We also discuss resilience—what it looks like in children exposed to war, and whether it can be cultivated through education. From integrated schools in Northern Ireland to classroom interventions in Uganda, Dr McMullen shares lessons with relevance far beyond any one context.

This generalisability opens up space to explore shared risks and opportunities—especially in long-standing conflict zones like Israel-Palestine, where children live in segregated societies often shaped by inherited fear and mistrust.

While his research is rooted in specific regions, such as Uganda and the DRC, his insights reveal something universal: trauma transcends borders. Whether it’s a child in Gulu, Gaza, or East Belfast, the psychological effects of violence are strikingly similar.

Dr McMullen has worked extensively with war-affected children in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and currently supports refugee pupils in Northern Irish schools. He also lectures on trauma, conflict, and the refugee experience.

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In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr John McMullen, an educational and child psychologist based in Northern Ireland.

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Finally, we examine if football has played a role in bridging divides between Israelis and Palestinians and explore how it could promote a more positive future.

The conversation also covers how football mirrored broader national & political divides & whether any teams have ongoing political allegiances.

We discuss the influence of early Jewish Zionist & Palestinian expressions of nationalism through football & the experiences of rival football associations both nationally and internationally.

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Email: israelpalestineunpacked@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @IAPUnpacked

He discusses the mental health challenges faced by individuals and communities, how he stays grounded amid collective grief, and the importance of fostering resilience, nuance, and quiet hope even in the midst of ongoing conflict.

Shachar explores the intersection between personal healing and societal polarization, drawing on his experiences during a year and a half of war and trauma in Israel.

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Email: israelpalestineunpacked@gmail.com

It's the total lack of accountability, which is sad. Makes a mockery of the judicial system.

Now imagine being an Ordinary Joe. The full force of the law and the consequences with it would have been enforced.

Disappointing, yet not surprising. What has changed?