The Kurdistan in America podcast is proud to present an interview with two special and distinguished guests in the fifth episode of Season Four. We are honored to have Ariel Sabar, an acclaimed author, and Professor Yona Sabar, Ariel's father and the central figure of his book, "My Father's Paradise." In this episode, we embark on a journey to deepen our understanding of the history of the Jews of Kurdistan and explore the vibrant diversity and culture of Kurdistan, with its various ethnic and religious components. Our conversation with Ariel Sabar covers a wide range of topics, offering insights into the motivation behind writing "My Father's Paradise" and Ariel's personal journey that compelled him to undertake this extraordinary project. We also have the privilege of hearing Ariel's perspectives on the Kurds, adding another layer of understanding to his experiences. Professor Yona Sabar, Ariel's father, shares his heartfelt memories from Kurdistan and discusses his lifelong dedication to the preservation of the Aramaic language and Kurdish Jewish heritage through his academic contributions. With over 80 scholarly articles and numerous books to his name, including "The Folk Literature of the Kurdistani Jews" and "A Jewish Neo-Aramaic Dictionary," Professor Yona Sabar's expertise is truly unparalleled. Ariel Sabar is not only an accomplished author but also an award-winning journalist. His 2008 book, "My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for his Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq," was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography. His latest book, "Veritas: A Harvard Professor, a Con Man, and the Gospel of Jesus's Wife," garnered critical acclaim as a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best True Crime Book of the year and the Investigative Reporters & Editors Book Award. Smithsonian Magazine also recognized it as one of the best books of the year. Join us for this captivating and informative episode as we delve into the rich history of the Jews of Kurdistan and explore the intricacies of Kurdish cultural identity. Get ready to be inspired by the stories and wisdom shared by Ariel Sabar and Professor Yona Sabar.