The Free Palestine Podcast - A Conversation with Tadhg Hickey

In this evocative episode of the podcast, host Tadhg Hickey invites his friend Talha Alali, a Palestinian from Tulkarm who has elegantly woven a vibrant tapestry of life in Ireland since his arrival in September 2018. As a devoted husband, father, and an impassioned human rights advocate through his work with Amnesty International, Talha brings a richly layered perspective to the conversation.
The episode begins with Talha recounting a poignant encounter between his child and Tadhg’s daughter during a Palestinian cultural event in 2022, symbolizing a delicate bridge between their lives. This moment not only highlights the blossoming friendship between their families but also underscores Talha’s ongoing advocacy for Palestinian identity and rights, even as he navigates his new life in Ireland.
As the conversation unfolds, Talha delves into his professional journey as a physiotherapist, his love for art and music, and how these passions provide a backdrop to his advocacy, offering a unique lens through which he views his experiences.
The discussion takes a heartfelt turn as Talha vividly describes the harrowing events post October 7th, sharing his visceral fear and desperation when communication with his family became perilously uncertain amid the crisis. He articulates with deep emotion the continuous tragedy in the West Bank and Gaza, revealing the relentless cycle of trauma that afflicts his people—a sorrow so persistent and overwhelming that it scarcely allows space for healing.
Further exploring the nuances of global perceptions, Talha addresses the disparities in attention and support between healthcare professionals and aid workers in conflict zones. The podcast concludes with a profound dialogue on the misuse of the term "antisemitism," exploring its impact on public discourse and understanding in the context of Palestinian experiences. This episode not only narrates personal resilience and cultural connection but also serves as an urgent call to acknowledge and engage with the complex realities faced by Palestinians today.
Hosted by Tadhg Hickey
Edited by SwanIGuess

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of our podcast, host Tadhg Hickey sits down with Yousef Alhelou, a dedicated Palestinian journalist currently based in London, who has made it his life's work to report on the relentless violence and injustices faced by the Palestinian people. With a voice both steady and filled with emotion, Yousef shares his deeply personal connection to the tragedy unfolding in Palestine, including the heart-wrenching loss of 65 family members to the conflict. This episode offers a rare and intimate perspective on the resilience and pain that comes with bearing witness to such profound loss and suffering.
Yousef speaks passionately about journalism as his moral duty, a calling that compels him to shine a light on the realities of life under occupation and the systemic violence perpetrated against his people. He provides a critical analysis of Israel's narrative and strategies, discussing how the portrayal of Palestinians in the media and the framing of Israel as the victim serve to justify ongoing brutality and oppression.
Listeners will be captivated by Yousef's firsthand accounts of the daily suffering experienced by Palestinians, stories that are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream discourse. His insights into the psychological and physical toll of living in a constant state of siege, combined with his critique of the international community's response, paint a vivid picture of the struggle for dignity and human rights in the face of overwhelming adversity.
This episode is not just an interview; it's an urgent call to empathy and action, urging listeners to look beyond headlines and understand the human stories behind the Palestinian struggle. Yousef's unwavering commitment to documenting the truth and his profound reflections on the path forward offer a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the darkest of times.
Hosted by Tadhg Hickey
Edited by SwanIGuess

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this evocative episode of our podcast series, host Tadhg Hickey invites Leen Maarouf, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon who has made Ireland her home since 2021, to share her remarkable journey and the challenges she has faced along the way. Leen's story is one of resilience and ambition, having arrived in Ireland to pursue her education at University College Cork (UCC) through a scholarship—an opportunity that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Leen's narrative reaches a poignant climax as she recounts the events of her graduation ceremony at UCC last month, a moment that should have been a celebration of her achievements but was marred by controversy. With raw emotion, she describes how she was denied the right to carry her Palestinian flag on stage—a symbol of her identity and the struggles of her people. Further compounding her distress, the live feed of the graduation was censored, a decision that left her feeling marginalized and silenced on what was supposed to be one of the proudest days of her life.
Through her conversation with Hickey, Leen delves into the deeper implications of these actions, reflecting on the pain of being denied the right to express her identity and the sense of invisibility it engendered. Her account is a powerful commentary on the broader issues of censorship, representation, and the rights of refugees and marginalized communities to celebrate their heritage and achievements without fear of discrimination.
Listeners will be moved by Leen's courage in speaking out about her experiences, as well as her determination to use her voice to advocate for change and recognition, not just for herself, but for all those who have been similarly silenced. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of standing up for one's rights and identity, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the stories of resilience and resistance that often go unheard.
Hosted by Tadhg Hickey
Produced by SwanIGuess

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this profoundly moving episode of our podcast, we are privileged to introduce Dr. Ahmed Abdeen, a dedicated young doctor with aspirations of specializing in neurosurgery. Ahmed's remarkable journey unfolds against the backdrop of Gaza, a place that has shaped his ambitions, his challenges, and his unwavering commitment to his community.
With a passion for neurosurgery, Ahmed had been on the verge of a life-changing move to the UK to further his specialization. However, his plans were abruptly halted by the outbreak of the current war on Gaza, casting a shadow over his future and the futures of those around him. Despite this, Ahmed's resolve only strengthened. Volunteering at The European Gaza Hospital's neurosurgery department, he found himself at the intersection of his dreams and the harsh realities of conflict.
Ahmed takes us through the corridors of the hospital, sharing insights into his daily life in Gaza under the strain of war. His accounts go beyond the professional, touching on the personal toll of living in a conflict zone, including the pervasive PTSD that affects so many, including his patients and colleagues.
But it is not just a story of hardship. Ahmed's narrative is imbued with a profound sense of hope and duty. He speaks of his aspirations for his people and his homeland, reflecting on the resilience and solidarity that define Gaza's spirit. Despite the barriers to his own professional journey, his commitment to healing and helping his community in Gaza remains unwavering.
This episode is an intimate exploration of Dr. Ahmed Abdeen's life and work, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the realities of life in Gaza through the lens of a young doctor navigating the complexities of healthcare in a war-torn region. Ahmed's story is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for resilience, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even in the face of insurmountable odds. It's a compelling listen for anyone seeking inspiration from those who find strength and purpose in the most challenging circumstances.
Hosted by Tadhg Hickey
Produced by SwanIGuess

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this poignant and compelling podcast, host Tadhg Hickey welcomes Habib Al Ostaz, a Palestinian now residing in Cork, Ireland, for an in-depth conversation that spans the breadth of Habib's life experiences, from his early years in Gaza to his journey to Ireland. With raw honesty and profound emotion, Habib shares his perspective on the heart-wrenching realities of living under occupation, the genocide being perpetrated in Palestine, and the complex fabric of hope, despair, and resilience that defines daily life in the shadow of ongoing conflict.
Throughout the episode, Hickey navigates the conversation with sensitivity and insight, allowing Habib to delve deep into his personal narrative and the broader political context that frames it. Habib articulates his stance on the prospect of a two-state solution, offering a rare glimpse into the psyche of those directly impacted by the conflict. His reflections on the current state of affairs in Palestine, coupled with his aspirations for peace and justice, make for a thought-provoking listen that transcends the political discourse to touch on the universal themes of humanity, dignity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future.
Listeners will be moved by Habib's candid discussion of his own journey—marked by loss, love, and the unyielding hope for a resolution to the conflict that has shaped his life and the lives of countless others. This podcast is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the Palestinian experience through the eyes of someone who has lived it, offering insights that challenge and enlighten, and ultimately, a message of hope amidst despair.
Hosted by Tadhg Hickey
Produced by SwanIGuess


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.