Press Action ::: Budding Palestinian Broadcasters Create English-Language Podcasts

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Budding Palestinian Broadcasters Create English-Language Podcasts

Radio Lajee is a new series of ongoing English-language podcasts created by a bunch of young Palestinians from refugee camps in the occupied West Bank.

The project established in November 2008, by an Australian volunteer, aims to create a cross-cultural dialogue and improve relations and understanding between the next generation of Palestinians and the English-speaking Western World.

Within the short period of eight weeks, the young team of budding broadcasters have already published six stories, covering a range of topics from the recent Gaza massacre, to the Israeli Separation Wall to recipes for traditional Palestinian dishes.

Twenty-three-year-old Amal Abu Srour, a recent Law Graduate from Al Quds University, believed it was important to show the western world that although she is a refugee living under occupation, she, like individuals from all over the world, has interests outside of politics.

“We are fortunate enough to have Satellite TV at home and occasionally my family and I watch English language news programs. It seems to me that the only time people in the West see anything about Palestine or Palestinians, is at times of crisis and war.” Miss Abu Srour said.

“I believe it is important to show people living outside the Arab world that we are normal people with hopes, dreams and interests just like them. That’s why I decided to create a cooking segment for http://www.radiolajee.com. Cooking is one of my passions and a big part of Palestinian culture. I want people to learn more about Palestine and realise that we are human.”

Like Amal Abu Srour, 14-year-old Saja Ajarma was concerned that people living outside of the Arab World didn’t know enough about their normal daily routines. She created a story detailing her everyday activities from when she wakes up to when she goes to bed.

“I eat breakfast with my family, go to school, do my homework and watch television just like everyone else.” Saja said.

For 18-year-old Mohamad Al Azzeh, it was important to tell the world about the impact of the Separation Wall on the life of everyday Palestinians living in the West Bank. Instead of putting together a conventional report, Mohamad decided to create a radio play using cats.

“The Wall is a big problem for us but it was completed in 2005 and a lot of serious reports have already been done,” said Mohamad.

“I thought using a series of fictitious cats, and presenting the story in the style of a play might appeal to more people because it’s different,” he added.

The project conducted through the Lajee Centre will continue long-term with the Radio Lajee team hoping to upload a new podcast every week.