When travel was at a standstill during 2020 and 2021, Aziz and MEJDI Tours stepped in creating and producing
Crossing Boundaries: Global Connections and Conversations
a livestreaming show for travelers and peace-builders around the globe to stay connected during those challenging times. Pull up a seat and learn from these conversations featuring experts from around the world.

EPISODE 18

WHAT’S GOING ON?
AIRED THURSDAY, JULY 2

During this special livestream, we will take a deep dive into the highly controversial annexation of the West Bank/Palestine by Israel. The plan, set to be enforced beginning July 1, does not seem to be an effort to resolve the conflict between the two peoples nor has it been a successful attempt to bring Palestinian leaders to the table to discuss the supposed “Peace Plan.” Instead, it is being met with threats of sanctions, violence, and calls for global opposition to what is predicted to be a catastrophic human rights violation and impending apartheid state for Israel. During our discussion with local experts, we will review details of the plan, who it affects, and how it will impact the local communities.

EPISODE 17

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
AIRED THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Creativity for Peace trains young Israeli and Palestinian women to partner as leaders by transforming anger and prejudice to mutual respect, facilitating an understanding of the other, and inspiring action to promote equality and peace. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico since 2003, and operating in the USA, Palestine, and Israel, they use dialogue and art to introduce the story of the other side and begin the compassion and healing necessary for reconciliation. On this episode we will meet with the Executive Director at Creativity for Peace, Tarrie Burnett, along with a few of their young leaders to discuss the program, their mission, and the impact they have had in the region.

EPISODE 16

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
AIRED THURSDAY, JUNE 18

What does travel have to do with community building and how can it be used to tackle racism, inequality and injustice? Join us next week as we discuss this and more with our guest, Kelley Louise, Founder and Executive Director of Impact Travel Alliance. With one in ten jobs globally in the travel and hospitality industries, we will explore the cultural impact of the current travel bans and ways we can continue to support local communities.

EPISODE 15

COUNT ON ME
AIRED THURSDAY, JUNE 11

This episode will features two incredible individuals attempting reconciliation in the face of injustice. Daryl Davis, an African American blues musician turned peace activist who has been meeting with (and reforming) Ku Klux Klan members since the 80’s and Arno Michaelis, a reformed white supremacist who has transformed his earlier hatred into a passion for coexistence. His peace-building work draws on his own journey to help protect young Americans from hateful ideologies. We discuss their paths to peace, current and past activism work, and what we as individuals can do to bring about reconciliation.

EPISODE 14

ABSOLUTE REALITY
AIRED THURSDAY, JUNE 4

War journalist, Emmy award winner, former Executive VP of National Geographic Television and Senior VP/GM of Smithsonian Media – Mark Bauman has an extensive background and decades of experience in historic conservation, global exploration, and digital preservation. Now he is leading the charge to democratize exploration by creating immersive cross-platform experiences from the most iconic cultural sites and wildlife landscapes on the planet, creating a high end library of 3D experiences. During our episode we’ll talk about Bauman’s experience as a war journalist, his work on historic conservation and how he is using technology to capture, share and preserve the wonders of the world.

EPISODE 13

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH
AIRED THURSDAY, MAY 28

An in-depth look at the Troubles of Northern Ireland, the violent ethno-nationalist conflict of the late 20th century. Learn about neighborhood divisions in Belfast and efforts to bridge the divide and cultivate a more peaceful future. Explore the country’s Catholic and Protestant heritages, literary legacies, and hear personal memoirs of political turmoil. Examine conflicting national narratives and confront contemporary issues, while celebrating the culture and fortitude of the Irish people.

EPISODE 12

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
AIRED THURSDAY, MAY 22

This episode features Samantha Bray of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), discussing the organization’s research on the future of responsible tourism, sharing her experiences working with destination communities around the world.

EPISODE 11

THE WORLD AT LARGE
AIRED THURSDAY, MAY 14

In recent years, more women than ever are traveling – thanks, in large part, to shifting societal expectations surrounding gender roles, as well as increased financial freedom. Understanding that not everyone has the same travel privileges (whether due to gender, race, nationality, class, language or sexual orientation) is an important consideration when planning any journey and an integral part of the discussion on socially responsible travel.

EPISODE 10

CHANGES
AIRED THURSDAY, MAY 7

System Ali was born in Ajami neighborhood in Jaffa as a result of the struggle for housing rights in the city. We’ll hear how the band has grown to become a diverse and exceptional cultural engine to community building and social change, learn about their entry to tourism and get a taste of their music.

EPISODE 9

LEAN ON ME
AIRED THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Yigal and Arab are bereaved brothers, both having lost a sister due to the violent conflict. Their loss and pain led them to fight for justice and reconciliation – together. We’ll hear about their unlikely friendship, their own transformation, and the work of The Parents Circle – Families Forum.

EPISODE 8

JERUSALEM OF GOLD
AIRED THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Your MEJDI Dual Narrative guides, Morgie (Israeli) and Ramzi (Palestinian), will provide an immersive virtual touring experience of the history, culture, and complex reality of the Holy Land.

EPISODE 7

HEAL THE WORLD
AIRED MONDAY, APRIL 20

Hands of Peace is a non-profit organization that empowers young Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans to raise their voices as leaders of change. We will discuss their efforts and what we can do to help give Hands of Peace a chance.

EPISODE 6

COLOMBIA TIERRA QUERIDA
AIRED THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Colombia is a beautiful country emerging from a challenging past. Learn from local leaders about its recent transformation, the peace agreement with the FARC, bio diversity, and the projects that are helping change Colombia for future generations.

EPISODE 5

THE GOOD SAMARITAN
AIRED MONDAY APRIL 13

Less than a 1000 Samaritans still live in Israel and Palestine. But they continue to live their ancestors traditions. We will talk with Abood Cohen about the Samaritan community, their Passover celebration, and how they engage in the tourism industry.

EPISODE 4

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS
AIRED THURSDAY, APRIL 9

Photojournalists Bosnian, Ziyah Gafić and Serbian, Marko Drobnjakovic will discuss their photojournalism work in the Balkans, the multiple narratives of the region, and the role of photography in storytelling.

EPISODE 3

THE PLACE UNKNOWN
AIRED MONDAY, APRIL 6

Discover hidden treasure and little known sites in Israel and Palestine with the expertise of Steve Rubin, adventure and culture guide.

EPISODE 2

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
AIRED THURSDAY APRIL 2

A conversation with Dr. Rev. Mae Elise Cannon about constructive conflict, peace, advocacy, and more

EPISODE 1

COME TOGETHER W/ YUVAL BEN AMI & HUSAM JUBR
AIRED MONDAY, MARCH 30

What challenges does the current health crisis bring to the travel industry?