The Struggle for Palestine in Britain: Echoes of the Anti-Apartheid Movement

The Struggle for Palestine in Britain: Echoes of the Anti-Apartheid Movement

Author: The New Arab July 14, 2023 Duration: 38:05

The recent violence in the Jenin refugee camp was a shocking and violent development. 

The incursion left 12 dead, over a hundred wounded, and a trail of destruction to infrastructure that will make life in the camp even more difficult. 

As Israeli soldiers made their way through the camp, Palestine activists in London took to the streets to express their anger and opposition to the events in the West Bank, and to the British government's relationship with the government in Israel. 

This week on The New Arab Voice we look at the state of Palestine activism is the UK. What are Palestine activists doing to get their message across? Are they seeing any success? How might legislation like the 'Anti-Boycott Bill' effect the work of Palestine activists? And should the movement seek greater cooperation with the UK government. 

The struggle for Palestine in the UK is ongoing, but there is a precedent in the country for successful campaigns.

The former apartheid regime in South Africa was an appalling crime, and during the life of this regime, campaigns in the UK, through intense efforts, manage to raise awareness and effect real change in South Africa, via the UK. 

This week, we look at how that anti-apartheid campaign managed to achieve its success, and what lessons can be learnt, to help those fighting against Palestinian oppression.

Joining us to talk about the recent events in Jenin, we speak with Qassam Muaddi (@QassaMMuaddi), The New Arab's West Bank correspondent.

To explain the state of Palestine activism in the UK, we're joined by Jeanine Hourani (@jeaninehourani), a Palestinian organiser and a PhD candidate at the University of Exeter looking at women’sresistance and mental health in Palestine.

And to remind us of the struggle face by anti-apartheid campaigners , we speak with famed activist Lord Peter Hain (@PeterHain).


This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. 

Theme music by Omar al-Fil. 

Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice.


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From a London newsroom, The New Arab Voice reaches across continents, offering a distinct perspective on events and ideas shaping communities from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia and global diasporas. This isn't just a headlines recap. Each episode weaves together rigorous news analysis, cultural insight, and historical context, treating complex political shifts and societal transformations with the depth they deserve. You'll hear from people living the stories-artists, analysts, and everyday voices-providing a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The podcast reflects the rich tapestry of the regions it covers, finding the connections between past and present, policy and personal experience. For listeners seeking to move past soundbites and explore the interplay of power, identity, and heritage, The New Arab Voice provides essential listening. It’s where current affairs meet deep storytelling, all grounded in the extensive journalistic tradition of The New Arab. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and illuminate the underreported, fostering a more informed and engaged perspective on a dynamic part of the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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