Is Israel committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza? In this critical episode, we examine an impactful UN report that alleges genocide by Israel, analyzing complex legal definitions of genocide, apartheid, and crimes against humanity. We present expert insights into statements by Israeli officials advocating for the destruction and displacement of Palestinians, Israel’s systematic targeting of civilians and infrastructure in Gaza—including hospitals— and its justification of actions under "security." Delve into the historical backdrop of settler colonialism to better understand this pressing human rights issue. Key topics include:

• Is genocide the right term? Examining the implications and challenges of labeling Gaza’s situation as genocide.
• Genocide definitions and evidence: Legal vs. sociological definitions and proving intent.
• Nuances in international law: Why accurate terminology matters in cases of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

With insights from leading human rights experts and legal scholars, this episode unpacks one of the most critical global issues today.

In this eye-opening episode, Young Central: The Podcast investigates "democratic backsliding"—the steady weakening of democratic principles and institutions affecting countries worldwide, from established democracies to emerging ones. This episode breaks down two major forms of backsliding: grievance-fueled illiberalism, where political leaders capitalize on societal grievances and target minorities to erode democratic norms, and opportunistic authoritarianism, where elected officials dismantle checks and balances to secure power.

Listeners will explore the driving forces behind democratic backsliding, including extreme political polarization, authoritarian personalities, and the disruptive influence of powerful autocratic states like Russia and China. With insights into the dynamics at play, this episode underscores the fragile nature of democracy and calls for awareness, vigilance, and active participation in protecting democratic values for future generations.

The House of Representatives voted to federally recognize marriage equality on July 19, 2022. This important legislation aims to protect same sex marriage from being overturned by a conservative majority Supreme Court. The Respect for Marriage bill was passed to Senate and has been introduced for the next step. In this episode, Sereen dissects what the steps to bring about this bill to federal law would entail and how the vote might go. As always, discussion about Ted Cruz's very relevant comments are made (sorry Ted). Though it is just the beginning, Sereen reminds us to stay positive and hope for a good outcome.

Details and Progress of the Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8404

Press Release by the House Committee on the Judiciary: https://judiciary.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4992