23 Dec
Israel into 2025: Building on Regional Successes, Avoiding Domestic Fractures
Amidst regional military successes, Israel faces profound internal divisions as it enters 2025, grappling with unpopular political maneuvers and the ongoing impact of a tumultuous 2024. David Makovsky and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the potential influence of these domestic controversies on Israel's national unity and geopolitical strategies.
22 Dec
Alon Pinkas on challenging the idea of Netanyahu as a master strategist of the Middle East
Alon Pinkas challenges Prime Minister Netanyahu's claims of being a master strategist, arguing that the changes in the Middle East were not due to his efforts but rather circumstances beyond his control. He criticizes Netanyahu's political maneuvers and stresses that Israel's current strategic environment is more a result of external factors rather than Netanyahu's agenda.
21 Dec
The true meaning of Israeli resilience (corrected)
Israeli resilience after the October 2023 attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah is explored through social cohesion and grassroots networks, emphasizing the importance of community-driven recovery over top-down approaches. Experts like Dr. Daniel Aldrich and Rina Goldberg discuss initiatives funded by the Jewish Federation to support community rebuilding through leadership programs and resilience-building infrastructures.
21 Dec
Time and time again - with Simon Sebag Montefiore
Israeli journalist Unite Levy and British journalist Jonathan Fredland discuss Iranian hostility in the Middle East, drawing comments from Simon Sebag Montefiore on geopolitical shifts after Assad's fall in Syria. The episode also covers recent synagogue attacks, IDF conduct in Gaza, and Israel-Ireland relations amidst rising global tensions surrounding Israel-Hamas conflicts.
20 Dec
The true meaning of Israeli resilience
The episode explores the role of community resilience in post-disaster recovery, featuring insights from Dr. Daniel Aldrich on Israel's ability to rebuild amidst ongoing challenges. Rina Goldberg discusses the funding efforts of the Jewish Federations in Israel's restoration following significant destruction.
20 Dec
Did Biden’s Infirmities Ruin Liberalism?
This episode delves into the implications of President Biden's alleged cognitive issues and the effects on liberal political institutions. It examines how both Democrats and media have handled the situation while also discussing the broader impacts on governance and public trust.
20 Dec
A Year of Tragedy, Triumph, and Transition
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex geopolitical developments in Israel and the broader Middle East at the end of 2024, focusing on the ongoing conflicts involving Israel, the fall of the Assad regime, and the potential impact of a Trump presidency on these dynamics. The discussion dives into Israel's interactions with Hezbollah, Gaza ceasefire prospects, and Netanyahu's political maneuvers in response to both internal and external pressures.
20 Dec
Freeland of Expression
Amidst major political upheavals in Canada's federal government, the hosts unpack the impact of public resignations and political shifts for the Jewish community and Canadian society at large. Hal Niedzviecki discusses the fall of his magazine Broken Pencil, critiquing the arts sector's resistance to free speech.
20 Dec
Terry Glavin on Anti-Semitism in Canada: How progressivism turned a polite, liberal country into a bastion of anti-Jewish hatred
In this episode, Terry Glavin discusses the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada, fueled by progressive ideologies and certain governmental policies. He explores how the Canadian political landscape, influenced by intersectionality and multiculturalism, has left the Jewish community feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
20 Dec
12/21/24 – Shiur 494 – How to not lose our children – and ourselves – to peer pressure
Ari Wasserman hosts a discussion on how to help children resist peer pressure, featuring insights from Rabbi Yaakov Neuberger, Rabbi Yisroel and Mrs. Elisheva Kamenetsky, and Dr. Debbie Akerman. The episode explores strategies for parents and educators to immunize children against negative influences and encourage positive social interactions.
19 Dec
Time and time again - with Simon Sebag Montefiore
Jonathan and Yonit discuss the escalating tensions and potential ceasefire negotiations in Gaza amidst rumors of IDF misconduct, along with the worrying rise in antisemitism following attacks on synagogues in Montreal and Melbourne. They also engage with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to explore Israel's complex geopolitical dynamics, the recent fall of Assad in Syria, and the implications for regional and international relations.
19 Dec
Mijal Bitton on What It Means to Be a Jew Today
Dr. Mijal Bitton explores the significance of Jewish identity, pride, and the complexities of Sephardic heritage, particularly in the context of recent global events impacting Jewish solidarity. She emphasizes the need for deeper understanding and literacy of Jewish history to advocate effectively amid rising antisemitism and to foster diverse, meaningful interfaith relationships.
19 Dec
Coming Soon: Jewish Studies Unscrolled
Jewish Studies Unscrolled, hosted by Alyssa Quint, delves into classic Jewish texts with expert guests, offering insights into diverse topics like a 17th-century hostage crisis and modern interpretations of Yiddish culture. With five episodes releasing starting December 26, the series promises engaging discussions that span centuries and genres.
19 Dec
Preparing for Trump’s Repression
Palestine solidarity activists are facing heightened repression with the potential return of Trump, as policies may escalate to stifle anti-genocide movements under the guise of combating antisemitism. The discussion explores the use of civil rights law, right-wing strategies, and mobilizing progressive coalitions to resist these efforts.
19 Dec
What Matters Now to Andrew Fox: Cynical use of inflated death figures from Gaza
Andrew Fox discusses the controversy surrounding casualty figures reported by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, arguing that these are inflated for propaganda purposes. He criticizes international media for uncritically accepting these figures and highlights the need for Israel to better manage its narrative in the global information sphere.
19 Dec
The “Manifest Destinies” Edition
The Promised Podcast discusses the complexities of Israeli settler intentions in Gaza and the ethics of hostage negotiations with Hamas. The conversation is informed by insights into historical Zionist ideologies and current political realities, shedding light on these contentious issues.
19 Dec
Poor Mike Johnson
House Speaker Mike Johnson faces criticism from Republicans, showcasing the challenges of leadership in a polarized era where party divisions and influential figures like Elon Musk complicate governance. Meanwhile, Israel's confrontations with external threats underline its central role in defending Western civilization, as it struggles with widespread anti-Israel sentiment and geopolitical dynamics.
19 Dec
Balancing Midrash with Pshat
Rabbi Wittenstein delves into the historical and interpretive tensions between Midrashim and the plain meaning (pshat) of biblical texts, examining Rashi's dedication to pshat and the significance of recent Israeli developments concerning Syria. He also explores how Midrashic interpretations align with traditional scholarship and prophecy, such as the influence of Israeli advances in regional geopolitics and longstanding interpretations about the future borders of Jerusalem.
19 Dec
Know Thy Enemy
Elana Stein Hain and Christine Hayes engage with Bereshit Rabbah to explore how Jews have historically perceived themselves and their enemies in times of conflict. Through comparisons of biblical figures to enemy nations, they examine the moral implications and self-perception during war, ultimately contemplating how modern Jews might view their military involvement in light of historical precedent.
19 Dec
‘Hanukkah bushes’ get a GST/HST tax break? This Jewish retailer is adding real holiday items to the list
Canada's federal tax initiative that exempts some holiday items, including the concept of 'Hanukkah bushes', from GST/HST has puzzled Jewish Canadians. Leah Markovitch of Solly’s Bagelry critiques the government's cultural misunderstandings and takes a novel approach by offering her own tax breaks on traditional Hanukkah items.
19 Dec
Rootless: The Best of 2024
The 'Rootless: The Best of 2024' episode encapsulates the tumultuous year featuring ongoing conflicts in Israel, political shifts in the United States, and a rise in antisemitism, yet also highlights reasons for hope globally. Through interviews with thought leaders and experts, the episode explores contentious issues like Israel's military strategies, the MAGA movement in America, and shifts in the justice system, providing a multifaceted view of the year's social and political landscape.
19 Dec
#363 - When A Jew And A Muslim Talk (Moriel Bareli)
Moriel Bareli's discussions with Muslims around the Middle East, sparked by an initial conversation on a language-learning app, reveal deep-seated and varied perspectives informed by historical and religious narratives about Jews and Israel. His exploration highlights a range of misconceptions and theological beliefs that continue to fuel tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as detailed in his book "When a Jew and a Muslim Talk."
18 Dec
Trump's Vengeance Temptation
The episode discusses Donald Trump's potential legal actions against Liz Cheney and others connected to the January 6 committee, reflecting on the motivations that could be propelling Trump's controversial decisions, such as internal tensions to maintain his core base's support. Additionally, the show explores challenges facing House Speaker Mike Johnson concerning government funding amid political contention in the Republican Party.
18 Dec
Israel at War – Looking Forward
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the delicate political and social landscape of Israel as the country faces the potential winding down of the war with the Iranian axis and grapples with the aftermath of October 7th. They delve into the challenges of forming a ceasefire deal, the implications of hostage negotiations, and the internal tensions brewing within Israeli society.
17 Dec
The Next Chapter in Catholic-Jewish Relations
Bishop Joseph Bambera and the AJC launch a significant Catholic-Jewish initiative, "Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition," aiming to enhance dialogue and combat antisemitism through a Catholic lens. The initiative follows nearly six decades of improved Catholic-Jewish relations since the Nostra Aetate declaration, emphasizing the importance of addressing antisemitism amid ongoing challenges.
17 Dec
With 'Jew Jitsu', Dmitri Shufutinsky wants to flip anti-Israel arguments on their head
Dmitri Shufutinsky's book, 'Jew Jitsu,' provides counterarguments to anti-Israel rhetoric by turning the arguments back on their originators, focusing on educating about leftist antisemitism and radicalization. Through his personal experiences and critical analysis, Shufutinsky addresses common misconceptions and stereotypes about Israel, advocating for more nuanced and historically accurate discussions.
17 Dec
The New Trump
Donald Trump demonstrated a shift in tone during a press conference as president-elect, portraying a less combative and more polished demeanor. The podcast discusses this change and speculates on the potential implications for his upcoming presidency, alongside discussion of his stances on key policy issues like Ukraine and vaccine mandates.
17 Dec
Is Israel squandering a rare chance in Syria?
Journalist Gregg Carlstrom argues that Israel is missing a critical opportunity by maintaining aggressive policies in Syria following the Assad regime's collapse, while German journalist Vera Weidenbach highlights the intensified debates surrounding Syrian refugees in Europe. The episode covers implications of Israel's military actions and the geopolitical aftermath in Syria, discussing broader regional consequences and refugee policies.
17 Dec
'Bubble legislation' back on the ballot: Two Toronto councillors explain what's changed since May
Toronto's city council is revisiting 'bubble legislation' to better protect vulnerable community spaces from hateful demonstrations, with renewed focus following extensive anti-Israel protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The proposal includes installing security infrastructure like bollards around key sites and creating legal framework zones to deter intimidation, though some councillors express concerns over its sufficency and implementation challenges.
17 Dec
What’s the Goal of the Gap Year in Israel? Ari Waxman, Judah Mischel, and Gershon Turetsky [Israel & Diaspora Bonus]
A panel of rabbis explores the "gap year" experience in Israel, considering its transformative impact on American Jewish youth and the challenges it presents. The discussion reflects on the goal of these programs, the impact of recent tragic events, and cultural tensions between American and Israeli approaches.
16 Dec
ABC Gives Trump $15 Million
ABC's $15 million settlement with Donald Trump over George Stephanopoulos's incorrect statement on rape allegations is a significant moment reflecting the mainstream media's shifting stance towards Trump. This podcast episode delves into the implications of this settlement for media accountability, highlighting the changing dynamics in media and politics as trust in institutions wanes.
16 Dec
Khitam Abu Bader: 'Violence is never the answer'
Khitam Abu Bader, a Bedouin social activist, emphasizes peacebuilding and coexistence amid the complexities of Israeli and Palestinian identities and ongoing conflict. Through her work in the Negev and on regional development programs, Abu Bader strives to foster dialogue and shared humanity among diverse communities in Israel.
16 Dec
What's behind the Canadian Jewish doctors considering quitting the profession because of antisemitism?
Canadian Jewish doctors report increasing antisemitism in their professional environments, prompting some to consider leaving the medical profession or reducing their teaching commitments. The Jewish Medical Association of Ontario's survey reveals concerns about harassment, doxxing, and discrimination, particularly against those with pro-Israel views, in both hospitals and medical schools.
16 Dec
After Assad: Navigating Syria's Power Vacuum and Regional Fallout
David Makovsky, Andrew Tabler, and Tamir Hayman examine the intricate aftermath of the Assad regime's fall in Syria and its implications for regional stability. They analyze the precarious power dynamics involving groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and discuss potential roles for international actors, including Israel and the U.S., in shaping Syria's future.
13 Dec
Coming Soon - How to Be a Jew
A new podcast series, "How to Be a Jew," hosted by Courtney Hazlett, Rabbi Diana Fersko, and Josh Kross, explores contemporary cultural topics and their intersection with Jewish identity and reactions. The show aims to engage listeners with the immediate and lived experience of Judaism in modern contexts, stating from the first episode on December 25th.
13 Dec
Drones and Pardons
The episode discusses the mystery of drone sightings over New Jersey, raising concerns about the dismissive response of the authorities and media, while also delving into the implications of extensive pardons issued by the Biden administration. It questions the ethical ramifications of such political actions, especially concerning pardons viewed unfavorably by local communities and the potential misuse of executive power.
13 Dec
The Z Word
The podcast explores the results of a recent survey revealing a complex and sometimes contradictory relationship of Canadian Jews to Zionism and Israel. Ben Murane and Maytal Kowalski discuss whether the label 'Zionist' still holds meaning and the broader implications of the survey, alongside a conversation about Jewish writers and artistic expression.
13 Dec
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour on the Fall of Syria and the Death of Baathism: How Arab intellectuals understand the latest ideological revolution
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour and Jonathan Silver explore the ideological consequences of the recent fall of Syria's Baathist regime, marked by Bashar al-Assad's departure to Russia. The discussion delves into the potential ideological shifts in the Middle East as the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham takes the helm, questioning the future political landscape and stability of Syria.
12 Dec
Bernard-Henri Lévy and AJC CEO Ted Deutch on How to Build a Resilient Jewish Future Post-October 7
Philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy and AJC CEO Ted Deutch discuss the current state and future resilience of the Jewish community in light of rising global antisemitism and political challenges. They emphasize the importance of unity, strength, and advocacy across communities to combat loneliness and pursue shared values.
12 Dec
The Road from Damascus - with Richard Haass and Alexis Bloom
Yonit and Jonathan explore the dramatic fall of the Assad regime in Syria and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial with insights from Richard Haass and Alexis Bloom, highlighting regional and domestic upheavals. They discuss how the shifting power dynamics in the Middle East and Netanyahu's legal battles intersect with broader geopolitical and ethical considerations.