A REPORT BACK FROM PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE ON PALESTINE W/ JOURNALIST JESSE STRAUSS

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

Davey D of Hard Knock Radio recently sat down with activist Jesse, producer of the popular KPFA radio show ‘Law and Disorder,’ to discuss his trip to Detroit for the ‘People’s Conference on Palestine.’ Their conversation covered a wide range of topics, including Jesse’s firsthand experiences, the ongoing devastation in Gaza, and the broader movement for Palestinian freedom.

Davey D touched on various subjects, including narcotics, hard work, and the National Academy. He discussed the Republic and Parliament, the arrest of a child, and relationships with the government. There was also a reference to a playground and information about the Law of Ukraine. The conversation concluded with remarks on being close to national guidelines.

Jesse’s People’s Conference Experience

Jesse shared his experience from attending the People’s Conference for Palestine, highlighting the devastation in Gaza and the need to end the ongoing genocide. He noted a shift in focus towards the Palestinian movement, with increased attention and conversations about the issue. The conference was marked by solidarity and optimism despite challenges. Jesse emphasized the interconnectedness of the Palestinian movement with other justice movements, advocating for divestment from the war machine and universities.

Israel’s Violence and American Culture Impact

The conversation explored the impact of Israel’s violence on Americans, especially in areas with large Arab populations like Dearborn, Michigan. Jesse discussed pervasive Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment in American culture. A significant story from the conference was that of Sana Daka, a former Palestinian political prisoner, and her husband, who spent 36 years in Israeli jails.

Emotional Reception for Sana Daqqah and Vijay Prashad

Jesse described the emotional reception for Sana Daqqah and her daughter at the conference. He highlighted the keynote speech by Vijay Prashad, who asserted that Israel had lost its ideological war and would eventually lose the military one as well.

Discussing Political Prisoners in Palestine

The discussion focused on the treatment of political prisoners in Palestine, particularly the use of administrative detention by the Israeli military. Jesse highlighted the inhumane conditions faced by detainees and the need for increased awareness of these issues.

Cultural Erasure, History, and Political Polarization

Participants discussed the intentional destruction of cultural institutions and histories, particularly in the Palestinian context. They shared personal experiences of cultural erasure and emphasized the importance of teaching history to prevent such erasures. The changing political landscape and growing polarization within certain groups were also discussed.

Disrupting the Narrative: Anti-Zionism, Anti-Semitism, and Safety

Jesse addressed the false narrative equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, arguing for clarity on this issue. He stressed that there is no correlation between being Jewish and the State of Israel, and that Israel does not ensure Jewish safety. Jesse, as an abolitionist and community organizer, drew parallels between the US prison industrial complex and Zionism, advocating for an anti-war and anti-Zionist stance.

War, Protest, and Dissent: Perspectives and Optimism

The conversation also touched on the impact of war and protest, with Davey D sharing insights on how dissenters are often labeled as unpatriotic. Jesse shared his experiences as a young activist during the post-9/11 anti-war movement, expressing hope and optimism for the movement towards a free Palestine.

The show concluded with opening remarks and keynotes from conference participants Mohammad Nabulsi and Yara Shoufani.

Hard Knock Radio is a daily syndicated talk show that intersects, Politics, Hip Hop and Culture. It is hosted by Davey D and produced by Anita Johnson..

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