Episode 140: A Jewish Iranian Expat Watches the War Unfold

It is a tense moment in the war between the United States and Israel, and Iran. A temporary ceasefire is set to expire, and it is unclear whether diplomacy will resume or violence will erupt again.

Roya Hakakian is a writer, journalist, and political commentator and the author of Journey from the Land of No, a memoir about growing up Jewish in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution. She and her family fled Iran for the United States in 1985.

In this episode of Can We Talk?, Roya describes what it’s been like to watch the conflict unfold, her hopes for the Iranian people, and what Western feminists can learn from Iranian women.

You can find Can We Talk? on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. We're also on YouTube! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode.

Love Can We Talk? Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. You can also drop us a line and let us know what you think or suggest ideas for future episodes. We just might read your email on the air!

Want even more Can We Talk? Sign up for our newsletter.

Released April 21, 2026
  • Journalist and political commentator Roya Hakakian. Photo courtesy of Roya Hakakian.

  • Roya Hakakian Headshot

Donate

Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women.

donate now

Get JWA in your inbox

Read the latest from JWA from your inbox.

sign up now

How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Episode 140: A Jewish Iranian Expat Watches the War Unfold." (Viewed on May 15, 2026) <https://jwa.org/podcasts/canwetalk/episode-140-jewish-iranian-expat-watches-war-unfold>.