<description>Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;On this episode, we welcome Jamilah Pitts for an interview. She is the author of Toward Liberation: Education Practices Rooted In Activism, Healing, and Love (Beacon Press) (order here: &lt;a href="http://www.beacon.org/Toward-Liberation-P1979.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;http://www.beacon.org/Toward-Liberation-P1979.aspx&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Jamilah Pitts is an educational consultant and equity and justice strategist whose work centers the liberation, healing and holistic development of youth, particularly children of color. In partnership with schools, leaders and organizations, Jamilah provides training, strategic planning and thought leadership on anti-racist, culturally responsive, equitable and restorative practices; anti-bias curriculum development; and wellness and yoga practices for student and staff self-preservation. She has served as a teacher, coach, dean of instruction, dean of students and assistant principal, and has worked at schools in Massachusetts, New York City, The Dominican Republic, China and India. Jamilah threads her passion for human rights and social justice into her teaching, writing, scholarship and other artistic pursuits. She sees education as her life’s work and calling and truly believes that education should be an avenue through which empathy, healing and justice are promoted. Jamilah holds degrees from Spelman College and Boston College, and she is pursuing an additional graduate degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a Woodrow Wilson National Teaching Fellow, Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar, a Fund for Teachers Fellow and a member of the Teaching Tolerance Advisory Board. She can be found at &lt;a href="http://www.jamilahpitts.com" class="linkified" target="_blank"&gt;www.jamilahpitts.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast&lt;br/&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join Email list: &lt;a href="http://www.porshanality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;&lt;b&gt;www.porshanality.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;PayPal Donations:&lt;a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;&lt;b&gt; https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Socials: @Porshanality&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Website: &lt;a href="http://www.porshanality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;&lt;b&gt;www.porshanality.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Email: &lt;a href="https://porshanality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;&lt;b&gt;porsha@porshanality.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission: WHEW CHILE!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Composed by Sarah Debnam&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Release date February 24, 2023&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;Back In My Bag, Again&lt;br/&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Produced by Daniel Jacobson&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Release date January 27, 2023&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Get full access to The Sounding Board at &lt;a href="https://porshawilliamsgates.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4"&gt;porshawilliamsgates.substack.com/subscribe&lt;/a&gt;</description>

Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your...

An Interview With Jamilah Pitts: Toward Liberation In Education and Whatnot

<description>Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community.

On this episode, we welcome Jamilah Pitts for an interview. She is the author of Toward Liberation: Education Practices Rooted In Activism, Healing, and Love (Beacon Press) (order here: http://www.beacon.org/Toward-Liberation-P1979.aspx) 

Jamilah Pitts is an educational consultant and equity and justice strategist whose work centers the liberation, healing and holistic development of youth, particularly children of color. In partnership with schools, leaders and organizations, Jamilah provides training, strategic planning and thought leadership on anti-racist, culturally responsive, equitable and restorative practices; anti-bias curriculum development; and wellness and yoga practices for student and staff self-preservation. She has served as a teacher, coach, dean of instruction, dean of students and assistant principal, and has worked at schools in Massachusetts, New York City, The Dominican Republic, China and India. Jamilah threads her passion for human rights and social justice into her teaching, writing, scholarship and other artistic pursuits. She sees education as her life’s work and calling and truly believes that education should be an avenue through which empathy, healing and justice are promoted. Jamilah holds degrees from Spelman College and Boston College, and she is pursuing an additional graduate degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a Woodrow Wilson National Teaching Fellow, Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar, a Fund for Teachers Fellow and a member of the Teaching Tolerance Advisory Board. She can be found at www.jamilahpitts.com

As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast
Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share
Join Email list: www.porshanality.com
PayPal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG
Socials: @Porshanality
Website: www.porshanality.com
Email: porsha@porshanality.com
PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission: WHEW CHILE!
Composed by Sarah Debnam
Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
Release date February 24, 2023
Back In My Bag, Again
Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson
Produced by Daniel Jacobson
Release date January 27, 2023
The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism.</description>

Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously …

Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community.

On this episode, we welcome Jamilah Pitts for an interview. She is the author of Toward Liberation: Education Practices Rooted In Activism, Healing, and Love (Beacon Press) (order here: http://www.beacon.org/Toward-Liberation-P1979.aspx) 

Jamilah Pitts is an educational consultant and equity and justice strategist whose work centers the liberation, healing and holistic development of youth, particularly children of color. In partnership with schools, leaders and organizations, Jamilah provides training, strategic planning and thought leadership on anti-racist, culturally responsive, equitable and restorative practices; anti-bias curriculum development; and wellness and yoga practices for student and staff self-preservation. She has served as a teacher, coach, dean of instruction, dean of students and assistant principal, and has worked at schools in Massachusetts, New York City, The Dominican Republic, China and India. Jamilah threads her passion for human rights and social justice into her teaching, writing, scholarship and other artistic pursuits. She sees education as her life’s work and calling and truly believes that education should be an avenue through which empathy, healing and justice are promoted. Jamilah holds degrees from Spelman College and Boston College, and she is pursuing an additional graduate degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a Woodrow Wilson National Teaching Fellow, Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar, a Fund for Teachers Fellow and a member of the Teaching Tolerance Advisory Board. She can be found at www.jamilahpitts.com

As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast
Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share
Join Email list: www.porshanality.com
PayPal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG
Socials: @Porshanality
Website: www.porshanality.com
Email: porsha@porshanality.com
PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission: WHEW CHILE!
Composed by Sarah Debnam
Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
Release date February 24, 2023
Back In My Bag, Again
Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson
Produced by Daniel Jacobson
Release date January 27, 2023
The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism.

Toward Liberation In Education and Whatnot

<description>Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community. 

Did y'all know that I'm in school? Like for real? Well it's true. I've mentioned it a few times, but on this epsiode, I share a bit more about what I am doing in my Doctor of Ministry program along with my academic journey. It is application season here in the US and I also share my thoughts on college and how to choose. As someone who has a ton of college debt, I am a big fan of going where the money is. Additionally, I am a fan of applying to HBCUs, epscially now more than ever. With SCOUTS striking down affrimative action, we have to be stratgeic with our academic plans. This and more on the episode. 

As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast:
Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share
Join Email list: www.porshanality.com
PayPal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG
Website: www.porshanality.com
Email: porsha@porshanality.com
PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission:  WHEW CHILE!
Composed by Sarah Debnam
Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
Release date February 24, 2023
Back In My Bag, Again
Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson
Produced by Daniel Jacobson
Release date January 27, 2023
The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism.</description>

Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community. 

Did y'all know that I'm in school? Like for real? Well it's true. I've mentioned it a few times, but on this epsiode, I share a bit more about what I am doing in my Doctor of Ministry program along with my academic journey. It is application season here in the US and I also share my thoughts on college and how to choose. As someone who has a ton of college debt, I am a big fan of going where the money is. Additionally, I am a fan of applying to HBCUs, epscially now more than ever. With SCOUTS striking down affrimative action, we have to be stratgeic with our academic plans. This and more on the episode. 

As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast:
Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share
Join Email list: www.porshanality.com
PayPal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG
Website: www.porshanality.com
Email: porsha@porshanality.com
PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission:  WHEW CHILE!
Composed by Sarah Debnam
Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
Release date February 24, 2023
Back In My Bag, Again
Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson
Produced by Daniel Jacobson
Release date January 27, 2023
The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism.

Becoming Dr. Porsha- My Academic Journey and Whatnot

<description>Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Did y'all know that I'm in school? Like for real? Well it's true. I've mentioned it a few times, but on this epsiode, I share a bit more about what I am doing in my Doctor of Ministry program along with my academic journey. It is application season here in the US and I also share my thoughts on college and how to choose. As someone who has a ton of college debt, I am a big fan of going where the money is. Additionally, I am a fan of applying to HBCUs, epscially now more than ever. With SCOUTS striking down affrimative action, we have to be stratgeic with our academic plans. This and more on the episode. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join Email list: &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.porshanality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;www.porshanality.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;PayPal Donations:&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt; https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Website: &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.porshanality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;www.porshanality.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Email: &lt;a href="https://porshanality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"&gt;&lt;b&gt;porsha@porshanality.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br/&gt;PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission:  WHEW CHILE!&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Composed by Sarah Debnam&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Release date February 24, 2023&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;Back In My Bag, Again&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Produced by Daniel Jacobson&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Release date January 27, 2023&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Get full access to The Sounding Board at &lt;a href="https://porshawilliamsgates.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4"&gt;porshawilliamsgates.substack.com/subscribe&lt;/a&gt;</description>

Becoming Dr. Porsha: My Academic Journey and Whatnot

<description>Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community. 

Let's be honest. What's happening between Israel and Palestine is a lot. This "conflict" has historical roots that expand beyond recent news. Social media has blown the story up in ways that appear to be one-sided. Some are feeling lost in the sauce on the subject and are searching for the right words to say. Beloved, it's ok if you don't have the words. 

In this episode, I make an attempt to share some context to what is happening and what we can do when we don't know what to do or say. For the practical parts of this conversation, tune into the audio.

Now, to understand "how we even got here," it is important to note that the following statements are a rough overview. The Palestinian-Israeli "conflict" is a long-standing political and territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians, primarily over the area known today as Israel and the Palestinian territories (West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem). The roots of the conflict are deep and involve historical, political, and religious factors. Here's a bit of historical background to bring folks up to speed:

- Ancient History: The region, historically known as Canaan, then later as Judea and Israel, has been inhabited by various groups over millennia. The ancient Israelites established the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah there. Over time, the area witnessed multiple invasions and rulers, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and many more.
- Islamic Rule: In the 7th century AD, Muslim Arab armies conquered the region, and it became part of various Islamic caliphates for over a millennium.
- Ottoman Rule: By the early 16th century, the Ottoman Empire took control, which lasted until World War I.
- British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern the region. During this period, the Zionist movement, which sought a homeland for Jews in response to centuries of persecution in Europe and Russia, gained momentum. This led to significant Jewish immigration to Palestine as an attempt to return to their homeland post-holocaust.
Key Events:

- UN Partition Plan (1947): Following increased tensions and violence between Jewish and Arab communities and the end of the British Mandate, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The Jewish leaders accepted the plan, but the Arab leaders did not because they already lived in the land.
- Formation of Israel (1948): In 1948, the State of Israel was declared. Neighboring Arab countries intervened in disappointment, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Israel retained its declared borders and expanded its territory. This war resulted in a significant number of Palestinian Arabs either fleeing or being expelled from their homes, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba ("catastrophe"). Over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced and lost their homes and resources.
- Six-Day War (1967): Tensions led to another war, during which Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. Israel later returned the Sinai to Egypt but kept the other areas. The continuing Israeli occupation of these territories is seen by Palestinians as a denial of their right to self-determination and statehood. The presence of the Israeli military in these areas and the associated security measures are major points of contention.
So, what's the current situation? The core issues of the conflict today include the borders of Israel and Palestine, Palestinians' rights, Jerusalem's status, and security concerns. Over the decades, multiple attempts at peace, including the Oslo Accords and Camp David Summit, have been made but with limited success. Today, Israel exists as a recognized state, while Palestinians primarily live in the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority, and in the Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas. The status of East Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians see as their capital, remains one of the most contentious points. The situation is further complicated by violence and displacement of people. Palestinians seek recognition and representation on the global stage. The lack of an opportunity for a unified Palestinian state and the challenges Palestinian representatives face in international forums are sources of frustration. Palestine doesn't have a full seat at the table in the same way that Israel does. 

Both parties have resulted in horrific acts of violence (with a significantly tipped scale) that stem from oppression and generational trauma. What we see now in 2023 is just the tip of the iceberg to a deep-seated issue of imperialism, colonialism, and apartheid. 

Again, this is my best attempt to explain with compassion and care. I recognize that many people don't know where to begin on this subject and I hope I aided in that process. 

As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast:

- Comment, Rate 5 stars, Review, Subscribe, Share
- Join Email list: http://www.porshanality.com/
- PayPal Donations:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CNXBZ6WJQEMJG
- Socials: @Porshanality
- Website: http://www.porshanality.com/
- Email: https://porshanality.com/
PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission: WHEW CHILE!

- Composed by Sarah Debnam
- Produced by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
- Release date February 24, 2023
Back In My Bag, Again

- Composed by Anthony Lobban, Dillon Heera, Daniel Jacobson
- Produced by Daniel Jacobson
- Release date January 27, 2023
The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism.</description>

Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community. 

Let's be honest. What's happening between Israel and Palestine is a lot. This "conflict" has historical roots that expand beyond recent news. Social media has blown the story up in ways that appear to be one-sided. Some are feeling lost in the sauce on the subject and are searching for the right words to say. Beloved, it's ok if you don't have the words. 

In this episode, I make an attempt to share some context to what is happening and what we can do when we don't know what to do or say. For the practical parts of this conversation, tune into the audio.

Now, to understand "how we even got here," it is important to note that the following statements are a rough overview. The Palestinian-Israeli "conflict" is a long-standing political and territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians, primarily over the area known today as Israel and the Palestinian territories (West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem). The roots of the conflict are deep and involve historical, political, and religious factors. Here's a bit of historical background to bring folks up to speed:

- Ancient History: The region, historically known as Canaan, then later as Judea and Israel, has been inhabited by various groups over millennia. The ancient Israelites established the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah there. Over time, the area witnessed multiple invasions and rulers, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and many more.
- Islamic Rule: In the 7th century AD, Muslim Arab armies conquered the region, and it became part of various Islamic caliphates for over a millennium.
- Ottoman Rule: By the early 16th century, the Ottoman Empire took control, which lasted until World War I.
- British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern the region. During this period, the Zionist movement, which sought a homeland for Jews in response to centuries of persecution in Europe and Russia, gained momentum. This led to significant Jewish immigration to Palestine as an attempt to return to their homeland post-holocaust.
Key Events:

- UN Partition Plan (1947): Following increased tensions and violence between Jewish and Arab communities and the end of the British Mandate, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The Jewish leaders accepted the plan, but the Arab leaders did not because they already lived in the land.
- Formation of Israel (1948): In 1948, the State of Israel was declared. Neighboring Arab countries intervened in disappointment, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Israel retained its declared borders and expanded its territory. This war resulted in a significant number of Palestinian Arabs either fleeing or being expelled from their homes, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba ("catastrophe"). Over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced and lost their homes and resources.
- Six-Day War (1967): Tensions led to another war, during which Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. Israel later returned the Sinai to Egypt but kept the other areas. The continuing Israeli occupation of these territories is seen by Palestinians as a denial of their right to self-determination and statehood. The presence of the Israeli military in these areas and the associated security measures are major points of contention.
So, what's the current situation? The core issues of the conflict today include the borders of Israel and Palestine, Pa

A Global Crisis: When You Don't Know What to Do, and Whatnot

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