Gaza: Is International Law a Waste of Time? With Francesca Albanese

 

Should we, people who remain married to justice, accept that international law, if it ever did work, is today defunct? In a broader sense, when we pursue its application are we in danger of creating a sense of false hope. These are the existential questions we are now asking ourselves as the genocide proceeds at pace into its 2nd year.
My guest today is Francesca Albanese, an international lawyer who has been in the eye of the storm, speaking truth at the highest levels. Francesca specialises in international humanitarian law and is the special rapporteur for the UN reporting on Palestine.

OFFICE HOURS: Marc Lamont Hill DESTROYS Pro-Israel Activist in DEBATE on Palestine, Zionism, & More!

 

Human Rights Heroes: Dr Gabor Maté

 

Dr. Gabor Maté, a Hungarian-Canadian physician, author, and speaker, is known for his work on addiction, trauma, and mental health. Alongside his groundbreaking insights into human suffering, Maté is also a vocal advocate for human rights. His views on Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have sparked widespread discussion. This blog post explores Maté's perspective on these topics and the broader societal implications.

Gabor Maté: A Life Shaped by Trauma
Born in 1944 in Budapest during the Holocaust, Maté’s early life was marked by profound trauma. His Jewish family faced persecution under Nazi occupation, and his grandparents were killed in Auschwitz. This lived experience profoundly shaped his worldview and commitment to understanding trauma and injustice.

His personal history provides a unique lens through which he examines Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For Maté, grappling with trauma is not just an individual journey but a collective responsibility, particularly for communities shaped by historical suffering.

Maté’s Critique of Zionism
Maté has been a vocal critic of Zionism, particularly in its modern political manifestations. While he acknowledges the historical need for a Jewish homeland after centuries of persecution, including the Holocaust, he argues that the implementation of Zionism has come at a grave cost to the Palestinian people.

Maté often points to the parallels between his own people’s historical suffering and the current experiences of Palestinians. He argues that the trauma of Jewish persecution does not justify the displacement and subjugation of another people. In interviews and public talks, he has expressed deep concern over the Israeli government’s policies, particularly the occupation of Palestinian territories, settlement expansions, and military actions.

On the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Maté describes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a “human rights catastrophe.” He is critical of the dehumanization of Palestinians and often speaks out against the silencing of dissenting voices within Jewish and broader Western communities.

He has drawn attention to the role of collective trauma in perpetuating the conflict. For Maté, unhealed trauma in Jewish communities—rooted in centuries of persecution—has fueled a defensive and aggressive stance toward Palestinians. He advocates for a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to resolving the conflict, emphasizing the need for both acknowledgment of past suffering and accountability for present injustices.

Criticism and Controversy
Maté’s views have not been without controversy. Some critics accuse him of downplaying the existential threats faced by Israel or of being overly sympathetic to Palestinian narratives. Others see his critique of Zionism as an attack on Jewish identity. Maté, however, distinguishes between criticism of Israeli policies and anti-Semitism, arguing that the two are often conflated to stifle legitimate debate.

He has also faced backlash from some Jewish communities for challenging what he sees as a “tribal mindset” that prioritizes loyalty to Israel over universal human rights.

Maté’s Vision for Peace
Despite the polarizing nature of his views, Maté’s ultimate message is one of healing and reconciliation. He calls for a departure from fear-driven politics and a move toward empathy and mutual understanding. Drawing from his expertise in trauma, Maté emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the psychological wounds that underpin the conflict.

His vision for peace is rooted in the belief that justice and equality are prerequisites for healing. He advocates for an end to the occupation, recognition of Palestinian rights, and a commitment from all parties to work toward a just and lasting resolution.

Conclusion
Dr. Gabor Maté’s insights into Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, trauma, and justice. His perspective, shaped by a lifetime of grappling with suffering, calls for a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict and the transformative potential of compassion.

While his views may provoke controversy, they also open up vital conversations about how societies can move beyond historical wounds to build a future rooted in mutual respect and dignity. In a world rife with division, Maté’s call for empathy and accountability is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.

Israelis 'Flooding' Into Cyprus to 'Buy Anything In Sight'

 

Dimitri Lascaris travels to Cyprus to investigate reports in the Israeli and Cypriot media that Israelis have been 'flooding' into Cyprus and 'buying anything in sight'.

In the course of his investigation, Lascaris visited resorts and other business that quietly cater to an affluent Israeli clientele.

Lascaris also examined the little-discussed fact that the earliest Zionists viewed Cyprus as a stepping stone to the colonization of Palestine.

Joram Van Klaveren, Ex-Dutch Far-Right Politician Turned Muslim, Speaks at GPU Festival

From writing a book against Islam to embracing the faith. Joram Van Klaveren shares his story at the GPU Festival showcasing his inspiring story.

Converting to Islam and the Pursuit of Meaning with Dr Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad)

 

Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with renowned Islamic theologian Dr. Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad) to explore his journey to Islam and the depth and richness that he finds within the Islamic spiritual tradition.

Dr. Winter shares the story of his own transformative journey, from attending a Christian school to  a deep immersion in the world of Islam.

Beyond his personal narrative, Dr. Winter delves into the surprising commonalities between Christianity and Islam, challenging common misconceptions and inviting listeners to consider the universal human yearning for the sacred. He also reflects on the resurgence of interest in traditional forms of religion and the need for a more prophetic, counter-cultural approach to faith.

Norman Finkelstein debates Elijah Magnier on resistance of Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel.

 

This show opens up a lively debate between Prof. Norman Finkelstein and Elijah Magnier about what is the implication of the narrative of effective resistance by Hamas and Hezbollah in the face of an ongoing genocide in Gaza and tremendous destruction and displacement in Lebanon. Prof. Finkelstein argues that the narrative of effective resistance is factually wrong, and strategically lends support to Israeli propaganda about the need to further intensify their atrocity. Elijah insists that while the destruction by Israel is definitely of an unprecedented scale, the resistance has not surrendered in Gaza and certainly not in Hezbollah. This means that there are military reasons behind some of the actions we see in Palestine and Lebanon. Prof. Finkelstein contends that the actions of the Israeli state are less driven by military compulsion of stiff resistance and more driven by Israeli intent of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and establishment of deterence.

Israelism: The awakening of young American Jews | Featured Documentary

 

When two young American Jews raised to support Israel unconditionally witness the way Israel treats Palestinians, it changes their lives. They join a movement of young American Jews campaigning to redefine Judaism’s relationship with Israel and reveal a deepening generational divide over modern Jewish identity. Israelism sparked huge debate on American campuses even before the events of October 7, 2023.

It follows Simone Zimmerman, who visited Israel as a teenager, and Eitan who joined the Israeli army after graduating from high school as they discover the reality for Palestinians and radically revise their views. It includes interviews with academics and political activists, including Noam Chomsky, Cornel West, Lara Friedman and a former director of the Anti-Defamation League, Abe Foxman.

Contributors suggest the narrative that young American Jews are fed almost entirely erases the existence of the Palestinians through education and advocacy, sometimes involving groups that organise free trips to Israel partially funded by the Israeli government.

This film describes how influential this narrative is in shaping attitudes to Israel, not just in the United States but across the world.

The Role of Islam in Supporting Mental Health: A Path to Peace and Resilience

 

In recent years, mental health has gained more attention and understanding, yet the stigma surrounding it still persists, particularly in some religious communities. In Islam, mental health is not only acknowledged but supported in numerous ways through teachings in the Quran, the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), and Islamic practices. Islamic principles, when applied thoughtfully, can contribute to a holistic approach to mental health, combining spiritual resilience, community support, and self-care.
 

Acknowledging Mental Health in Islam

Islam has long acknowledged human suffering and mental challenges. The Quran and Hadith reflect compassion towards human emotions and difficulties. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression are part of the human experience, and they were experienced by prophets as well as by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who endured trials of loss, hardship, and persecution. For instance, in the Quran, Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) (PBUH) experiences immense grief over the loss of his son, yet remains patient and turns to Allah for comfort. These examples show that emotional struggles are normal and that faith provides tools for coping and healing.

 Finding Peace in Faith and Prayer

A core Islamic practice that supports mental well-being is prayer (Salah), which is obligatory for Muslims five times a day. Regular prayer not only strengthens one's connection with Allah but also provides a moment of peace and reflection. Studies show that mindfulness and meditation, which are key elements of Salah, can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Additionally, the practice of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) encourages the recitation of phrases like "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah), and "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). Repeating these words fosters gratitude and a sense of calm, reminding believers of Allah’s presence and control over all affairs, which can alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of resilience. 

Emotional Support through Community

Islam strongly emphasizes the importance of community, family, and support. The concept of Ummah (the global Muslim community) encourages Muslims to support one another, especially during times of hardship. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the duty of Muslims to uplift and care for each other. He said, “The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever” (Sahih Bukhari).

This principle translates into a network of emotional support for those struggling with mental health issues. Whether through family, friends, or religious gatherings, the Islamic community is encouraged to provide a safe space for individuals to express their struggles without fear of judgment.
 

 The Importance of Self-Care and Seeking Help

Islam advocates for balance in every aspect of life, including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Taking care of one’s body, maintaining healthy habits, and ensuring mental wellness are essential aspects of self-care in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised his followers to take care of their bodies and not to neglect their well-being.

Furthermore, Islam does not discourage seeking professional help. Muslims are encouraged to use all resources available to them, including modern medicine and therapy, in dealing with mental health issues. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “For every disease, Allah has given a cure” (Sahih Bukhari), suggesting that seeking medical and therapeutic interventions is compatible with Islamic teachings.
 

Relying on Allah’s Mercy and Building Resilience

Trusting in Allah’s plan, or tawakkul, is a core belief in Islam that can help Muslims build resilience. Life’s trials are seen as tests that, if approached with patience and faith, bring one closer to Allah. While enduring hardship, Muslims are reminded that Allah is Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) and Ar-Rahim (The Compassionate), which provides a source of hope.

Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allah in prayer, especially in times of hardship, while also trusting in His wisdom. This reliance on Allah can provide a foundation for resilience, helping individuals to find meaning and purpose in their challenges, which are temporary compared to the promise of peace in the Hereafter.


In Islam, mental health is viewed holistically, integrating spiritual practices, community support, and self-care. By encouraging self-reflection, fostering gratitude, and strengthening trust in Allah, Islam offers tools for Muslims to maintain mental health and cope with emotional challenges. With the guidance of Islamic teachings and support from modern mental health resources, Muslims can work toward inner peace, resilience, and a balanced life.

Embracing the role of faith in mental health not only helps individuals find comfort but also promotes a compassionate and supportive environment that reduces stigma and empowers those facing mental health struggles.

Norman Finkelstein & Rashid Khalidi Expose Israel's Atrocities in Gaza