In this thought-provoking episode of the Kianistan Podcast, we are honored to host Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, biologist, historian, and human rights activist. Speaking from Bethlehem, he sheds light on the resilience of the Palestinian people, the realities of colonialism, and the shared struggles for justice across the world.

A Voice from Bethlehem

Professor Qumsiyeh reminds us that Palestinians have lived on their land for thousands of years, deeply connected to its soil, culture, and history. Despite decades of occupation and displacement, their resilience continues to inspire not only fellow Palestinians but also people around the world.

“We do not have the luxury of despair,” he says. “Our connection to this land is unbreakable.”

Colonialism and Its Blind Spots

Drawing parallels between Zionism and past colonial projects in Africa, the Americas, and Australia, Qumsiyeh explains that colonizers throughout history have shared one blind spot: the belief that violence will make indigenous people surrender their land. In reality, oppression fuels resistance, as seen in the rise of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas in response to invasions and repression.

Global Complicity in Genocide

Qumsiyeh highlights a disturbing reality — the genocide in Gaza is not the act of one state alone but a coalition of governments supplying weapons, intelligence, and political cover. From the United States to Europe and beyond, powerful lobbies ensure continued support for Israeli colonialism, despite global calls for justice.

The Struggle is One: From Palestine to Kashmir

Professor Qumsiyeh stresses that struggles for justice are interconnected. Whether in Palestine, Kashmir, or among indigenous peoples of the Americas and Australia, the forces of greed, militarism, and division operate the same way. He urges unity among oppressed peoples, warning against the colonial tactic of “divide and conquer.”

Beyond Politics: Sustainability and Biodiversity

As the founder of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, Qumsiyeh connects environmental justice with human rights. “People cannot live without nature,” he explains, emphasizing that wars, climate change, and exploitation of resources threaten the survival of both people and ecosystems.

A Call to Action

Despite hardships, Qumsiyeh remains hopeful. He calls on people around the world to support Palestine through boycott, divestment, sanctions (BDS), raising awareness, lobbying governments, and building grassroots solidarity. He stresses that international movements helped dismantle apartheid in South Africa, and the same is possible for Palestine.

Watch on YouTube

🎥 Watch the full conversation with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Mazin Qumsiyeh on the Kianistan Podcast:
👉 Watch on YouTube

Final Thoughts

Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh’s insights go beyond Palestine. His message is universal: our struggles are one. From resisting colonialism to protecting biodiversity, from fighting injustice in Gaza to standing with Kashmir, the path forward lies in unity, awareness, and collective action.

Tags:
#MazinQumsiyeh, #Palestine, #KianistanPodcast, #Colonialism, #GlobalJustice, #NobelPeacePrize, #Resistance, #HumanRights, #Kashmir, #Biodiversity, #BoycottDivestSanction