JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Saturday, October 18, 2025

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

The biggest impediment to peace between Israelis and Palestinians has little to do with Gaza

Dan Perry in Forward

Dan Perry explores the deep-seated issues hindering peace between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing that the ongoing violence in the West Bank, particularly against children, continues to fuel distrust and hatred.

0 Politics Israel

10 Unbelievable Stats About the Israel–Hamas War

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish

The article highlights ten important statistics from the Israel-Hamas conflict, illustrating its complexity and impact.

0 Politics Israel

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Americans Get It Done

Bari Weiss in The Free Press

Bari Weiss's column this week focuses on the notable diplomatic development between Israel and Hamas, discussing contributions by New York real estate figures like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in achieving a fragile peace.

0 Politics Communities

Far-right UK activist Tommy Robinson visits Israel on invite of Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli

Grace Gilson in JTA

Tommy Robinson, a well-known far-right activist from the UK with a history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and a criminal record, visited Israel on the invitation of Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli.

0 Politics History

Hostage Release Brings New Hope to Israelis

Uriel Heilman in Hadassah

On October 13, 2025, Israel celebrated the emotional release of the final 20 hostages from Gaza, two years after a devastating attack by Hamas that had plunged the nation into prolonged violence.

0 Politics Communities

At debate, Cuomo and Mamdani clash over Israel in pitch to Jewish voters

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The first televised debate for New York City's mayoral race saw candidates Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani clash over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting their differing stances and the impact on Jewish voters.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Mamdani says Hamas should ‘lay down their arms’ as Israel, Gaza and antisemitism reign in NYC mayoral debate

Joseph Strauss in JTA

In a New York City mayoral debate, frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, discussed complex issues regarding Israel, Gaza, and antisemitism.

0 Politics Culture

If you want to see the future of the West, look at Israel.

Jake Wallis Simons in Future of Jewish

Jake Wallis Simons argues that Israel exemplifies enduring values such as national service, resilience, and communal solidarity which have waned in the West.

0 Politics Ethics

The people trying to save the world are the ones destroying it.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In this critique of modern activism, Joshua Hoffman argues that many individuals and movements claiming to "save the world" are instead perpetuating moral confusion and distortion.

Sports ›

0 Sports Politics

An attack on Israeli soccer fans last year was dubbed a ‘pogrom.' Could it happen again?

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Amidst escalating tensions and accusations of antisemitism, the ban against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a soccer match in Birmingham is indicative of the broader challenges facing Israeli interests globally.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Actually, I'd love for Chabad to ask me if I'm Jewish

Olivia Haynie in Forward

Olivia Haynie reflects on her personal experience with Chabad and the broader Jewish community as a Black Jewish woman.

0 Communities Culture

How the Israeli scouts became a refuge for Jewish teens in a post-Oct. 7 world

Naomi Granit in JTA

In the wake of the October 7, 2023, events, the Tzofim, or Israeli Scouts, has become a vital refuge for Jewish and Israeli teens in New York City, offering them a community where they can connect with their heritage and find safety amidst growing tensions.

0 Communities Jewish Law

There wasn't a Jewish grief group in Boston for young adults, so this rabbi started one

Noah Hirsch-Rechter in Forward

Rabbi Jackson Mercer founded a unique grief support group for young Jewish adults in Cambridge, Massachusetts, addressing a gap in bereavement resources.

0 Communities Culture

Germany excels at restoring synagogues destroyed by the Nazis. But can they foster new Jewish life?

A.J. Goldmann in Forward

Germany has invested significantly in restoring historic synagogues, such as Munich's Reichenbachstrasse Synagogue, as evidence of its commitment to Jewish life.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Culture

Mayim Bialik: How The Jewish High Holiday Season Felt, Two Years After October 7

Mayim Bialik in Kveller

Mayim Bialik reflects on her experiences during the Jewish High Holiday season, two years after a tragic event on Simchat Torah.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Introducing: The ‘Nobody Wants This’ Jewish TV Club Substack!

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The announcement from Kveller introduces a new season of the Jewish TV Club Substack, now focusing on the Netflix show "Nobody Wants This," featuring Adam Brody as a rabbi.

0 Television/Film Culture

Susan Stamberg, iconic Jewish ‘founding mother’ of NPR, dies at 87

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Susan Stamberg, an influential voice in American broadcasting, passed away at age 87, leaving behind a rich legacy at NPR, where she broke new ground as one of its founding personalities.

0 Television/Film Culture

Ben Stiller wants you to meet his parents

PJ Grisar in Forward

Ben Stiller explores the complexities of his family's legacy in the new documentary "Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost," revealing the personal and professional lives of his famous parents, comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.

History ›

0 History Communities

What a forgotten synagogue dedication in 1825 Philadelphia can teach us today

Austin Reid Albanese in JTA

Congregation Mikveh Israel's 1825 consecration in Philadelphia, attended by Jews and civic leaders alike, exemplified a rare moment of interfaith unity and equality for Jews in the public sphere — a stark contrast to Jewish experiences in Europe at that time.

Israel ›

0 Israel Communities

These Videos Show Joyful First Moments of the Israeli Hostages’ Return

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In a poignant and uplifting piece, the article chronicles the return of the last 20 living Israeli hostages and the emotional reunions that followed.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Project Esther has shaped Trump’s antisemitism strategy. The Shofar Report is a liberal Jewish response.

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The Shofar Report, crafted by the Nexus Project, offers a liberal Jewish response to what they perceive as right-wing manipulation of antisemitism narratives, particularly strategies put forth by the Trump administration under the influence of the Heritage Foundation's Project Esther.

Torah ›

0 Torah Science

The Mind of God and the Order of the Cosmos

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Rivka Bennun Kay's article engages with the intersection of science and Torah by exploring the opening chapter of the Torah in light of contemporary scientific understanding.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Communities

The emergency isn’t over: Why Jewish philanthropy must stay in crisis mode after the war

eJewishPhilanthropy

Following the recent war and the freeing of hostages, the Jewish community has been remarkable in its quick, united, and effective response to the crisis, raising billions and strengthening grassroots engagement efforts.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Remembering my chavruta: Rabbi Moshe Hauer, z”l

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on the profound impact of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zl, highlighting their unique relationship despite their differing religious backgrounds—Reform and Orthodox.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Science

My Spare Embryos

Justine el-Khazen in Tablet

Justine el-Khazen explores the complicated reality of having leftover embryos from IVF, a deeply personal and ethically complex issue.