In today’s episode, we explore the role of football in Israeland Palestine. Our guest discusses what drew them to this subject and shares surprising insights from their research. We dive into the origins of football during the British Mandate period, examining how it paralleled the developmentof political structures.

We discuss the influence of early Jewish Zionist and Palestinian expressions of nationalism through football and the experiences of rival football associations both nationally and internationally. The conversation also covers how football mirrored broader national and political divides and whether any teams have ongoing political allegiances.

Finally, we examine if football has played a role in bridging divides between Israelis and Palestinians and explore how it could promote a more positive future.

Twitter/X: @IAPUnpacked

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558747507898

Email: israelpalestineunpacked@gmail.com

Additionally, if you know anyone who you feel would like to be interviewed or possibly fits the description, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Pádraig

On today’s episode of Israel & Palestine Unpacked, we speak with Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian Christian political analyst and peace advocate, born into a refugee family in the Gaza Strip. Raised amid the Second Intifada and the 2008 Gaza War, Khalil’s early years were marked by deep fear and resentment. But his Christian faith led him on a transformative path toward empathy, dialogue, and mutual recognition.

Now based in the U.S., Khalil holds degrees from Bethlehem Bible College and American University, and is the co-founder of the Agora Initiative, which promotes liberal democratic values in the Middle East. In this conversation, he reflects on growing up as a Christian under Hamas rule, the power of humanizing the “other,” and his bold call for Palestinians to acknowledge Jewish peoplehood—and for Israelis to recognize Palestinian identity.

It’s a thought-provoking conversation on courage, change, and the future of peacebuilding.

Twitter/X: @IAPUnpacked

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558747507898

Email: israelpalestineunpacked@gmail.com

Additionally, if you know anyone who you feel would like to be interviewed or possibly fits the description, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Pádraig

In this episode of Israel & Palestine Unpacked, host Pádraig speaks with Shachar Erez, an Israeli Marriage and Family Therapist who also trains therapists and leads workshops on love, communication, and conflict. Shachar explores the intersection between personal healing and societal polarization, drawing on his experiences during a year and a half of war and trauma in Israel. He discusses the mental health challenges faced by individuals and communities, how he stays grounded amid collective grief, and the importance of fostering resilience, nuance, and quiet hope even in the midst of ongoing conflict.Twitter/X: @IAPUnpacked

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558747507898

Email: israelpalestineunpacked@gmail.com

Additionally, if you know anyone who you feel would like to be interviewed or possibly fits the description, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Pádraig