Bethlehem’s Radio Alhara was founded at an inauspicious point in 2020: just as Israeli plans were announced for further annexation of the West Bank, and Covid blighted the region. Established by a group of six friends (including Amman-based graphic design duo Saeed Abu-Jaber and Mothanna Hussein), the station was conceived as an alternative public space and a way to maintain community connections throughout lockdown. ‘An important aspect of the radio is the solidarity and the moments of togetherness that have been embedded within our programme,’ says cofounder Elias Anastas. Recent shows have covered everything from Spanish techno to Tuareg spoken word, and seen the station’s reach grow globally.
