8 Sep 2025
'There is no hope—but there is faith': 5 Israeli Thinkers on the country's future
Five prominent Israeli thinkers, including Gadi Taub, Shani Taragin, Rachelle Fraenkel, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Anshel Pfeffer, share their perspectives on the future of Israel and the Jewish people, reflecting a strong sense of hope even amidst significant challenges. Each thinker provides a unique view on faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people, highlighting both individual and collective reasons for optimism moving forward.
2 Sep 2025
'The status quo cannot be maintained': 6 Israeli Thinkers on if Palestinian-Israeli peace is still possible
The episode explores diverse perspectives from six Israeli thinkers regarding the potential for Israeli-Palestinian peace within their lifetimes. Despite differing opinions ranging from cautious optimism to skepticism, a common theme is the necessity of fostering individual connections, increasing pragmatic political efforts, and promoting a future built on mutual recognition and understanding.
25 Aug 2025
'The government doesn't make its case': 5 Israeli Thinkers on criticizing Israel
Five prominent Israeli thinkers, including Benny Morris and Michael Oren, explore the most legitimate criticisms against Israel, touching on issues such as occupation, alignment with the U.S., and governmental failures. Their diverse perspectives reflect the spectrum of Israeli political views, from criticism of Israel's strategic decisions to its international image.
18 Aug 2025
'Our reliance on power': 6 Israeli Thinkers on Israel's Greatest Success and Mistake in the Gaza War
Israeli thinkers reflect on the country's strategy against Hamas, highlighting a mix of military triumphs and political shortcomings. While Israel's military effectiveness is lauded, criticism is leveled at the government for its handling of the communications aspect and the lack of a clear post-conflict plan for Gaza.
11 Aug 2025
'Still a deeply divided society': 5 Israeli Thinkers on how they feel today
Five Israeli thinkers reflect on the current socio-political climate in Israel, including divisions exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader existential crises. Their perspectives highlight feelings of division, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by different communities, including a disparity in the inclusion of Bedouin Arabs.
14 Jul 2025
Michael Oren: 'We are living in biblical times'
Michael Oren views Israel as a flawed yet heroic nation, grappling with both external threats and internal challenges. His discussion focuses on Israel's military successes, diplomatic efforts, and the complex dynamics of Israeli society and its global perception.
7 Jul 2025
Micah Goodman: 'I don't want Gaza to become our Vietnam'
Micah Goodman discusses the complexities and improbabilities of achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace in the foreseeable future, suggesting that expectations for Palestinian concessions on issues of religion and self-determination are unrealistic. He also emphasizes the hybrid nature of Israeli identity, combining Jewish tradition with democratic values, as a unique strength and possible model for the world.
30 Jun 2025
Jonathan Rosenblum: 'Would you want to live in a country run by Haredim?'
Jonathan Rosenblum, a prominent Haredi journalist, discusses the complexities and diverse perspectives within the Haredi community, particularly in relation to the Israeli army draft and the broader socio-political landscape in Israel. Rosenblum challenges oversimplifications of the Haredi community and articulates nuanced views on Israel's geopolitical challenges, anti-Zionism, and the integration of Haredim into Israeli society.
23 Jun 2025
'The head of the snake': 8 Israeli Thinkers on the threat of Iran
Israeli thinkers assert that Iran poses the primary existential threat to Israel, overshadowing the conflict with Hamas. While Iran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities remains critical, Israel's strategic approach to addressing it, including military interventions and international alliances, is debated extensively among thought leaders.
16 Jun 2025
Hanan Schlesinger: 'From the river to the sea is all Israel and all Palestine'
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, co-founder of the roots dialogue center for Palestinian-Israeli peace, explores the challenges of wielding Jewish power ethically in today's Israel. Drawing on religious and moral principles, he reflects on the complexities and contradictions within Zionism and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
9 Jun 2025
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum: 'I am scared that in 20 years, Israel will be isolated completely'
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, expresses concern over Israel's potential diplomatic isolation due to the influence of Hamas and the West's growing sympathy towards radical Islamism. She criticizes Israel's lack of strategy in global communications warfare and highlights the need for America's support against Hamas' backers like Qatar.
26 May 2025
Malka Simkovich: When Did The Jewish Diaspora Begin? (18Forty Podcast Re-Release)
Malka Simkovich explores the origins of the Jewish Diaspora by tracing its beginnings following the Babylonian exile and discussing its theological implications. Contrasting terms such as golah, diaspora, and galut, she delves into the complexities of ancient Jewish life and identity, drawing parallels with contemporary issues of Jewish diaspora and identity.
19 May 2025
Elli Fischer: 'The Torah ideal is for Israel to be a religious state'
Rabbi Elli Fischer discusses the vision of a religious Jewish state and explores Israel's dual covenants according to the Torah. He emphasizes the complexity of balancing religious ideals with democratic governance and how present realities may not yet align with religious aspirations.
12 May 2025
Yoav Heller: 'Israel will be in existential peril if society continues to fragment'
Yoav Heller, a Holocaust historian and chairman of the Fourth Quarter movement, discusses the existential risks Israel faces if societal divisions persist, warning of a historical precedent where Jewish sovereignty has collapsed in its first century. He emphasizes the need for unity among Israelis across the political spectrum and addresses the necessity for a clear vision to secure Israel's future, involving peace with Palestinians and de-escalation in Gaza.
5 May 2025
Mikhael Manekin: 'This is a land of two peoples, and I don't view that as a problem'
Mikhael Manekin, a leader in Israel's Hasmol Haemuni movement, discusses the complexities of Israeli society, emphasizing the need for a shared vision of peace and equality with Palestinians while questioning the efficacy and morality of current Israeli policies. His nuanced views explore the challenges of maintaining Jewish and democratic values within the context of prolonged conflict and mistrust.
28 Apr 2025
Einat Wilf: 'Jews are never allowed to win, and Arabs are never allowed to lose' (Re-Release)
Einat Wilf discusses her concept of 'Palestinianism' as the primary ideological barrier to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, suggesting that the international community's reluctance to allow Israel to fully address this ideology prolongs the conflict. She critiques Israel's limited objectives in its confrontation with Hamas and suggests that true peace requires a fundamental transformation in Palestinian ideology akin to the changes seen in Germany post-WWII.
7 Apr 2025
Anshel Pfeffer: 'The idea that you'll obliterate Hamas is as realistic as wanting to obliterate Chabad'
Anshel Pfeffer discusses the complexities of Israeli politics, the challenges of dealing with Hamas, and the persistent myths surrounding Zionism and Hasbara. He highlights the need for realistic solutions to long-standing issues in Israel's domestic and international policies.
31 Mar 2025
Mosheh Lichtenstein: 'Jewish values don't celebrate might'
Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein, co-rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion, emphasizes the dangers of relying solely on power and force, urging for a moral and spiritual introspection within Religious Zionism and wider Israeli society. He critiques Israel's current political climate, advocating for a balance of diplomacy, prayer, and military readiness to uphold Jewish values in a meaningful way.
24 Mar 2025
Ruby Chen: My Son is Likely a Deceased Hostage. Don't Forget Him in Gaza.
Ruby Chen, father of Sgt. Itay Chen believed to be a deceased hostage of Hamas, shares the family's ongoing struggle to bring home their son, holding out hope that Itay's fate may differ from the IDF's declaration. He details the emotional toll, the family's refusal to sit shiva awaiting Itay's return, and the lingering hope that has enveloped their lives, transcending into a broader call for action and advocacy, including appeals to U.S. administrations.
17 Mar 2025
Jonathan Dekel-Chen: My Son was a Hostage in Gaza for 43 Million Seconds. He Felt Every One.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen speaks about his son Sagui's 498-day captivity by Hamas, Sagui's eventual release, and the ongoing struggle for other hostages' freedom. This heartfelt discussion dives deep into the family's experiences, efforts to maintain hope, and the broader implications on Israeli society and governance.