In this episode, Allison, Noah, and guest Miriam Herschlag from Times of Israel discuss the challenging current events and violence in Israel.

In response to a surge in violence in Israel, including recent terrorist attacks, Israelis are turning to humor as a coping mechanism.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the location of the ancient Jewish temples on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, notably highlighting a Times article that initially misrepresented scholars' views on the matter.

Jeremy Corbyn, the new leader of the Labour Party in the UK, has been described as a political dinosaur due to his outdated leftist policies.

Dr. Assaf Nativ, a post-doctoral fellow in archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, discusses the similarities and differences between prehistoric and contemporary burial sites in Israel with host Gilad Halpern.

Dr. Yonatan Mendel, director of the Center for Jewish-Arab Relations at the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem, discusses the politicization of Arabic teaching in Israeli schools with host Gilad Halpern.

In a critical analysis of Russia's involvement in Syria, the author highlights Putin's defense of his ally Assad through air strikes targeting various opposition groups, not just the Islamic State.

In this episode, Allison, Noah, and guest Gilad Halpern discuss the emerging Repub-Likud and Avodah-mocrat parties in Israel, where right-wing parties seek unification as an "Israeli Republican Party" and center-left parties aim for an "Israeli Democratic Party."

Supermodel Bar Refaeli married billionaire businessman Adi Ezra at a lavish wedding in northern Israel, which prompted extreme security measures including a proposed no-fly zone over the venue at Carmel Forest Spa Resort.

In 1960, a young Israeli boy named Yossele Schumacher was abducted by his Orthodox grandparents and hidden from his secular parents and Israeli authorities, sparking a nationwide search.

Dr. Jonathan Rynhold, a political scientist at Bar-Ilan University and author of "The Arab-Israeli Conflict in American Political Culture," discusses why the United States stands out as a Western country with strong support for Israel in the 21st century.

Dr. Asaf Romirowsky discusses the role of American religious groups in diplomacy and refugee relief during Israel's War of Independence and its aftermath in his book "Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief."

Ayatollah Khamenei's book "Palestine" published in 2015 reveals his fervent desire to annihilate Israel and replace it with Palestine, citing Islamic principles as justification.

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time for reflection, Israel's actions are being scrutinized.

Dr. Moshe Berent, a political scientist at the Open University, discusses the concept of republicanism in Israeli politics in his book "A Nation Like All Nations: Towards the Establishment of an Israeli Republic."

The text discusses the historical context of the Middle East, highlighting the impact of the Sykes-Picot Agreement on the region's borders.

Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States, found himself embroiled in controversy over a reported incident involving a Christmas ham, showcasing the complexities of his diplomatic role.

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss Israel's bold disregard for global opinions, questioning the reasons behind the government's defiance.

The discussed texts delve into the historical pursuit of Jewish nationalism and identity across Europe and the United States before the establishment of Israel.

"The Case Against Academic Boycotts of Israel," edited by Cary Nelson and Gabriel Noah Brahm, delves into the passionate anti-Israel sentiments present on college campuses and among activists that fuel the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) movement, with individuals like Omar Barghouti and Mark LeVine advocating for the dismantlement of Israel itself.

"The Hilltop" by Assaf Gavron is a novel that offers insight into contemporary Israeli society and politics through the portrayal of a small illegal settlement in the West Bank.

"Sylvia Rafael: The Life and Death of a Mossad Spy" details the life of Sylvia Rafael, a Mossad agent targeted for assassination by Black September terrorists in 1977.

Michael Dorfman recounts his experiences in Gaza during his time in Israel, highlighting the vibrant and hospitable atmosphere of the region before its current state of ruin.

The author reflects on her journey to finally learn how to drive, facing struggles and encountering various driving instructors with distinct teaching styles.

In this edition of "The Midsummer Nights Dream (of Bibi Bygone)," Allison, Don, and Noah touch on three key topics.