Across the Divide Podcast

In this episode we hear from father David Neuhaus a Jewish-background South African Jesuit priest who is also an Israeli citizen. Fr. Nauhaus shared with us his background of growing up as a Jew in apartheid-era South Africa, and his journey moving to Israel and being transformed by his encounters with both Israelis and Palestinians. This is a very insightful and powerful conversation that you don’t want to miss!  Fr. David Neuhaus, S.J.,  is a Jesuit priest who teaches Scripture in Israel and Palestine. He has been a long-term member of the Holy Land Catholic Church's Justice and Peace Commission. From 2009 until 2017, he was Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking and migrant Catholics in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Born in South Africa of Jewish German parents during the apartheid era, he has lived most of his life in Israel and is an Israeli citizen.    If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Article: As war begins again in Holy Land, Jesuit David Neuhaus hopes Christians can be instruments of peace | America Magazine

In this episode, Jen has a conversation with Palestinian Christian scholar Lamma Mansour. This episode delves into the practice of lament--exploring the importance of lament in the Church, how we can lament the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and why it is often difficult for the Western Church to lament. Lamma also shares about her experience as a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship and about her research on the discrimination Palestinian Arabs face in Israeli higher education. Lamma Mansour is a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford. Her doctoral research focuses on the experiences of Arab Palestinian undergraduate students in Israeli higher education. Lamma has also been involved in research projects focusing on other groups within Palestinian Arab society in Israel (e.g., young women, and social workers). If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: “Stop! Make space for lament” (article, 2021) “Being our neighbour’s keeper by lamenting injustice: a Palestinian Christian reflection” (lecture at Christ at the Checkpoint, 2022) “A prayer of lament and hope” (short devotion, 2023) “Palestinian Arab undergraduate students’ transition to Israeli higher education: a mixed methods study” (journal article, 2024) Haaretz article on Palestinian singer, Dalal Abu Amneh

In this episode, Daniel and Jen have a conversation with Anton Deik, a Palestinian Bible scholar, about the biblical understanding of justice and its relationship to mission and evangelism. Anton challenges the prevailing understanding among some Christians that social and political issues are not part of the gospel, and provides a compelling biblical case for the interconnectedness of justice with faith and spirituality, particularly through the ministry of Christ and the Great Commission.  Anton Deik is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, and is a member of the networking team and board of directors of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation, lecturer in Biblical Studies with Bethlehem Bible College, and research associate with the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence in the United Kingdom. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen where he researches biblical and Graeco-Roman conceptions of justice. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: Blood Brothers, Elias Chacour Justice and Only Justice: A Palestinian Theology of Liberation, Naim Ateek Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes, Mitri Raheb World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age, C. Kavin Rowe

This is a rich conversation Daniel and Jen had with Matthew Vega, a Black-Mexican theologian at the University of Chicago. Topics discussed during the conversation include an exploration of black theology, the history of black solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, and theodicy--how we can make sense of God's presence in the midst of immense suffering. Matthew Vega is a PhD Candidate at the University of Chicago Divinity where he is researching theology, race, and class. You can follow him on IG @collegepopout. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and Black Theology and Black Power, James Cone Black Power and Palestine: Transnational Countries of Color, Michael Fischbach⁠ Freedom is a Constant struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement, Angela Davis The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race, Willie James Jennings⁠ Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God, Delores Williams⁠

In this episode, Abeer and Jen have a conversation with Shadia Qubti, a Palestinian Christian scholar and activist. In the conversation, Shadia shares about her experience being Palestinian with Israeli citizenship and the challenges and barriers that Palestinian women often face. We also discuss the Western church’s role in peacebuilding, practices for decolonizing solidarity, and the idea of seeking positive, constructive peace. Shadia Qubti is a Palestinian Christian who has worked in peace-building and advocacy initiatives for 15 years. She is particularly focused on amplifying the voices and perspectives of women and other minorities in various ways, one of which was in the Women Behind the Wall podcast, which she hosted previously. Shadia was born and raised in Nazareth. She studied International Relations and English Language at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and Conflict Resolution and Nonviolent Action at Trinity Dublin College in Ireland. Shadia recently completed a second MA degree in Interreligious and Indigenous Studies at Vancouver School of Theology, where she completed her thesis, "A Theological Conversation between Palestinian and North American Indigenous Understandings of Land." Shadia is currently working as the Community Engagement Animator at Trinity Grace United Church in Vancouver, Canada. You can follow Shadia on IG @shadiaqubti (where she will share her Master’s Thesis upon request).  If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: Women Behind the Wall Podcast “Do Not Be Afraid–A Palestinian Reflection on Advent,” Shadia Qubti, Sabeel Cornerstone “Palestinian Christians reflect on a Christmas like no other,” Shadia Qubti and others, Canadian Mennonite Magazine “Land and People,” Andrea Smith in A Land Full of God Galtung Institute for Peace Theory and Peace Practice“Timeline: Israel’s Attacks on Gaza Since 2005,” Al Jazeera (including the 2014 War)

In this episode, Daniel has a poignant conversation with pastor Jason Miller, founder and lead pastor of South Bend City Church. The conversation reflects on the American church's responsibility towards what's happening in Palestine-Israel, and considers some better ways for us to move forward. Pastor Jason Miller is an advocate for artists and peacemakers, his work beyond South Bend focuses on cultural headwaters and conflict zones, where he serves an international constituency of leaders. He holds a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. His first book, When the World Breaks, was released in August of 2023. It explores the Beatitudes as paradoxes of transformation. For more, follow Jason on IG @jasonadammiller or check out jasonadammiller.com. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: South Bend City Church's podcast When the World Breaks, Jason Miller The Telos Group

Considering the dark season of pain and lament that Palestinian Christians are going through during Christmas this year, we decided to release this bonus episode that features a sermon by Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac titled "Christ in the Rubble." The sermon was delivered during a special Christmas service called "Christ in the Rubble: A liturgy of Lament" that was held on December 23rd of this year at the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, co-hosts Abeer and Daniel welcome Rabbi Alissa Wise, an active community organizer for justice and a Lead Organizer of Rabbis for Ceasefire.  Rabbi Wise offers a compelling look into her journey, revealing the intricate layers of her identity as a Jewish rabbi. She eloquently unpacks the subtleties of progressive Jewish advocacy, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact of Christian Zionism on the ongoing crisis in Palestine-Israel. Her rich experience and steadfast commitment to peace furnish the discussion with profound insights, enhancing our comprehension of these multifaceted issues. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: Rabbi Alissa Wise  Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbis for Ceasefire Rabbis for Human Rights

This unique episode includes recordings from a special session on Palestinian Christianity at the American Academy of Religion (AAR) 2023 Annual Meeting. This session was organized by the Middle Eastern Christianity Unit to discuss the open letter that was written by four Palestinian theologians to the church in the West: Anton Deik, Rev. Munther Isaac, Daniel Bannoura, and Yousef Alkhouri. Speakers in this session include three of the co-authors of the letter, and the respondents include Logan Williams, Judith Norman, and Atalia Omer. This episode features an important conversation that addresses the missteps and the potential role of the Western church in ending the war on Gaza and seeking justice and peace in Palestine-Israel. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes An Open Letter from Palestinian Christians to Western Church Leaders and Theologians (Petition still accepting signatures as of December 8, 2023) Palestinian Christian Books: The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope, Munther Isaac Through My Enemy's Eyes: Envisioning Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine, Salim J Munayer and Lisa Loden Decolonizing Palestine: The Land, The People, the Bible, Mitri Raheb Occupied with Nonviolence: A Palestinian Woman Speaks, Jean Zaru A Palestinian Theology of Liberation: The Bible, Justice and the Palestine-Israel Conflict, Naim Ateek Yet in the Dark Streets Shining: A Palestinian Story of Hope and Resilience in Bethlehem, Bishara Awad and Mercy Aiken Organizations for Education & Action: Christ at the Checkpoint Sabeel, Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) US Campaign for Palestinian Human Rights B'tselem⁠ Community Peacemakers Team (CPT) Challenging Christian Zionism Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME)

In this episode, co-hosts Daniel and Jen discuss some common Western Christian responses to the ongoing war on Gaza. They unpack the normalization of violence and dehumanization in American Christian rhetoric regarding this war, and Palestine-Israel at large. They also examine biblical, theological, and ethical frameworks that some Christians utilize to justify violence in Gaza, particularly Just War theory, and other ways the Bible is weaponized to support violence. At the end, they offer alternative ways to think of war and violence in light of the work of Christ. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide  Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: Palestinian Christian Open Letters & Documents An Open Letter from Palestinian Christians to Western Church Leaders and Theologians (Petition still accepting signatures as of November 17, 2023) Kairos Southern Africa and Kairos Palestine Issue a Joint Open Letter to Church leaders and Christians in the USA, Europe and the Ecumenical Family (November 4, 2023) Kairos Palestine Document- “A moment of truth: A word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering” (2009) Other Helpful Podcast Episodes Let’s Talk About Gaza: A Conversation with a Gazan Theologian, Across the Divide A Palestinian Christian’s Perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian War: Daniel Bannoura, Theology in the Raw Western Christian Responses The Dangerous History Behind Netanyahu’s Amalek Rhetoric, Mother Jones (November 3, 2023) American Christians Should Stand with Israel under Attack, Russell Moore (October 7, 2023) The Allure of Moral Clarity in a Time of War: A Response to Russell Moore, Bruce Fisk (October 12, 2023) Non-Violent Christian Theology What Does ‘Christian Nonviolence’ Actually Mean? Mitchell Atencio (2022) Stanley Hauerwas on Peacemaking: Nonviolence, Peace, Race, and Foreign Policy with Dr. Nathan Hosler (Webinar, 2022)