Ittay Flescher is a familiar face to many in the Melbourne and Australian Jewish community. Nowadays, he works for an amazing NGO called Kids 4 Peace; a multi-faith youth movement based in Jerusalem which seeks to "bridge divides, promote understanding, and seek justice" for all residents of Jerusalem. 

In this episode, we discuss the division in Jerusalem between and within Arab, Jewish, Muslim and Israeli communities, the diversity within these communities, and the different types of narratives that they espouse. 

We also discuss diaspora narratives, and the ways in which they differ from Israeli narratives, as well as the challenge that some diaspora Jews face when entering into progressive spaces as Zionists.

Ultimately, Ittay reminds us of the power of shared experiences, and that we should not be pro-Israel, but rather "pro-the-people-that-live-there, in all of their complexities". 

If you want to learn more about AUJS, you can visit our website: https://www.aujs.com.au/

You can also find us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aujsfb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aujs_/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AUJS

To learn more about Ittay's organisation, Kids 4 Peace, visit https://k4p.org/

Our offices are on the lands of the Kulin Nation and the Eora Nation. AUJS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Elders both past and present.