The Israel Conversation

407 National Security and Arab IsraelisIn the context of the Gaza war, many Jewish Israelis argue that their fellow citizens of Arab ethnicity present a security threat. Employment, access and movement must be monitored and perhaps restricted, according to this view. Is that concern reasonable? And even if it hypothetically is, can a democracy functionally discriminate based on the ethnicity of its citizens? How should a democratic Jewish state resolve this dilemma? Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that we can racially profile to maintain security, and Jordana argues that ethnicity must be ignored among Israeli citizens. Am Yisrael Chai!

406 Can Hamas be Contained? Until October 6th, the shared Israeli conception was that Hamas could be contained in the Gaza strip. Sure, the IDF would occasionally have to knock out their rocket launchers. But overall, that is something we could live with. Now since October 7th, is it possible to go back to that plan? Or has the reality changed leaving destruction of our enemies as the only valid option?Matt hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that we can restore containment of our adversaries, and Mike argues that prompt and utter destruction is the only valid option. Am Yisrael Chai!

405 American AbstentionThe routine is that if Israel doesn’t approve of a United Nation Security Council resolution, the United States vetoes it. But in March, America abstained on UNSC resolution 2728. Israeli leaders (and many Israelis) were furious. Is this a big deal and a sign of things to come? Is the allyship between these two democratic nations deteriorating? Or is this just a typical dustup between administrations, soon to be in our rear view mirror? Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that this is a major setback in Israel/US relations that will have lasting consequences, and Mike argues that this is a tempest in a teapot that will be mostly forgotten. Am Yisrael Chai!

404 - How will this war be seen by history?Israel has fought Hamas in Gaza over and over again (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel%E2%80%93Hamas_war). There was Operation Cast Lead in 2008, Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, and Operation Protective Edge in 2014 just to name a few. Thousands of rockets have been launched at civilian areas of Israel and Israel has counter attacked over and over again. Will the current war, Operation Swords of Iron be just another battle in this long running war? Or will this war be remembered as a moment of change in Israel and the region? Matt hosts this episode’s debate, where Alan takes the position that this is a major turning point in Israeli History, and Calev argues that this will be another round in our long battles with Hamas. Am Yisrael Chai!

403 Should Freeing Hostages Be the Priority?The Gaza war has challenged Israel with countless moral dilemmas. One of the most painful relates to the efforts to free the hostages. Inevitably, missions to destroy Hamas will put the lives of Israeli hostages at risk. Conversely, delays for negotiations and deals to release hostages give Hamas time to regroup or escape. How should our leaders decide to prioritize between defeating our enemies and rescuing our citizens? Matt hosts this episode’s debate, where Jordana takes the position that the destruction of Hamas must be the highest priority, and Mike argues that freeing the hostages must come first. Am Yisrael Chai! Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

402 When can we critique the government?  “Don’t swap horses in the middle of the stream” - associated with Abraham Lincoln’s re-election campaign. Israelis, and Zionists worldwide, consistently complain about whatever government is in power.  But in the middle of a war, what are the rules? Can we openly critique, complain or even demand change of a government in the middle of a national crisis? Can we afford not to? Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that we must aggressively bring our complaints and demands to the government, and Liel argues that we must currently be cautious and gentle at this time. Am Yisrael Chai!

401 - Proportionality and International Humanitarian Law (IHL)After defining proportionality (enjoy the audio clip from the West Wing) there is so much to debate about the ethical conduct of the current war. While it is difficult for citizens to debate these issues with limited information, it is arguably their duty to do so. Is Israel correctly protecting civilian life in Gaza? Should it be sending in more humanitarian aid? How much should international opinion be taken into account? Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Israel must improve its conduct in the conflict, and Mike argues that it does not. (followed by another West Wing clip)Am Yisrael Chai!

308 Framing the Conflict Post October 7Israelis and Zionists all had to have some understanding of the conflict with Palestinian Arabs. This was as true before October 7th as afterwards. In what ways do we need to reframe those understandings after the massacres? What discomforting truths did we avoid? What misconceptions have been disproven? Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Benji takes the position that he must reframe his understanding of the conflict, and Mike argues that he does not. Am Yisrael Chai!

Israel Citizens Filling the Breach When Government FailsThis is an era when citizens around the world don’t have a tremendous amount of trust in government. Israelis and Jews around the world are still shaken by the intelligence and operational failures that led to the October 7th massacres. In the weeks and months since, many are still complaining that the work still isn’t being taken care of. We never know what’s really happening in “the room where it happens”, and there are concerns that the decisions aren’t being made well. Israelis from all parts of society jumped in to fill the breach. A tremendous amount of civic pride arose from those who rushed to bring food and materiel to the soldiers on the front. But is that a good or bad sign about Israeli life? Is it a positive, or a negative, that grassroots support is required for the success of vital national missions? Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that citizens should never expect the government to get the job done, and Liel argues national efforts require leadership from the top down. Am Yisrael Chai!

Are Shoah Analogies Appropriate?We are all living with the trauma of the post October 7th world. It is often referred to as the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. But do comparisons to the Shoah help us contextualize and understand the world we live in? Or are any such comparisons not at best unhelpful, and at worst inappropriate? Can those analogies help us understand the victims? The perpetrators? Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Shoah analogies are helpful, and Alan argues that it isn’t, and never was, a good idea they are not. Am Yisrael Chai!

Who should be hired to do the labor in Israel?Evidence has been uncovered that Arab laborers from the Gaza strip provided Hamas with intel on the Israeli towns where they worked. In the wake of this shocking news, Israelis are debating who to hire for many basic jobs. How should we balance insecurity with inclusivity? Should Israeli Arabs return to work in Israeli Jewish businesses? What about West Bank Arabs? Should Israel return to an old Zionist idea, “Avoda Ivrit” - “Jewish Labor”?Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Liel takes the position that Israelis should take this opportunity to reexamine the Avoda Ivrit principle, and Alan argues that it isn’t, and never was, a good idea. Am Yisrael Chai!

Should Israel Fight Hezbollah?While most of our attention is on the war in Gaza, there has been constant combat on our northern border. Will the battle with Hezbollah heat up to a full scale war? Should it? While war is always horrible, should Israel extend the conflict and eliminate Hezbollah as it has pledged to do to Hamas? Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that Israel should resist preemptive attacks, and Mike argues that Israel must do just that. Am Yisrael Chai!

What will happen after the war?When the dust settles, what will Gaza look like? What would be success for Israelis? What could make a better future for Gazans? While the war is far from over, the question is already relevant. Many are speaking about this issue in Israel and around the world. While we aren’t privy to the discussions behind the scenes where people in power are working the plans out, we can still try to figure out what the possibilities are. This is a difficult debate. All of the possibilities seem difficult and problematic. So which of the options are the best, or perhaps the least bad?Liel hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Israel must retain control, and Mike argues for handing it over to foreign powers. Am Yisrael Chai!

What will winning the war look like?This episode was recorded before the deal to recover hostages was announced. Has Israel set realistic goals in its war with Hamas? What would victory look like? Is it possible to eliminate Hamas as an organization? As an idea? Can the hostages be rescued? Can Israel win the public relations battle? Should it? Join us as we dissect these complex events, aiming to provide insight and understanding. Our goal is to help listeners process these challenging moments, fostering resilience and guiding us towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we navigate the intricacies of history, seeking a deeper comprehension of the path ahead. Am Yisrael Chai!

How did we get here?In this gripping podcast episode, Calev, Alan, and Matt delve into the intricate factors that led to the October 7 massacre. Was it a result of tactical errors, intelligence failures, or misinterpretations of Hamas' intentions? Or does the root cause trace back to Israel's strategic decision to disengage from Gaza in 2005? Join us as we dissect these complex events, aiming to provide insight and understanding. Our goal is to help listeners process these challenging moments, fostering resilience and guiding us towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we navigate the intricacies of history, seeking a deeper comprehension of the path ahead. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special: Israel at War - Episode 3Crisis on CampusIn this third special current event episode, Calev, Liel and Mike, discuss what is happening outside of Israel in college campuses during Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. How should students understand the anti-Israel protests? What should they do? We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special: Israel at War - Episode 2What happens next? In this second of two special current event episodes, Mike, Alan, Mordechai and Jordana discuss what may come next in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special Israel at War - Episode 1Where are we now? In this first of two special current event episodes, Calev, Liel and Matt discuss where we are on day 4 of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Zionism's founders wanted to change Jewish character and culture. In 2019, the data is in, and we can now see that they succeeded. (although not necessarily in the ways they intended)  In this important episode, Alan and Mike interview Shmuel Rosner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmuel_Rosner). Shmuel Rosner's Webpage (http://shmuelrosner.com/israelijudaism/) with many relevant links This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is the best! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to your friends!

Are there boundaries to Jewish caricatures? We didn’t even know that Ben was recording. But he was! He recorded our discussion of a political cartoon. (you can look at it on this link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dBL6BcPKlyY1TEhZ3vwOMwipIkTPwqf5/view?usp=drive_link)) It made Matt particularly uncomfortable and we debate its appropriateness. The issue was that the government was defunding existing programs to transfer more money to Haredi causes and institutions. And so the cartoon showed Orthodox Jews running away with bags of money. Isn’t that an antisemitic trope? But even if so, how else can an Israeli political cartoonist show Haredi party leaders taking money away from other parties? It’s an interesting but niche topic. So while we didn’t record a full episode about it, we’re releasing it as a bonus while we prepare to record the next batch. Enjoy and Shana Tova!Here is a link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fMKSkIo1GKf5gm_8LrIFw-XEfe_nnhiC/view?usp=drive_link) to the Guardian cartoon that Calev mentions. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Should Israel Do More to Support Ukraine?Israel faces a complex dilemma when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. On one hand, Israel maintains strong historical ties with Russia, particularly regarding the Russian-speaking Jewish community. Russia has also been a key player in regional stability, particularly in Syria, where Israel has concerns about Iranian influence. Israel has generally tried to maintain a delicate balancing act between the United States and Russia, its two major allies, to safeguard its security interests.On the other hand, Israel has historically supported the principle of territorial integrity and the right to self-determination, which are central issues in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Israel itself has faced challenges related to territorial disputes and self-determination, making it sensitive to these issues. Furthermore, Israel's relationship with the United States, which is a strong supporter of Ukraine in this conflict, can put pressure on Israel to take a clear stance against Russia.Ultimately, Israel's dilemma in supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is a complex interplay of historical, geopolitical, and security factors. Israel must carefully weigh its interests in maintaining its relationships with both the United States and Russia, while also considering its commitment to principles like territorial integrity and self-determination. Balancing these competing factors will continue to present challenges for Israel in navigating its stance on this conflict.Matt hosts this debate between Calev that Israel has struck the right balance, and Mike who argues that we should be doing more to support Ukraine.Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Haredi DraftThe debate over drafting the Haredim, or ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel, has been a contentious issue in the country for several decades. At its core, the debate revolves around the question of whether or not Haredi men should be subject to compulsory military service like the rest of the Israeli population. This issue stems from a historical exemption granted to the Haredi community, dating back to the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. The exemption was intended to encourage Haredi religious study, which is a central pillar of their way of life. However, over the years, this has sparked significant debate, with proponents arguing that it is necessary for a more equitable distribution of the burden of military service in Israel, while opponents claim that mandatory military service would undermine Haredi religious traditions and values.This debate is complex and multifaceted, touching on issues of religion, state, and citizenship. It reflects the broader tension in Israeli society between maintaining a Jewish state and ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all its citizens. As Israel continues to grapple with this issue, finding a balance that respects religious traditions while addressing concerns about national security and civic duty remains a significant challenge.Our engineer Ben (!) hosts this debate between Matt who argues that Israel should not draft Haredim , and Mike who argues that they should be drafted.. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Can Israel Have a Constitution? Israel’s Declaration of Independence calls for a “Constitution which shall be adopted by the Elected Constituent Assembly not later than the 1st October 1948...". It doesn’t look like we’re going to make the deadline. The current judicial reform crisis exists because of that. So too the current crisis over the role of the Attorney General (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/attorney-generals-office/). There simply aren’t agreed upon rules of the road for how governance and legislation should take place. Of course, not all countries have constitutions. Should Israel have one? Could Israel successfully create one even if we wanted to?Matt hosts this debate between Calev that an Israeli constitution is unnecessary and unlikely, and Mike who argues that it is both needed and likely. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.Definition: A constitution is the aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organization or other type of entity, and commonly determines how that entity is to be governed.

ApartheidType the word “apartheid (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid)” into a google search bar and the second search that pops up is “apartheid Israel”. We’ve all heard the accusation. It is also a demonstrably false descriptor for the State of Israel. This ridiculous calumny may make a nasty sound-bite sized accusation. But for anyone genuinely trying to understand the conflict, it clearly fails to explain anything in an honest way. But this podcast has a debate format! So after explaining why the above paragraph is true, our team still finds something for Zionists to argue about. Is the term “apartheid” useful at all to describe life in the West Bank? After all, the approximately half a million Jews who live there as Israeli citizens under Israeli law, lead very different lives from the approximately two and half million Arabs who are citizens of nothing and live under the Palestinian Authority and Israeli military law. Liel hosts this debate between Calev who argues that in certain narrow contexts the term isn’t entirely unhelpful, and Mike who argues that the term is always useless at best. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.Definition: apartheid - noun1: racial segregationspecifically : a former policy of segregation and political, social, and economic discrimination against the non-white majority in the Republic of South AfricaNOTE: The extreme racial segregation of apartheid lasted from 1948 to 1994 and included such restrictions as where people of certain races could live or own land, what jobs they could hold, and who could and couldn't participate in government.2: SEPARATION, SEGREGATIONcultural apartheid

Is There a Future for the

Herzl vs. Ahad Ha’amThere is an old saying that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” We deeply believe that knowing the history of Zionist debate brings a richness of perspective and understanding to the issues that we face today. So we submit for your approval one of the first deep debates that divided the Zionist world. In past episodes when we’ve mentioned Ahad Ha’am in passing, listeners have contacted us to know who he was. But before Herzl, he was arguably the intellectual leader of the Zionist movement. Then Herzl published “The Jewish State” and began the Zionist Congress, becoming the undisputed center of all Zionist energy. Ahad Ha’am wasn’t shy about explaining what he considered to be Herzl’s wrongheadedness. What was the disagreement? How has history proven their positions to be right or wrong? How and why are they still so relevant to today’s Israel? Matt explains the Herzl position, and Mike presents Ahad Ha’am. Our special guest host this week is the young scholar Avigayil Unterberg Nuriel. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Does Israel Need America? Everyone knows that Israel and America have a strong relationship. As allies their economic, political, military, and cultural ties are deeply rooted. It remains so across multiple administrations in each of the countries. But is America a necessary ally for Israel? What would happen if that relationship changed? Could Israel survive and thrive if for some reason it lost America as an ally? Matt hosts and frames the discussion, and Mike and Calev debate the issue. Calev argues that America is an indispensable ally, and Mike argues that it isn’t. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Note: This is the beginning of season 9, which is season 2 of our new debate format! We decided to get this episode published in a timely fashion. Normally, our debates are meant to be “evergreen” educational discussions about Israel and Zionism. But we’re breaking the format because so many people are asking how to process the Knesset vote this week. What does the removal of the unreasonableness grounds mean for the Supreme Court? For Israeli law, Democracy and society? How should we understand where we are now? What should we expect for the future?Calev hosts and frames the discussion, and Mike and Liel debate whether to be optimistic or pessimistic in this difficult time of division. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

We are excited to announce the upcoming second season of our new debate format! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

How Should Diaspora Jews Express their Ideas About Israeli Politics?Note: This is the end of the season and our podcast will be on a brief hiatus. Keep subscribed for season 9! There are several factors that can make it complicated for diaspora Jews to express their opinions on Israeli politics. Here are a few:* Lack of firsthand experience: Diaspora Jews may not have firsthand experience living in Israel or the Palestinian territories, which can make it difficult to fully understand the complexities of the political situation. They also don’t share the heaviest burdens or pay the heaviest costs of living in Israel.* Fear of alienation: Expressing opinions that are contrary to the dominant narrative within the Jewish community can lead to feelings of alienation or ostracism.There may be pressure from within the Jewish community to conform to a particular political viewpoint on Israel, which can make it difficult for individuals to express their own opinion.* Perceived lack of influence: Some diaspora Jews may feel that their opinions on Israeli politics carry little weight, given that they are not Israeli citizens and do not have a direct say in Israeli policy. Overall, these factors can create a challenging environment for diaspora Jews who wish to express their opinions on Israeli politics. However, it is important to remember that open and respectful dialogue is essential for building understanding and finding solutions to complex issues. How do we resolve this tension?Matt moderated this debate between Calev who argues for Diaspora Jews to be reserved, and Mike who argues for robust expression of opinions.Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Should Israeli Reserve Soldiers Refuse to Serve as Protests?The protests against Judicial Reform have continued on a smaller scale over the past weeks. With Passover behind us, and the national holiday season underway, Israelis are gearing up for whatever is coming next. One aspect of the protests in particular has been hotly debated. Should reservist soldiers refuse to perform their duties (“miluim’ in Hebrew) as a form of protest? Over the course of the past few months, this has been a growing phenomenon. Historically, the military has been supposed to be entirely apolitical. This is partly because in a Democracy the military protects the people, it doesn’t rule them. But it is also because national security is an issue that is so existential that it is dangerous to allow the military to take sides in political debates of any kind.What about the current debate has caused it to spill into withholding of service by the IDF’s most loyal soldiers? And more to the point, are they doing more harm or good with this drastic approach to protest? What are the arguments for and against this tactic? Join us to find out!Calev moderated this debate between Matt who argues against soldiers refusing duty, and MIke who defends the position of those reservists.Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Nation State LawIsrael's Nation-State Law, also known as the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People, was passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in July 2018. The law enshrines Israel as a Jewish state and makes Hebrew the country's official language, while downgrading Arabic from an official language to one with "special status."The debate over the Nation-State Law has been largely divided along political and ideological lines. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to strengthen Israel's Jewish identity and protect its cultural and religious heritage. They argue that it is a symbolic law that does not infringe on the rights of non-Jewish citizens and that it simply reinforces the fact that Israel was created as a Jewish homeland.Opponents of the law argue that it undermines the democratic nature of the state and discriminates against Israel's Arab minority, which makes up about 20% of the population. They argue that the law sends a message that non-Jewish citizens are second-class and that it could be used to justify discriminatory policies and practices against Arab citizens in the future. They also criticize the law for failing to mention the principle of equality and for ignoring the rights of other minority groups in Israel.The debate over the Nation-State Law has also spilled over into the international arena, with some countries and organizations condemning the law as discriminatory and racist. The law has been a source of controversy both within Israel and abroad, with supporters and opponents alike continuing to voice their opinions on its merits and flaws.Calev moderated this debate between Matt who supports the law, and MIke who argues that it must be at least changed. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Is Israeli Democracy in Existential Danger?Once again, we turned to Chat GPT and asked a simple question. “Does the current judicial reform crisis mean that Israeli democracy is coming to an end?”Here’s the essential parts of it's answer: As an AI language model, I strive to remain impartial and avoid making predictions about political developments. However, I can provide some background information on the ongoing judicial reform crisis in Israel and its potential implications for Israeli democracy.In recent years, there has been ongoing debate and controversy in Israel over attempts to reform the country's judiciary. Some critics of the judiciary argue that it is overly activist and unaccountable, and that it wields too much power over the other branches of government. They have called for various reforms, including limiting the power of the Supreme Court and allowing the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) to overrule the court's decisions.However, many defenders of the judiciary argue that it is a crucial safeguard of democracy and the rule of law in Israel. They worry that attempts to limit its power could undermine these fundamental principles and lead to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.At present, it is difficult to say whether the current judicial reform crisis in Israel is a sign that Israeli democracy is coming to an end. Israel has a long history of robust political debate and contestation, and it is likely that the country will continue to grapple with these issues for some time to come. However, it is important for all actors in Israeli politics to respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and to ensure that any reforms are undertaken in a transparent and accountable manner.Well, I don’t know if we’re actors in Israeli politics, but as educators, we decided to debate the issue. Is this the end of Israeli Democracy, or just a growing pain on the way to better days?Liel moderated this debate between Matt who fears the end is near, and MIke who argues that this too shall pass. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel,

Do we wish for an Exceptional or Normal state?What do we hope for when w...

Should the IDF end the draft?Polling over the last few years (https://www.timesofisrael.com/poll-almost-half-of-jewish-israelis-support-making-idf-a-professional-army/) shows growing support among Israelis for a professional, rather than a conscripted army. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has had a mandatory conscription policy since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. All Israeli citizens, with few exceptions, are required to serve in the IDF for a period of 2-3 years for men, and 2 years for women, after reaching the age of 18. So why, in recent years, has there been a growing debate over whether Tzahal should continue its draft policy?One argument is that the current system is unfair and discriminatory. Some argue that certain groups, such as ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab Israelis, are exempt from the draft or are not required to serve for the full term, creating a sense of inequality and resentment. Others argue that the draft unfairly targets certain groups, such as low-income families, who may not have the same resources to support their children through their military service.Another argument against the draft is that it is not necessary for national security. Some argue that Israel's military capabilities are sufficient to defend the country without mandatory conscription. They argue that a professional army, made up of volunteers, would be more effective and efficient than a conscripted army.Defenders of the status quo argue that it is still necessary for national security. Israel faces significant security threats, including ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries and the threat of terrorism. Supporters of the draft argue that mandatory conscription ensures that the country has a strong and capable military that can protect itself.Another defense of keeping the draft is that it promotes social cohesion and national unity. Military service is seen as a rite of passage for many Israelis, and serving in the IDF is considered a way to contribute to the country and demonstrate patriotism. Some argue that the draft fosters a sense of shared sacrifice and national identity, which is essential for the cohesion of Israeli society.So what should Israel do? In this episode, Amy defends the draft, while Calev argues against it. And the whole shebang is moderated by Mike. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)

Is there still a chance for a two-state solution?For the last nine decades, whenever outsiders looked at the conflict between Jews and Arabs between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean Sea, they have come up with the same idea. Since both people have claims to the land, it will need to be split. A two-state solution refers to the idea of establishing two independent states for Israelis and Palestinians, respectively, living side by side within recognized borders. This usually means creating an independent Palestinian state in the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, alongside the State of Israel. The two states would have their own governments, laws, and security forces, and would coexist peacefully and diplomatically, recognizing each other's sovereignty and right to exist.Of course, no such thing has ever existed. The specific details of how such a solution would be implemented remain subject to ongoing debate and disagreement between the two sides and the international community. We can imagine it, and choose to work for or against it. But for the foreseeable future, it isn’t in the cards.It was first proposed in 1937 by the British Peel Commission This was rejected by the Arab Higher Committee. In 1947, The United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, was once again rejected by the Arabs.Since then many maps and plans have been proposed. From Oslo and the Clinton administration, to Trump’s “Deal of the Century”, refinements and adjustments have been made from every direction. And yet, no progress.In fact, the growing Jewish population has made many despair of the possibility for such a plan’s success. The issue isn’t just the quantity of Jewish West Bank dwellers.The Jewish population is spread in small enclaves dotted throughout the territory. This makes actual separation seem impossible to many. Is it worth debating the possibility of a Two-State Solution? If there is to be peace between Israelis and Palestinians, do we need to look for other models? Or is this still the basic approach we should maintain?Mike moderates the debate between Matt, who argues that it's still possible, and Calev, who maintains that it is not. Join us! Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Are Jews Indigenous to Israel?There are still some things you can Google, but now we also have Chat GPT.When we looked on google to define indigenous peoplehood, it said it means “inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists.”Does this concept apply to Jews in Israel?There are two ways to address this question. One is simply to answer it. The other is to question its relevance. It feels like it's important and relevant to the Zionist cause, but is it really? Does it actually matter? Well, we wondered what chat GPT had to say about this question’s relevance. Here’s some of what it answered: “The debate over Jewish indigeneity to the land of Israel has significant implications for politics, society, and culture in the region and beyond. Some possible implications of this debate include:Political Conflict: The question of Jewish indigeneity is closely tied to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The idea that Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel has been used to justify Israeli claims to the territory and to support the establishment of a Jewish state, while some Palestinians dispute the Jewish claim to indigeneity and argue that they are the true indigenous population of the region. The debate over indigeneity therefore remains a contentious issue that has contributed to political conflict and tensions in the region.Cultural Identity: The idea of Jewish indigeneity is central to the identity and self-image of many Jews around the world. It has been used to create a sense of historical continuity and to connect Jews to their cultural and religious roots. The debate over Jewish indigeneity therefore has implications for how Jews understand and define their own cultural identity...Overall, the debate over Jewish indigeneity is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues in the Middle East and beyond.”With all due respect to the friendly artificial intelligence at OpenAI, we decided to debate the issue ourselves, even though we are only good, old fashioned humans. Calev moderates this week’s episode, with Amy taking the position that it is true and relevant, and Mike questioning the premise and its use. Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing (https://www.benwallick.com/)Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!

The Israeli Judicial Reform Debate (https://bit.ly/3x9yndY)This is certai...

New episodes on the way!Our new season is coming before you know it. We've reformatted in light of a different podcast landscape then when we started, back in 2016. (There are more options now for Israeli headlines in english)As educators, we decided that working out various issues that affect Israeli life, culture and politics is our strength. We thought it would be fun to take turns debating these topics in an informal way. Issues like judicial reform, the Nation-State law and the viability of a Two State solution are coming to your feed over the next six weeks.Let us know what you think of the new format, and please request topics for us to uncover.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

There are thousands of Israelis who do not meet the definition of "Jew" by the standards of Orthodox Judaism. Imagine going to Jewish schools, serving in the IDF, and then being told that you can't marry a Jew! How should the Jewish State resolve this disturbing problem for so many of its citizens?Rabbi Chashi Freedman is the Educational Director of Nativ, the largest conversion preparation organization in Israel. He sat down with Mike and Rena to discuss the work he does. He shared moving stories and profound insights that you won't want to miss. Whatever your opinions are on these matters, this is an episode that will stay with you for some time. Join us!This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Always get as much Hillel Halkin content as you possibly can. If you want to know why, listen to our current episode. Alan rejoined Mike for this one. They discussed Ahad Ha'am's arguments with Herzl, but it's really about why the history of Zionism is so relevant to us today. Normally we discuss current events, but a scholar like Hillel reminds us that we need to be informed by our past. Don't miss this one!Hillel Halkin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_Halkin)His Amazon Page (https://www.amazon.com/Hillel-Halkin/e/B001ITYSVO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1641473685&sr=1-2)Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Well, there goes the government. It looks like we're headed to the 5th elections in under 4 years. How did this happen? Why did this happen? What happens next? Mike is joined by Calev Ben-Dor and new team member Mordechai Cohen. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Ummm... WHAT?! What the heck is happening? Is the Israeli government about to change the status of West Bank settlements in a political fight? What does that mean for the almost half a million Jews who live there? Why are right wing parties endangering the settlement movement? Will this receive international attention? What is the plan here? How will all of this mess turn out. Mike and Liel try to figure out what's going on while explaining it to you... and themselves. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Why are posts about Israel on social media so distorted and strange? What can we do about it? How should Israel educators discuss these issues with their students? Social media and PR expert Emily Schrader joined Liel and Mike for a discussion filled with thought provoking insights and perspective. This episode is a must listen! Join us! Emily Schrader (https://www.sociallitecreative.com/meet-emily) This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Why is the current government coalition in constant chaos? What does that mean for Israel's present and future? How do we follow these stories? Rajel Leghziel joined Matt and Mike to explain. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

With all the challenges facing the current coalition, can the government possibly last? What does it represent in terms of civility in politics? Why does civility matter so much to the health of democracy? Calev joined Mike and Matt to discuss. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

What does it mean that member of Knesset Amichai Chikli has been declared a renegade? What does that show us about Israeli democracy? And what do the "Yoms" (HaShoah, HaZikaron and HaAtzmaut) mean to us? What do they tell us about Israel and our people? Calev discussed these topics with Liel and Mike. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

When Idit Silman left the government coalition, she gave a strange reason. She said it was the implementing of the Supreme Court's ruling on Chametz in Israeli hospitals. What was that ruling? What are the rules on Chametz in Israeli institutions? What role does that Rabbinate play? How should Israel resolve the tension between its Jewish and Democratic identity? Liel and Mike invited Tani Frank, Director of the Center for Judaism and State Policy, to help explain these issues. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

How is the current wave of terrorism different from past ones? Is this another intifada? What is Israel doing about it? What exactly makes terrorism different from "freedom fighting"? To address these questions, and more, Mike and Matt invited Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian to the podcast. Mannie is the Times of Israel's military correspondent, and he brought information, explanation and insight to this troubling situation. Join us! Emanuel Fabian at TOI (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Israelis woke up on Wednesday morning to discover that the Government coalition dropped down to 60. Why did that happen? Why is it happening now? What does it mean for the future? Rajel Leghziel joined Liel and Mike on Thursday morning to explain the situation. It may seem confusing at first, but we help make sense of it all. Join us!TOI News and Analysis (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/coalition-crisis/)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, famously moved to kibbutz Sde Boker to promote settling the Negev. This week, it hosted a summit of representatives from the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt and the USA. What would Ben-Gurion think about all of this? (including the hotel they stayed at!) Calev joined Liel and Mike to discuss this landmark event. Join us! Negev Summit 2022 (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/negev-summit-2022/)Sde Boker (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sde_Boker)The Hotel (https://www.isrotel.com/isrotel-hotels/negev-desert/isrotel-kedma/)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

After brief regional updates, Alan, Calev and Mike discuss Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech to Knesset members. What did he get wrong? Why did he say what he said? How should Israeli leaders react? When is using the term "Genocide" accurate and helpful? For this and more, join us! Zelensky Speech (https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-ukraine-president-zelenskys-speech-to-israeli-lawmakers/)Be'er Sheva News (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/beersheba/)Sharm-el-Sheikh News (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/sharm-el-sheikh/) This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been the focus of our thoughts and conversations. Long time listeners know the Times of Israel's senior analyst, Haviv Rettig Gur, as a friend of the podcast who helps us make sense of complex topics. In this extra long episode, Leil and Mike talk with him about what the conflict means to Israel and the world, and what it might mean for the future. What are the lessons that we must take from what has happened so far?We start this important episode with a powerful Masa Moment from Zachary Caplan, an MITF fellow from Bat Yam, and his unique perspective on the war. You don't want to miss this essential episode. Join us! Haviv at TOI (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/haviv-gur/)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

A few weeks ago, Knesset Member Bezalel Smotrich visited the UK. The Board of Deputies of British Jews, UK Jewry’s mainstream umbrella organization, greeted him with the following tweet: “We reject the abominable views and the hate-provoking ideology of Bezalel Smotrich. We call on all members of the British Jewish community to show him the door. Get back on the plane, Bezalel, and be remembered as a disgrace forever.” Why were they so negative and uninviting? How should we best characterize Smotrich and his "Religious Zionism" party? How much tolerance should we have for intolerance? Liel, Mike and Calev discuss these questions about the identity of the Jewish State. Join us! TOI Article on the UK Reaction (https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-uk-jewish-body-tells-visiting-far-right-mk-smotrich-to-get-back-on-a-plane/)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

What challenges does the war in Ukraine pose to Israeli diplomats? How does Israel balance its relationships with both Ukraine and Russia? What is Jewish life in Ukraine like? What is Israel's responsibilities towards those Jews? Mike and Liel were fortunate to have Lazar Berman, the Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter, as a guest to explain what this conflict means. (and also - what it doesn't mean) Join us for this important and timely episode! Since 2004, Masa has been at the forefront of bringing Jewish young adults from around the world for long-term immersive programs in Israel. No matter the situation Masa will do everything in its power to continue our mission. The situation in Ukraine will not hinder us. Our programs continue to remain open for everyone and we want our listeners to know Masa is here to provide assistance for young Jewish adults to come to Israel. During troubling times such as these, Masa continues to be committed and supportive of young Jewish adults in the global communities, as well as supporting our Fellows here in Israel.Contact masa if you need assistance coming to Israel!Contact Information (https://www.masaisrael.org/contact-us/):Schedule a call (https://calendly.com/masa-israel-journey/russian-speakers)WhatsApp (https://wa.me/972526149547) Phone - (+972) 02 621 6581This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Masa Website (https://www.masaisrael.org/)Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Middle East expert Calev Ben-Dor joined Liel and Mike for a news roundup. They covered regional diplomacy, the Whoopi Goldberg race weirdness and Amnesty International UK's declaration that Israel is an Apartheid state. Fun times? You be the judge! Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Should non-Jews be cast to play Jews in movies? Is Jewface a thing? Matt and Sharon joined Liel and Mike to discuss this question. Spoiler alert: three out of four of the participants thought this raised interesting questions. Mike was the fourth, and went on a bunch of rants. Just so you know. Join us! Golda's grandson ok's Helen Mirren (https://www.timesofisrael.com/golda-meirs-grandson-defends-casting-of-helen-mirren-as-former-israeli-pm/) TOI article from last year (https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-can-play-a-jew-celebs-claim-double-standard-over-onscreen-representation/)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

We were very confused by the angry protests over JNF tree planting in the Negev. What could be less controversial than planting trees? We invited Elianne Kremer of the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality to explain it to us. She gave us the background and discussed the difficulties facing Israel's Bedouin minority. She also sent us the information links below. Join us!TOI Article (https://www.timesofisrael.com/invasive-species-protests-fires-how-negev-tree-planting-became-so-controversial/)Hi all,Many thanks for hosting me, I really enjoyed it.Please see here our website on reports and position papers, including our annual home demolitions report, human rights report, the statistical gap among the Bedouin communities and so forth. I would like to share with you some informative slides we have produced with This is Not an Ulpan, which you can find here...Looking forward to hearing from you regarding a tour in the Naqab ;)All the best,ElianneThis episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

What is Gush Katif day? It occurs annually on the 22nd of Shevat, which falls on Monday, January 24th, this year. Leil and Mike invited Yoav Yaron, a fellow educator who was born and raised in Neve Dekalim in Gush-Katif. What was it like growing up there? Why is it so important for Israelis and Zionists to learn about their communities and the disengagement? What are the remaining relevant controversies? For this, and much more on this important topic, join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

What is life like in Jewish communities in India? What is life like in Israel for Jews from India? This week, Masa Israel Teaching Fellow Maayan Shapurkar joined Liel and Mike to answer these questions and many more. Join us! This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Dear Listener,Always get as much Hillel Halkin content as you possibly can. If you want to know why, listen to our current episode. Alan rejoined Mike for this one. They discussed Ahad Ha'am's arguments with Herzl, but it's really about why the history of Zionism is so relevant to us today. Normally we discuss current events, but a scholar like Hillel reminds us that we need to be informed by our past. Don't miss this one!Hillel Halkin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_Halkin)His Amazon Page (https://www.amazon.com/Hillel-Halkin/e/B001ITYSVO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1641473685&sr=1-2)This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

What level of threat does a nuclear Iran pose to Israel? What can the world do about it? What will Israel do about it? Liel & Mike turned to expert analyst, Miri Eisen (Col. Ret.) for the answers. Join us!The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

How should Zionist students manage their campus life? How can they express their love for Israel in the current environment? What advice can Israel educators give them to help navigate these challenges? How do these time fit into Jewish history? Liel brought a student's story to Matt and Mike, and they hashed it out. Join us! The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Recorded before the protests against travel bans (https://www.timesofisrael.com/jobless-tourism-workers-protest-travel-bans-demand-compensation/), this episode explains what they were all about. Entrepreneur Josh Koonin joined us to explain the growing frustration policy. How accurately is the government assessing the dangers to public health? How much of their decisions are based on politics? How much is the tension between the current and former administrations fuling the chaos? How problematic is this lack of tourism for Israel beyond economic concerns? Join us!Josh's Blog Article (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/why-the-bennett-vacation-story-matters/)Josh's website (https://pizazzisrael.com/)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

This year's big Gap Year event was at the Israeli premiere of JerusalemU's new film, "Hummus: The Movie". Alan and Mike decided to interview attendees with questions about gap year, the Jewish future, culture, and of course, hummus. It's an unusual episode outside the walls of the Teachers Lounge, but we thought you might like to meet our students and colleagues and hear what they have to say. We found it to be very interesting, and hope you do too. Curious about the movie? Check out the website: http://www.hummusthemovie.com/ The Venue: http://www.yesplanet.co.il/jerusalem Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

How should Diaspora Jews express their disagreement with Israeli government policies? Have Israeli and Zionist leadership confused our roles and relationship? Rabbi Haim Shalom has some pretty strong opinions on the issue. Possibly controversial and definitely provocative, you won't want to miss this episode. Join us! Haim Shalom (http://huc.edu/directory/haim-shalom)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Andrew Getraer recently stepped down from his 20 year position. He was the director of one of the largest Hillels in America. How has Jewish life changed on campus? What are the challenges that lie ahead. Join us!JTA Article (https://www.jta.org/2021/07/01/united-states/rutgers-hillel-director-is-leaving-his-post-after-20-years-hes-worried-about-jewish-student-life-at-the-school)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

How serious is the challenge of food insecurity in Israel? What is being done about it? How can we help? Joseph Gitler of Leket joined Liel and MIke to discuss the challenge in what turned out to be a fun, down to earth conversation. Join us! Leket (https://donate.leket.org/en/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=kabak&gclid=CjwKCAiAs92MBhAXEiwAXTi25y0RTlCxfk2X1CvvR9e3qL3nbhSCfPmH9yfQMHnBxk2TqCQ9f_EpAxoCkB0QAvD_BwE) In 2003, Joseph Gitler founded Leket Israel –The National Food Bank as a one-man volunteer operation to respond to the paradox of growing hunger and poverty in Israel on the one hand and significant food waste on the other. Today, Leket Israel distributes over 40 million pounds of produce and perishable goods to Israel’s socio-economic periphery through its partnerships with 330 nonprofit organizations, reaching more than 246,000 people in need each week.  Joseph received the coveted Presidential Award for Volunteerism from former President Shimon Peres.The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Shalom lappin fears that American Jewry is facing dangers ahead. Liel and Mike invited him to the podcast to discuss his insightful article in the Fathom Journal (https://fathomjournal.org/we-shall-be-as-a-city-on-a-hill-trump-progressive-antisemitism-and-the-loss-of-american-jewish-exceptionalism/?highlight=shalom%20lappin). Is American Democracy under threat from radicals on the left and the right? What does that mean for American Jews? What are the relevant precedents from Jewish History? This extra long episode is challenging and thought provoking. Join us! Article on American Jewry (https://fathomjournal.org/we-shall-be-as-a-city-on-a-hill-trump-progressive-antisemitism-and-the-loss-of-american-jewish-exceptionalism/?highlight=shalom%20lappin)Re-Emergence of the Jewish Question (https://fathomjournal.org/the-re-emergence-of-the-jewish-question/)How Class Disappeared From Western Politics (https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/how-class-disappeared-from-western-politics)Shalom Lappin (http://eecs.qmul.ac.uk/profiles/lappinshalom.html) is the Professor of Natural Language Processing at School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of LondonThe Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

There was a recent dust up in the headlines over Israel designating 6 Palestinian NGOs as terror organizations. Mike and Matt asked NGO Monitor's Director of Communications, Itai Reuveni, to explain the story. What are NGOs? Who is funding them? If defending human rights is a good thing, why are these organizations problematic? What should be done about this problem? Join us for the enlightening background to this confusing news story. NGO Monitor (https://www.ngo-monitor.org/) is an independent and nonpartisan research institute dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability of NGOs claiming human rights agendas, primarily in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict.(Note: The Israel Podcast has contacted multiple organizations defending these Palestinian NGOs to explain their perspective. So far, none have responded.)Itai Reuveni at NGO Monitor (http://www.ngo-monitor.org/expert/itai/)NGO Monitor Report on the 6 Organizations (https://www.ngo-monitor.org/reports/pflp-ties-six-newly-designated-terror-ngos/)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Dr. Daniel Rose is the Director Of Education at The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust. Around the anniversary of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' passing, Daniel joined Leil and Mike for a moving and wide ranging conversation. What role did Israel play in Rabbi Sacks' life? What is the difference between being a Zionist who is religious and a religious Zionist? How did Rabbi Sacks differ in his understanding of Religious Zionism from so many in Israel today? What was his dream for Israel's future? Join us!A sample of Daniel's work found of the Rabbi Sacks website (https://rabbisacks.org/tenpaths/educators/)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios (https://www.benwallick.com/). Ben is awesome!Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

We all know individual aliya stories. But returning guest Marc Rosenberg, of Nefesh B'Nefesh, helped Liel and Mike get a sense of the big picture. How has Covid affected aliya? How has aliya changed over time and history? Do more Jews move into or out of Israel? Join us for this engaging and insightful discussion of these and so many more questions!Profile of Marc (https://www.nbn.org.il/aliyah-inspiration/nbn-behind-the-scenes-marc-rosenberg/)Re-listen to our 2017 interview with Marc (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/22499573/ep-23-who-knew-aliya-updates/)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

The Israeli government is turning it attention to the high crime rate in Arab cities. Why is the violent crime rate so high? How does it affect broader Israeli societies? How do journalists uncover the facts within these stories? Liel and Mike spoke to Times of Israel's Emanuel Fabian to get a better understanding of this ongoing Israeli problem. Join us! Emanuel Fabian (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/)Recent stories on the topic in the Times of Israel (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/arab-israelis/)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

United States funding for Israel's Iron Dome program was called into question by some Democrats. What do these complications mean for the relationship between the two countries? What does it mean for American politics? What are the Zionist implications? And why is twitter so full of bad takes? Benji joined Liel and Mike to hash out these questions in a surprisingly wide ranging conversation. Join us! (note: the episode was recorded on Thursday morning before the funding was passed overwhelmingly in the US House of Representatives.) TOI Article (https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-overwhelmingly-advances-iron-dome-funding-initially-scotched-by-squad/)The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Calev Ben Dor joined Liel and Mike to forecast the new Jewish year 5782. What stories should we be watching for? What might surprise us? What are leaders worried about, and what should we look forward to? Join us! The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation)Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

This week, Liel and Mike spoke to Lazar Berman, the Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter, about his unexpected Shabbat in Washington D.C. with Prime Minister Bennet's entourage. What was the experience like? Is it hard for a journalist to become part of the story? What did Prime Minister Bennet accomplish? What did they hear off the record? (also, what does "off the record" really mean?) To hear about all of this and more, join us! Lazar's article at the TOI (https://www.timesofisrael.com/getting-to-know-the-pm-our-unexpected-shabbat-in-a-dc-hotel-with-bennett/) The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation) Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

The unfolding chaos of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan is painful to watch. What does it mean to the region? What does it mean to Israel? When we have questions about the region, we turn to Geo-politics expert and master educator Miri Eisen. Mike and Liel asked her for context, perspective, and any possible reasons for optimism. Join us!  (audio repaired) Miri Eisen (https://www.mirieisin.com/) (Col. Ret.) The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/the-israel-conversation/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversation) Masa Israel Journey (https://www.masaisrael.org/) strengthens the strategic bond between the Jewish People and the State of Israel, by providing every young Jew with the opportunity for a life-changing long-term experience in Israel. Masa offers hundreds of diverse semester to year long programs, as well as complimentary mid-length programs, with a focus on career development, Jewish learning, tikkun olam and Aliyah preparation. Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

This summer, Israel's largest Olympic team brought back two gold medals! (for an all time total of 4!) What does it mean for such a young country? How is the heterogeneous nature of our society at play here? What were the political and cultural conflicts caused by joining this international event? For a run through and analysis of what the Israelis were talking about, Mike and Liel discuss the social consequences of this summer's Olympics. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please rate and review us on Apple and recommend us to friends! Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

In this extra long episode, listener favorite Haviv Rettig Gur joins Mike and new co-host Liel Zahavi-Asa to discuss his recent article about antisemitism. Why do Israelis struggle to understand antisemitism? What role does antisemitism play in Israeli politics? What did Zionists get right or wrong about antisemitism? Is optimism unrealistic? For this and so much more, join us! Haviv's article (https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-hatred-that-dwells-alone-antisemitism-debate-cuts-to-heart-of-zionist-vision/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please rate and review us on Apple and recommend us to friends! Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

The new government is planning to change religion and state rules in Israel. Kashrut certification is the first item on that agenda (https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-religious-revolution-restaurants-dropping-rabbinates-kosher-certification/). Benji and Matt invited Wendy Barrish and Yochi Rappeport from Women of the Wall to discuss their work, and what they think is possible given the new political horizon. Join us! Women of the Wall (https://www.womenofthewall.org.il/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please rate and review us on Apple and recommend us to friends! Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

The recent conflict in Gaza led to difficult conversations. Not least for liberal American Jews. Mike and Benji invited Rabbi Bradley Artson to discuss his open letter to Rabbinical students about framing those conversations with empathy. Where are liberal American Jews today when it comes to Israeli current events? How can we communicate productively when we disagree passionately? How can our different perspectives enrich us, rather than divide us? What do these difficult conversations say about us? What do they mean for our future? Join us! Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson is the Vice President at the American Jewish University, and holds the Abner & Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Rabbi Artson's Letter (https://forward.com/scribe/469900/my-rabbinical-students-letter-shows-imbalance-and-a-lack-of-empathyfor/) The AP Article (https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-sports-ebe0b07195a4063501d5db75dc62dcc2) Rabbi Artson's Website (https://www.aju.edu/faculty/rabbi-bradley-shavit-artson) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please rate and review us on Apple and recommend us to friends! Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

How can a government coalition work if its members are so different? How did they handle their first week in power? What signs are there for the future? If you are pro-Israel, a Zionist or just a civics nerd, there are all sorts of questions on your mind. Mike, Benji and Matt came together in the good old teachers lounge to share their perspectives on this new experiment in Israeli democracy. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

Blake Flayton helped form the New Zionist Congress (https://www.newzionists.org/) in response to growing antisemitism on college campuses. What are his goals? What is really happening on campus? Why is there a rise in antisemitism on the left? What does all of this mean for the future? Mike and Benji invited him to the podcast to find out what he's doing and what his goals are. Join us! Blake Flayton on Tablet (https://www.tabletmag.com/contributors/blake-flayton) Blake on Twitter (https://twitter.com/blakeflayton?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

After four elections in two years, a new coalition agreement has been formed! But will it actually work? Who are the very different parties that have agreed to join? What are they getting out of it? Is this good for Israeli culture and democracy? Alan returns as a guest to hash it all out with Mike and Benji. Join us! (recorded at 3:30 Israel time on Thursday) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

Before the current crisis and today's ceasefire, the conversation about Israel was already hard for us to grasp. Why is there so much focus on, and misunderstanding about, Israel and Zionism? How do we deal with it all? We invited journalist, writer and translator, Eylon Levy, to speak to a group of Rimon students. The past couple of weeks have been hard to deal with for all of us. We are sharing Eylon's international Zoom session with you this week, because we think it helps put things into perspective. Enjoy! Eylon Levy on Twitter (https://twitter.com/EylonALevy) The Rimon Movement (https://rimonmovement.com/) Our Rimon Episode (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/74966444/214-the-rimon-movement/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

Why the rockets from Gaza? Why are there race riots in Israeli cities? Why does social media and journalism distort the story? What should we do to maintain our equilibrium? Mike recorded his class at Midreshet HaRova unpacking these questions. Listen to the first half hour as Mike gives his personal understanding and perspective. Then listen in for the Q&A as long as you like. If you're a current or former student of our Israel course, it will feel very familiar. If not, buckle up for the ride and join us! (Because it was recorded live in a classroom, the sound quality may not be quite the same as usual. But we think you'll agree that it came out very well. Mike repeated questions from students, so if you have trouble hearing them it will be made clear) Previous episodes interviewing Israelis from the South explaining life under rocket fire: * Interview with Judith Spanglet in Ashkelon (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/34564319/ep-81-trauma-and-resilience-under-fire-in-southern-israel/), explaining mental health challenges in the region. * Interviews with members of Kibbutz Alumim (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/43784764/123-voices-from-the-gaza-border/) about life on the Gaza border. * Interview with soldier Eli Goldman (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/51860674/150-a-soldier-on-the-gaza-border/) about serving on the border. Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends. If you have further questions about the events happening in Israel, please feel free to contact your Makom teacher.

Alan Goldman visited Mike and Matt in the teachers lounge to discuss current events. What caused the Lag Ba'Omer tragedy in Meron? What do we know a week later and what are people saying? Why are there evictions and protests in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah? These are troubling and difficult issues and Alan helps us understand them. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Wondering why there's still no Israeli government? What's the holdup? Will Netanyahu pull it off? Or has he gone a magic trick too far? Can the anti-Netanyahu bloc outmaneuver him and form their own coalition government? Political experts (and friends of the podcast) Calev Ben-Dor & Rajel Leghziel joined Mike and Matt to explain it all. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

What just happened in Jordan? Was it an attempted coup or wasn't it? How should we understand Israel's warm/cold relationship with Jordan? What are its internal dynamics? Mike and Matt invited returning guest Dr. Eran Lerman to give us a Jordan primer and explain current events. Join us! Eran Lerman (https://jiss.org.il/en/author/eran-lerman/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

What is the ICC? Why are they investigating alleged war crimes among Israelis and Palestinians? Why does it anger so many Israelis? Dr. Shany Mor returns to the podcast to explain. Join us! Shany Mor (https://en.idi.org.il/experts/29699) ICC Investigation - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Criminal_Court_investigation_in_Palestine#:~:text=Israel%20is%20not%20a%20member,condemned%20the%20allegations%20and%20investigation.) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

It's an extra long episode. We invited friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur to explain Israeli elections to a group of Rimon students. (see links below about the Rimon Movement. As usual, Haviv wove data and anecdotes into an explanatory narrative that made so much sense out of Israel's unique system of government. We just had to share it! The first hour is Haviv explaining his thesis, in his usual engaging manner, followed by Q&A with students. You can listen to all or part of it, but we think the whole episode is rewarding from start to finish. Enjoy! Haviv at TOI (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/haviv-gur/) Rimon Episode (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/74966444/214-the-rimon-movement/) Rimon Movement (https://rimonmovement.com/) Mike's Comic with Zvi Ron explaining Israeli Elections (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/tales-of-our-homeland-16-elections-2/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

What is the RIMON Student-Led Movement? What do they mean by "reimagining Israel education"? How are they trying to improve Jewish life and identity on college campuses? What's the current state of Jewish life on campus, in both the real and virtual versions? Mike and Benji interview the leaders of the movement, Jordana Schiff and Elie Codron. Join us! Rimon Movement (https://rimonmovement.com/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Why has the topic of conversion become such a big topic of controversy this week? Also, this is Alan's last episode as co-host. Join Mike and Matt in wishing him the best. Episode 115 - Interview with Educational Director at Nativ (https://blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/42513897/115-conversion-in-israel/) Haviv Rettig Gur on the Controversy (https://www.timesofisrael.com/branding-liberal-converts-a-demographic-threat-haredi-campaigns-get-second-wind/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Happy Purim! It's been a weird week in pop culture casual antisemitism. There was Michael Che's ignorant (and also bad) joke on SNL, and also impossibly racist Hasidim on a Canadian NBC tv show. (did you know there was Canadian NBC?) Its as if the news wanted to set us up for a Purim episode! What actually happened? Does this mean the world is heading into an antisemitic apocalypse? Does it mean nothing and we should forget about it? If it means something between these two extremes, how do we split the difference? Mike and Matt hash it out from the perspective of two Zionist educators. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

The fourth Knesset elections in two years are scheduled for March 23rd. What's different this time around? What are the new parties and coalitions? How might the outcome differ from the previous three times? Our panel of Mike, Matt and Benji discuss. Join us! Opinion polling for the 2021 Israeli legislative election (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_2021_Israeli_legislative_election) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

How can we discuss the tensions building over Israel's Haredi community in the age of Covid in a positive constructive way? With angry protests and burning buses, how can we add light but lower the heat? How can we find an honest yet positive take on this social conflict? Alan and Mike invited friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur to reflect on his article on the subject. As always, Haviv brought insight, perspective, and even some optimism to this troubling topic. Join us! Haviv's Article in Times of Israel (https://www.timesofisrael.com/enfeebled-and-enraged-haredi-society-feels-forsaken-on-all-sides/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Israel is rolling out Covid vaccinations faster than any other nation. Why are people blaming the Jewish State for the much slower roll out for West Bank Palestinians? Is Israel treating Jewish and Arab citizens differently? Why are Arabs in the West Bank a different situation? What are the agreements between Israel and the Palestinian authority regarding healthcare? Can Israel reach herd immunity without vaccinated Palestinians? Simon Plosker, the Managing Editor of UN Watch, wrote about the topic in his Times of Israel blog. So Alan and Mike invited him to get past the soundbites and explain the complicated situation to our listeners. Simon feels that its an important conversation well worth having, and we think you'll agree. Join us! Simon's blog post in the Times of Israel (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/un-experts-attack-israel-over-palestinian-coronavirus-vaccinations/) UN Watch (https://unwatch.org/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Returning guest expert Miri Eisin (Col. Ret.) joined us to explain the Israeli security concerns over Iran. What role does Iran play in the Middle East? How will the new American administration approach this problem? What are the different perspectives on how do deal with the Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons? As always, Miri explains complicated issues in ways that are easy to understand. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Makom Website (https://makomisrael.org/) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Alan and Mike invited Jacob Magid to discus his Times of Israel Article about the passing of Sheldon Adelson. They discuss his life, philanthropy, and controversial political activism. Jacob's Article (https://www.timesofisrael.com/backed-by-deep-pockets-adelson-made-mark-with-unwavering-focus-on-israel/) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge (https://www.blubrry.com/ju_israel_teachers_lounge/) is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Makom Website (https://makomisrael.org/) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/) Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.