Daily Podcasts Video Research

18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers

A new podcast by 18Forty interviewing Israel’s leading voices to explore critical questions on Zionism, the Israel-Hamas War, democracy, morality, Judaism, peace, Israel’s future, and so much more. We introduce you to fresh perspectives and challenging ideas about Israel — from across the political and religious spectrum — that you won’t find anywhere else.
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17 Feb
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner: 'Before Trump, I believed that Gaza had to be controlled by Israel'
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the head of Shurat HaDin—Israel Law Center, discusses the moral complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her view of Gaza's future influenced by Trump's plans. She advocates for a stronger Israeli military presence in Gaza and supports prioritizing Jewish traditions over democratic principles in certain contexts.
10 Feb
Shani Taragin: 'The ideal is for the Jewish People to live in the Land of Israel'
Rabbanit Shani Taragin shares her deep connection to Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people, discussing the challenges and ideals of religious Zionism. She navigates complex issues such as the release of Palestinian prisoners, the role of Zionism, and the delicate balance between hope and fear for Israel's future.
3 Feb
Chuck Freilich: 'Netanyahu needs to step down or be voted out'
Chuck Freilich argues that Prime Minister Netanyahu's governance failures, especially the October 7th incident and lack of a post-war plan for Gaza, necessitate a change in leadership. He critiques Netanyahu's prioritization of personal political survival over national interests and emphasizes the importance of creating a sustainable future for Gaza, involving the Palestinian Authority.
27 Jan
Rula Daood: 'We are closest to peace at times of war'
Rula Daood, co-director of Standing Together, discusses how she navigates her identity as a Christian Palestinian activist in Israel, emphasizing equality and peace between Israelis and Palestinians. She critiques both the Israeli government and Hamas, urging for political solutions and stronger Palestinian representation.
20 Jan
Natan Sharansky: 'If you don't have faith or Zionism, your grandchildren will not be Jewish'
Natan Sharansky discusses the challenges faced by the Jewish people due to antisemitism and assimilation, highlighting how Israel can serve as a unifying solution. Drawing from his personal experiences as a former Soviet refusenik and a key Israeli figure, he addresses complex questions related to Zionism, Israel's military and political strategies, and the cultural identity of Jewish people worldwide.
13 Jan
Shayna Goldberg: Inside Israel’s Religious Zionist Community (18Forty Podcast Re-Release)
Shayna Goldberg discusses the distinct features and evolving dynamics within Israel's Religious Zionist community, highlighting the differences between Israeli and American religious life. Goldberg explores themes such as the roles of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rav Kook, cultural attitudes towards halacha, and the participation of women in the Israeli army.
6 Jan
Jonathan Gribetz: Teaching the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict (18Forty Podcast Re-Release)
Jonathan Gribetz, a professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton, discusses the nuanced and evolving discourse between Jews and Arabs since the infancy of Zionism. He emphasizes the importance of understanding history to explore potential reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
30 Dec 2024
Michael Melchior: 'We can make peace with the whole of the Arab and Muslim world'
Rabbi Michael Melchior, a renowned Jewish leader and activist, discusses his unwavering belief in the possibility of peace between Israelis and Palestinians, despite the complexities of the ongoing conflict. Emphasizing the potential for religious peacebuilding, Melchior highlights efforts to engage with religious leaders on both sides and stresses the importance of internal unity within Israeli society.
23 Dec 2024
Daniel Gordis: ‘The great failure of the hostages is enormous’
Daniel Gordis discusses the enormity of the failure to secure hostages from Gaza, emphasizing it as Israel's most significant shortcoming despite potential incapability to secure a deal. He explores various critical topics surrounding Israeli politics, the IDF's morality, the Iranian threat, and the future of Zionism and Israeli democracy.
16 Dec 2024
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.
9 Dec 2024
Moshe Koppel: 'We won the war in Gaza'
Moshe Koppel, a prominent Israeli political thinker and computer scientist, argues that Israel has substantially weakened Hamas, thus winning the war in Gaza. He discusses the complexities of Israeli statehood and democracy, while expressing confidence in Israel's military and the country's strategic handling of regional threats.
2 Dec 2024
Einat Wilf: 'Jews are never allowed to win, and Arabs are never allowed to lose'
Einat Wilf, a former Israeli Knesset member, discusses Israel's conflict with Hamas, arguing that the core issue is the ideology of 'Palestinianism,' which she believes seeks the non-existence of the Jewish state. She criticizes the Israeli government's handling of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of identifying and defeating this ideology to achieve lasting peace.
25 Nov 2024
Sivan Rahav-Meir: 'When it comes to terrorism, you can't compromise' (Re-Run)
Sivan Rahav-Meir, a prominent Israeli journalist and religious figure, discusses Israel's challenges and successes in its battle against Hamas and reflects on the evolution of her religious views. She emphasizes the importance of Judaism and unity in Israeli identity, highlighting how recent events have brought clarity and solidarity among Israelis.
18 Nov 2024
Yaakov Katz: 'The Israeli military has fought in probably the most humane way possible'
Yaakov Katz emphasizes the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) commitment to humane warfare while critiquing Western media's portrayal of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite acknowledging the complexities of the conflict and Israel's military and political strategies, Katz argues that long-term peace requires clear political resolutions beyond military action.
11 Nov 2024
Uri Zaki: "The war has to end in Gaza'
Uri Zaki, a left-wing Zionist thinker, grapples with the consequences of Israel's prolonged campaign against Hamas in Gaza, advocating for a political shift toward peace negotiations. Central to the discussion are the complexities of Israeli democracy, military ethics, and the crucial need for a Palestinian alternative to secure regional stability.
4 Nov 2024
Nechumi Yaffe: 'I hate the idea that we are being killed and need to kill'
Nechumi Yaffe, a Haredi woman deeply involved in Israel's Religious Left, discusses the complex intersection of her identities and her role in Israeli social dynamics. She reflects on Israel's societal challenges post-October 7, touching on military service, political reform, and religious transformation.
28 Oct 2024
Lahav Harkov: 'We are winning'
The episode explores Israeli political landscape and ongoing conflicts with Lahav Harkov, who asserts Israel's tangible gains in their multi-front war, particularly against Hamas and Hezbollah. Harkov criticizes Western media coverage and emphasizes the need for a strategic plan to address Gaza's future and broader regional stability.
14 Oct 2024
Netta Barak-Corren: 'I hope that Gaza will see a day when it is no longer ruled by Hamas'
Netta Barak-Corren, a legal scholar and professor, discusses Israel's existential challenges, focusing on post-war strategies for Gaza and the implications of judicial reform. She emphasizes the need for a pragmatic, democratic Zionism and critiques the international community's biases in addressing Israel's security operations and legitimacy.
7 Oct 2024
Despondent, Unmoored, Hopeful: How Israeli Thinkers Feel After October 7
Israeli thinkers express a complex mix of emotions one year after the October 7th Hamas attacks, ranging from despondency and fear to hope and resilience. Through interviews with diverse voices, the episode reflects on current challenges in Israeli society, politics, and the broader Jewish world, highlighting both existential threats and inspiring strength.
30 Sep 2024
Rivka Ravitz: 'Being separated is at the core of being Haredi'
Rivka Ravitz, a prominent Haredi political thinker, discusses the complexities of Israeli politics and the distinct identity of the Haredi community. She explores topics from the unique separation of Haredi life to the roles religion and democracy play in the Israeli state, while sharing personal insights into her belief system amidst current political challenges.