Episodes
From blood libels in the Middle Ages to internet conspiracies about Israel, antisemitism has adapted and shifted, taking many forms throughout the course of history. Whether in Europe, Russia, or modern-day America, wherever Jews go, antisemitism and conspiracy theories follow. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Alex Ryvchin, Co‑Executive Chief Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, to discuss his new book, The Seven Deadly Myths: Antisemitism from the Time of Christ to Kanye...
Published 06/07/23
When it comes to Zionist leadership, education is crucial. We need leaders who are not only knowledgeable about the importance of Israel, but capable of showing others why it matters. One of the national leaders in Zionist education for High School students, Club Z has worked to create a network of articulate activists with a commitment to Zionism who advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Masha Merkulova, Founder and Executive of Club Z, to discuss...
Published 05/24/23
While diaspora and Israeli Jews are inextricably connected, there often seems to be a disconnect between the two groups. Masa Israel is looking to fix that. For over 15 years, Masa Israel Journey has been building bridges between diaspora and Israeli Jews through immersive international experiences in Israel for Jewish young adults, creating memories and lifelong connections for all participants. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ofer Gutman, the CEO of Masa Israel Journey, to discuss his...
Published 05/10/23
Shahar Azani serves as Founder and Principal at Fourth Dimension Strategies and as Senior Vice President at Jewish Broadcasting Services.
Published 04/26/23
Gabriel Groisman has always been a friend to Israel. The Mayor of Bel Harbour, FL from 2016-2022, he quickly established his reputation as a staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish People through his anti-BDS legislation and outspoken criticism of antisemitism. Now in private practice, Groisman is still active in the pro-Israel community, encouraging others to be as well. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Groisman to discuss his efforts to fight antisemitism as Mayor, advice for Jewish...
Published 04/14/23
Dr. Rachel Fish is a celebrated academic with 20 years of experience in Israeli history, Zionist thought, and Middle Eastern Studies. She is the Founding Executive Director of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism and previously served as Senior Advisor and Resident Scholar of Jewish/Israel Philanthropy at the Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City.   Dr. Fish also served as the Executive Director for the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University and held the Rohr...
Published 03/29/23
Until 2010, Israel did not have any newswires, so most media coverage of Israel came from foreign sources, from AP and Reuters to incredibly biased Palestinian news outlets. This changed with the founding of Tazpit Press Service (TPS), which today remains the only Israeli newswire agency. In its 13 years, TPS has grown exponentially, now reaching over 10 million people worldwide and distributing over 5,000 articles per year. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Amotz Eyal, Founder and CEO of...
Published 03/01/23
When the Russia invasion of Ukraine resulted in the displacement of Jews from the region, Sophia Tupolev-Luz was just looking to help a few of her friends. That initial assistance has snowballed into serving over 15,000 people through co-founding The Reboot Startup Nation. Working with Israeli tech and startup companies, she and her nonprofit help find tech jobs for immigrants, making their transition to Israel easier. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Tupolev-Luz  to  discuss the origins...
Published 02/15/23
Started after the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism in Durban, NGO Monitor is a globally recognized research institute promoting democratic values and good governance, working to ensure that decision makers and civil society operate in accordance with the principles of accountability, transparency, and universal human rights. Combining research and analysis with action, they have helped successfully defund over $100 million from various anti-Israel organizations in the last...
Published 02/01/23
As global needs shift and a greater importance has been placed on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), the global workforce has not yet caught up to meet these needs. Even in Israel, the startup nation, there is a shortage of people with crucial engineering and science experience. Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering is working on fixing this through recruiting and educating students in these much-needed fields. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with host Steven...
Published 01/18/23
Matthew Nouriel has always worn many hats. A drag queen who goes by the stage name “The Empress Mizrahi,” the nonbinary activist is also the Community Engagement Director at JIMENA - Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, which connects Matthew to their Iranian Jewish roots. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Matthew to discuss their journey towards coming to terms with their identities, how Middle Eastern and African Jews are not a monolith, and the importance of compassion...
Published 12/30/22
One of Jewish National Fund-USA’s most groundbreaking initiatives, the Kasser Joint Institute for Global Food, Water, and Energy Security is a collaboration with the University of Arizona, the Arava regional councils, and Jewish National Fund-USA, that seeks to find applicable solutions to food security, water scarcity, and energy poverty particularly in arid environments. The plan is to branch out into Africa and provide technology transfer, applied research, knowledge, training, ongoing...
Published 12/21/22
Actor and filmmaker Yuval David knows the power of advocacy. Encouraged to change his name because it was “too foreign,” David stayed true to who he was, and rose through the industry to win multiple Emmys, as well as become a staunch supporter of the Jewish and LGBTQ communities. And despite pressure from outside forces, including some of his peers, he continues to fight Jew hatred and anti-Zionism daily. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with David to discuss the discrimination he’s faced in...
Published 12/07/22
The Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel is a crucial education initiative that invites full-time university and college faculty members to participate in an academic trip to Israel. Supported and funded by Jewish National Fund-USA, the program enables participants to meet with professionals and experts to understand the many facets of Israel’s evolving national and international policies, in addition to connecting educators and researchers with their Israeli counterparts for a freer exchange...
Published 11/23/22
Sports have always been an incredible unifier. From pickup games on the street to professional athletes competing, sports are a way for otherwise disparate individuals to come together and work with each other to reach a common goal. For years, Eric Rubin has been promoting sports as one of several ways to build bridges between Jews and other communities, from the Arab-Israeli population to African American communities in America. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Rubin to discuss his...
Published 11/09/22
Based in Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev, The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is an academic and research institute working to advance cooperation between Israel and its neighbors on pressing environmental concerns. A valued Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate, the Institute brings together Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian students to study and address common problems relating to water usage, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Tarek...
Published 10/26/22
One of the most important units of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is military intelligence. All of Israel’s military strategy is based on the information gathered by the IDF’s intelligence officers, and Israel has been saved countless times due to the mental acuity and creativity of its military intelligence. As an intelligence officer for 20 years, Miri Eisin is one of the leading experts in Israeli intelligence, security, and diplomacy. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Eisin to discuss...
Published 10/12/22
As one of the leading experts on the Holocaust, Dr. Rafael Medoff has been an outspoken critic of western countries and their reticence to support European Jews before and during WWII. According to Medoff, at every turn where America could have supported the persecuted population, they instead callously went out of their way to find reasons not to get involved. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Medoff to discuss his thoughts on the recent Ken Burns documentary on the Holocaust, the...
Published 09/28/22
As Jeremy Corbyn rose to power in Britain’s Labour Party, the party grew increasingly antisemitic, isolating both Jews and those allies. Those allies include Rt. Hon Joan Ryan, a longtime member of Labour Friends of Israel who grew increasingly disillusioned at her party’s turn towards Jew hatred. When she finally left the party, she cited antisemitism as the sole reason for her resignation. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ryan to discuss how she got involved in British politics, why she...
Published 09/15/22
When it comes to creating cultural understanding and tolerance, few things are more unifying than sports, which brings people of all backgrounds together for one common goal. Dubbed “the Jewish Jordan” for his religious heritage and professional basketball background, Tamir Goodman uses his basketball camp to bring diverse players from around the world to learn about basketball and more effectively communicate with each other. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Goodman to discuss his...
Published 08/31/22
As one of the most prominent Zionist leaders ever, as well as the founder of Jewish National Fund, Theodore Herzl’s influence has reverberated throughout modern Jewish history. And as the largest owner of Herzl memorabilia with over 5,000 items, David Matlow has made it his life’s goal to educate people on the life and legacy of Theodore Herzl. Through both his collection and his Herzl Project, Matlow helps people of all ages recognize the vast impact Herzl has had and inspires them to follow...
Published 08/17/22
Our past is filled with countless stories about Jewish leaders who changed the course of history. There are also the stories of the Jewish People’s friends beyond the Jewish faith -- individuals who have dedicated their life’s work to supporting Jews despite not sharing their religion. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ari Mittleman, the author of Paths of the Righteous: Stories of Heroism, Humanity and Hope, which discusses non-Jewish individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty in...
Published 08/03/22
Zack Bodner is a bridge-builder. The CEO of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, Bodner has been creating dialogue and understanding between diaspora and Israeli Jews through his Z3 project. As a former AIPAC regional director who has worked on college campuses, Bodner has experience with Jews from all walks of life, and understands the important role Israel has played in Jewish history and the importance of coming together as a people despite our differences. Host Steven Shalowitz sits...
Published 07/20/22
Advocate Ory Slonim’s life has always revolved around Israel. From his family’s heritage in pre-state Israel to his military service to his many charity operations, Slonim has dedicated himself to helping others. He has also worked closely with POWs and MIAs, serving as a Special Consultant to seven of Israel’s Ministers of Defense on the matter and writing a bestselling book on his experiences. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Slonim to discuss his work supporting POWs and MIAs, how his...
Published 07/06/22