In this episode, we have a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Hammad Jabr, a dedicated Palestinian activist and emerging scholar whose work has been central to student organizing for Palestine at UBC and beyond. Hammad shares his journey from Palestine to Canada, discussing the personal challenges of navigating movement as a Palestinian and the impact of becoming part of the diaspora.

We talk about his role in building solidarity spaces on campus, especially amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and dive into the student encampment movement. Hammad also introduces us to the concept of Urbicide, which he explores in his recent report on Gaza. This framework exposes the systematic destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, civil life, and resources for survival, empowering activists to ground their arguments in the material realities of displacement, starvation, and loss of life—countering Zionist propaganda with documented facts.

Finally, we discuss Palestine in the World, a course on Palestinian liberation that Hammad is co-designing for UBC's Geography department. As both an activist and geographer, Hammad brings an invaluable perspective on resistance, anti-Zionism, and the intersections of academia and activism. We’re grateful for this powerful, deeply reflective conversation.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Hammad's journey

(27:36) UBC Encampments

(46:20) Political Education / Urbicide

(1:18:53) Political Education / Palestine in the World

(1:45:00) On Critical Hope