Dr. Moshe Berent, a political scientist at the Open University, discusses the concept of republicanism in Israeli politics in his book "A Nation Like All Nations: Towards the Establishment of an Israeli Republic."

The Altneuschul, or Old-New Synagogue in Prague, is surrounded by folklore that speaks of old stones from the Temple in Jerusalem, the creation of a golem by Rabbi Judah Loew, and a legend involving a black cat turning coal into gold and leading a man to Jerusalem.

"The Case Against Academic Boycotts of Israel," edited by Cary Nelson and Gabriel Noah Brahm, delves into the passionate anti-Israel sentiments present on college campuses and among activists that fuel the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) movement, with individuals like Omar Barghouti and Mark LeVine advocating for the dismantlement of Israel itself.

In this discussion led by Allison, Noah, and Miriam Hershlag from The Times of Israel, three significant topics are addressed: the tenth anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs' new program aimed at strengthening Jewish identity in the diaspora, and Uri Avnery's concerns about a shift towards a more religiously defined Jewish state in Israel.

The text discusses the prevalence of anti-Semitism in modern discourse, particularly in the context of criticisms leveled against Israel.

In a discussion on the "one-and-a-half state" solution, the topic of Israel's peace prospects under Netanyahu's leadership and the role of gender in war and peace negotiations are explored.

Gustav Niebuhr, a professor and grand-nephew of Reinhold Niebuhr, a renowned Protestant theologian, is actively opposing the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s decision to divest from companies doing business with Israel.

In a discussion among Allison, Don, Eilon, and Noah, they explore why Israeli rabbis have remained silent on Israel's liberal abortion policy, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's demand for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, and the complexity of the African refugee situation in Israel.

The text explores the complex reality of the State of Israel, highlighting the juxtaposition of dreams and disappointments in its history and current state.

During Israel's War of Independence, the construction of the Burma Road provided a crucial bypass to Jerusalem through the mountains, allowing Jewish soldiers to avoid attacks on the main road.

"Advocate for the Doomed: The Diaries and Papers of James G. McDonald, 1932-1935" portrays the efforts of James G. McDonald in the 1930s to aid German Jews facing Nazi persecution, his struggles to secure refugee immigration programs, and his encounters with prominent figures like Hitler, Roosevelt, and Cardinal Pacelli.

Chaim Gans, a political philosopher and law professor at Tel Aviv University, makes a notable contribution with his book "A Just Zionism: On the Morality of the Jewish State," which revisits and refashions the liberal argument supporting Zionism.

Jacqueline Rose's "The Question of Zion" explores the idea of a binational Arab-Jewish state advocated by thinkers like Martin Buber and Hannah Arendt, criticizing political Zionism for not adopting this model.

Arthur Goldreich, an undercover ANC operative and close collaborator of Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned by the South African government in 1963, escaped, and sought refuge in Israel, becoming a vocal opponent of apartheid.

The text explores the Old-New Debate surrounding Theodor Herzl, the Founding Father of Israel, and his relationship with Ahad Haam, a Jewish intellectual and critic.

Born in 1886 in Russian-ruled Poland, David Ben-Gurion played a crucial role in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, facing numerous challenges including the need to build a nation from scratch amidst Arab hostility and international embargoes.

In recent years, the Palestinians have made gradual progress in building governing institutions, particularly under Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in the West Bank, leading to economic growth and improved security.

A recent Haaretz poll revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity in Israel surged by 11 percent after the botched Gaza flotilla raid, with confidence in his government also rising.

Israeli President Shimon Peres, mentored by David Ben-Gurion, had a complex political career marked by distrust, frequent election losses, and a reputation as an underminer, despite later becoming a popular president with strong views on security and peace.