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The Big Picture with Mohamed Hassan
A weekly podcast focused on long-form interviews on history, pop culture and society affecting the MENA region and diaspora communities. It aims to inform and illuminate the region through a non-newsy lens, exploring the MENA region's past, present and future and its people. Each episode begins with a question and an introduction to an expert who will attempt to answer it.
The Big Picture with Mohamed Hassan
Judaism is 6000 years old. It can outlive Zionism | Rabbia Alissa Wise
Is Judaism itself an anti-Zionist religion?
According to Rabbi and organiser Alissa Wise, it's precisely the teachings of her faith that informs her stance against Israel, and her advocacy for a free Palestine.
Rabbi Wise is a former organiser with Jewish Voice for Peace, and in December 2023 founded the group Rabbis for Ceasefire, calling for an end to Israel's genocide in Gaza.
The group now has more than 200 members, all of them teachers of the Jewish faith. They're a part of a growing movement of dissenting voices within Jewish communities challenging ideas that were taboo for decades.
Back in November, shortly after the re-election of Donald Trump, The Big Picture Podcast travelled to Philadelphia to meet with Rabbi Alissa Wise to talk about the history of Judaism and the Jewish people.
And why standing against Zionism is the most Jewish thing she can do.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode, and any guests you'd like us to have on our show. Reach us by email at mh@middleeasteye.org or find us on instagram @BigPictureMee.
You can also watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMyaP73Ho1ySj3cO0OSOHZAOgD1WTDixG
