ROPESCAST
ROPES’s podcast (“ROPESCAST”) shines a spotlight on individuals working in their own right to advance a post-conflict region. Guests include former high-ranking officials, seasoned experts, and alumni from ROPES’s various programs. See below for a selected archive of past ROPESCAST episodes.
Episode 28: Professor Mohammed Dajani on Empathy, Education, and Peace in the Middle East
Professor Dajani shares his experiences taking Palestinian students to Auschwitz and Jewish students to Palestinian refugee camps, emphasizing empathy and reconciliation. He discusses the challenges faced and the transformative impact on his students. The conversation also explores the current educational landscape in the Middle East and practical steps for fostering peace.
Episode 27: Abdallah Aljenaid on a Bahraini vision for the future
In this episode of ROPESCAST, Ksenia hosts Abdullah Aljenaid, geopolitical columnist commentator, regional and international media, and former head of analyst.
Episode 26: Voices from the Frontline in Rafah
In the new episode of ROPESCAST, host Ksenia Svetlova engages in an insightful conversation with renowned journalist and humanitarian Arwa Damon. With firsthand experience in conflict zones like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and now Gaza, Damon shares her perspective on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground.
The discussion delves into the diminishing support for HAMAS amidst the escalating crisis and emphasizes the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid.
Episode 25: Can the Middle East Reform Itself?
In this episode of ROPESCAST, we dive deep into the intricacies of Middle Eastern diplomacy with Ambassador Hesham Youssef, a seasoned former Egyptian diplomat with extensive experience in both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League.
What are potential pathways for collaboration and conflict resolution? How should regional spoilers be dealt with? Is Arab Peace Initiative still alive and what is the way out of the current crisis in Gaza?
Ambassador Youssef provides valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the Middle East and offers insights into what lies ahead for diplomatic efforts in the region.
Episode 24: Let us Join Voices and Call for Real Peace
This week on ROPESCAST, Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by British-Palestinian musician and peace activist John Aziz.
John shares his views about the polarization of the conflict in the UK, the challenges we face to reach peace, and his personal message to those who believe in peace to speak out and call for true peace.
Episode 23: Rebuilding Trust: Managing Palestinian-Israeli Business Amidst Conflict
This week on ROPESCAST, Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by Avi Nudelman who serves as an advisor in sphere of Israel-Palestinian business cooperation He is also an ex-CEO of Israeli–Palestinian Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization that seeks to enhance bilateral trade and commercial relations between Israelis and Palestinians. He speaks fluent Arabic and his expertise is Arab culture & language. Avi shares his experience in building business relations between Israelis and Palestinians, and his vision and hope for a model of business cooperation that would restore the trust between Israelis and Palestinians to work and thrive together, as a step towards true peace.
Episode 22: Escaping Gaza's Hell: A Dream for a Better Future
In this very special episode of ROPESCAST, Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by Kamal Mashharawi, a Gazan peace & rehabilitation activist who was fortunate to escape Gaza during the ongoing war.
Kamal shares his story, his family's escape from Gaza, the desperation for humanitarian aid, and his hopes for a better future for all. For all the answers, tune in!
Episode 21: A War in the North is Around the Corner?
In this latest episode of ROPESCAST, Ibrahim is joined by Sarit Zehavi, the President and Founder of the Alma Research and Education Center focusing on Israel’s security challenges along the northern borders.
Sarit elaborates on the developments on Israel’s northern borders since October 7th. Is a war on Israel’s northern borders inevitable? Does Hezbollah want war? What are the sentients among the Israeli residents who have been evacuated from Israel’s northern communities? For all the answers, tune in!
Episode 20: Inside Israel's Diplomatic Arena with Danny Ayalon
In the 20th episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by Israeli diplomat and former Member of Knesset, Danny Ayalon. He served as the Deputy Foreign Minister and the American Ambassador to the United States. Danny discusses the current Israeli diplomatic challenges, and the future of Israel's foreign relations.
What relations have been damaged? Could this actually be a momentum for dramatic changes in the Middle East? For all the answers, tune in!
Episode 19: Eran Etzion: Why did Netanyahu's strategy on Gaza fail?
In the new episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by Eran Etzion, a former diplomat and strategist, with over 20 years of experience in senior government positions. Deputy-head of the national security council at the Prime Minister's office among many other positions.
Eran elaborates on the strategic and systemic failures by the Israeli government leading up to October 7th, and the failures of the government since October 7th to deal with the war, and its loss of trust from the Israeli public. What could have been done different in the past? What can we do to change the current reality? For all the answers, tune in!
Episode 18: The ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, A perspective from the West Bank
In the new episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ibrahim and Ksenia host a unique voice from the West Bank, Nidal Fuqaha. Nidal is the Director-General of the Palestinian Peace Coalition-Geneva Initiative in Ramallah, and the head of the Palestinian-Israeli Peace NGO, Forum’s Political Commission.
Nidal sheds light on the ongoing war in Gaza from the perspective of the West Bank, and answers questions concerning escalations in the West Bank, a potential Intifada, "the day after", and the future of the peace process, analyzing both the Abraham Accords and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Episode 17: Between Israel's disengagement from Gaza in 2005 and the war with Gaza in 2023
In the new episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ibrahim and Ksenia engage in a profound conversation with Dov Weissglas, the esteemed advisor to former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Palestinian affairs and one of the architects of disengagement from Gaza.
Weissglas delves into the intricacies surrounding the disengagement plan, shedding light on the underlying reasons that prompted such a strategic move. The episode navigates the complex dynamics with the Palestinian Authority during that critical period, offering a nuanced understanding of the circumstances that led to the decision to withdraw unilaterally. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode and share your perspectives with us!
Episode 16: Pre-War Gaza: A voice from the ground
In this episode of ROPESCAST, Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by ROPES Alumni and journalist Manar Al-Sharif. Manar shares her story moving to Gaza in 2017, studying in the Islamic University in Gaza, and even being imprisoned by Hamas for starting dialogue initiatives with Israelis.
Manar also sheds light on the voices, and perspectives she heard from the ground. What did Gazans think of their own future? Hamas? Israel? prospect of peace? For answers, tune in!
Episode 15: The war in the eyes of a Palestinian Jerusalemite
In this episode of ROPESCAST, Ibrahim is joined by Nivine Sandouka, the Regional Director of the Alliance for Middle East PEace (ALLME). Nivine is a Jerusalemite, who sheds light on the developments in East Jerusalem, what is happening in the West Bank, and her vision for a better future for all. Stay tuned!
Episode 14: Misinformation and Fake News in Times of War
In this episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad are joined by Achiya Shatz, the Executive Director of Fake Reporter, a respected Organization dedicated to counter disinformation, hate, and other growing threats to democracy in the digital space. Achiya shares his expertise, and provides critical tools that allow us to protect ourselves in the digital space from fake information. He sheds light on dangerous fake information that has already spread in during the war in Gaza, and the implications of these fake news reports. Stay tuned!
Episode 13: Common Ground - Arab perspective on future relationships in Israel
In this episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad continue their journey by bringing voices from inside the war, and different perspectives of activists and social leaders.
This time, they are joined by Mohammad Darawshe, the Director of Strategy at the Center for Shared Society at Givat Haviva. Mohammad shares the challenges facing Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, whiten the workforce, universities, and in every day life.
Episode 12: Standing Together in Times of War
In this episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad continue their journey by bringing voices from inside the war, and different perspectives of activists and social leaders.
This time, they are joined by Alon-Lee Green, the Founding National Director of Standing Together, a progressive grass-roots movement in Israel, mobilizing people around peace, equality, and social justice issues. Alon shares the challenges facing his movement, and his relentless efforts to maintain Arab and Jewish relations in the midst of the war.
Episode 11: The ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, A perspective from Jerusalem
Join us in season 2 of ROPEScast, where hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu Ahmad engage in discussions inviting distinguished and diverse guests to discuss the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza. In this first episode of the season, we are honored to host Daniel Seidemann, a peace activist and expert on the geopolitics of contemporary Jerusalem, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the city. Daniel sheds light on the current situation in Jerusalem, both East and West, as well as his hopes and concerns for the foreseeable future.
Episode 10: Israelis and Palestinians: Pre-War Conceptions
This episode of ROPESCAST, which was recorded before the war between Israel and Hamas, provides a glimpse to the notions, views, and conceptions of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad, are joined by Israel and Palestine's most renowned statisticians: Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, and Dr. Khalil Shikaki.
They both shed light on the Israeli and Palestinian polls concerning Oslo Accords, the prospect of peace, and the ongoing status-quo. Stay tuned!
Episode 9: Israel, Saudi Arabia & Abraham Accords in the age of digital diplomacy
Join us in the latest episode of ROPESCAST, where hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the possibilities of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Delve into the intricacies of the Abraham Accords and explore the fascinating realm of digital diplomacy with our esteemed guest, Dr. Najat Alsayed, a Dubai-based professor, researcher, news contributor, and analyst, whose focus on the GCC and the MENA region has led to her best-selling book, 'Twitter Diplomacy and Media Polarization Before and After the Abraham Accords.'
Join us as we contemplate the prospects of a more peaceful future in the ever-evolving landscape of regional security and diplomacy. Don't miss out – tune in now!
Episode 8: Resilient Bonds: Exploring the Evolving Israeli-Moroccan Relations
In the new episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad embark on a journey to uncover the intricate tapestry of Israeli-Moroccan ties. Joining them is a remarkable guest, Einat Levy, an Israeli expert of Moroccan origin, who brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Having made Morocco her home, Einat shares her personal experiences, weaving a tale of cultural fusion and historical connections between the two nations. As they delve into the shared heritage and the challenges faced, the trio sheds light on the evolving relationship that transcends borders and embraces the spirit of cooperation. Stay tuned!
Episode 7: Peace is worth fighting for
In this new episode of ROPESCAST, hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad discuss Israeli-Palestinian affairs with the one and only Huda Abu-Arquob, the regional director of ALLMEP – The Alliance for Middle East Peace. What are the aspirations of the Palestinian youth, how Israeli pro-democracy demonstrations can galvanize the peace process, and how Arab countries that now have full diplomatic relations with Israel can contribute to peace and stability in the region?
Stay tuned!
Episode 6: Israel and Bahrain - 3 Years On
Welcome to this week's captivating episode of ROPESCAST, where hosts Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad host Sheikh Abd al-Aziz Bin Mubarak, the former ambassador of Bahrain to the UK and an esteemed diplomat with a passion for sports diplomacy.
In this thought-provoking podcast, they delve into the state of affairs between Israel and Bahrain, three years after the landmark Abraham Accords were signed, discuss the dynamics of their relationship and examine how it has evolved over time. beyond What is the current vibe within Bahraini society and its connection to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? How the ongoing rapprochement with Iran influences the Israel-Gulf relationship and what's next for US and China in the Middle East?
Episode 5: Judicial overhaul and the implications for Israeli democracy
In this episode Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad host Amos Yadlin, ex-head of military intelligence and INSS research center for a sincere discussion about Israel democracy, security and relations with the US.
Episode 4: Israel and the US at crossroads
This week in ROPESCAST Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad host former US ambassador to Israel and Egypt Daniel C. Kurtzer and discuss the current tension in Israel-US relations, the possible deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the challenges to Abraham accords as well as the harsh realities of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Episode 3: The Arab citizens of Israel and the quest for equality
This week in ROPESCAST Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad discuss the unprecedented wave of violence in Arab society in Israel, the growing trend for integration in the general society and the intricate politics of the Arab parties in Israel with Dr. Thabet Abu-Ras, a co-CEO of the Abraham initiatives.
Episode 2: Understanding Saudi Arabia
This week on ROPESCAST, Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad and Ksenia Svetlova speak with Joseph Fisher, an international expert in tourism.
They discuss the possible rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the fast pace of development in the Kingdom, Gulf politics and the recent reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Episode 1: An introduction
In the first episode of ROPESCAST Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad and Ksenia Svetlova discuss their journey inside the Middle East.
Nazareth-born Ibrahim and Moscow-born Ksenia were in Cairo during the dramatic events of the Arab springs, he - as a student, she - as a TV reporter.
They revisit this event and its meaning to the region, discuss the Abraham accords and the current phase of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a promo of the future episodes of ROPESCAST.