Decolonizing Your Mind: Sarah Al Zanoon on Palestinian Diaspora Identity, Grief, and Unlearning

In this conversation, Ezra speaks with Sarah Al Zanoon, a Palestinian-Venezuelan organizer whose family has been directly impacted by the ongoing war in Gaza.

They explore Sarah’s experience growing up in the diaspora, navigating identity and belonging, and the process of “decolonizing” her own thinking. Sarah shares what it was like visiting Palestine for the first time, including a moment at a military checkpoint that shifted her understanding in a lasting way.

The conversation moves through grief, activism, and the tension of holding both gratitude and devastation at once—while continuing to take action in the face of it.

Sarah also speaks about how she channels her grief into organizing, mutual aid, and community-building, and reflects on what hope can look like in a moment that often feels hopeless.

If you can - please support the following organizations at Sarah's suggestions.

Gaza Soup Kitchen

PAMA - Palestinian American Medical Association

Don’t forget Sunday 5/31/2026 Ivy Room, Albany CA
The Mixtape for Palestine Concert

You can support Ezra's work and the show via our Patreon page

Additional Episode Resources Mentioned

Assata: An Autobiography - Assata Shakur

The Hundred Years War on Palestine - Rashid Khalidi

The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Malcolm X and Alex Haley

For questions comments or feedback write to [e-mail]

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Show Music - "Thin Veil" by Magic In The Other

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What is The Thin Veil with Ezra Lipp?

The Thin Veil explores what happens when inherited narratives about history, identity, power, and belonging begin to break down—and what it means to move toward greater moral clarity and alignment in their wake.

Centered around Palestine and anti-Zionism, and rooted in musician/activist Ezra Lipp’s own process of political unlearning later in life, the show features conversations with artists, organizers, and others navigating questions of imperialism, colonization, liberation, and the systems shaping our world.