Ep2 On Visiting the Dome of the Rock: one diaspora Palestinian's experience through dispossession, reconnection, and the wasp's nest

In this emotional episode, I give you a glimpse into my 7 attempts to reach the Dome of the Rock. It was my first time in Palestine as a diaspora Palestinian, and the closest I’ve ever been to something I’ve yearned for my whole life. Along the way, I stumble upon checkpoints, a “wasps’ nest” of soldiers, a far-right minister, and the strange tension between the privilege I hold and the things I’m deprived of. Inside, I try to make sense of beauty, fear, longing, and what it means to finally stand where my family once prayed.Note: in the episode when I describe the Al‑Aqsa compound/Noble Sanctuary (الحَرَم الشَّرِيف or الأَقْصَى) I refer to it throughout as ‘the Temple Mount’ to make sure listeners understand, but that is actually the Judeo-Christian term, and I want to make sure that is clear.Check out Instagram for photos of some of the sights I described: @notestoselfpodLecture performance of Donatella Della Ratta mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/live/i9o_FYQevJ8?t=360&is=OeLnRgxIy5kyLsg0 (06:00-31:00)Many thanks to Baba for agreeing to be featured reciting Al Fatiha, to Gad for providing feedback, and to TorGado for composing the music just for this podcast. Art from my sketchbook.