The Israel Conversation: Recent Episodes
Masa Israel Journey
Welcome to The Israel Conversation by the Masa Leadership and Impact Center, the content engine behind Masa Israel Journey. We bring contemporary, challenging, and compelling Israel issues to light in ways that help us stay connected with what’s really going on, on the ground.
Masa Israel Journey is dedicated to shaping a promising future for the young Jewish individual, the global Jewish community, and the connection to the State of Israel. Our hope with The Israel Conversation is to educate our Masa Fellows, alumni, parents, partners, and everyone in between about Israel from a local point of view while engaging multiple perspectives.
The Israel Conversation - formerly known as the Makom Israel Teacher's Lounge - has been a lively discussion and debate on everything Israel since 2016.
426 Constitutional Crisis
Is Israel headed into a Constitutional Crisis? What is happening and what are the stakes? How does this relate to Israel’s security situation? As the podcast heads into a hiatus for the indeterminate future, join us as we address that state of the State.
With over 100,000 downloads, hundreds of episodes and almost a decade of posts, we thank our subscribers and listeners!
Calev hosts this discussion with Liel, Matt and Mike.
Am Yisrael Chai!
425 Rabbi Meir Kahana
Lately, the controversial Jewish leader Rabbi Meir Kahana has been “discussed” on social media. Who was he? Why was he so controversial? How did he die? Why does he still play such a powerful role in Israeli life? I social media really the best environment for nuanced political discourse? Or is it best suited for sharing nice pictures of your vacation?
Matt hosts this discussion with Calev and Mike.
Am Yisrael Chai!
424 What is Wrong with Peter Beinart?
It took a while for Peter Beinart to come out with his book blaming Israel for the post October 7th world. Its an impressively anti Jewish document, masquerading as a moral cri de cœur. How do we explain Jewish antizionism in general? And how do we explain it when the Jew is an educated, and ritually observant, former Zionist? Can the guys get through this without losing their tempers? Which of them has a personal history with this controversial figure? Join us to find out!
Calev hosts this discussion with Matt and Mike.
Am Yisrael Chai!
424 Trump Statement on Gaza
What just happened? During the Netanyahu visit to The White House President Trump announced the residents of Gaza would willingly relocate to better places. America would then take over the region and turn the Gaza Strip into the Riviera of the Middle East for all of the world to enjoy.
What will actually happen? What does this mean? What will change? What won’t? What are the implications of this jaw dropping statement?
Matt hosts this discussion with Calev and Mike. Join us!
Am Yisrael Chai!
423 Trump
What did the first Trump administration mean for Israel and the region? And what might his second term mean for the future?
Calev hosts this discussion with Matt and Mike.
Am Yisrael Chai!
422 The Hostage Deal
What is the actual content of the deal? What is the pro and con debate? How are most Israelis processing these events? What will happen next? Join us for a complicated and difficult conversation.
Calev hosts this discussion with Matt and Mike. It was recorded the morning before the first three hostages were released.
Am Yisrael Chai!
421 The Fall of Assad and the New Syria
What is going on in Syria? How did it happen? Who are the major players in these events? What does it mean for Iran? What does it mean for Israel? Our team takes you through this confusing revolution, and helps you understand this tectonic shift in the world of the Middle East.
Calev hosts this discussion with Matt and Mike.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Managing Mental Health in Difficult Times
Being under stress isn’t a new condition for Jews. But with decades of Israeli power and relative diaspora security, our people have gotten used to a historically unusual state of calm. As the last few years have shown, political and even physical insecurity may be the new normal. While there’s no need to panic, that kind of chronic stress takes a physical and mental toll. Some are in combat on Israel’s front lines, and some have loved one’s who are. Some are on campus or city streets confronting rising antisemitism.
We decided to record this unusual episode to address that issue. How do we manage to take care of ourselves when we don’t control the external forces that are causing us stress? What is the basic biologically of stress? What steps can we take, and what habits can we develop, that will help us navigate these difficult times?
Mike and Alan host our guest expert Dina Kessler.
Am Yisrael Chai!
A Visit to the Gaza Border
This past June, Liel took Alan, Matt, Calev and Mike to the sites that were devastated by the October 7th invasion. As a licensed tour guide, Liel wanted to share insights with her colleagues about what happened in the “Gaza Envelope” on, and since, that day. As they went from location to location, they recorded Liel speaking, as well as some of their thoughts and observations along the way.
On the one year anniversary of October 7th, we thought it would be meaningful to share the experience with our listeners. Liel, Mike and Calev sat with our engineer Ben in his studio, to choose what to include in this episode. We also added narration to explain and contextualize each of the clips. While we were doing that, we also reflected on our thoughts since the visit, and about this difficult year in general. For those interested to see what we saw, here is a link to our shared photo album of the visit.
Wishing you, our listeners, and all of our Nation a year of peace, healing and renewal.
Shana tova.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Is Israel Handling its Problems?
Everyone agrees that Israel is beset with problems. Some of them can be managed, and many of them must be solved for Israel to survive and have a healthy future. Is there a danger of reaching a tipping point where Israel has too many problems to succeed? Is whatever is right about Israel in danger of being destroyed by what’s wrong with it? Or is whatever is wrong with Israel going to be fixed by what’s right with it?
Liel hosts this debate with Matt taking the position that our problems are out of control, and Calev arguing that we have reason to be optimistic.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Are We in the 1920s or 1930s?
It is always interesting and helpful to learn from history. And so it's very natural to look to our recent past to find parallels to our current era. With the astonishing global rise of antisemitism many are looking at the previous century and seeing troubling signs for our future. But what part of 20th Century is the clearest precedent? In between the two World Wars, antisemitism rose and shook Jewish security in the Western world. Are we at an early stage like the 20s? Or in a later danger zone like the 30s? Are the analogies even accurate at all?
Liel hosts this debate with Alan taking the position that our time is more similar to the 1920s, and Matt arguing that it is like the 1930s.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Mass Protests
We live in an era when mass protests are just a normal part of weekly life in Israel. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Do they even make a difference? What changes have occurred because of them? And overall, do they create a positive or negative effect on Israeli life, politics and culture?
Jordana hosts this debate with Calev taking the position that the protests create positive change, and Alan taking the position that they are problematic..
Am Yisrael Chai!
Campus: Fight or Flight?
Young Jews prepare to return to campuses in the near future. Was last year a preview of what this year will be like? What should students do about open antisemitism around them? Should they stay and fight for what’s right? Or should they move on to places where Jews are more welcome and secure? There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, and each individual should decide for themselves. But a debate on the subject will help uncover the issues and factors to be weighed when making such important choices.
Alan hosts this debate with Liel taking the position that Jews should stand their ground and fight, Mike taking the position that they should leave and build the Jewish future in other ways. .
Am Yisrael Chai!
414 Hostages in the Media
This is a painful topic. How should images of the hostages be handled by the media? What is informative and what is exploitive? And in terms of viewing, what is the line between being informed and harming self health? May better days arrive soon, and discussions like this no longer be relevant.
Calev hosts this episode with Alan and Liel and Matt discussing the issues.
Am Yisrael Chai!
413 Lebanon
This episode discusses the military threat posed by Hezbollah in the North of Israel. We discuss the ongoing tensions, evacuations of Israeli residents, and the challenges faced in finding a resolution. The conversation highlights the significant military capabilities of Hezbollah, the historical context of conflicts in the region, and the psychological impact on the Israeli population. The uncertainty of diplomatic solutions and the potential for a military confrontation add complexity to the situation.
Calev hosts this episode with Alan and Liel discussing the issues.
Am Yisrael Chai!
412 ICC and Consequences
What is the ICC? How is it different from the ICJ? What are the consequences of Israel being tried in the ICC? Is the ICC a legitimate judge of Israel? Should we even care?
Jordana hosts this debate with Calev arguing that we should care, and Alan arguing that we shouldn’t.
Am Yisrael Chai!
411 Iranian Intentions
When Iran directly attacked Israel in April they made history. Their proxies have been attacking Israel for years, but last April was the first time that the Islamic “Republic” launched a direct attack on the Jewish State. But was that attack a sign of Iranian strength or weakness? Did the Iranians intend to do more damage, or was the small amount done what they intended? Presumably, how we understand the last attack will help us understand the current impending one. It is of course possible that the Iranians are assessing the current situation in a different way. But they are also likely to be making very similar calculations again. Perhaps the debate in this episode is even more relevant than when we recorded it in June.
Matt hosts this debate with Calev arguing that the Irainians failed in their mission, and that they meant for much more damage to be done to Israel. Mike argues that they succeeded in causing minimal damage.
Am Yisrael Chai!
410 Complicated current politics
In this episode, we delve into the turbulent landscape of Israeli politics following the recent departure of centrist ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot from the government. We explore the impact of their exit on the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who formed an ultra-orthodox far-right government after the fifth elections in November 2022.
Our discussion covers the rising discontent among Israeli citizens, marked by increasing Saturday night demonstrations that initially called for the return of hostages and have now merged to demand both a hostage deal and new elections. We examine the internal tensions within the government, particularly between the Shas and Otzma Yehudit parties, and speculate on the government's potential instability as it approaches the end of its shelf life.
As the Knesset heads into a long recess, we consider whether Netanyahu can maintain his position amidst growing pressures and internal conflicts. Join us for an in-depth analysis of the current political climate, the challenges faced by the government, and the possible future scenarios in Israeli politics.
Tune in to hear expert insights and perspectives on the evolving situation and what it could mean for the future of Israel.
Calev hosts this roundtable discussion with Benji, Jordana and Matt.
Am Yisrael Chai!
409 Is Judicial Reform Dead?
It feels like a million years ago that Israel was debating the government plan for judicial reforms. In the traumatic aftermath of October 7th, all of that fight has been left behind.
But is that a permanent or a temporary shift? Once the dust settles after the defeat of Hamas, (God willing) will we once again be plunged into the divisive political battle over checks and balances in Israel?
Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that it's still in play, and Benji argues that it's all in the rear view mirror. .
Am Yisrael Chai!
408 Is it Time for Elections?
“... It [is] not best to swap horses when crossing streams”, said Abraham Lincoln when running for reelection during the American Civil War. How well does that argument apply to Israel today?
Polls show that Israelis have low confidence in the current government. This is a dangerous situation in a time of multiple major conflicts. But it is also dangerous to create a new election season in such a situation as well. Which is the greater danger? Should we push for elections as soon as possible, or wait till the war(s) settles down?
Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that it's time to hold elections, and Alan argues we should wait till the war is over.
Am Yisrael Chai!
407 National Security and Arab Israelis
In 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 Abstention
The 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. 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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
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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 7
Israelis 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 Fails
This 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 3
Crisis on Campus
In 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 2
What 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 1
Where 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!
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) 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 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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.
Haredi Draft
The 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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
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. 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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
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.
Apartheid
Type the word “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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.
Definition: apartheid - noun
1: racial segregation
specifically : a former policy of segregation and political, social, and economic discrimination against the non-white majority in the Republic of South Africa
NOTE: 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, SEGREGATION
cultural apartheid
gender apartheid
Is There a Future for the Jewish Diaspora?
Jews have been living outside of the land of Israel for thousands of years. It is a historical truth that this process started by enemies driving them into exile. But these diaspora communities settled in, expanded, and continued to migrate around the globe for over two millennia.
In the 20th century, Jews chose two strategies for building a thriving Jewish future.
One approach was to create and live in a Jewish State. The State of Israel was founded by people who believed that ultimately there would be no future for Jews in the Diaspora. The changes of modernity, they argued, meant that the exile must end for the Jews to survive into the future. Only by creating a State of Jews, by Jews and for Jews, could thriving Jewish life and communities be sustained.
The other approach was to build Jewish communities in tolerant Western Democracies. This approach assumes that Diaspora Jewish life will be safe as long as minority rights and freedom of religion continue to function in the modern world.
As time went on, Israeli Jews softened their language about the future of Diaspora Jewry. But are they right? Should we be taking the warnings of the early Zionists more seriously?
Calev hosts this debate between Matt who defends an optimistic view towards the future of Jewish life in the Diaspora, and Mike argues the pessimistic view of classic Zionism.
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 amazingBen Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
Masa Website
Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.
Definition; A diaspora is a population that is scattered across regions which are separate from its geographic place of origin.The word is used in reference to people who identify with a specific geographic location, but currently reside elsewhere.
Notable diasporic populations include the Jewish diaspora formed after the Babylonian exile...
The term "diaspora" is derived from the Greek verb διασπείρω (diaspeirō), "I scatter", "I spread about" which in turn is composed of διά (dia), "between, through, across" and the verb σπείρω (speirō), "I sow, I scatter". In Ancient Greece the term διασπορά (diaspora) hence meant "scattering"
Herzl vs. Ahad Ha’am
There 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!
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Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
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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 Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
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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 Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
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We are excited to announce the upcoming second season of our new debate format!
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Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
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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!
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Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
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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!
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Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.
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Nation State Law
Israel'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!
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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!
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Here are a few more quotations to consider:
Do we wish for an Exceptional or Normal state?
What do we hope for when we consider the Jewish State? Let’s consider our National Anthem:
“As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And forward to the East
To Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Is that hope to become a free nation like all others, or to become an exceptional lofty nation? I suppose it depends who you ask.
Ben-Gurion is often quoted as having said, “When Israel has prostitutes and thieves, we’ll be a state just like any other.” There is no question that a goal of Modern Political Zionism was to achieve for the Jews no more than any other nation deserves, but surely no less.
But for many, the Jewish State is obligated to become exceptional. It isn’t a new idea. It's literally Biblical. It goes at least as far back as Isaiah 42:6, who prophesied, "I the LORD have called unto you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and submitted you as the people's covenant, as a light unto the nations".
Should the modern State of Israel be held to a Biblical standard, or is it enough to be free in our land like everyone else?
Calev moderated this debate between Mike who stood up for exceptionalism and Matt who defends normalcy.
Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think!
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Here are a few more quotations to consider:
Ben-Gurion - “Two basic aspirations underlie all our work in this country: to be like all other nations, and to be different from all the nations. These two aspirations are apparently contradictory, but in fact they are complementary and interdependent. We want to be a free people, independent and equal in rights in the family of nations, and we aspire to be different from all other nations in our spiritual elevation and in the character of our model society, founded on freedom, cooperation, and fraternity with all Jews and the whole human race …”
Herzl - ““I once called Zionism an infinite ideal, and I truly believe that even after we possess our land, the Land of Israel, Zionism will not cease to be an ideal. For Zionism as I understand it includes not only the yearning for a plot of promised land legally acquired for our weary people, but also the aspiration to reach moral and spiritual perfection.”
Should the IDF end the draft?
Polling over the last few years 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!
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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!
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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!
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The Israeli Judicial Reform Debate
This is certainly the most divisive topic in current Israeli politics. While many thousands protest every week, supporters call those protesters anarchists. We recorded this episode before all of the plan’s specifics were announced, we certainly called the issues correctly. This debate has been ongoing for several years, but is now reaching a crisis point.
The main issue at the center of the debate is the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches of government. Proponents of judicial reform argue that the current system gives the judiciary too much power, and that it needs to be reined in to prevent it from overstepping its bounds. They argue that the current system has resulted in a lack of accountability and has allowed the judiciary to interfere in areas that should be the purview of the legislature.
On the other hand, opponents of judicial reform argue that the judiciary is an essential check on the power of the legislature, and that limiting its power would undermine the rule of law and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. They argue that the current system has been successful in ensuring that the laws are properly enforced and that the rights of citizens are protected. Additionally, they argue that the judiciary needs to be independent and free from political pressure in order to effectively perform its role as a check on the power of the legislature.
The debate over judicial reform in Israel is not only about the balance of power between the branches of government, but also about the broader implications for Israeli democracy and the rule of law. Both sides in the debate are deeply committed to ensuring that Israel remains a strong and vibrant democracy, and that the rights of citizens are protected. However, they disagree on the best way to achieve these goals, and the debate over judicial reform will likely continue to be a contentious issue in Israeli politics for the foreseeable future.
Is this an attempt to put unelected elitists back in their place? Or is this an attempt to create an executive branch with absolute power?
The debate between Mike and Calev is hosted by Matt. Calev takes the position that the proposed reforms will severely damage Israeli Democracy, and Mike takes the position that these reforms are what Israel needs in order to lead to a more fair system.
Enjoy! And let us know what you think!
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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.
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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!
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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
His Amazon Page
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If you missed this classic episode, you'll want to catch it. And if you heard it back in the day, it's worth a refresher. Enjoy!
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.
Shmuel Rosner's Webpage with many relevant links.
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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!
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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!
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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
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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
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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
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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
Sde Boker
The Hotel
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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
Be'er Sheva News
Sharm-el-Sheikh News
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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
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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
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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!
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This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
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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. Ben is awesome!
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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
TOI article from last year
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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
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,
Elianne
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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!
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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!
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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
His Amazon Page
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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 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. Ben is awesome!
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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 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. Ben is awesome!
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Recorded before the protests against travel bans, 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
Josh's website
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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
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 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. Ben is awesome!
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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. 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
Re-Emergence of the Jewish Question
How Class Disappeared From Western Politics
Shalom Lappin is the Professor of Natural Language Processing at School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey 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. Ben is awesome!
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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 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
NGO Monitor Report on the 6 Organizations
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey 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. Ben is awesome!
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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
Re-listen to our 2017 interview with Marc
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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
Recent stories on the topic in the Times of Israel
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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!
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
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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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 (Col. Ret.)
The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Liel Zahavi-Asa.
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Masa Israel Journey 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.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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The new government is planning to change religion and state rules in Israel. Kashrut certification is the first item on that agenda. 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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
The AP Article
Rabbi Artson's Website
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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Blake Flayton helped form the New Zionist Congress 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
Blake on Twitter
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
The Rimon Movement
Our Rimon Episode
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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, explaining mental health challenges in the region.
- Interviews with members of Kibbutz Alumim about life on the Gaza border.
- Interview with soldier Eli Goldman about serving on the border.
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
ICC Investigation - Wikipedia
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
Rimon Episode
Rimon Movement
Mike's Comic with Zvi Ron explaining Israeli Elections
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
Haviv Rettig Gur on the Controversy
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.
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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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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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
UN Watch
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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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 is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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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
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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How can a bunch American expats discuss the chaos in the US with their gap year students? Can they avoid it? What does it mean to Americans, Jews and Israelis? Has anything similar ever happened in Israel? How should teachers process these weighty issues with each other? Alan, Mike and Benji work on these and other issues. Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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What were the major Israeli news stories that will continue to impact 2021? What are the major take aways from a difficult and challenging year? Alan, Mike and Matt make their year-in-review observations and predictions. Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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How did it come to this? Fourth elections in two years! Why did the current government collapse? Who are the major players in this story? What will happen next? Alan, Mike and Matt explain the headlines and all that you'll need to know to follow current events. Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Mike and Benji invited Walid Tamtam to explain why he is so excited about his family's homeland openly embracing Israel. Born in Canada to a Moroccan Muslim family, Walid proclaims himself a Zionist, and seeks to educate others about why the Jewish state belongs in the Middle East. How did he come to that position? What is the Jewish History of Morocco? What should Israelis and Jews know about this North African country? What does it mean to recognize Morocco's control of the Western Sahara region? If you want to know the answers to these questions, don't miss this episode!
Walid's TOI blog post
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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According to the Talmud, Jews must love converts, and never mistreat them. Then why is David Ben Moshe, a Jew whose conversion was recognized by the Israeli Rabbinate, not being given Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return? Is it because of the criminal record in his pre-conversion life? Is it because he is a Jew of color?
This episode is longer than usual for our podcast, and the Israel issues come in about half way through. But we feel that David's personal journey of growth and repentance are a crucial prelude to understand the true injustice of denying his citizenship. And it is a fascinating, unique and deeply troubling story every step of the way. Please join us, and do what you can to help David in his struggle for justice and citizenship in the country he and his family call home.
Jpost Article
Go Fund Me Campaign
Episode 115 about Israel's problems welcoming converts - An interview with Rabbi Chashi Freedman of Nativ
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Why would Israel have assassinated Iran's leading nuclear weapon's expert? What could happen if Iran creates nuclear weapons? How will shifting American administrations change the dynamics in the region? Alan and Mike turned once again to expert Eran Lerman to help us understand this complex issue. Join us!
Eran Lerman
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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With massacres in Northern Ethiopia on the rise, resolving the status of the last Jews there has become a matter of urgency. To explain the issue, Alan and Mike invited Uri Perednik, the founder and CEO of The Struggle for Aliyah for Ethiopian Jewry, an NGO that works with Jews in both Ghondar and Addis Ababa. Why are there Jews still left in Ethiopia? What is life like for them there? What more can Israel do to help them? What can we do? Join us to hear about this important topic.
Uri's Links:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ethiopianjewryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethiopian_jews/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EthiopianJewryTelegram: https://t.me/ethiopianjewry
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 are Israelis so focused on the NBA draft? Why does this sports news matter? What stories are being ignored? And what do we want to follow up on with Aaron David Miller? Join Alan, Mike and Benji for this news roundup!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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He was in all the rooms where it happened. Having worked for multiple American administrations, Aaron David Miller has tremendous access and insight into the world of Middle East diplomacy. In what way was having a personal relationship with Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat different than just watching him on the news? How do personal relationships shape diplomacy? What should the American team have done differently at Camp David? What were the pros and cons of the Trump administration's approach to diplomacy? What should we anticipate from a Biden administration?
All this and so much more! Alan and Mike learned so much, and we're sure you will as well. Don't miss this episode!
(note: we apologise for some glitches in Mike's sound quality this episode, but we don't think it will detract from the fascinating discussion)
Ha'aretz Tribute to Erekat
Aaron David Miller on Twitter, at Carnegie, and on Wikipedia.
Aaron David Miller is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former State Department Middle East analyst and negotiator in Republican and Democratic Administrations. He is a CNN Global Affairs Analyst and the author most recently of the End of Greatness: Why America Can’t Have (and Doesn’t Want ) Another Great President.
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Now that the dust seems to be settling on the American election, Alan and Mike invited Dr. Shany Mor to give them some perspective. Why are Israelis so focused on USA politics? What do changing administrations really mean for Israel and the Middle East? Join us for this enlightening discussion!
Shany Mor at the Israel Democracy Institute
Shany Mor at Tablet
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Alan and Mike wanted to know how Palestinians view the normalization of ties with the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan. They invited friend and colleague Firas Amad to share his thoughts. Firas is from East Jerusalem, and is a tour guide, educator and entrepreneur. We've invited him as a guest speaker to many of our students over the years. His opinions are his own, and they are informed and thought provoking. To understand any issue, it's crucial to hear out all sides and perspectives. That includes, maybe especially, perspectives that are very different from your own. From a Palestinian perspective, the new accords are largely irrelevant, and that becomes clear during the conversation. Join us for this engaging discussion!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Calev Ben-Dor joins Alan and Mike to talk about his recent observations in Fathom. Is Israel an "I" culture or a "we" culture? How does that impact the fight against Corona? What is generating the weekly protests around the country? Is there a path out of the cynicism and distrust for institutions and leadership? Join us!
Calev's article in Fathom
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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We last spoke to Nathan Jeffay, The Times of Israel's health and science correspondent, in July. He joins Alan and Mike for an update. What are the human and societal implications of over 2,000 deaths and rising? What can we to to protect ourselves and Israel's future? Join us!
Nathan Jeffay at Times of Israel
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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It a complicated Middle Eastern story, so we turned once again to retired Colonel Miri Eisen. What is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict about? How is Israel involved? What are the implications for the region? Join us!
Miri Eisin Website
Map
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict - History and Maps
Example of Youtube footage
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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, Mike and Sharon take a deep dive into Enlightenment philosophy to unpack why politics have become so dysfunctional. We think you'll enjoy coming along the ride for the ride. How do we debate permitting protests over Yom Kippur prayers in a productive way? How does modern philosophy help that discourse? Does post-modern philosophy help or hinder resolution of social dilemmas? What are facts? Its an unusual episode for our podcast, but a great look into a conversation in the Israel Teachers Lounge. Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Sure it's great news. But why are the U.A.E. and Bahrain normalising relations with Israel now? What message are they sending to Israel when the mention the Palestinians? How does all of this play out in the culture and politics of the region? How will the imminent U.S. elections affect the Middle East? The always insightful Haviv Rettig Gur explains his perspective to Alan and Mike. Join us!
Haviv at Times of Israel
Haviv at Mosaic
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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It's a strange moment to move back to Israel, which is exactly what new team member Sharon Wagner-Zauder did. She joined Alan and Mike to discuss the current Corona outbreak. How did we end up with 4,000 new cases a day? What does this say about Israeli society? What does it say about the current government? How do we manage our emotional equilibrium in an age of disfunction? (spoiler alert: it's rough) Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Why doesn't the Israeli government have a budget yet? Why are Corona virus cases on the rise? Why are there anti-government protests every week? Did the first two questions answer the third one? Can we find reasons for optimism? Rajel Leghziel joins Alan and Mike to get them up to date and reflect on the disfunction. Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Politics in Israel are confusing enough. Things get more complicated when you bring in other countries and their policies. Should expats in Israel vote in foreign elections? How should pro-Israel voters outside of Israel cast their votes? How should we talk to each other about our opinions when we disagree? Join Alan, Mike and Matt for a candid discussion.
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 asked Colonel (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS) to explain Israel's new relationship with the United Arab Emirates. What makes this deal so groundbreaking? What does it mean for Israel diplomatically and economically? How does it reflect and affect the various allegiances in the region? What role did the US play in this achievement? What might unforeseen consequences be? Could there be a downside? You won't want to miss this one! Join us!
Colonel (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Hours before the announcement of a peace treaty with the UAE, Alan and Mike met with Miri Eisen to explain the situation in Lebanon and what it means for Israel. Why did the explosion happen? What does it tell us about the Lebanese government? What may the future bring and is there any reason for optimism? Confused by the whole situation? For clarity and understanding, join us!
Miri Eisen's Website
Miri Eisin served in the Israeli intelligence community and retired at the rank of full colonel in 2004. Over her twenty year career in the military she served in diverse positions in the field, combat units and research departments. Miri served as the Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson from the second Lebanon war until the end of 2007. She now teaches at IDC Herzliya, and works extensively with the media, student groups and diplomats. Miri is a fellow at the Center for International Communication at Bar Ilan University and an associate at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism.
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 life like for Jews on today's college campuses? What should Jewish educators know about young Jews in North America? What are the challenges and what are some solutions for keeping Jews connected to their people? Former director of Jewish Life and Israel Engagement at Rutgers Hillel in New Jersey, Liel Zahavi-Asa, joins Alan and Mike to share her thoughts and insights. Join us!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 met with Nathan Jeffay, the Times of Israel health reporter, to explain Israel's fight against the pandemic. What role does government policy have in the rise in Covid19 cases? What advances have Israeli researchers made in fighting the disease? How has Israeli society changed in these strange times? Join us!
Nathan Jeffay on Facebook
Times of Israel byline
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
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.
Shmuel Rosner's Webpage with many relevant links
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Do Biblical borders relate to modern conversations about Israel? How should religion and politics relate? Was Peter Beinart's one state solution argument relevant in any way? Join Alan and Mike in the Teachers Lounge.
Neil Rogchevsky piece
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Ben Katz joined Alan and Mike to talk about his work for Shoval, educating Israeli teachers and professionals about LGBTQ+ issues in the Orthodox community. How does one open a dialogue with Orthodox institutions? How have things changed over the last decade? What impact has his work had? Join us!
Shoval on Wikipedia
Shoval Website
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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July 1st has arrived, and Israel's annexation plan remains as opaque as ever. Has entering July changed the story? What is the argument for and against annexation at this time? How do Israeli security analysts understand the region? Two educators, (Alan & Mike) invited a journalist (friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur) to explain where we are, why we're here, and where we might be going. Join us!
Note: the opinions expressed in this episode do not represent Makom or the Jewish Agency.
Haviv Retting Gur at the Times of Israel
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
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Alan, Mike and Matt analyse the Israeli-Palestinian conflict using the security vs. justice paradigm. How to the Israelis see their history as a story of independence and security? How do the Palestinians see their history as a story of injustice? Can there be a process that resolves those narratives into a peaceful solution? Join us!
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 is still not clear what form July's annexation will take, if it happens at all. We discussed many of the relevant questions with Calev Ben-Dor in episode 176. In this episode, Alan, Mike and Matt lay out Benjy's theory of The Three Lenses for viewing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Then, they role play an improvised conversation about annexation from each of the three perspectives. Alan represents social justice, Matt takes on the geopolitical perspective, and Mike plays the fundamentalist. Join us for a lively and clarifying episode.
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Suzanne Singer joins Alan and Mike to discuss Israel's forgotten war. They invited her after her recent Times of Israel blog post. Why did the IDF control southern Lebanon for 18 years? Why did they leave? Why was this long war so forgotten? How are the veterans trying to reclaim their honor? How does the legacy of Suzanne's son Alex, who died in combat in Lebanon, still inspire the Singer family and countless others? Join us!
Suzanne's Blog post
The Alex Singer Project
Alex Singer Book
Pumpkin Flowers by Matti Friedman
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Often, “interesting times” leave most people feeling helpless and depressed. The modern Zionist movement was born of such difficult times. Pogroms, World Wars, ideological ferment are just a few of the elements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that ultimately fueled the creative building of a new historical plateau for the Jewish nation. Zionism is a form of activism and is as relevant today as ever.
In this episode, Alan and Mike try to break down how Zionism built growth out of chaos. These are the seven steps to change the world, and keep your own sense of balance and optimism. Join us!
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 Palestinian Authority has begun the process of ending security coordination with the Israel Defence Forces. How does that coordination work? What are the consequences of ending it? Why is annexation of West Bank territory such a pressing political issue now? What will happen next? Alan and Mike invited Calev Ben-Dor to explain it all and put it all in context. Join us!
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 good news is, no fourth round of elections. Rajel joins Alan and Mike to hash out why our new government has more ministries than any other. How did the political leaders from various sides frame this new team? Why are there so many new and/or changed ministries? How does this compare to previous governments? What’s our personal vote for silliest ministry? Join us!
Analysis by friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Well, the swearing in of the new government is delayed till Sunday. Here's hoping it will work out. Hours before the delay was announced Alan, Mike and Matt Zoomed to discuss the last minute twists and turns. Will we have a fully mandated government after 18 months of disfunction? Will the priority of a global pandemic force the politicians to get to work? Are there still reasons to be positive and optimistic? Join us!
Latest update as of posting
Analysis by friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Due to a technical problem on our part the original release of this episode was missing some audio. This release is the corrected file. Our apologies.
Writer and activist Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll joined Alan and Mike to discuss how the Corona crisis has exacerbated tension with and within the Haredi community. Her constructively critical perspective is always worth a listen. Why did it take so long for Haredi neighbourhoods to practice quarantine? What steps need to be taken within the community? How can people outside the community help move things forward? You'll want to hear the important insights in this must hear episode. Join us!
Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll's website
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Now that Netanyahu and Gantz have come to an agreement, it looks like we won't have a 4th round of elections. Will this work? Will we really have a mandated government after 16 months? What is an Emergency Unity government? Will Gantz become Prime Minister? Will annexations take place this summer? Rajel comes to explain things with Alan and Mike. Join us!
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Sometimes reality reminds us that it doesn't care about our opinions. Pandemics don't care what we think, and viruses don't listen to pundits. We would have guessed that Israeli politicians would overcome their differences and form a unity government in a time of crisis. Just how dysfunctional have we become? How do we navigate reality in the age of information overload? How to we separate facts from silliness? How can we develop critical thinking skills under a media deluge? Alan, Mike and Matt discuss educational challenges in the 21st century. Join us!
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
After a week of trying to set up an emergency government, why are we still stuck in negotiations? How should politicians balance principle with compromise for the sake of functionality? Rajel joins Alan and Mike to help explain the negotiation sticking points. Join us!
This episode on Youtube
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
This week, in the middle of the health crisis, economic turmoil and civil rights dilemma, the Knesset was shut down?! Yet somehow, as the week is ending, we have the beginnings of an agreement for a new government?! What just happened? Alan and Mike were privileged to be joined by the Times of Israel's senior analyst, (and friend of the podcast) Haviv Rettig Gur. He helped us make sense of the crazy week that was, what it means for us now, and what it means moving forward. Keep your fingers crossed, because Haviv gives us reason for cautious optimism. Don't miss this one!! There's a lot to wrap your head around, and nobody explains it better. Join us!
Haviv's article on the Edelstein crisis
Latest news as of this posting
This episode on Youtube
This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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, Mike and Benji quickly get up to date on Israel social distancing policy. Then they turn to the current political stalemate in resolving the current political stalemate. What is going on in the formation of a coalition? Why is speaker Yuli Edelstein being asked to step aside? Why isn't he? How should leaders be handling this crisis? What should we be expecting moving forward? We close with an inspirational reading by Alan. Join us!
Friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur's article
Watch the episode on Youtube
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 a confusing time, and we wanted clarity about the current health situation. So we invited Aviva Yoselis, MPH, BCPA, Director of Advocacy Services at the Shira Pransky Project to help us out. How can we understand what's going on? How do we make decisions going forward? Who is handling this in the Israeli Health ministry, and how are they doing? Aviva did an amazing job explaining things to Alan and Mike in this important episode. If you're looking for guidance to find understanding, wisdom and calm during an age of pandemic, join us.
The Shira Pransky Project
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Rajel came to help Alan and Mike explain the election results. What was different this time around? What wasn't? Did anyone win? And what's going to happen next? Join us!
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
First, we respond to some listener feedback. Then, Alan makes a wild claim. He thinks that the career of recently deceased former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak, sheds a lot of light on both the Trump deal of the century and Bernie Sander's comments. And he pulls it off! What does Mubarak teach us about the middle east? How should those insights shape Western policy in the region? Join us!
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Nobody really wants to talk about the elections, but they're coming anyway! So Alan, Mike and Benji get into it, take the political pulse, and argue a bit. Why does Israel function if we haven't had a government in a year? Why role has debating played in Israeli politics? What can possibly break the current political stalemate? Will we have a fourth set of elections? People may be avoiding the topic, but join us for our lively discussion.
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Yonah Jeremy Bob is the Jerusalem Post's intelligence, terrorism and legal analyst. Mike and Matt sat with him to discuss his recent book, Justice in the West Bank? The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Goes to Court. Why are there two separate Justice systems in the West Bank? Why are Jews and Arabs under different jurisdictions? What has been done to make it as fair as possible? Why is this complicated arrangement the best we can do for now? How does this effect Israel's image abroad? How is Israel doing diplomatically in recent weeks? Join us for this important and informative discussion of an issue that is rarely addressed.
Yonah's Jerusalem Post page
Link to book website
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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's back! He sits down with Mike the Deal of the Century now that it's a week old. What has changed so far? Where does Alan disagree with Mike and Benji? How do Alan's trips to Auschwitz and Jewish heritage education affect him as a Zionist educator? For fans of the podcast, this is a can't miss episode. Join us!
Alan's project in Poland
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Mike and Benji discuss the breaking news. What is this new peace deal about? Why will the Palestinians reject it outright? If everyone knows that they won't accept it, why was it created? What's the point? Join us for background and perspective.
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Haviv Rettig Gur is The Times of Israel's senior analyst, and has a lot to say about American and Israeli Jewish identity. Alan and Mike sat down with him to hear his thoughts and insights. How have their experiences shaped their perspective? How does each community define religion and nationality? How does that make mutual understanding difficult? You'll want to hear Haviv's thoughts and insights. Join us!
Haviv's review of Daniel Gordis' book, where he writes on the topic.
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
In recent weeks, two leaders from Israel's religious right have made rude, dismissive remarks about large segments of Israeli society. In these particular cases, the LGBTQ and former Soviet Union immigrant communities were the targets. But sadly, there's a long Israeli history of such inflammatory statements and behaviours. Why does this happen? How has it appeared from the left and right of the political spectrum? Has it become better or worse over time.
First, Alan, Mike and Rajel answer these questions. But stay for their insightful advice to leaders on how to have civil political conversations with and about fellow citizens with whom you disagree. Their ideas are social, psychological, political, educational and even range to the theological! Join us for this important episode!
Rafi Peretz's comments on gay marriage
Yitzhak Yosef on FSU Immigrants
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
As tensions rise between the US and Iran, what does it mean for Israel? Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the local repercussions. How has Israel used the tactic of targeting terrorists? How does the press misunderstand the Middle East? Why is Iran threatening Israel at all? How safe should we feel in Israel? To understand what this means for all of us, join us!
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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 and why is it suddenly looking into Israel and the West Bank? What are the possible implications? What should Israel do about it? Alan and Mike discuss the issue, and Alan makes a compelling case for seeing this as a classic Jewish problem in a new iteration. Join us!
Times of Israel report
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
At the core of the word "Chanukah" is the Hebrew word for education: "chinuch". To celebrate, Alan and Mike brought the Director of Makom, Abi Dauber Sterne, into the recording studio. They reflected on what they do. What is Makom? Why has Israel education become more centrally important than ever? What are the principles and methods that Makom believes in? What Israel knowledge do today's young Jews want? What are our challenges for the future? Join us!
Abi Dauber Sterne comes to Makom after 7 years as the VP for Jewish Education at Hillel International. Previous positions have included Director of the Mandel Jerusalem Fellows, founding Director of Limmud NY, and planning executive at UJA-Federation of NY. Abi has a passion for creating frameworks and programs to strengthen pluralistic Jewish life around the world. She lives with her husband and four children in Jerusalem.
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Is there a silver lining to holding Knesset elections three times within a year? What was the actual Trump executive order about Jews on campus? Why did it hit such a nerve among so many Jews? What was the hubbub really about, and what does that tell us about Jewish identity in the 21st century? Alan, Mike and Benji share their thoughts and insights. Join us!
Mike's blog post
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Is Israel too reliant on fossil fuels? How can we become truly sustainable and independent? Is our current energy grid a national security danger? If so, what can be done about that? Can Israel export energy advances around the region? The world? Alan and Mike sat down with Yossi Abramowitz, (aka Kaptain Sunshine) who addresses these questions and more. He explains his amazing accomplishments, and why he thinks his work is quintessentially Jewish and Zionist. Join us!
Kaptain Sunshine's Wikipedia page
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Are things as problematic as they seem to be in the UK? How did Jeremy Corbyn become leader of the Labour party? Why are they accused of (at least) tolerating antisemitism? Why was the Chief Rabbi speaking out so shocking? What will happen if Labour wins? What is they lose? Alan and Mike get a thorough briefing from Arieh Kovler. Join us!
Arieh Kovler is a Jerusalem-based politics and communications expert, and a writer and commentator on global politics. Before his aliya he was the Head of Policy and Research at the UK's Jewish Leadership Council and the founding director of the anti-boycott Fair Play Campaign Group. Arieh was a steering committee member of the Global Coalition for Israel and has advised the Israeli government.
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
As we announced on our breaking news episode, two overlapping unprecedented events just occurred in Israel. The failure of the second attempt to form a government coalition and the multiple indictments of a sitting Prime Minister. Alan and Mike try to make sense of it all, and explain what it means. How is Netanyahu challenging the indictments? What will it mean for forming a coalition? What is happening within Likud now? Is there any way to know what happens next? Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Facebook page 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.
Just a head up, guys. This is bonkers. Two overlapping unprecedented events just occurred in Israel. The failure of the second attempt to form a government coalition and the multiple indictments of a sitting Prime Minister. Alan and Mike briefly explain what is happening (as best as they can!) and invite you to submit your questions for our full Monday episode. Stay tuned!
Don't miss this past week's regular episode about changing American policy on Jewish West Bank settlements.
Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
Makom Website
Makom staff page with emails
Facebook page 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.
After briefly catching up on coalition negotiations and reflecting on Gaza conflict, Alan, Mike and Matt turn their attention to the new American policy on the legality of West Bank settlements. Why did it change? What are the legal arguments on both sides? How will this new policy affect Israeli plans and international politics? What, if anything, will change at all?
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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 friend
Once again, hundreds of rockets are launched at Israel by Islamic Jihad in Gaza. After reviewing and explaining this particular round of the conflict, Alan and Mike interview Eli Goldman. Eli recently finished his IDF army service, and explains what its like to serve on the Gaza border during rocket attacks and mass "protests".
Who was Baha Abu al-Ata? What's the difference between Islamic Jihad and Hamas? How and why is Israel helping Hamas out? How do soldiers keep safe under fire? How do they protect civilian lives? What does it feel like to be in such close proximity to terrorists? How does it feel to be at home this time watching the conflict on tv instead of from your army base.
So many questions! Join us for answers!
Previous episodes about life on the Gaza border:
Episode 123 - Adults and kids in Kibbutz Alumim
Episode 81 - Judith Spanglet ~ From Trauma to Resilience
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Coalition negotiations for control of the government seem to be going nowhere. What does it mean that Gantz controls them? What are the possible ways to break the deadlock? How are Israelis viewing this process? Is there light at the end of this tunnel? Alan, Mike and our political expert Rajel hash it out. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
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.
Shmuel Rosner's Webpage with many relevant links
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Who leads the Boycott Divest and Sanction against Israel movement? What are their goals? What are their methods? Do they really care about human rights, or do they just hate Israel? What have they accomplished? Where are they failing? How do we engage to defeat them without raising their profile and status? Join Alan and Mike as they go through the basics of this disturbing fad.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
The news is moving quickly, and there's a lot to digest. What is happening to the Kurds in Syria? Who are they? How is this new attack from Turkey going to affect the region? What are Israelis saying about all this? Why is this relevant to us? After discussing the Sukkot holiday season in Israel, Alan and Mike explain the story behind the headlines and why this story matters. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
After Rosh HaShana, Israeli media focused on several stories. These included a domestic murder, Arab Israeli protests and several fluid scenarios in the Middle East. What does the murder of Michal Sela tell us about Israeli society? What do Arab protests over insufficient policing tell us about minorities in Israel? What do the shifting diplomatic sands in the region mean for Iran and Israel? How do these stories connect? Alan, Mike and Matt discuss these weighty matters. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
If coalition building wasn't consuming the headlines, the possible torture of an alleged terrorist ringleader would be getting more attention. Alan, Mike and Benji discuss the case of Samer Arbid, the man accused of being responsible for the murder of 17 year old Rina Shnerb last August. What happened in this case? What is a "ticking time-bomb" case, and why is it treated differently by Israeli security forces? Does torture raise the same questions as the security barrier? What are the ethical and legal guidelines for torture of a suspect? Who decides what's allowed and what isn't? How does this connect back to the brewing coalition talks? For this and more, join us!
Latest News on the Case (as of recording)
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Dr. Steve Klein joins us to help explain the fascinating but complicated role that Arab parties play in Israel politics. Often minorities get overlooked, but in this unusual week, Israelis are talking about an ever evolving demographic. What about this past week was so unusual? Why don't Arab parties usually want to join government coalitions? How do social and cultural issues complicate the politics? Are there political parallels to this situation in other countries? Are there other similar complicated parties in Knesset? What are the subdivisions in the Arab demographic and how do express their voices politically?
Its an important episode addressing an often overlooked topic that requires unpacking. Join us!
Information on Steve's upcoming Winter mini-course at Hebrew U - Minorities in Israel
Dr. Steven Klein is an adjunct professor at both Tel Aviv University and Ben Gurion University. He is an editor at the Haaretz newspaper and a frequent contributor of op-eds to Haaretz and other news outlets. He earned his Doctorate in Conflict Management and Negotiation from Bar Ilan University. He resides in the central city of Modi’in.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Welcome new team member Rajel Leghziel to help us figure out what just happened. The results are (mostly) in, so what will happen now? What do we find our students asking the most? Why shouldn't we ask "who won"? Also, did Liberman just win? What might happen in the next several weeks? Was this a good outcome for Israeli democracy? Rajel is a great new addition to the podcast, with a new voice and perspective and this is her inaugural episode. Join us!
For Makom's full package of election materials, perfect for teachers or students, go to this link.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Knesset elections are this coming Tuesday! Alan and Mike gained wisdom and insight from Haviv Rettig Gur, Senior Political Analyst at Times of Israel. After explaining what that job is, and why he does it, we challenged him to make sense out of the pre-election chaos. Why has politics become all about shenanigans, instead of policy discussions? How is that shaping our culture? What are the parties really arguing about? What are they agreeing on? How will the next coalition process work, and what happens if they fail? Will we really annex the Jordan valley? Most importantly, should we be optimistic about Israeli democracy?!
Whether you are a political junkie or a neophyte, Haviv explains things in a way that is accessible and fascinating. DON'T MISS THIS EPISODE!!!!
Haviv's byline at the Times of Israel
For Makom's full package of election materials, perfect for teachers or students, go to this link.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
After debating Israel's new tactic of faking out Hizbullah with staged casualties, Alan, Mike and Benji weight the value of gap year Israel study. What role should it play in Israel education? Why are the number of gap year students so small outside of the Orthodox community? Are the Orthodox using the experience wisely? How has the experience changed over the last 30 years? What can we expect in the future? Interested in security on the northern border and Israel education? Join us!
[This is the repaired version of this episode! Sorry about this week's glitches! :(]
Matt's Times of Israel Blog
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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!
Israeli's are hardly focusing on the upcoming elections, but are watching the news from the Northern front very carefully. What was the Israeli attack in Syria about? Why are the public statements from Lebanon so belligerent? Why is Iran always at the center of this, and why is Bibi so focused on them? What role does religion play in this conflict? Alan and Mike lay out the facts and share their perspectives. Join us!
Hezbollah on Wikipedia We are so thrilled to be back recording at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
Makom 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 you as exhausted as we are? Between Omar and Tlaib's bad faith Israel trip, Israel barring congressional representatives and Trump questioning Jewish loyalty, its been a pretty crazy week. Alan, Mike and Matt try to find the teachable moments in the current political bruhaha.
Welcome back, Matt! Thanks for bringing us a load of news from the States.
Makom 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!
After this summer's protests, the Ethiopian Israeli community was a major topic of discussion. How did those clashes with police come to be?How far has the Israeli Ethiopian community come in their decades of aliya? How are they treated by their fellow Israelis? What is it like to be a minority among other Jews? What is yet to be accomplished?
Pnina Agenyahu sat with Alan and Mike to discuss police profiling and the complexity of being Jew of color in Israel. She shared her views on the accomplishments and challenges of this important demographic. Also, she explained why we need to discuss these issues with more understanding, frequency and urgency.
Please join us for this moving and important conversation!
Makom 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!
What's happening with the American Peace plan? Why is UNRWA losing money? Why is Israel permitting building 700 Arab homes in the West Bank but demolishing others in Jerusalem? Alan and Mike join guest contributor Calev Ben Dor of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre to get you up to date. Join us!
Calev Ben Dor at BICOM
Makom 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!
Ready or not, the September Knesset elections are coming! Alan and Mike are here to catch you up on the new parties that have formed, how things look in the polls, and what to expect this time around. Join us!
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!
Sometimes, feedback to our podcast takes us by surprise. Several listeners couldn't understand why we listed problems with Israel's schools as something that troubled voters. Well, People of the Book have waited a long time to get our state back, and we need to get our national school system working right. So we decided to devote an episode to explaining the evolution, successes and challenges of our educational infrastructure.
To do that, we invited an expert in the field of education and school building, Rabbi Dr. Barry Kislowicz. Mike interviews him to get to the bottom of what we're getting right, and what we aren't. Mike walked out much more informed, and even more optimistic, about Israeli schools. Join us!
Barry Kislowicz's Book
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and Bashar al-Assad oversee a toxic brew in the country that used to be called Syria. What does that mean for Israel? How did it become this mess? Why is it keeping Israeli generals up at night? What has Israel been doing about it? What will Israel do about it? What does the Israeli military slang, "Mabam" mean? How does citizen morale on the homefront affect the strategy? Alan, Mike and Matt go evaluate the messy status quo, and discuss what this means going forward. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
In response to a listener request, Alan and Mike review the basics regarding the Palestinian refugee problem. Why is this an issue that's entering its eight decade? How did the problem begin, what has been done to address it?
his episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Israel is a major exporter of military resources, including weapons and training. But should countries have to reach at least a basic level of ethical policy before Israel sells them implements of destruction? Rabbi Avidan Freedman thinks so, and he explains why to Alan and Mike. They discuss the issue with him, and what can possibly be done about it. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Was the Bahrain peace conference a meaningful attempt to break the status quo of the Israeli Palestinian conflict? Or a cynical attempt to bribe Middle Easterners into acquiescence? Alan and Mike debate the pros and cons of the initiative, and what a sensible response should be from the Palestinian leadership. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Is there a culture war brewing in Israel over religion in the public sphere? If so, is it being driven by politicians and the media? Or is it much ado about nothing? Join Alan and Mike as they separate reality from hype.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
The New York Times tried to make a big story out of a passing statement by US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman. Alan and Mike make sense out of it, and explain what is (and isn't) going on in the West Bank. Join us!
Saeb Erekat explains why he gives up.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
It caused quite a hubbub around Israel when MK Bezalel Smotrich claimed that he wanted the Israeli legal system to go back to Torah law, like in the days of King David. Alan, Mike and Matt sort out the backlash, backtrack and vitriol. What sort of legal system should Israel follow? What are the options? Join us!
Time of Israel Article
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This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Two Knesset elections in 2019?! What is going on? Clearly, this is a mess. We put the main actors in this bizarre and unprecedented Israeli political event "on trial." Liberman, Bibi and Litzman each get prosecuted and defended by Alan, Mike and Matt. Are there good guys and bad guys? Is this messiness part of global governmental dysfunction? Join us as we decipher the bizarre aftermath of the failed 21st Knesset!
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Its coming down to a nail biting finish! Will Israel have a government by Wednesday? Or will the coalition talks collapse bringing us to new elections? This 10 minute update will fill you in on the situation, and we'll bring you up to date on what happened on the regular Thursday episode. Yikes!
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
These episodes are usually recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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
We have all noticed the increasing number of Anti-Semitic incidents over the past few years? But has a qualitative change occurred as well? What data would help us decide? Are discussions of Jews and Israel in foreign governments an indication of some change? Alan, Mike and Matt discuss matters of existential importance to Jews everywhere. Join us!
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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
After summarising Israel's 70th year, Alan and Mike discuss how Israel has measured up to its founders' dreams. What would the Labor Zionists think of Israel in 2019? What about the Cultural and Political Zionists think? What would surprise them for exceeding their wildest dreams? What would disappoint them as failures? Join us!
P.S. Let us know if you want a bonus episode about Revisionists and Arabs.
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
The Gaza battles this past weekend were, to some, just another round in the ongoing conflict. But for the people who live in the communities on the border, it was dangerous, painful and stressful to say the least. Alan and Mike headed down to Kibbutz Alumim to hear what it is like. Please listen to this important episode, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes analysing this round of the conflict, and reflecting on the state of the State as it turns 71.
Kibbutz Alumim Website
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
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!
How is the Holocaust taught differently to Israeli and Diaspora students? How is the Holocaust relevant to this generation? Alan and Mike sat down with Mesorati High School educator, David Behrman, and talked about the role the Shoah plays in Jewish identity today and in the future.
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Passover celebrates the Jews becoming a nation. What does that nation stand for? Join us for a discussion with Professor Benjamin Ish-Shalom. First, he makes his case that our values must define our national identity. Then he goes through actual case studies of military ethical dilemmas that he and his staff have dealt with at Beit Morasha. Patient and curious listeners will be rewarded ad inspired. If Passover is the festival of freedom, Professor Ish-Shalom reminds us that we are free to become out best selves. Enjoy!
The Professor's Beit Morasha Web Page
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Alan and Mike sit down with Benji on the day that President Rivlin begins the process of assembling a Government out of the newly elected Knesset. What is the role of the President? How meaningful is it? Why is he choosing to begin the negotiations on a public broadcast for the first time? Can Israel maintain a sense of national unity in such a divisive political atmosphere? If so, how do we do it? For answers to these questions and more, join us!
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
The results are in! (Well, at least 97% of them as of Wednesday, April 10th in the afternoon) Alan, Mike and Matt sit down on the morning after to sort out the surprises, the non-surprises, and what these results mean for the future. Who's in? Who's out? Who's in control? Want to try to make order out of the hubbub? Join us?
Google Election Result Chart
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Oh boy!!! Elections are next week, and we are all on the edge of our seats! Alan, Mike and Matt catch up on what has changed since our last election episode, (Zehut crossed the threshold, last minute Likud and Labor surges) and then turn to the issues that confront Israeli voters. What concerns will Israelis bring to the polls? How will those concerns be prioritised? What concerns do our intrepid teacher's bring with them to the lounge as well as the ballot box? Join us to find out!
Our Election resources
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Why has Hamas been launching rockets into central Israel? Why now? How is Israel responding? Why did President Trump change the US policy toward the Golan Heights? Why now? What will all of this mean for the upcoming elections? Alan, Mike and Benji address all of these questions and more. Trying to understand these current events? Join us!
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
What is terrorism? How is it different from resistance or freedom fighting? Can it be stopped? Is it a form of warfare or crime? Are white nationalist and Islamic forms different in any way? How do we respond to it? Who is responsible for it? When did it start? Have Jews done it? Whom do we hold responsible, how wide is that net? Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they explore these difficult questions.
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
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!
Nativ Website
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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!
Israel waited for Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's announcement that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu would face indictment. Now that it finally happened, what has changed? Anything? Everything? Alan, Mike and Matt talk about what this means for Israel's future, and Bibi's legacy.
David Horovitz of TOI's Opinion
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
We're releasing this week's episode early, because the game has changed. After weighing the concern over too much politics talk, Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the merger of Chosen Yisrael with Yesh Atid. The new Blue and White party is now polling ahead of Likud. Until last week, Likud was supposed to have an easy electoral victory, but that's now over with. But even if they win, can Blue and White manage to gather over 60 seats to form a coalition? For that matter, can Likud? In a race where everything is changing, there's a lot to unpack.
Plus, the guys still haven't gotten over their frustration over the Bibi brokered deal to help racist politicians get into the Knesset. Should all political opinions be tolerated? Is politics the realm where any compromise can been made for power? Or are there any moral red lines that shouldn't be crossed? (spoiler alert: there are absolutely moral red lines that shouldn't be crossed)
Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best! So great to have him back!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
After discussing last week's Warsaw middle east conference, and why (if?) it mattered, Alan Mike and Matt reflect on the normalisation of an overtly racist political party. What role does racism play in Israeli life and politics? What can, and should, be done to push back against this alarming trend in Israeli society? Join us!
(This episode was recorded before the Gantz/Lapid merger. We hope to release an early episode next week discussing that major development)
TOI Warsaw Conference coverage
Bayit Yehudi's merger with racist political party
David Horovitz Editorial
We wish that this episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best! Looking forward to being back in studio next week!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
How are Israelis processing the horrible murder of Ori Ansbacher? What are the effects of terrorism on Israeli life and politics? What don't people understand about how we process stories like this? Alan, Mike and Matt reflect on these painful issues. Join us.
Palestinians pay condolence visit to family of slain teen Ori Ansbacher
We wish that this episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best! Enjoy vacation!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
With only a couple of months left till Israeli elections, Alan, Mike and Matt take a look at where we are. Are personalities more important than parties? What blocs are forming? Can the poll numbers give us educated guesses about what the next Knesset will look like? The guys sure think so. Join us!
Opinion Poll Aggregation on Wikipedia
We wish that this episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best! Enjoy vacation!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
Alan, Mike and Matt use the Zionist method to analyse the problems facing the Jews of Generation Z. Hear why they think that Israel education is vital to the Jewish future. Let us know what you think!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
We invite Dr. Carra Glatt, lecturer at from Bar Ilan University, to explain and reflect on her recently published article in Haaretz. In it, she questioned the fairness of the If Not Now movement's protests of Birthright, and their dismissal of authentic Zionist narratives. Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they discuss these issues with her.
Dr. Carra Glatt
Ha'aretz Article
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
Israelis pay close attention when the IDF changes its Chief of Staff. Alan, Mike and Benji begin by sorting out Gadi Eisenkot's exit interviews, and what they mean for the state of Israel's security. Somehow, they end up defining what they stand for as educators and Zionists. Maybe because it's a Benji episode? If you want to know what's behind this past week's headlines, you'll want to hear this episode. And if you want to understand what we do in our day jobs, what we believe in and stand for as educators, then this episode also does a pretty good job at that. It's a fun ride! Join us!
Eisenkot articles
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
What issues do young Jews face on today's college campuses? Do they face a "crisis"? How do their peers treat them? Alan and Mike sat down with a few dozen TVA students. They discuss a range of issues regarding Jewish observance and Israel support on campuses today. Join us for this insightful shmooze with these bright, thoughtful young men and women!
TVA
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
After acknowledging the death of Israeli author and activist Amos Oz, the guys address the big topic everyone is buzzing about here. Elections! Are you confused about why we're having them early? Who are the new and old players mixing things up in interesting ways? How does this whole coalition thing work anyway? Alan, Mike and Matt make order out of the sublime chaos that is Israeli politics, so that you can follow the news with better understanding. Join us!!!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
You don't get to sit down with one of your Zionist heroes every day. This week, the guys get a chance to talk to a man who helped shape the Jewish world, and take down the Soviet Union. After discussing the state of democracy in Israel and around the globe, he explains why Israel's relationship with diaspora Jews should be seen as a top priority. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of the great Jewish heroes of our time.
Wikipedia Page
This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
Confused by the headlines this week? Frankly, reading the stories through could leave you scratching your head. Alan, Mike & Matt try to make sense out of Australia's confusing new Jerusalem policy, and the Israeli government's renewed attempt to retroactively legalise West Bank settlement outposts after the recent wave of terrorism. Want to understand what's happening? Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher. Recommend us to your friends!
Did President Trump cross a line when speaking to the Jewish attendees at the White House Hanukah party and referred to Israel as "your country"? Rena is back to discuss feelings and accusations of dual loyalty for American Jews. Join us!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
This past week Israel has faced political and military mini-crises. Why are the police recommending indicting Bibi again? What does that mean for his government? What is going on at the Lebanese border? What is Operation Northern Shield, and what does it mean for our conflict with Hezbollah? Are these two stories linked?!
Times of Israel journalist Raoul Wootliff joins Alan, Mike and Matt to offer deep insight into the hectic and rapidly changing stories of the week. Join Us!
Raoul Wottliff at TOI
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
Wow! 100 Episodes! This week we take an anti-establishment stance against the the prevailing view in the Jewish social media world. Was AirBNB's decision to stop listing Jewish homes in the West Bank antisemitic? And if Alan, Mike and Matt are in so much agreement on the issue, how did they spend so much time disagreeing? We review, analyse, and generally hash out the issue. Join us!
Why are we so excited about episode 101? We're going to interview Natan Sharansky! Stay tuned!
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
How should Israel balance the Jewish and democratic nature of the state? This question has troubled Zionists since the modern state began, and resolving the difficulty remains elusive. Alan, Mike and Matt interview Tani Frank, a lobbyist with the Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah organisation, who pushes for to meaningful improvements to the status quo. The guys play devil's advocate in different directions, and the conversation explores these thorny issues. Join us!
The Gavison-Medan Covenant
Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah's Facebook Page
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
Alan, Mike and Matt juggle all that's going on this week, and try to give it context and perspective. What made this week's rocket attacks from Gaza unusual? Why were Gazans walking around with suitcases full of money? How long will the current Israeli government hold together? How many jobs does Bibi have? We call our podcast the Teachers Lounge because you hear us in real time making sense of Israel's story. This week, join us as we go with the flow of a difficult and eventful week.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
How should we handle conversations with people who criticize Israel for questionable behavior? What if its on Facebook? Alan and Rena give Mike advice on how he should respond to his student's question. They discuss how millennials are using social media, when they should speak out, and the social/psychological aspects of doing so. They also discuss the issue in question, namely Bibi unabashedly praising the very controversial President elect of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro.
This is an important episode for students and educators alike. Join us!
The Coddling of the American Mind
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
It's been a complicated week. The team shares reactions from students to the worst antisemitic attack in US history, and discuss perspectives on how to handle those conversations. Then they talk about this week's local Israeli elections, and the proposal that diaspora Jews should be given the right to vote in Israel. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
After some quick news updates, Alan, Mike, Matt & Rena take stock of where the Oslo peace process has left us. There are some storm clouds, some silver linings, some agreements and disagreements. Join us as we unpack this complex and controversial issue.
Article by Douglas Feith
This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
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What does the detention of Lara Alqasem say about Israeli Democracy? What do the clashes at the Gaza border mean for the future? And what is Hamas' strategy here? We break from our history reflections to talk about major news stories in the headlines. Alan arrives in the middle of the discussion between Matt, Mike, and our Program Manager, Rena Levin. Join us for updates and insights.
(This episode was recorded on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018)
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 iTunes and stitcher.
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The second in our series of reflections on anniversary events, Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the Camp David Peace Accords. Peace on Israel's southern border is often taken for granted, but the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty was a monumental event that changed the Middle East. Learn about the process itself, and how it shapes today's world.
Stay tuned for our next anniversary episode, dealing with the Oslo Accords.
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 iTunes and stitcher.
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The first in our series of reflections on anniversary events, Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the Yom Kippur War. While the Six Day War is often discussed as a major turning point in the history of Israel and the Middle East, the 1973 October War still has enormous impact on the region. Learn about the war itself, and how it shapes today's world.
Stay tuned for our next anniversary episodes, dealing with Camp David and the Oslo Accords.
Enjoy our first studio recorded episode, as we resume after the holidays! We're proud of our growing numbers, so enjoy and share!
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 iTunes and stitcher.
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That sound that you are hearing is the shifting of tectonic plates. This is a news story that many english speaking Zionists aren't paying enough attention to. One of the major causes of conflict here in Israel just had its first change of status quo in decades! What is UNRWA? Why is it one of the central causes of the Israeli Palestinian conflict? What will American defunding do? Alan and Mike get together to help it all make sense and put it into perspective. Don't miss this episode!
May your new year be happy and sweet! We'll be back in a few weeks. Stay subscribed!
Interview with Einat Wilf
JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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Is Israel really a democracy? Is it balancing liberty and Jewish identity well? And why does it even matter? Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they invite in guest Middle East expert David Harris. They hash out the issues. And in the end, Mike is right. (at least Mike thinks he is)
David Horovitz opinion piece in TOI - "Israeli democracy isn’t broken, but it is under assault"
JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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As students prepare for campus life, we have some suggestions for dealing with the topic of Israel. Alan and Mike suggest major ways the issues will come up, and even make some book suggestions.
Alan's Recommendation
Mike's Recommendation
JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.
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After two episodes and weeks of consideration, Alan and Mike share their perspective on the Nation State law controversy. Then they respond to the Ronald Lauder op-ed in the New York Times and his concerns about the direction of Israeli policy.
Summary of the Lauder Letter
Explaining the Nation State Law Episode 85
Palestinian Israeli Perspective on the Nation State Law Episode 87
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Samah Salaime is one of the 25% of Israelis who aren’t Jewish. Whatever your thoughts on the Nation-State law, it is important to hear their perspectives as citizens of their democratic state. Matt and Mike met with Samah at her office in Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom. She shared her opinions with respect, intelligence and passion. Agree or disagree, but hear out an Israeli having her say.
Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom website
Samah Salaime's Page
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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There's a lot going on in the news. It includes fall out from the nation state law, druzim leaving the army, Ahed Tamimi leaving prison, a new Gaza flotilla. Alan, Mike and Matt think they have found a common theme in all of these stories. Join us for insight behind the headlines.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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 iTunes and stitcher.
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Alan, Matt and Mike turned to Prof. Amichai Cohen of the Israel Democracy Institute to explain the controversial Nation State law being worked on in the Knesset. It is a political hot topic in Israel, with many questions needing answers. What challenges does is pose to the democratic nature of the state? To Israel's minorities? To diaspora Jewry? Is there a problem at all? Join us as we discuss the issues.
TOI Update on the Bill
Prof. Cohen on IDI site
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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This week, Alan took Matt and Mike on a stroll through a very contentious piece of real estate, the city of Hebron. It's a city that is almost a microcosm for the Arab/Israeli conflict. Join us as we explain our thoughts and feelings about the past, present and future of one of the oldest Jewish cities in the world.
And don't forget to check out our podcast page to see the photos that we mention in the episode. http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Five young people walked off a Birthright trip in Israel to join an If Not Now (INN) tour of Hebron. What do Alan, Mike and Benji think about this controversy du-jour? How do they understand the INN and its mission? They explain their Zionist take on these issues in this back from vacation episode. Join us!
Benji's TOI Blog Post
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Still on vacation, but enjoy a double episode on us! Originally released July 13, 2017. We'll be back next week, God willing!
Alan and Mike continue a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence. Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1B, and is continued from episode 36.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Still on vacation, but enjoy a double episode on us! Originally released July 13, 2017. We'll be back next week, God willing!
After a brief check in putting the latest political news into perspective, Alan and Mike begin a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence. Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1A, and will be continued in episode 37. Wikipedia page Foreign Ministry page Old Israeli film about the Declaration
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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While we're on vacation, we're rereleasing episode 32 in honor of annual Hebrew Book Week.
Alan and Mike interview publicist Stuart Schnee about the role this event has played in the current Jewish renaissance. They discuss how and why we should all participate in it. There is so much going on in Israel that must not be missed! Join us as we begin to explore the cultural explosion being brought about by the Zionist endeavour. (Originally - Released June 16, 2017)
Stuart Schnee
Hebrew Book Week
Hillel Halkin on Jewish Culture gap
David Hazony on the opportunity it provides
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Conversations about politics are social landmines. So how do teachers discuss current events with students in a productive way? Are there take away ideas for others to use? Benji joins Alan and Mike to share insights and ideas.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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The Iron Dome saves lives in Southern Israel. But there is real damage being done by rocket attacks on southern Israel. In this episode, you'll hear some insider perspective on the real situation.
Judith Spanglet is one of the heroes trying to heal the trauma. Alan, Mike and Matt traveled to Ashkelon to hear her perspective and insight. They were moved and inspired. She explains how the organisation that she created, "Connections and Links ~ From Trauma to Resilience", is making a difference.
Join us. You'll be glad that you did.
Click here to contribute to her not-profit organisation.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Deja vu on the southern border a rocket barrage from Gaza, Abba leaves the hospital, and a Russian oligarch makes aliyah. Even for Israel, this has been a strange and stressful week. Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they give insight behind the headlines, and put these stories into context.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Students want to know why Israel is so often misjudged. When will people understand what's really happening here? Are we the crazy ones? Alan and Mike try to explain why so many people don't get it, and what we can do about it.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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When images in the media are making people angry at Israel, how do we explain things to them? How do we understand it ourselves? Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they try to sort through this week's news and its aftermath. (Sorry if the sound quality isn't up to par, we are learning to use new equipment. Please bear with us)
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Alan and Mike record outside of the new US Embassy compound in Jerusalem. They analyse the history of the Iran Deal, and where things might go from here. And don't forget the "Freedom March" in Gaza, next week's embassy move, the status of Jerusalem, the beginning of Ramadan and more. Basically, a discussion within the eye of the storm.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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It turns out that diplomats can be really nice guys. Listen in to our interview of former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro. He tells us about his life and career. Then he helps us unpack Bibi's Iran speech, the moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem, and the Palestinian peace perspective. Listen for his clarity of thought and analysis, and hear how a mensch discusses complicated issues with nuance. Don't miss it! (and stay tuned for a brief JerusalemU announcement)
Bio at the INSS
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Our 75th episode is an important one. During the controversial student election campaign by Barnard students to support BDS, many pro-Israel activists rose to the challenge. Alan and Mike discuss the entire affair with student heroes Orit Gugenheim and Sylvie Sanders who fought the good fight. They weigh the successes and failures, and talk about what is to come.
To see the letter from the Barnard President discussed in the episode, check out our Our Website!
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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After answering our question of the week, (from Lily Shams at Amit) about JStreet, Alan and Mike give Israel a check up. They use Israel's Declaration of Independence and evaluate his far the State has come to realising its goals, and where it still needs work. (spoiler alert, we've accomplished a lot) An honest and inspirational appreciation of the Jewish State at 70!!! Enjoy!
Viewing link for When the Smoke Clears
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Nothing is ever boring here in Israel. With violence on both the northern and southern borders, Israel has its hands full. Was that Israel striking Syrian bases? What can we do about bad press from the Gaza "protests"? Alan and Mike try to make sense of it all, and show what these events have in common.
We end with some thoughts for Yom HaShoah.
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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Its a pre-Passover news potpourri this week, as Alan & Mike analyse the headlines. Here's what's up: Bibi was hospitalised without a clear successor, pressure mounts on the Gaza border, Israel won't sanction Russia and the status of the asylum seekers remains in limbo. And Alan reminds us to keep our eye on the US embassy move.
Here are the stories:
Bibi Hospitalised
Gaza Problems
Russia Sanctions
Asylum Seekers
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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How is Pesach different in Israel? What are the different foods that various Jews associate with the festival? How are food choices for Passover changing in our time? Why was that only three questions, or does this one make it four? Matt and Mike discuss these and other Paschal topics with the Pardes Institute's Catering Manager, David Berman.
Pardes
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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It looks like the Israeli government won't dissolve after all. Phew, I guess? But its still worth understanding how the Israeli government works, what a coalition crisis is, and what the fight is over the haredi draft law. Good thing Alan, Mike and Matt are here to explain it all. (at least after they figure it out) Enjoy this look behind the headlines in our 70th episode! (and we'll soon have 12,000 downloads)
Also, we've begun our new question of the week segment! Thanks MTVA!
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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While the AIPAC Policy Conference meets in the USA, Alan and Mike discuss what it means to them. What is AIPAC? How does it impact United States Policy? How does it impact American Jewish life and culture? What would happen without it? Our American expats share thoughts on the current state of the US/Israel relationship, and why AIPAC really matters.
Alan is bothered by Women's March Movement founder Tamika Mallory's refusal to withdraw her support from the openly antisemitic Louis Farrakhan. She can't use the "anti-Zionism isn't antisemitism" excuse for Farrakhan's classic Jew hatred. So why can't she just condemn his racism? Is there anything new here, or is this just history coming back to haunt us? The guys weigh in.
Somehow, Mike ties it all together in the end.
AIPAC
Farrakhan
Tamika Mallory
JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman.
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What is this new wrinkle in the Netanyahu scandal? What was just announced about the US embassy? And how will that play out? Alan, Mike and Matt bring you up to date.
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What just happened on the Gaza border? How should we read the news with a critical eye? Alan and Mike share their insight, and even recommend some reading.
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Want to understand the latest in the Bibi scandal? Want to understand what is happening with Iran on the northern border? Want to understand why these are really the same story? Alan and Mike are here to unpack these timely issues, and even make some predictions.
Raoul Wootliff explains the Netanyahu cases in depth. (begins at minute 24)
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Alan plays two roles (cohost and expert on Polish Jewish history) as Mike interviews him about the odd new Polish law limiting educator's speech. And of course, the controversy that it has stirred up in Israel.
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The Torah says, in Leviticus 19, "When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God."
How does that apply to the current refugee crisis in Israel? Alan and Mike invite their colleague, Rabbi Tamara Schagas to discuss the issue, and her ongoing work for the refugees.
The Refugee Problem
Leviticus 19 (see verses 33&34)
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Raoul Wootliff, journalist at the Times of Israel, chats with Alan and Mike about journalism and the role it plays in a healthy democracy. He also masterfully explains the Netanyahu corruption investigations. When we promise to give you a deeper understanding than the headlines, we don't mess around.
Raoul in the Times of Israel
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JerusalemU's President, Dina Rabhan, joins Alan & Mike to discuss the challenges of Israel Education for Millennials.
Hearts and Minds: Israel in North American Jewish Day Schools - The Avi Chai Study
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Alan & Mike meet with alumni from TVA, who explain what's really going on at today's college campuses. (Its probably better and worse than you're guessing)
TVA
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Alan & Mike sit down with Reuven Spero from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. After learning a bit about their program, these three seasoned professionals (read: old fogies) get into a deep discussion about the challenges of teaching Jewish history. How do you connect young Jews from the Diaspora to their homeland?
Alexander Muss High School in Israel
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This week, Alan and Mike turn to Dr. Steve Klein to make some sense of the enduring Israeli Palestinian conflict. He has a PHD in in conflict management and negotiation from Bar-Ilan University, teaches at Tel-Aviv and Ben-Gurion Universities and is an editor at Haaretz. We think you'll agree that he observations are particularly insightful.
Steven Klein
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How do you teach the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in university? And what if that university is in Jerusalem, and your students are Jews and Arabs? Dr. Toby Greene of Hebrew University shares his experience and perspective. He gives us a lot to think about how we think about Israel.
Toby Greene Website
Book - Blair, Labour and Palestine
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Alan, Mike and Lior reflect on what has changed, and what hasn't, since the Trump Jerusalem declaration. Also, Mike sort of has a panic attack, and Lior and Alan try to talk him down.
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We know that Israel's capital city is Jerusalem. Why hasn't it been recognised before? Why is that changing now? What will that mean going forward? Alan and Mike sit down with Middle East journalist David Harris to discuss what it all means.
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Benji's back! Is the US administration's new peace push anything new or the same old story? Alan, Mike and Benji look at the story and put it into context. Join us, and let us know what you think!
On the American Team
The 5 Stages of Middle East Grief
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How many anniversaries can 2017 have? Well, its 50 for UNSC Resolution 242 and 40 for Sadat's visit to Jerusalem. Alan, Mike and Matt discuss how these events are misunderstood, and also deeply related. Come for the banter, stay for the cogent analysis of why Israel holds the moral high ground in international law.
Wikipedia on UN 242
When Sadat Visited Jerusalem Photo Essay
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The only constant in the Middle East is change. We turn to journalist David Harris for updates on Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kurdistan and what all this means for Israel. Its the safest way you can tour this tumultuous region, and David even gives us reasons for optimism!
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Alan and Mike wanted a really special episode for the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations vote that recognised the Jewish state. So they turned to Professor Gil Troy for insight and perspective, and he really came through. You won't want to miss this special episode!
Gil Troy's Page http://www.giltroy.com/
Gil Troy's Amazon Page http://amzn.to/2yG3uSt
Toldot Yisrael mini-documentary http://bit.ly/2yGqG31
Spielberg Archive http://bit.ly/2At2qi7
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Want to know the state of arts and culture in Israel? Want to know why you should? Join Alan and Mike as they explore these questions with Jessica Steinberg, who covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center for The Times of Israel.
Follow Jessica's Writing https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/
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What was the context for the Balfour Declaration? What is its relevance today? Alan, Matt and Mike review a century of implications for our 50th episode.
Very informative site http://www.balfour100.com/
Excellent article https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/2017/06/the-forgotten-truth-about-the-balfour-declaration/
Cambon Letter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambon_letter
Nahum Sokolow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahum_Sokolow
British Current Events http://bit.ly/2xY1e3X
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How should we teach students in the diaspora about Israel? Alan and Mike think there is a pretty clear model to follow. It has implications beyond the world of education, and into the very identity of diaspora Jewry.
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Welcome new team member, Matt Lipman! In 1937, the British recommended setting up two states in Palestine. That didn't go well. What are the lasting implications for today? And can you guess who gets into an argument about history?
Mosaic Article http://bit.ly/2xYgKzY
Map of Peel Proposal http://bit.ly/2ynSrwV
Does this support Alan or Mike's argument? http://bit.ly/2yHZr3w
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After referring to current events and the Kurdish independence movement, Alan and Mike address the season's themes. How do members of a nation address wrongdoings in their nation past? Is there such a thing as national repentance?
Elor Azaria's sentence was reduced after our recording: http://bit.ly/2fT6NKC
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How do we connect young Jews to Israel? How central is Israel to their Jewish identity? Join Lior, Alan and Mike as they discuss the issues and challenges that Jewish educators are wrestling with, and provide direction for further progress.
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With Gal Gadot breaking box office records, and Conan O'Brien filming here, its been an interesting summer for Israel in pop culture. What does that say about how how Israel is seen in the world? And what will it mean for the future?
Conan in Israel http://bit.ly/2xaJghD
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This week we take a (an?) historical deep dive on the 120th anniversary of the first Zionist Congress in Basle, Switzerland. Joined by this week's special guest, Middle East journalist David Harris, Mike and Alan explain that momentous event. Then they all unpack the lasting results of this turning point in Jewish History.
Wikipedia Page on first Congress http://bit.ly/2al0FKb Wikipedia Page on WZO http://bit.ly/2wL7r6A
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Benji's back! In last week's episode Mike & Alan explained a Zionist theory of antisemitism. This week the guys discuss how this old hatred has manifested itself in recent years. Sometimes personal, sometimes reflective, they wonder what this means for the future.
Reichstag Fire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_fire Huffpo http://bit.ly/2elOBXW EJP http://bit.ly/2xfkWZP ADL Audit http://bit.ly/2wqTfPW
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Its unnerving when you see people express hatred towards you. Especially from strangers. What did I ever do to some tiki torch guy in Virginia? Alan and Mike try to explain the seemingly incomprehensible evil of antisemitism.
Antisemitism crosses time and boundaries. Bigotry and racism can't and should never be justified. But can the particular anti-Jewish branch be explained? Let us know what you think.
Its a really long Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisemitism
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Lior questions about complicated cases of Israeli culture with Alan and Mike. With so many different mini-cultures in Israeli life, how do we share art that challenges political or traditional sensibilities?
Articles about Miri Regev http://nyti.ms/2vUJiKR & http://bit.ly/2fx0n6s Article about beach concert http://bit.ly/2wOzAWK
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This time... its personal! As teachers always trying to show the relevance of history to current events, Alan and Mike were perturbed to hear some of Jared Kushner's leaked comments. They feel that Kushner is accurately expressing a commonly held belief that smart people can solve political problems just by looking around and ahead, but not behind. They aren't really interested in the current administration, but in the reality that this idea seems to be so pervasive in our culture.
So they embark to show how George Santayana's famous aphorism relates to trying to make peace in the middle east. In this case the relevance of the last 50 years of middle east history to making a peace deal.
Its a battle royale between two quotes! One from Jared Kushner and one from George Santayana!
The Kushner quote is, "Everyone finds an issue, that 'You have to understand what they did then' and 'You have to understand that they did this.' But how does that help us get peace? Let's not focus on that. We don’t want a history lesson. We’ve read enough books. Let’s focus on, How do you come up with a conclusion to the situation?"
The Santayana quote is question is, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Who is ready to grumble?!
Also, here are some other quotes from Santayana that relate to the topic: "A child educated only at school is an uneducated child." "Fanaticism consists of redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim." "The wisest mind has something yet to learn." "Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness."
Kushner leaked remarks http://bit.ly/2hjAxmZ George Santayana http://bit.ly/2umHFQS Aaron David Miller on Kushner remarks http://politi.co/2vkJqSG Freedom House World Map http://bit.ly/2kNaJRs Freedom House on West Bank http://bit.ly/2u3HLxz
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After wrapping up the Jerusalem news from this week, Alan and Mike decide to broaden the context. Although many say that Jerusalem is a shared city, they explain its unique role to the Jews. These are fundamental understandings that are needed for understanding politics, history, or even one's own identity. Needless to say, we think that this is an important issue.
Times of Israel update at posting time http://bit.ly/2w41GwG Wikipedia on Jerusalem http://bit.ly/1RMJb9B A video example of the "Jerusalem belongs to everyone" narrative http://bit.ly/2w43R3B
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Alan and Mike felt that the current simmering crisis warranted some analysis. They discuss why the Temple Mount is always such a source for tension, and where things might go moving forward. What should the Israelis do now? What should the Palestinians do, and why aren't they? There are no easy answers, but there is a lot to unpack.
Supporting Alan's memory http://bit.ly/2uoWML9 Supporting Mike's memory http://bit.ly/2gUuiWE & http://bit.ly/2gUv1XS All helpful comments and suggestions will be appreciated.
From Martin Kramer's Post: http://bit.ly/2up2Gfn Here are four perceptive but divergent analyses of what Israel should do in the Temple Mount crisis: • Dror Eydar, “Keep the metal detectors,” http://bit.ly/dreydar • Yoaz Hendel, “It's time to seize opportunities at the Temple Mount,” http://bit.ly/yhendel • Ron Ben Yishai, “Finding a compromise in the Temple Mount crisis,” http://bit.ly/byishai • Avi Issascharoff, “Israeli leaders can still contain Temple Mount crisis, but require political courage,” http://toi.sr/2toUZEP
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
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Alan and Mike continue a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence.
Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1B, and is continued from episode 36.
Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Declaration_of_Independence Foreign Ministry page http://tinyurl.com/n7jv5zp Old Israeli film about the Declaration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Y9j1WhrKc
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
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Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us
After a brief check in putting the latest political news into perspective, Alan and Mike begin a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence.
Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1A, and will be continued in episode 37.
Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Declaration_of_Independence Foreign Ministry page http://tinyurl.com/n7jv5zp Old Israeli film about the Declaration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Y9j1WhrKc
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
As the USA celebrates its 241 birthday, Lior, Alan and Mike reflect on what it shares in common with the 69 year old Israel. Unusually, both countries were invented to fulfill dreams.
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
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We welcome new regular member Lior Krinski, and Benji's back for a troubling topic. After the government rejected plans to implement agreed upon renovations of the pluralistic prayer space at the Kotel, the relationship between Israel and diaspora Jews has reached a tense crossroads. How did this happen, and where do we go from here?
What is happening http://www.timesofisrael.com/there-is-already-pluralistic-prayer-at-the-western-wall-heres-what-would-have-changed/
History of Kotel use http://www.timesofisrael.com/when-men-and-women-prayed-together-at-the-western-wall/
Sharansky Interview http://www.timesofisrael.com/sharansky-we-may-solve-western-wall-and-conversion-crises-im-not-sure-we-can-rebuild-trust/
David Horovitz Op-Ed http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-and-the-wall-he-broke-it-he-must-fix-it/
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
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Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us
First of all, Zeev is back! With the return of the Zen master of Israel articulation, we turn to lofty subjects like the future of Israel education, gap year studies, and educational technology.
With special cameo appearances by an actual smart person for once, my wife Dara. (she tried to stayed bored on the sidelines and read a book, but she couldn't resist joining the conversation. That's a good sign, right?)
Neil Postman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Postman
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
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Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us
Do you think that Hebrew Book Week shouldn't interest you? Let us convince you otherwise.
Alan and Mike interview publicist Stuart Schnee about the role this event has played in the current Jewish renaissance. They discuss how and why we should all participate in it. There is so much going on in Israel that must not be missed! Join us as we begin to explore the cultural explosion being brought about by the Zionist endeavour.
Stuart Schnee http://stuartschnee.com/Wordpress/ Hebrew Book Week https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Book_Week Hillel Halkin on Jewish Culture gap http://bit.ly/2r8o4GG David Hazony on the opportunity it provides http://bit.ly/2s8aqD8
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
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Ok, so enough about the 50th anniversary already.
Alan and Mike zoom out to discuss the current turmoil in the Middle East and how it affects Israelis. While explaining their concept of the "Power Paradigm", Alan nominates Mike for President. Of something or other.
We really like this episode a lot.
Qatar - https://goo.gl/maps/SFR4FnCPaLp
Matti Friedman on the entrenched narrative - http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/183033/israel-insider-guide
Matti Friedman interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Fjd3-WQeE
Bibi agreed to maximal peace offer that Abbas rejected - http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-okayed-us-draft-setting-67-lines-as-start-for-talks-report/
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
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Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us
Ever wonder what students ask their teachers? With Alan away, this episode takes place in the classroom instead of the teachers lounge. The exceptional young women of Midreshet Harova ask Mike the questions they want answered about being on campus next year.
Maybe you have the same questions, or maybe you're curious about the concerns that Jewish gap year students have about life on campus. Either way, we hope that you'll find this episode insightful and interesting. Let us know!
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
Now that the roads are back open and life has gone back to (what passes for) normal in Israel, Alan and Mike unpack President Trump's trip to the Middle East. Will there be changes to the status quo? Or is this all sound and fury signifying nothing?
You can read and watch the Saudi Arabia speech here: http://time.com/4787609/donald-trump-saudi-arabia-speech-2/
The Israel speech: http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.791340
Trump denying that he mentioned the word "Israel" to the Russians, despite the fact that nobody claimed that he did. For many, this is him NOT denying leaking sensitive Israeli information. http://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-he-never-mentioned-israel-in-leak-to-russians/
Dennis Ross: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Ross
Mike on Jews and Presidents: http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/blog/fail-to-the-chief
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
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Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us
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
Its a shorter episode than usual, recorded on a break between classes. But hey, teachas gonna teach.
Alan and Mike waste no time getting politically philosophical about Israel's democracy. In what ways is it similar or different from other Western nation states? Why is is so essential to Israel's identity? Why should democracy be essential for every nation? P.S. Why isn't anybody making a musical about Jefferson?
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
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With Abbas visiting Trump, and Hamas releasing a new political document, Alan and Mike discuss their takes on the latest in Palestinian politics.
Daniel Polisar discussion of Palestinian opinion poll data https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/2017/04/do-palestinians-want-a-two-state-solution/
Great source for news about internal Palestinian politics https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/author/Khaled+Abu+Toameh
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
Identity, ethnicity and nationality are complicated topics underlying much of the turmoil that we are seeing around the world. What does it mean to really be French? Or American? These questions are driving politics in those countries. Is there any wonder that Jews and Israelis face complicated questions as well?
Listener Noam was intrigued by last episode's discussion of Jewish Nationalism as the defining idea of Zionism and the State of Israel. He posted his questions on our Facebook page (address is below) and even sent us a voice message! This week, Alan, Benji and Mike address those questions, and explore modern Jewish nationalism.
The Ruth Calderon webinar for the Shalom Hartman Institute can be found on our Facbook page. (address below)
For a seemingly unrelated discussion that is VERY relevant, you can listen to author Andrew Sullivan discuss the complicated nature of national identity in our time, and how it is impacting global politics. It will be the topic of his upcoming article in New York magazine - http://www.wnyc.org/story/reactionary-era
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
Sometimes you need to put daily details aside, and get to the big ideas. Alan and Mike take on what seems like a simple question: What are the Jews? They talk about why even Jews find this difficult to answer, and why Zionism has a pretty specific answer.
Believe it or not, the Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews (its not bad!)
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
Since today in Yom Aliya, we're dropping this bonus mini-episode. Marc Rosenberg from episode 23 explains who he is, and how he got to where he is today. Enjoy!
Happy Yom Aliya! This year, Aliya day falls on April 6th. Before it gets lost in the Passover hubbub, Alan and Mike decided to interview Marc Rosenberg, Director of the Pre-Aliyah Department at Nefesh B’Nefesh. With some surprising data and much food for thought, this episode is fascinating and thought provoking, no matter where you live in the world.
Background on Yom Aliya - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_HaAliyah Background on Marc - http://www.nbn.org.il/aliyah-inspiration/nbn-behind-scenes-marc-rosenberg/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us
The government might collapse because of a TV channel? BDS tourists can't come in to the country? Alan and Mike talk via skype with our political expert, Yedidya Kennard, who helps us makes sense of the headlines. And he also supplies some theories about what Bibi might be thinking.
Previous Yedidya episode - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts/ep.-12-settlement-crisis-alert Previous Political Corruption Episode - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts/ep.-17-media-meta-musings
Let us know what you think, and suggest topics - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/
The rule is to never talk about religion or politics if you want to avoid arguments. This week, Alan and Mike decide to discuss both, but manage to stay buddies. They discuss the role that religion plays in Israeli law and politics, how that works, and some problems that it creates. And Alan sheps some nachas over a big event in his family.
Two Wikipedia articles for further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_quo_(Israel) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Israel Our website: http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/ Join our facebook group: www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/
What's the buzz here in Israel lately? Alan and Mike discuss the issues that everybody here is talking about. First they discuss the sentencing of Elor Azaria, then move over to the Prime Minister's visit to the White House and Nikki Haley's press conference at the UN. And they even included sound bites! (probably because they miss Ze'ev and Benji so much)
Relevant links: Azaria Sentencing: http://tinyurl.com/jbxled9 PM & POTUS press conference: http://tinyurl.com/ztbzcp6 Nikki Haley press conference: http://tinyurl.com/gnbayz8 and if you're an old fogey and want to hear precedent for a US ambassador setting the UN straight, watch the honorable Daniel Patrick Moynahan in 1975: http://tinyurl.com/hf9yb3v
Keep in touch with us and send us suggestions, comments and questions on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org
Does a new American administration mean a middle east reboot? Alan, Mike and Benji discuss the two state solution idea. They define it, review its history, and explain why we are stuck in the current status quo. Then, based on a recent op-ed in the New York Times, they discuss alternative ideas. Let us know what you think, and what topics you'd like us to cover.
Times article: http://tinyurl.com/zrwx8fj Blog post: http://tinyurl.com/j8dqsts
Website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org FB group: https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast
Listener Shifra (Harova '16) asked us to explain the legal arguments over Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria, and Jewish settlements there. After some devil's advocacy and arguing, Alan, Mike and Benji get to the bottom of things. They talk about why things are so darn complicated, leaving plenty of loose ends for your question, comments or ideas. We always love doing episodes based on listener feedback!
Remember to find other episodes on iTunes, Stitcher or however you get podcasts. You can also find and contact us on our website, and read our blog there too.
And for folks who aren't students of our course, you can follow our Facebook group created by my friend Noam. Thanks, dude!
Why does there appear to be so much corruption throughout Israeli bureaucracy? Is it worse here than other countries? Is the media giving us a realistic picture of the world? Are english and hebrew readers getting the same stories? Alan, Mike and Ze'ev don't see eye to eye on on all of these issues. But they try to find points of agreement on how to react to stories like the Netanyahu scandal.
Let us know what you think! You can always contact us and find more contact on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.
It's a special extra long episode, and wait till you hear why! A group of MTVA alumna come for a visit with their teacher, Alan. The bring us their questions, observations and insights from a completed semester on various college campuses. This was the first time that Mike met any of this group, and he was really impressed with their intelligence, and wisdom beyond their years.
This episode is a MUST for anyone who wants a clearer picture of life on campus. We look past the "crisis" and into opportunities for articulating self definition.
Many thanks to MTVA for facilitating this enlightening conversation.
Remember to find more material and contact us on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.
Instead of doing a straight up Chanuka episode as they planned, Alan and Mike once again respond to events of the day. Until they've had it and switch topics. They turn against Hasbara and then discuss story vs. history in the Chanuka narrative. Enjoy!
Don't forget to keep in touch with us on our website at juisrael.jerusalemu.org
Benji, Alan and Mike are way too worked up to wait for a regular Thursday posting!
So here is an early episode dealing with the new UN Security Council resolution condemning Jews dwelling in the West bank, and the Obama administration's abstention.
They analyze it from the American and Israeli perspectives, and sparks fly when they get into an argument. If you don't like arguments, then this may not be a good episode to start with. But we think it makes things more fun! It ran a bit longer than usual, but we think its worth it.
Keep the comments coming on Facebook or e-mail! We'll be getting to your requests ASAP. Find us at juisrael.jerusalemu.org
Its anyone's guess what the incoming Trump administration's will really be. So let's start guessing! Why is the newly appointed ambassador so controversial? And what's the story with Jerusalem, is it the capitol or not?
For some history, background, opinions and insights, join us for this episode. We'll explore the question of who the ambassador will be, where his office will be, and why these things matter.
As always, send us you questions and comments! Contact info is available on our website at: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.
We think its important to follow this story! The crisis in Amona may be off many people's radar, but here in Israel it seems to be entering the crisis stage. While we're sorry that the audio quality may not be up to our usual standard, Alan, Mike and new panelist Yedidya Kennard bring you up to date on this fast moving story. They explain why this budding crisis has major consequences in Israel and abroad, and give you the background to understand this rapidly developing story!
Alan refers to this story: http://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/2016/12/disorder-in-the-court/
Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amona,_Mateh_Binyamin
For a map of the region: http://tinyurl.com/zh6fwwf
As always, send us your questions and comments: juisrael.jerusalemu.org
After a difficult week of terrible fires across Israel, Alan, Mike and Ze'ev try to put things in perspective. Then, they try to define terrorism, and examine what is or isn't included in that definition. And what can be done about it? Join us as once again we work to keep you connected to events and discussions in Israel. Let us know what you think on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org
We're bringing Zion back!
Often misunderstood and much maligned, Zionism is in need of some explanation. Alan, Mike and Benji begin an exploration of the movement. This week they focus on some fundamental questions:
What were the various branches? How has it evolved with time? What changed when the State was founded? Is it only a movement, or also an ideology? Has it always been part of the Jewish experience, only to be named in modern times?
So many questions! So much fun answering and arguing! Join us and let us know what you think and what questions you still have.
Check out the website at juisrael.jerusalemu.org
After a surprise ending to a draining campaign, its easy to feel a bit disoriented. Alan and Mike share some perspective, and chat about what the implications might be for Israel and the Middle East. Enjoy!
Benji is back!!! And just in time to discuss the 99th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration with Mike and Alan. They are also in time to talk about the US elections, and what they think about Zionists voting abroad if they live in or out of Israel. (sorry that it ran a bit longer than usual, but things got exciting)
Let us know if you want to write a post for our blog, or submit an Inside Israel story for the podcast. juisrael.jerusalemu.org
In this week's episode, Alan, Mike and Zeev briefly discuss UNESCO's jerk move. Then they start what will be a longer conversation about the West bank, at the request of Gabi Benisti. (We hope this will be the first of many episodes that respond to listener questions! So don't forget to send them in)
Please consult the map at this link to better understand the areas under discussion. A lot is covered, (terminology, correct assigning of responsibility, rejection of Israel's existence, etc.) But there will be more to come.
Shana Tova and Chag Sameach!
After waking to the sad news of the death of Shimon Peres, Alan and Mike sit with Zeev Ben-Shachar to discuss ideas educators can share with students about his loss. After reviewing his career, they reflect on his activism, determination and patriotism, and discuss what it means to live after the passing of the last founding father.
Alan and Mike discuss the controversy over Netanyahu's "ethnic cleansing" video, the recent spate of stabbings by terrorists, and the new foreign aid deal with the USA. After some brief explanation of each issue, they give you some background and analysis to see beyond the headlines. Please let us know what you think! You can reach us through our website at juisrael.jerusalemu.org.
For Palestinian opinion polls, follow this link.
Alan, Mike and Benji went out for coffee and discussed three topics for this episode. They discussed recent strange New York Times articles, and how we consume journalism in general. Then they moved on to goals for gap year students. Finally they discussed the recent deaths of Jewish actors Gene Wilder, Steven Hill, and Fyvush Finkel, and what they tell us about Hollywood Jews. Join us in the conversation with your own comments insights and thoughts! You can find us on our new website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.
A recent spate of articles in the Jewish media have weighed in on the Black Lives Matter platform's support for BDS, and its accusation that Israel commits genocide.
While Jewish organizations decide how to handle this, Jewish students on campus find themselves in a difficult situation.
How should they understand the idea of intersectionality between various social justice movements? And how do they speak out for social justice causes if fans of BDS want to exclude them for supporting Israel? Alan and Mike discuss these thorny issues.