96: In Memory of Salah Ajarma

This week is half solo-run and half conversation in memory of our dear friend and comrade Salah Ajarma who passed away suddenly at his home in the Aida refugee on the 14th of April 2020.

The solo-run section contains some reflections on trips to Palestine and time with Salah as well as a bit of a chat about the parallels between the political history here in Ireland and the current situation in Palestine.

The interview section is a chat I recorded with Salah on the 4th of December 2019 while he was on a visit to ACLAÍ in Cork. He discusses his work at the Lajee centre and gives an insight into life in Palestine and in particular for Palestinian refugees.

Below are a few useful links mentioned in the episode:

Recent Newstalk interview with Joe Brolly:

https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/the-thursday-interview-on-the-hard-shoulder/joe-brolly-on-the-thursday-interview

New York Times feature on Salah after the 2002 siege

https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/10/international/middleeast/a-bittersweet-homecoming.html

Footage from inside the siege of Church of Nativity

Footage | Siege of the Church of the Nativity (2002)

Link to Lajee Centre Website

https://www.lajee.ps