57 min
English

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Monday · 1 hr 16 min
Unmasking Liberal Zionism With Ronnie Barkan
Register to attend Church at the Crossroads here! Daniel sits down with Ronnie Barkan, an Israeli conscientious objector and anti-Zionist activist who dissects his journey out of Israeli military indoctrination, arguing that liberal Zionism functions as a dangerous facade that legitimizes state violence. Jewish Anti-Zionist Congress Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at patreon.com/acrossthedivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a podcast of the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice. Learn more at BIPJ.org
August 21 · 46 min
Jewish Solidarity with Palestine with Atalia Omer
Dr. Atalia Omer reflects on her own journey of unlearning false Israeli state mythologies, rejecting all forms of Zionism, and looking toward a future that centers on an authentic Jewish-Palestinian solidarity. Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at patreon.com/acrossthedivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a podcast of the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice. Learn more at BIPJ.org References/links: Purchase Atalia’s book Days of Awe Check out the work of Zochrot , a Jewish-Israeli NGO working to recognize the Nakba and the right to return of Palestinians Article: Women Lead- Atalia Omer Article: I’m an Israeli professor. Why is my work in Harvard’s antisemitism report?
August 10 · 52 min
Does God Still Have a Plan for Israel? Palestinian Bible Scholar Responds
Evangelical apologist Sean McDowell recently hosted Biola professor Dr. Carmen Imes on his podcast to answer the question whether God has a special plan for the secular state of Israel. Tony Deik, Palestinian Bible scholar, responds to comments made in that conversation and critiques Christian Zionist narratives about the land and its peoples. Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at patreon.com/acrossthedivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a podcast of the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice. Learn more at BIPJ.org
August 7 · 45 min
The unique violence experienced by Palestinian Christians
Daniel and Rev. Munther Isaac unpack CNN’s latest reporting on the increasing violence experienced by Palestinian Christians, which features Rev. Munther himself, and respond to more of Mike Huckabee’s ridiculous claims. Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at patreon.com/acrossthedivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a podcast of the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice. Learn more at BIPJ.org
August 4 · 57 min
Reading the Gospel of John through Palestinian Eyes with Rev. Yohanna Katanacho- ATD Book Club
Join our Book club to discuss this book by becoming a Patreonsupporter at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Rev. Yohanna Katanacho joins us to discuss his book,"Reading the Gospel of John through Palestinian Eyes". He unpacks the new world order that Jesus establishes in the Gospel of John and the relationship of these teachings to 1st century Judaism. They discuss the exclusivity of Christian Zionism and what reading John’s gospel through Palestinian eyes must teach us about an inclusive kingdom that replaces hate with love and justice. Rev. Dr. Yohanna Katanacho is a Palestinian Evangelical Christian currently serving as the Academic Dean of Nazareth Evangelical College. He also recently translated the Greek New Testament into Colloquial Galilean Arabic. He is the author of "Reading the Gospel of John through Palestinian Eyes" and "Unlocking the Old Testament: Christ is the Culmination of the Law." Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠‪https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/
July 30 · 1 hr
An Israeli Zionist Becomes a Palestine Advocate
Hear the story of Ilana Zaken and her journey from Zionismto Palestine Advocacy Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreonat / acrossthedivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a project of the Bethlehem Institute ofPeace and Justice (BIPJ). Learn more about BIPJ at BIPJ.org #israel#palestine #gaza #bethlehem #holyland #christianity #bible #faith #zionism #christianzionism
July 22 · 52 min
Debunking CUFI’s Night to Honor Israel
In this episode, Daniel is joined by Pastor Munther Isaac to discuss the CUFI “Night to Honor Israel,” debunk Christian Zionist theologies, and deconstruct Israeli propaganda. This is a timely episode that explores one of the most powerful Christian Zionist organizations and points us toward an inclusive view of biblical justice.
July 14 · 56 min
Being Jewish after Gaza with Peter Beinart
Peter Beinart joins us to discuss how Jewish faith and practices have been used (and abused!) to justify the war on Gaza. Peter Beinart is an American journalist, political commentator, and professor at CUNY. He is an editor-at-large for Jewish Currents, and author of Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza (2025). He frequently publishes his foreign policy analysis and political commentary through his personal newsletter, The Beinart Notebook: https://peterbeinart.substack.com/ Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon here Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a podcast of the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice (BIPJ). Learn more about BIPJ at BIPJ.org.
July 10 · 36 min
Genocide against Christians in the Middle East?
In this episode of Across the Divide, Daniel discusses current events in Palestine and the US. This episode explores the UN Report on violence against children and genocide in Palestine, Israeli expansion in the Middle East, RFK Jr’s lies on Fox News, and Mamdani’s comments on the democratic party and Palestine. You won’t want to miss this! Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at / acrossthedivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide is a project of the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice (BIPJ). Learn more about BIPJ at BIPJ.org Sign up for the Christ at the Checkpoint conference here: https://www.christatthecheckpoint.bethbc.edu/ #israel #palestine #gaza #bethlehem #holyland #christianity #bible #faith #zionism #christianzionism #Mamdani #RKJR #UN References/Links UN REPORT, published on June 18, 2026. “The essence ofchildhood has been destroyed.” 65 Palestinian students arrested by Israel in occupied WestBank this year: Rights group (Middle East Monitor) UN experts deeply concerned over ‘scholasticide’ in Gaza- 18April 2024 Michel Foucault: Biopolitics and Biopower Israel seized more land from neighbors since 2023 thanit has in decades (AP NEWS) Greek Orthodox Patriarchate denounces Israeli seizureof church land in Jerusalem Mamdani's Interview on ABC JFK on Fox News CBC news piece on UN Report JVP Fact Sheet Pew Research Group- Jewish Population Change Minority Rights Group - Palestine Population Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) No Mention of Gaza in the DNC’s 2024 Autopsy?Seriously?
June 29 · 55 min
The Truth about Antisemitism with Ben Lorber
In this episode, researcher and author Ben Lorber unpacks the complex, deeply polarized conversations surrounding anti-Jewish bigotry today. We break down why politicians conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism, how to distinguish principled criticism of Israel from genuine hate speech, and whether ADL data gives us an accurate picture of the crisis. Finally, Ben shares a roadmap for building safety through intersectional solidarity, offering crucial advice for activists fighting for Palestinian liberation. Ben Lorber is a Senior Research Analyst at Political Research Associates and the co-author of *Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide for Fighting Antisemitism*. Veteran movement organizer and writer, he specializes in monitoring far-right movements, antisemitism, and white Christian nationalism. See Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism here: https://jerusalemdeclaration.org/ Support our work at Across the Divide: Patreon Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram: ⁠ Instagram
June 22 · 1 hr 2 min
The Holocaust and Zionism with Shira Klein
Continuing our conversations on Judaism and Palestine, Shira Klein reflects on the horrors of the holocaust and the role they played in legitimizing the necessity and logic of Zionism. Shira Klein is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Chapman University. Her academic work focuses on Italian Jewry, Jewish migration, and the Holocaust. Shira is also on the board of directors of Academics for Peace, a nonprofit that works with scholars to help shift public opinion about Palestine Israel Support our work at Across the Divide: Patreon Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram: Instagram
June 17 · 55 min
Mike Huckabee Strikes Again and Taybeh is Burning - ATD News Roundup
In this episode of Across the Divide, Daniel sits down with Reverend Munther Isaac to discuss current events in Palestine and the US. This episode offers a sharp critique of Christian Zionism and sheds light on the brutality of life under occupation. You won’t want to miss this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRtIWva4K_4 https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55188 Support our work at Across the Divide: Patreon Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram: ⁠ Instagram
June 9 · 44 min
A New Chapter for Across the Divide
In this special announcement episode, co-hosts Daniel, Jen, and Abeer come together to share a major milestone: the official merger of Across the Divide with the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice. It is a celebratory, forward-looking look at the next chapter of the podcast’s journey. Support the important work we're doing here at patreon.com/acrossthedivide To learn more about BIPJ, visit bipj.org
June 1 · 1 hr 10 min
From Ultra Orthodox Rabbi to Pro-Palestine Advocate with Shalom Shore
This is part II of Daniel's conversation with Shalom Shore who used to be a Ultra Orthodox rabbi and is now an anti-zionist advocate for Palestine. This conversation will blow your mind! Support our work at Across the Divide: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠#israel #palestine #judaism #religion
May 22 · 1 hr 8 min
The Strange World of Ultra Orthodox Judaism with Shalom Shore
Shalom Shore joins Daniel for a candid conversation about his previous (strange) life as an Ultra Orthodox Rabbi in Jerusalem. The conversation takes some twists and turns that you don't want to miss. Support our work at Across the Divide: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ #israel #palestine #judaism #history #jerusalem #religion
May 7 · 59 min
The Kairos II Document and the Global Church with Rifat Kassis
This episode is a part of Across the Divide’s Monthly Book Club. To join Across the Divide’s Book Club, become part of our Patreon community at https://www.patreon.com/c/AcrosstheDivide In this episode, Jen has a conversation with Rifat Kassis on the Kairos II document, authored by Palestinian church leaders in October 2025. Rifat describes how the realities of genocide and settler colonialism has led to the newest Kairos document as a theological assessment of the dire situations that Palestinians are facing as well as an appeal to the global church to repent from complicity and engage in costly solidarity with their Palestinian siblings. Rifat Kassis is the General Coordinator of Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice, being one of its founding members. Follow Rifat on his Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rifat.kassis) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rifatkassis15/ ) Kairos Palestine Document & Study Guide- https://thepjn.org/kp2studyguide BDS Resources- https://bdsmovement.net/ Support our work at Across the Divide: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel. #israel #palestine #gaza #kairos #repentance #solidarity #bds #faith
April 30 · 59 min
Biblical Hospitality and Forced Migration with Christopher Hays
Christopher Hays joins Abeer to explore the ethics of the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus on “welcoming the stranger” and it relates to debates around immigration and citizenship. Christopher is president Scholar Leaders, and a biblical scholar committed to the transformation of theological knowledge into missional practice, he has worked in projects ranging from authoring scholarly volumes to establishing church-based ministries to victims of forced migration. He holds degrees from Wheaton and Oxford. His most recent book in English is Eight Million Exiles: Missional Action Research and the Crisis of Forced Migration. Support our work at Across the Divide: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.
April 21 · 1 hr 3 min
How to Think About Islamophobia After Gaza With Jordan Denari Duffner
It's blatantly obvious that Islamophobia has been a driving force in justifying Christian support for the Gaza genocide and the ongoing war on Iran. We’re joined by Jordan Denari Duffner, a Christian theologian and expert on Islamophobia, to discuss the history of Islamophobia, its role in the Palestine/Israel conflict, and how to combat it. Jordan Denari Duffner, PhD, is a Catholic public theologian whose work focuses on Muslim-Christian relations and interreligious dialogue. She’s written Finding Jesus among Muslims and Islamophobia: What Christians Should Know (and Do) about Anti-Muslim Discrimination. Her forthcoming book is titled "Palestine, Israel, and Catholic Social Teaching, co-authored with Julie Schumacher Cohen. Follow Jordan’s substack here: https://jordandenariduffner.substack.com/ The Shoulder to Shoulder campaign: https://www.shouldertoshouldercampaign.org/ Support our work at Across the Divide: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ #israel #palestine #gaza #islam #iran #christianity #bible #faith
April 16 · 54 min
A Palestinian Story of Hope and Resilience with Mercy Aiken - ATD Book Club
To join Across the Divide’s book club, become part of our Patreon community at https://www.patreon.com/c/AcrosstheDivide In this conversation, Jen Maidrand sits down with Mercy Aiken, a storyteller and advocate whose work serves as a vital bridge between the West and the Holy Land. Mercy shares the deeply moving journey of co-authoring Yet in the Dark Streets Shining : A Palestinian Story of Hope and Resilience in Bethlehem with Bishara Awad, the founder of Bethlehem Bible College. Through the lens of Bishara’s life—marked by displacement, faith, and an unwavering commitment to education—Mercy discusses the unique challenges faced by Palestinian Christians and the profound impact of the Bible College on the local community. We explore the weight of telling such a significant story, the shifts in perspective since October 7th, and Mercy’s enduring hope for a future rooted in empathy rather than fear. Mercy Aiken is a cross-cultural advocate, storyteller, and peacebuilder dedicated to fostering empathy and understanding in the Middle East. With years of experience living and working in Palestine and Israel, she serves as a bridge-builder between Eastern Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Mercy is the co-author of Yet in the Dark Streets Shining, the memoir of Bishara Awad, which chronicles the little-known history of Palestinian Christians through the resilience of one family. Beyond her writing, Mercy is a seasoned pilgrimage leader, organizing transformative journeys to the Holy Land designed to move participants toward a more embodied and curious faith. Her professional background includes serving as the Relationship Manager for the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) and her current work with Peace Catalyst International. Through these roles, she engages global communities to address the challenges of the Holy Land, encouraging a new generation of Jesus-following peacebuilders to lead with grace and truth. Follow Mercy’s substack for more: https://mercyaiken.substack.com/ Buy Yet in the Dark Streets Shining: https://www.amazon.com/Yet-Dark-Streets-Shining-Palestinian/dp/1737945908 Support our work at Across the Divide: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel. #israel #palestine #gaza #judaism #history #christianity #bible #faith
April 8 · 1 hr 2 min
The Jewish Understanding of the Land With Ron Naiweld
Ron Naiweld, professor at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS), in Paris, France, joins us to discuss how Jews over the last 2 thousand years have understood the Biblical idea of possessing the land. Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast ‬⁠⁠⁠#israel #palestine #gaza #christianity #bible #faith #zionism

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