Hala Alyan

Naomi Klein, bestselling author and professor, and Hala Alyan, acclaimed author and clinical psychologist, engage in a profound conversation about emotions in the Palestinian liberation movement. They explore how grief and rage influence political discourse and the need for emotional diversity within movements. The duo examines the weaponization of trauma in mourning practices, the psychological toll of state narratives, and the importance of recognizing and metabolizing emotions to empower communities. Their insights highlight the intricate connection between personal feelings and collective action.

Hala Alyan, a Palestinian-American writer and clinical psychologist, passionately discusses the heavy burden of witnessing genocide and its impact on identity and trauma. She explores the interplay of exile and heritage, emphasizing the psychological toll of compassion fatigue while advocating for allyship. Alyan delves into memory through her poetry, reflecting on intergenerational loss and the importance of preserving narratives amid cultural erasure. Her urgent call for a ceasefire underscores the resilience of diasporic communities rooted in shared stories and healing.