EP#378 | GUESTS | UT ThinkTank: Gen Z, Gaza, and the Future of Dialogue
📄 Episode Overview
In Episode #378 of the Deep Shallow Dive podcast, host Ray Doustdar sits down with returning guest Elijah Kahlenberg and newcomer Jadd Hashem for an insightful, unfiltered conversation exploring Gen Z activism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, student dialogue on campus, and the changing dynamics of American political identity. Elijah and Jadd, co-founders of Atidna International, dive deep into their interfaith work uniting Jewish and Palestinian voices, while also examining the role of media narratives, political polarization, and U.S. foreign policy. From the Gaza genocide to Zoran Mondani's mayoral campaign in NYC, this episode unpacks why Gen Z is leading a grassroots shift in moral clarity, empathy, and truth-telling.
🌟 Key Takeaways
• Gen Z is reshaping political discourse by centering justice, empathy, and intersectional activism. • Israel-Palestine dialogue is breaking generational barriers thanks to grassroots organizations like Atidna. • Politicians from both parties are being exposed for hypocrisy around Gaza and foreign policy.
🧠 Summary
This episode features a compelling tri-conversation between Ray, Elijah, and Jadd that highlights the complexities of identity, geopolitics, and generational change. Jadd shares his experience as a Palestinian-American growing up in Texas and how his exposure to Jewish peers shaped a deep desire for bridge-building. Elijah reflects on breaking out of Zionist propaganda as a Jewish American and describes his first transformative encounters with Palestinians that reshaped his worldview.
Atidna International, the interfaith organization they co-founded, takes center stage as a beacon of hope on college campuses where tension often runs high. The group facilitates dialogue, creates peace-building opportunities, and directly aids affected communities, including a soup kitchen in Gaza and a West Bank family harmed by settler violence. Their work stands as a rebuttal to extremist narratives and political apathy.
The conversation moves from personal to political, with a searing critique of the Democratic Party's silence on Gaza, the strategic use of fear via Hamas, and the bipartisan corruption fueled by AIPAC funding. Elijah shares stories from his time campaigning for Zoran Mondani in NYC, shedding light on the generational divide within Jewish communities and the power of populist messaging grounded in real issues like affordability and justice.
Listeners are encouraged to critically evaluate media narratives, especially around Syria and the Israeli occupation, and to champion ethical journalism over corporate soundbites. The episode closes with a sobering yet hopeful call to action: be informed, be brave, and be human.
🔎 Practical Tips
• Follow diverse, independent media sources to balance mainstream bias. • Support grassroots student organizations fostering dialogue, like Atidna. • Question simplistic geopolitical narratives and dig deeper into context.
📚 Research Spotlight
"Israelism" documentary – This critically acclaimed film by Jewish activists explores how young Jews are re-evaluating their relationship with Zionism, offering vital context for the episode's core themes.
❓ FAQ
Q: What is Atidna International?
A: A grassroots interfaith student group fostering dialogue and peace between Jews and Palestinians on college campuses.
Q: Who is Zoran Mondani and why does he matter?
A: Zoran is a rising political figure in NYC known for rejecting AIPAC money and centering local issues over foreign agendas.
Q: How does Gen Z view the Gaza conflict differently from older generations?
A: Gen Z tends to approach the conflict with empathy, skepticism of mainstream narratives, and openness to interfaith activism.
Q: Why is there growing criticism of Hamas as a potential political tool?
A: Some argue Hamas is propped up to justify military action and foreign aid, with little transparency around its leadership or motives.
Q: How can listeners support affected communities?
A: By donating to organizations like Atidna or Gaza-based relief groups and by sharing credible, independent coverage of events.
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
• 00:00 – Opening & Welcome
• 02:53 – Jadd Hashem's Background
• 05:45 – Growing Up Palestinian-American in Texas
• 10:41 – Elijah's Awakening & Jewish Identity Shift
• 15:07 – Gen Z and Campus Political Climate
• 19:44 – Gaza, Demographics, and Zionist Strategy
• 24:11 – Is Hamas Real or a Political Tool?
• 28:37 – Zoran Mondani: Disrupting NYC Politics
• 40:52 – Atidna's Mission and On-the-Ground Work
• 46:07 – Campus Event Tensions & Dialogue in Action
• 50:08 – Texas Redistricting & Gerrymandering
• 54:54 – Syria, Foreign Influence & Genocide
• 58:02 – Final Reflections
🧱 Final Thought
When truth is blurred and fear weaponized, Gen Z voices like Elijah and Jadd remind us that empathy, courage, and dialogue remain our most powerful tools for change.
🌍 External Resources
• Israelism Documentary
• Gaza Relief: Gaza Soup Kitchen
• Atidna International
⚙️ Squarespace SEO Settings
Meta Title: Gen Z, Gaza & Dialogue | DSD Podcast Ep 378
Meta Description: Gen Z's bold stance on Gaza, dialogue, and political truth. Featuring Elijah Kahlenberg & Jadd Hashem on Deep Shallow Dive.
Suggested Tags & Keywords: Gen Z activism, Gaza genocide, Israel-Palestine dialogue, Atidna International, Zoran Mondani, student politics, DSD podcast
📣 Social Sharing Snippet
“Gen Z isn't waiting. They're redefining politics with truth, empathy, and dialogue.” – Click to Tweet
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