Zohran Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary for New York City's mayoral race is seen as a landmark moment for progressive politics, particularly regarding his pro-Palestine stance which challenged the traditional pro-Israel establishment. This podcast episode unpacks the reactions of the Jewish community in NYC and the potential shifts in US electoral politics relating to Israel.

Israel has initiated a series of unprecedented airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, escalating tensions and disrupting U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy. As the situation intensifies, questions arise about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s objectives, the potential involvement of the United States, and the broader implications for Middle Eastern and global stability.

Mari Cohen and Rabbi Andrue Kahn explore the American Council for Judaism's history and its recent revival, addressing its role in promoting anti-nationalist values within Reform Judaism. They delve into how this tradition contrasts with modern Zionist leanings and consider the potential for American Jews to engage in religious life without Zionist ideologies.

The episode explores the film 'Kneecap' and delves into the intersections of language reclamation with politics through music, with a focus on Irish and Jewish languages. The discussion examines the complexities of nationalism, the role of music in reviving native languages, and the possibilities for solidarity among marginalized communities through artistic expression.

Arielle Angel leads a discussion on the DC shooting of two Israeli embassy aides, delving into whether it was an antisemitic act or primarily political violence. The conversation touches on the nuanced relationship between antisemitism, political violence, and the portrayal of these incidents in media and politics.

Arielle Angel hosts a discussion on Chabad Lubavitch's controversial embrace of Itamar Ben-Gvir during his U.S. visit and the broader implications for its identity and politics. Scholars Shaul Magid and Hadas Binyamini delve into Chabad's historic anti-Zionism, its contemporary cultural and political shifts, and resultant intra-community tensions in Crown Heights.

Maya Rosen and Rabbi Aryeh Bernstein engage in a chevruta, exploring the ethical challenges faced by activists in the West Bank through Jewish texts. They discuss the balance between the risks taken by solidarity activists and the moral obligations to help others, drawing on Talmudic and Holocaust-era teachings.

The episode delves into the brutal immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, focusing on how historically rooted legal tools and precedents are being weaponized to target political dissent and marginalized communities. Featuring Sophia Elena Gurulé and Tanvi Misra, the discussion highlights the continuity of these practices and emphasizes the expansive, chilling impact on noncitizens and citizens alike.

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, challenges Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, focusing on housing justice and transit affordability while navigating controversies around his stance on Israel. Amid criticism from Cuomo over his 'Not On Our Dime' legislation that targets charities funding Israeli settlements, Mamdani stresses the importance of international law and equality as core principles.

Arielle Angel and Mari Cohen engage with Jon Danforth-Appell on the notion of "Zionist realism," a concept suggesting that the Jewish left struggles to imagine futures beyond Zionism due to entrenched collective identities. They explore how emphasizing Jewish complicity over material structures like American geopolitics and the military-industrial complex hinders broader anti-war activism and alternative Jewish activism.

Columbia University's compliance with Trump administration demands highlights the challenges facing academic freedom and the teaching of Israel-Palestine in the U.S. The university's decision, particularly in adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and restructuring Middle Eastern Studies, signifies a broader political influence threatening intellectual independence in higher education.

Arielle Angel, Mari Cohen, and Alex Kane analyze the Jewish political response to Mahmoud Khalil's detention by ICE due to his pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University. They critique mainstream Jewish institutional reactions and discuss how the event highlights fractures in political alignments within the Jewish community concerning civil liberties and authoritarian government actions.

Alex Kane hosts a discussion with Mouin Rabbani and Tariq Kenney-Shawa on President Trump's controversial proposal for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and its historical and geopolitical context. The guests explore the potential implications for the region and the future of the Gaza ceasefire amidst widespread rejection of the plan by Palestinian groups and neighboring Arab countries.

The podcast episode discusses the film "The Brutalist," exploring its depiction of Israel and Zionism as a hopeful escape from antisemitism for Holocaust survivors in the U.S. Participants critique the film's narrative of Jewish life post-Holocaust and its political ambiguity, particularly regarding the treatment of Zionism and racial assimilation in America.

Israeli military operations in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, have intensified, echoing tactics used in Gaza and raising concerns of escalating conflict. Analysts discuss the impact and motivations behind these actions, as well as the broader implications for Palestinian residents and regional stability.

Alex Kane, senior reporter at Jewish Currents, discusses the recent Gaza ceasefire deal with analysts Yousef Munayyer and Zaha Hassan. They explore the motivations behind the ceasefire, the potential for its permanence, and the broader implications for Gaza's future governance and U.S.-Israel relations.

Editors Peter Beinart, Mahmoud Muna, Matthew Teller, and Juliette Touma discuss their anthology "Daybreak in Gaza: Stories of Palestinian Lives and Culture," which highlights the voices of Gazan individuals amidst Israeli conflict. They explore themes of humanity, resilience, and cultural richness through personal narratives from Gazans living under siege.

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.

Arielle Angel, Maia Ipp, and Menachem Kaiser discuss the film "A Real Pain," exploring its depiction of millennial Jewish identity amidst Holocaust themes. They critique the film for lacking depth in both narrative and exploration of its sensitive subject matter, though they find its deviation from typical Holocaust narratives insightful.

Arielle Angel, Naomi Klein, and Hala Alyan discuss the role of emotions like grief and rage in the movement for Palestinian liberation and how these emotions intersect with political strategies. They explore how emotions can both fuel activism and present challenges, emphasizing the need for movements to accommodate diverse emotional expressions.