Hope in hard places E3 - Huda from Syria
In this episode, Embrace’s Revd Su McClellan speaks with Huda Nassar, Director for the Middle East at the Awareness Foundation. Su and Huda discuss the current context in Syria, how to keep ourselves focused on God, and what it truly means to live as a Christian.
Hope in hard places E2 - Sally from Iraq
In this episode, Embrace’s Revd Su McClellan speaks with Sally Boya from Iraq. Drawing on personal stories, Sally speaks about faith, hope and what it means to live in the presence of God.
Hope in hard places E1 - Hana from Palestine
In this episode, Embrace's Revd Su McClellan speaks with Hana Zoughbi Kirreh from Palestine. They talk about reconciliation, women's rights and international solidarity with Palestinian Christians. Hana also explains why she refuses to give up hope - despite the bleak political landscape.
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.