Palestine
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Archaeological site in the West Bank
Dispute about the site of biblical Samaria intensifies
In the Palestinian village of Sebastia in the West Bank, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers are becoming more frequent. A long-simmering conflict over archaeological treasures in the village threatens to escalate. Details from Joseph Croitoru
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75 years after the Nakba
Palestinians still long to return
On 15 May every year, Palestinians across the globe remember the "Nakba". Seventy-five years on, many still yearn to return to the land they left behind.
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Khaled Jarrar's documentary "Notes on Displacement"
Putting faces to the nameless
Many films exist about the dangerous escape routes people have been taking to reach Europe since 2015 to escape war, conflict and precarious living conditions. In this very personal documentary, Palestinian artist Khaled Jarrar accompanies an old lady from Yarmouk, Syria, who was driven out of Nazareth as a child. By Rene Wildangel
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Israel at 75
A nation more divided than ever
As Israel prepares to mark Independence Day, the country is at a crossroads. A planned judicial reform by the far-right government has led to deep divisions. By Tania Kraemer
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Turkey-Syria earthquake
Biden's farewell to empathy
Mourning the deaths of earthquake victims in the Middle East or sympathising with the suffering of survivors doesn’t win you political points. Joe Biden's State of the Nation address completely ignored the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Is the Arab-Islamic world gradually disappearing from U.S. politics? Essay by Stefan Buchen
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Germany's culture of remembrance
An exercise in empathy
Holocaust, Nakba and the German culture of remembrance: the Einstein Forum in Potsdam facilitated a discussion banned in Tel Aviv. Inge Guenther attended
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West Bank's last vinyl repairman
Vinyl lover preserves musical heritage
From Jamal Hemmou's ramshackle workshop in Nablus's Old City in the occupied West Bank, classic Arabic songs blare into the surrounding cobbled streets. For how much longer remains to be seen – neither of his sons is interested in taking over the business
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Palestinian writer Asmaa al-Atawna
"No stereotypical views of Arab women"
Asmaa al-Atawna's debut novel "Missing Picture" has been published in German translation (Keine Luft zum Atmen – Mein Weg in die Freiheit). In it, she describes life in Gaza from the perspective of a rebellious girl who is struggling to fit in at school and home. After fleeing to Europe, she also has to fight for her self-determination there too. Claudia Mende spoke to the author
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Christmas in Israel
Culture war over the Christian holiday
Christmas is becoming increasingly popular among secular Israelis. It spreads a festive atmosphere that promotes understanding between people of different faiths. Orthodox Jews, however, view the holiday as a threat. By Joseph Croitoru
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New book: "Rooted in Palestine"
The role of Christians in the Middle East conflict
Palestinian Christians are an integral part of the Palestinian national movement. This is the conclusion reached by the Chilean-born Palestinian political scientist Xavier Abu Eid. Interview conducted by Andrea Krogmann
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Jesus and Mary in the Koran
The message of mercy
Jesus – Issa in Arabic – doesn’t merely enjoy the highest place among the prophets in the Koran. He is also revered in Islam’s mystical tradition for his message of love and mercy. By Aziz Fooladvand
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Gender rights and "Pink Bike"
Gaza ladies' bicycle club
After helping her daughter survive cancer, Rania Shaik has dedicated herself to bringing joy to the women of Gaza by letting them loose on two wheels. Ziad Ali reports