From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea
This podcast seeks to be a conversation starter for those who seek to break beyond the binaries and labels of pro-Israel and pro-Palestine, exploring what it means to be pro-peace. Ultimately, it seeks to comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable.
Season 1 of From the Yarra was hosted by Hannah Baker and Ittay Flescher, a conversation between two Jews in Melbourne and Jerusalem about war and peace. It was recorded between December 2023 - October 2024.
Season 2 of 'From the Yarra' is coming soon, featuring exclusive conversations with Ittay Flescher about his new book, 'The Holy and the Broken.'
From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea
Episode 4: Mapping Empathy with Mushon Zer Aviv
In this episode of "From the Yarra River the Mediterranean Sea", we interview Israeli map designer and peace builder Mushon Zer Aviv. We first came across Mushon after reading a powerful article he wrote called “Your Empty is Killing us” which explores the importance of holding space for YES AND statements during this war.
In the second half of the episode, we have a discussion between ourselves about what it means to be connected to land and the links we have seen between Palestinians, Israelis and Australia's First Peoples.
We also discuss the Australian Left and how we feel their advocacy has been, at times, somewhat one-sided.
In what has been a particularly tragic week for both Israelis and Palestinians, we hope this conversation again gives our listeners hope that another way is possible.