Daily Podcasts Video Research

People of the Pod

People of the Pod is a weekly podcast analyzing global affairs through a Jewish lens, brought to you by American Jewish Committee. Host Manya Brachear Pashman examines current events, the people driving them, and what it all means for America, Israel, and the Jewish people.
21 Feb
Spat On and Silenced: 2 Jewish Students on Fighting Campus Hate
Jewish students Evan Cohen and Daniel Solomon discuss their personal experiences with antisemitism on college campuses, reflecting alarming trends highlighted by the AJC's State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report. The episode underscores the manifestations of antisemitism from both far-left anti-Israel sentiments and far-right hate, as well as the critical importance of maintaining Jewish community presence and support on campuses.
13 Feb
University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker: When Antisemitism Hits Home
University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker shares his family's personal experience with antisemitic attacks that were part of broader targeting against Jews, particularly in the context of campus protests linked to anti-Israel sentiments. He highlights the urgent need for dialogue and understanding between diverse perspectives while criticizing the faculty's inadequate response to growing antisemitism on campus.
7 Feb
Unpacking Trump’s Gaza Plan
Donald Trump's proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza has sparked debate, appearing both innovative and unfeasible. Jason Isaacson from AJC discusses the potential implications on the ground and the broader geopolitical landscape, including impacts on hostages and regional peace efforts.
30 Jan
Empathy Is Who We Are: Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove on Being Jewish Today
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove discusses the dual challenges Jewish communities face in balancing the need for Israel's self-defense with empathy towards those suffering in Gaza. He emphasizes the historical role of empathy in Jewish identity, draws parallels with the biblical story of Esther, and shares insights from his spiritual journey and pastoral work.
23 Jan
The Oldest Holocaust Survivor Siblings: A Tale of Family, Survival, and Hope
Allan Novak shares the remarkable tale of his family, the world's oldest Holocaust survivor siblings, and their optimistic resilience through harrowing times, culminating in a documentary capturing their survival. The podcast delves into family dynamics, their ability to maintain positivity despite immense loss, and the lasting impact of their experiences on future generations.
21 Jan
Israeli Hostages Freed: Inside the Emotional Reunions, High-Stakes Negotiations, and What’s Next
Amid the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza, Julie Fishman Rayman discusses the intricacies of the hostage negotiations and the broader implications on Israel and Middle East policies. The episode also delves into the political dynamics of the Trump administration taking credit for the hostage deal initially brokered under Biden, and the collective trauma experienced by Israeli society.
16 Jan
Bring Them Home: Understanding the Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal and Its Impact
Israel and Hamas have reached a complex agreement to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, which involves several phases and could significantly impact the political climate in Israel. This deal, intended to reunite families after 467 days, carries both emotional weight and potential political ramifications, with tensions running high among affected families and the Israeli public.
9 Jan
Pack One Bag: Stanley Tucci and David Modigliani Uncover His Jewish Family’s Escape from Fascism and Antisemitism in 1930s Italy
David Modigliani delves into his family's history in 1930s Italy, uncovering their escape from rising fascism and antisemitism, bringing their story to life through a podcast narrated by Stanley Tucci. Modigliani's investigation reveals hidden documents and personal stories, highlighting historical parallels with current global issues.
23 Dec 2024
Gov. Josh Shapiro and AJC CEO Ted Deutch on Combating Antisemitism
Gov. Josh Shapiro discusses his commitment to combating antisemitism and building strong, diverse communities in Pennsylvania in a conversation with AJC CEO Ted Deutch. They emphasize the importance of bipartisan support in fighting antisemitism and highlight the need for moral clarity and unity in addressing hate and bigotry across political lines.
19 Dec 2024
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.
17 Dec 2024
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.
12 Dec 2024
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.
5 Dec 2024
What’s Next for the Abraham Accords Under President Trump?
The episode discusses potential developments for the Abraham Accords under a second Trump administration, exploring the opportunities and challenges for expanding these agreements. With insights from Rob Greenway, the episode addresses the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Iran's influence and the economic potential of regional integration.
26 Nov 2024
Honoring Israel’s Lone Soldiers This Thanksgiving: Celebrating Service and Sacrifice Away from Home
Lone soldiers Kerren Seidner and Nate LeRoy share their experiences serving in the IDF without family in Israel and highlight the support they receive from organizations like Ach Gadol, which provides mentorship. They discuss the challenges of adjusting to military life and Israeli society while emphasizing the importance of community support, especially during holidays.
22 Nov 2024
The ICC Issues Arrest Warrants: What You Need to Know
The AJC's Chief Advocacy Officer, Belle Yoeli, argues that the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Israeli leaders on charges related to Gaza operations are baseless and politicized. She explains the impact these accusations have on justice and international law, along with their broader implications on global perceptions of Israel and antisemitism.
18 Nov 2024
What President-Elect Trump’s Nominees Mean for Israel, Antisemitism, and More
AJC Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, Julie Fishman Rayman, analyzes the potential impacts of President-elect Trump's nominees on U.S. policies towards Israel and antisemitism, emphasizing a shift towards more populist Republican figures. Rayman discusses specific nominees, their backgrounds, and how their appointments could influence both domestic and foreign policies relating to the Jewish community and Israel.
12 Nov 2024
Honoring Felice Gaer: A Lifelong Champion for Human Rights
Felice Gaer's extensive career in human rights advocacy is celebrated, emphasizing her influence within organizations like the American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute. Her contributions to women's and human rights, including significant work at the Beijing World Conference on Women, mark her as a transformative figure in international human rights discourse.
7 Nov 2024
What the Election Results Mean for Israel and the Jewish People
Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, analysts discuss the implications of Donald Trump's victory for the U.S. Jewish community and Israel, examining voter trends and potential policy shifts. The election's outcomes raise questions about priorities for the Jewish electorate and the future of U.S.-Israel relations under a new administration.
31 Oct 2024
The Jewish Vote in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania's significant Jewish community is a key factor in the upcoming presidential election, with issues such as antisemitism and U.S.-Israel relations shaping voter sentiment. Jewish voters are focused on both domestic policies and candidates' stances on Israel, amid a complex political landscape marked by President Biden's past actions and Trump-era policies.
23 Oct 2024
Sinwar Eliminated: What Does This Mean for the 101 Hostages Still Held by Hamas?
The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by the IDF has potentially significant implications for Israel's security and the fate of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The episode examines this development's impact on Hamas' leadership and Israel’s strategy, along with the possibilities for future negotiations regarding the hostages.