Ep 3: Gazan-American & Jewish-Israeli Examine Hamas Polls and Building a New Future for the Region

In this third powerful conversation in our special video series, Z3 host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman sits down with Gazan-American activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib to tackle the intricate layers of identity, misinformation, and hope in the Israel-Gaza conflict. They begin with Ahmed’s insights into life under Hamas rule in Gaza, sharing the day-to-day struggles of Palestinians caught in the crossfire. The conversation explores the often-overlooked influence of propaganda and misinformation—particularly around polling data and public opinion—while underscoring the impact these narratives have on both Palestinian lives and international perspectives. Ahmed’s call for international support that empowers Palestinians to achieve self-governance and economic stability offers a fresh perspective on moving beyond rhetoric to meaningful action for peace. This episode dives deep into the intersections of Palestinian identity, regional politics, and the future of the region. Through this honest exchange, Ahmed and Amitai illuminate the struggles and hopes shared across their communities, emphasizing the potential of Jewish-Palestinian dialogue in transforming narratives and fostering mutual understanding. Join us for a powerful episode that cuts through rhetoric, seeking pathways for empathy, accountability, and, ultimately, peace. We are deeply grateful to Ahmed for joining us in this difficult but crucial conversation in these times of deep division and strife. This conversation was recorded on August 30, 2024. About our guest:Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib is an American writer and analyst who grew up in Gaza City, having left in 2005 as a teenage exchange student to the United States. He writes extensively on Gaza’s political and humanitarian affairs and has been an outspoken critic of Hamas and a promoter of coexistence and peace as the only path forward between Palestinians and Israelis. Alkhatib is a resident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in intelligence and national security studies. His writing has been published in US, and Israeli outlets and his opinions and comments have been featured in the international press.