Activist, producer, writer and editor Frank Barat shares his journey into activism, focusing on Palestine, and the significant moments that shaped his advocacy. From his upbringing in a working-class family to his eye-opening trip to Palestine in 2007, Barat paints a picture of the struggles and beauty he witnessed. He discusses the Russell Tribunal on Palestine and its impact, the Freedom Flotilla initiatives, and the importance of global solidarity movements. He touches on the moral high ground held by the movement and the intricate dynamics of apartheid in Israel, and offers a candid look at the challenges and hopes for the future of Palestine and Palestinian solidarity.
This episode was recorded on April 18, 2025.
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Frank Barat's Early Influences and Activism
03:02 First Visit to Palestine and Its Impact
10:19 The Russell Tribunal and Its Significance
16:48 Challenges and Strategies in Activism
24:36 The Freedom Flotilla
31:14 Legal Battles and Collaborations
33:10 The Reality of Activism in Israel and Palestine
34:28 The Moral High Ground and Global Solidarity
35:01 Demonstrations and Public Perception
36:08 Israeli Perspective and Internal Change
38:04 The Zionist Project and Brainwashing
41:05 Chomsky, Pappé & Other Influential Voices
46:16 The Role of Jewish Voices in the Movement
50:56 Global Shifts and the Future of Solidarity
55:51 Reflections on Resilience and Struggle
01:00:44 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks
Frank Barat is a French-born activist, producer, writer and editor currently based in Brussels, after spending more than a decade in London. He was one of the coordinators of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine (2008-2014) and is the co-founder of Festival Ciné-Palestine in Paris, the Palestina with Love festival in Brussels, and BARC Productions, a film production company, created in Brussels in February 2019. He has produced or co-produced films, including The Key, London Recruits, and a feature documentary on Palestine directed by Ali Al-Araian. He is also developing a television series with UK producer George Arbourne. Barat has edited books with Ilan Pappé, Noam Chomsky, Angela Y. Davis, Marc Lamont Hill, Ken Loach and Vijay Prashad.
Connect with Frank 👉 https://www.instagram.com/4frankbarat/
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