What is the future for Palestine’s indigenous Christians?
In this episode, Tim speaks with Dr Usama Salman about the past, present and future of Palestine’s indigenous Christian community. Listen in to find out why this community – with its 2,000+ years of history – is facing an existential crisis, and what Dr Salman is doing to strengthen the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Candles in the dark: supporting Palestinian children with disabilities
In this episode, Tim Livesey speaks with Violette Mubarak, the general director of the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre. Tim and Violette discuss how the Centre is helping Palestinian families; the complexities of navigating permits and checkpoints between East Jerusalem and the West Bank; and the incredible work of the Centre’s staff in Gaza.
Living and serving in Israel-Palestine, with Richard Sewell
In this episode, Tim Livesey speaks with the Very Reverend Canon Richard Sewell, the Dean of St George’s College, Jerusalem. Richard speaks about the events leading up to the devastating war in Gaza, the impact the war has had on Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza City, and the violence that is intensifying in the West Bank.
Prison, politics and Palestine: A West Bank perspective
Tim speaks with Nader Abu Amsha about Nader’s experience of being arrested and imprisoned as a young man during the First Intifada and the ongoing reality of living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank. He also reflects on the war in Gaza and shares his vision of what the future may look like for Palestinians and Israelis.
Partnering with Middle East Christians through tough times
Tim speaks with Rhiannon de Laune, Embrace’s very own Programmes and Partnerships Manager. They discuss the impact of the events of 7 October and the subsequent war in Gaza, as well as concerns about the international response. On a personal level, Rhiannon shares what she has learned from working with Middle East Christians over the past six years.
“We need to stop killing each other”: A voice from Gaza
In this episode, Tim speaks with George Antone, an Embrace partner and a member of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. George shares the daily realities of life in Gaza since the war broke out on 7 October 2023 and explains why his faith has led him to remain in Gaza. He also shares his vision for the future of Palestine.
WINDOWS OF HOPE: STRIVING FOR INCLUSION IN LEBANON
In this episode, Tim speaks with Hiba Al-Jamal about the Lebanon of today, as well as times past. Listen in to find out about Hiba's unexpected journey to work with children with additional learning needs - and her mission to ensure that every child meets their potential and is valued in society.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CRISIS-TORN SYRIA
In this episode, Tim speaks with S.L., the Director of the Diakonia Department and Ecumenical Relief Service at the Middle East Council of Churches. Tim and S.L. discuss the multiple crises that have impacted the people of Syria over the past 12 years - and how the church in Syria is responding to the challenges.
SERVING DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES IN CAIRO’S ‘GARBAGE RECYCLING CITY’
In this episode, Tim speaks with two inspiring Egyptian women about faith, hope and following their callings. Listen in to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Cairo - and find out about their transformative work in an area of extreme deprivation.
IN THE SHADOW OF ISIS: A CONVERSATION WITH YOUNG IRAQI CHRISTIANS
In this episode, Tim speaks with two young Iraqi Christians who have chosen to stay in their homeland and engage in humanitarian work. They speak about the establishment of the ISIS caliphate in 2014 and its aftermath - and share their hopes for the future of Iraq.
PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, WITH MAE ELISE CANNON
My Middle East is back with a third series! Season 3 kicks off with a deeply personal conversation with the Rev Dr Mae Elise Cannon. She shares her surprising journey to working on issues related to Israel-Palestine and talks openly about the joys and challenges she faces in her calling.
MEET THE WOMEN DRIVING RECONCILIATION BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS
In this episode, Tim speaks with two inspiring women - one Israeli and one Palestinian - about the grassroots reconciliation programme they are facilitating between Israeli and Palestinian women.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE FOR IRAQ’S CHRISTIAN MINORITY?
In this episode, Tim speaks with Archbishop Warda about the rich history of Christians in Iraq, the present-day challenges, and why - in spite of everything - he remains hopeful for the future.
NEVER LOSING HOPE IN GAZA
In this episode, Tim speaks to Suhaila Tarazi, the director of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Born and bred in Gaza, Suhaila explains why she has chosen to stay and work there. She shares the enormous challenges that people face in Gaza, yet explains why she remains hopeful for the future.
WHAT IS THE CHURCH’S ROLE IN SHAPING SYRIA’S FUTURE?
In this episode, Tim speaks with Rev Dr Nadim Nassar about the conflict in Syria and the role of the church in building a better future and a kinder, more just world.
WALKING WITH FAMILIES ON THE MARGINS IN CRISIS-HIT LEBANON
In this episode, Tim speaks with Nadia Khouri, who is part of the leadership team at one of Embrace’s partner organisations in Lebanon. Nadia paints a rich picture of the marginalised neighbourhood where she works and the deep challenges facing the families there.
LIVING OUT JOY, FREEDOM AND HOPE UNDER PRESSURE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
My Middle East is back! Season 2 begins with a rich, personal conversation with Archbishop Angaelos - and covers topics like the Christian response to suffering, the imperative to practise forgiveness and reconciliation, and why the Middle East will never be void of Christians.
MY FIRST EVER TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST: REFLECTIONS ON LEBANON
In this stand-alone episode, Embrace staff member Beth Amphlett gives a fresh perspective on the sights and sounds she experienced in and around Beirut…
MY MIDDLE EAST: Dr Rowan Williams on Middle Eastern Christianity
In this episode, Tim speaks to former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams. Dr Williams was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002 and was the first modern Archbishop of Canterbury to be chosen from outside the Church of England. Dr Williams stepped down as Archbishop in 2012. In January 2013 he became master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and shortly thereafter joined the House of Lords as a crossbench peer, posts from which he has now retired. Here, he gives us an in-depth look at the origins of Middle Eastern Christianity, its historical development and why Christian communities remain such a vital and threatened ingredient in the social and cultural mix of Middle East societies – a gift we must not undervalue
MY MIDDLE EAST: My Israel
In this episode, Tim speaks to Elizabeth Harris Sawczenko. Liz has spent much of her life living in Israel, and experienced the violence of the Intifadas first-hand. She has dedicated her life to helping improve the rights of Arab Israelis and to foster balanced and nuanced discussion of Israel Palestine, and her work has led to her receiving an award from the Archbishop of Canterbury in official recognition of her contribution towards positive interfaith relationships. Liz now works for the Abraham initiatives, promoting a shared society in Israel between Jews and Arab Palestinians. In this episode, Liz speaks about her experiences of growing up as a Jewish girl in North West London, and how her experience of moving to Israel during a turbulent time in history has helped to shape her life and work.