Radio Al Hara: Palestinian Internet Radio Station Launched During COVID-19 Lockdown

Founded in March 2020, Radio Al Hara is an Internet radio station established by architect Elias Anastas, along with his brother Yousef, artist Yazan Khalili, and designers Mothanna Hussein and Saeed Abu-Jaber. Broadcasting from Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Amman, the station was created as a response to the isolation brought on by the pandemic and the dissatisfaction with available cultural offerings. Its programming features a variety of music and shows produced by listeners, including Iranian pop and Bahraini wedding songs, as well as discussions on economic topics. The name translates to 'the neighbourhood's radio' in Arabic, drawing inspiration from similar global initiatives. Although not explicitly political, it touches on local matters like wild pigs affecting crops. Official Palestinian radio emerged after the Oslo Accords, with early social distancing measures resulting in 485 COVID-19 cases and three fatalities.