SUBSCRIBE

RATE

COMMENT

SUBSCRIBE RATE COMMENT

follow on spotify, apple YOUTUBE or AMAZON PODCASTS for auto updates

Podcast Portugal is available to subscibe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts.

Please Subscribe on your favourite provider so we can keep bringing you interesting guests and topics.

You can also listen or download each episode below.

guest line up.

Meet the voices behind the stories — every Friday, we release a new episode featuring inspiring guests from across Portugal and beyond, including artists, chefs, winemakers, musicians, historians, entrepreneurs, locals and expats.

Explore our diverse guest line-up and discover the people shaping Portuguese culture, food, travel, and daily life.

Justin West Justin West

Brhan Leibman: The Untold Story of Ethiopian Jews, Identity & Survival.

Brhan Leibman: The Untold Story of Ethiopian Jews, Identity & Survival

From Ethiopia to Israel — storytelling, culture, migration, and the real history behind The Red Sea Diving Resort

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin West speaks with Brhan Leibman about the extraordinary history of the Ethiopian Jewish community, the dangerous journeys through Sudan that inspired The Red Sea Diving Resort, and the modern realities of identity, migration, race, and belonging in today’s world. Brhan shares personal reflections on heritage, storytelling, social media, and preserving culture while navigating life between multiple worlds — Ethiopian, Jewish, African, Israeli, and global.

This is a powerful and deeply human conversation exploring one of the lesser-known migration stories of the 20th century. Together, Justin and Brhan discuss the real events behind the rescue operations that brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, the sacrifices families endured, and why many people still know so little about this history today.

The conversation also explores the role of social media in shaping identity and public discourse, especially during times of global conflict and polarisation. Brhan speaks openly about representation, online activism, cultural preservation, and the responsibility of telling stories with honesty and dignity in the digital age.

From ancient Ethiopian traditions to modern Israel, this episode offers a rare perspective on resilience, memory, and what it means to belong in an increasingly divided world.

📸 Instagram: @brhan_worku

Revolut Personal click this link

Revolut Business referral link 

Use the code NEWTOAIRALO15 to receive 15% discount on eSIMs smarter, stay connected — download Airalo SIM cards before your next adventure.

To book flexible dates surf coaching sessions, to find out about immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com

From Ethiopia to Israel — storytelling, culture, migration, and the real history behind The Red Sea Diving Resort.

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin West speaks with Brhan Leibman about the extraordinary history of the Ethiopian Jewish community, the dangerous journeys through Sudan that inspired The Red Sea Diving Resort, and the modern realities of identity, migration, race, and belonging in today’s world. Brhan shares personal reflections on heritage, storytelling, social media, and preserving culture while navigating life between multiple worlds — Ethiopian, Jewish, African, Israeli, and global.

This is a powerful and deeply human conversation exploring one of the lesser-known migration stories of the 20th century. Together, Justin and Brhan discuss the real events behind the rescue operations that brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, the sacrifices families endured, and why many people still know so little about this history today.

The conversation also explores the role of social media in shaping identity and public discourse, especially during times of global conflict and polarisation. Brhan speaks openly about representation, online activism, cultural preservation, and the responsibility of telling stories with honesty and dignity in the digital age.

From ancient Ethiopian traditions to modern Israel, this episode offers a rare perspective on resilience, memory, and what it means to belong in an increasingly divided world.

Topics Covered

  • Ethiopian Jewish history explained

  • The true story behind The Red Sea Diving Resort

  • Escape routes through Sudan to Israel

  • Identity, migration, and belonging

  • Ethiopian culture and traditions

  • Storytelling and social media activism

  • Race and representation in Israel

  • Online discourse after October 7

  • Preserving culture in a digital world


📸 Instagram: @brhan_worku

Revolut Personal click this link 

Revolut Business referral link 

Use the code NEWTOAIRALO15 to receive 15% discount on eSIMs smarter, stay connected — download Airalo SIM cards before your next adventure

To book flexible dates surf coaching sessions, to find out about immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com

Read More