Israel, Gaza, and the Empire of Lies: Dr. Gabor Maté on Truth and Trauma

Dive deep into the Israeli genocide in Gaza through the eyes of Dr. Gabor Maté, a holocaust survivor and leading expert on trauma, as he breaks down the human cost behind Israel's crimes against humanity. 

From the trauma that fuels oppression to the chilling parallels between what Nazi Germany did to Jews and what Israel is now doing to Palestinians — Maté holds nothing back.

This powerful conversation brings together voices like Omar El Akkad, Mohammed El Kurd, Francesca Albanese, and Ahmed Eldin to offer honest, nuanced perspectives on the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the roots of violence, and the urgent need for truth and justice.

In this video, you’ll get:

Dr. Gabor Maté’s insights on how trauma fuels cycles of violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians.

A clear and compassionate overview of the Gaza war, including the civilian toll and why this so-called war is being described as genocide by international observers.

A critical look at the Netanyahu government’s role and the global response, including debates over the normalization of mass killing and calls to stop arming Israel.

Perfect for anyone seeking to understand the Israel-Gaza war beyond the headlines — this video uses clear language to unpack complex ideas on genocide, war, trauma, and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Stay informed on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Gaza genocide with expert voices guiding you through the facts and emotions driving this devastating chapter in world history.

Unpacking the ‘INSANE’ Premise of Zionism, with Mehdi and Alana Hadid

 

Mehdi is joined by returning co-host Alana Hadid — an activist, designer, and Creative Director of the Palestinian film company Watermelon Pictures — for a special LIVE taping of ‘We’re Not Kidding’ in Los Angeles. They also took great questions from the audience which made for an episode you don’t want to miss. 

Mehdi and Alana dig into the “insane” premise of Zionism and the foundational double standard the entire movement is built upon. They also talk about the weaponization of religion by Christian Zionists and the hypocrisy of Evangelical Christians for not speaking out against the murders of Palestinian Christians in Gaza, the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and the massive protests that erupted in response, and how Ted Cruz made the US-Israel relationship “Instagram official” during his Tucker Carlson interview.

Also be sure to check out the Q&A that begins 32 minutes into the episode. Zeteo subscribers asked Mehdi and Alana important questions about how to change the minds of PEPs (Progressive Except for Palestine), Israel’s pinkwashing, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s endgame — one questioner even challenged Mehdi’s own political views! 

Coping with the Genocide in Gaza: An Islamic Perspective

 

“And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare in horror.”
— Surah Ibrahim (14:42)

Witnessing the ongoing genocide in Gaza is heartbreaking. The images, videos, and stories reach deep into our souls. As Muslims, we are meant to feel this pain. Our Prophet ﷺ was a mercy to the worlds—merciful to the oppressed, the wounded, and the grieving. But how do we carry this weight without breaking? How do we cope while remaining spiritually grounded?

Turn to Allah in Du’a

When you feel helpless, turn to the One who is never helpless. Du’a is not just a plea—it is a weapon, a shield, and an act of love. Cry to Allah for the people of Gaza. Make heartfelt du’a in sujood. Pray for the martyrs, the injured, the orphaned, the mothers, the journalists. Name them, remember them, and beg Allah for victory, protection, and justice. There is no such thing as a powerless prayer.

Return to the Qur’an

The Qur’an is the Book of the oppressed. It speaks of tyrants and liberators. It tells the story of Musa and Pharaoh—not as a tale of the past, but as a pattern of the present. Read it with Gaza in your heart and you’ll find guidance, strength, and clarity. The cries of the oppressed are not ignored by Allah. They are recorded, and justice is promised.

Let Your Grief Be a Sign of Faith

Feeling overwhelmed, angry, or broken is not a weakness—it is a sign that your heart is alive. The Prophet ﷺ wept when he saw injustice. The Sahabah felt deep sadness when they couldn’t help the oppressed. Your grief is valid. But don’t let it turn to despair. Let it move you toward action, toward prayer, toward truth.

Give in Any Way You Can

Even if you cannot be there in person, you are not without power. Give what you can: your money, your voice, your time. Share verified information. Support Palestinian-led charities. Join protests. Educate others. Raise awareness. Every sincere act counts. Even a single tweet made with truth and compassion can be a form of jihad with the tongue.

Practice Sabr with Purpose

Sabr isn’t passive—it’s powerful. It means staying steady in the face of injustice. Taking care of your body and mind. Praying even when it hurts. Speaking truth even when it’s unpopular. Going to work or school even when your heart is heavy—not because you’re ignoring Gaza, but because our strength sustains the struggle.

Hold Firm to Hope in Allah’s Justice

It may feel like the oppressors are winning, but this world is not the final chapter. Allah sees. Allah knows. Allah never lets injustice go unpunished. Trust that every drop of blood, every tear, every child’s smile that was stolen is counted—and that Allah will restore it all. Never lose faith in His justice, even when the world goes silent.

Final Reflection

To witness genocide is to be tested. Not only in how we respond externally, but in who we become internally. Gaza is not just a humanitarian crisis—it is a spiritual call. A call to rise. To remember. To act. And to believe that Allah’s promise is true.

“O Allah, help the people of Gaza. Protect their children, strengthen their hearts, accept their martyrs, and destroy the oppressors. Make us among those who stand with the oppressed in word, wealth, and spirit. Ameen.”

Umm Kulthum bt. Ali (ra): Daughter of Nobility and Tragedy | The Firsts | Sahaba | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 

“O daughter of the noble ones!” This was the way to address the younger granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Umm Kulthum bint Ali (ra).

She was a woman of piety, like her mother Fatima (ra). In the glimpses we have into her life, we see her marrying Umar (ra) and then the sons of Ja’far (ra), stepping in to help a traveling woman give birth, patiently enduring the martyrdom of many loved ones, and dying alongside her son.

The World is a Joke! | Bassem Youssef

 

The Tea with Myriam François, we sit down with comedian and political fire-starter Bassem Youssef to unpack the surreal state of power and resistance.

Bassem is a former surgeon who swapped scalpels for satire. Dubbed the “Jon Stewart of the Arab world”, Bassem brings his no-holds-barred analysis to questions that many fear to ask — about complicity, distraction, and how the elite keep uprisings in check.

From the fallout of the Epstein files to the IDF’s social media storms, we ask:

Who’s running the show — and how does humour disrupt their script?

Alon Mizrahi: 'Israel Must Be Dismantled'

 

Alon Mizrahi is an Arab Jewish writer and activist who left Israel over the genocide it has perpetrated in Gaza. He now resides in the United States.

On January 21, 2025, Dimitri Lascaris spoke with Alon about his experiences as an Arab Jew in Israel, his abandonment of Zionism, and the future of the 'Jewish state'.

According to Alon, Israel's political elite and society have become so infused with hatred of Arabs, and have enjoyed impunity for so long, that the region cannot achieve a lasting and just peace unless Israel is dismantled.

Death & Beyond w/ The Muslim Undertaker

 

Join Ahmad Hraichie at the Ottawa Muslim Cemetery as he uncovers one of the most overlooked institutions in our community: the Muslim burial ground. Through heartfelt stories, powerful Islamic reminders, and on-the-ground reflections, this short film explores how supporting cemeteries is a vital act of Sadaqah Jariyah. More than a film about death, it’s a call to preserve dignity, legacy, and communal responsibility for generations to come.

Zaynab bint Ali (ra): A Voice of Courage | The Firsts | Sahaba Stories | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 

A granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, exemplary for her patience, courage and generosity. She established institutions to support the poor, elderly, and disabled. She persevered after the painful massacre of her family at Karbala, and eloquently spoke truth to power. 

Zaynab bint Ali (ra) is from the great women of the Ahl al-Bayt and is an enduring role model for every generation of Muslims.

Lowkey Meets Former US Soldier

 

Lowkey meets MintPress colleague Greg Stoker for the first time in a special episode of The Watchdog.

How to See the Prophet ﷺ in a Dream | Barzakh | Other Side Ep.5 | Dr. Omar Suleiman | Ramadan Series

 

Do you wish to see the Prophet ﷺ in your dream? 

What would it be like to see his smile, hear his voice, and be in his presence? The Prophet ﷺ continues to appear in the dreams of the faithful. From the woman in Gaza who foresaw tragedy, to scholars and warriors who received his reassurance, these visions have carried the ummah through generations. But you don’t need to have lived with him to connect with him.