IsraelCast

Among everything else, Israel’s startup sector was heavily impacted by the October 7 terrorist attacks. Between inflation and Israeli protests, the attacks and subsequent war have been another setback in a series of extreme challenges for Israel’s entrepreneurs. Yet, the spirit of Israel perseveres, and its changemakers have continued to grow and thrive in this trying landscape. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Molly Livingstone, who operates at the heart of Israel’s innovation sector, to discuss how the attacks impacted Israel’s startup industry, how Israel’s innovators have responded, and several of her favorite ventures that she is a part of.

Israel’s war with Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre has reverberated throughout the world, resulting in a dynamic shift in the world. From Arab Israelis to Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East, from U.S. college campuses to the United Nations, Israel’s domestic and international relations have changed forever. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down once again with former diplomat and branding expert Ido Aharoni, who untangles the web of relationships in the Middle East and greater international community, explaining both why Arab Israelis are more supportive of Israel than ever and how the United Nations has failed Israel so soon after supporting its creation.

Ran Bar-Yehoshafat was set to speak at Berkeley about his experience as an IDF soldier and reservist, as well as his legal expertise as a former Knesset Legal Department member and the current deputy director of the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based, non-partisan think-tank dedicated to, among other things, promoting Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and defending its democracy. Unfortunately, the Berkeley faculty shut down his speech due to students rioting. Tune into the latest episode of IsraelCast to hear Bar-Yehoshafat discuss the Berkeley, his reaction to the October 7 massacre, and the lack of understanding in the west of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Michael Lucas wears many hats. Rising through the adult entertainment industry to become one of the top performers and producers, Lucas is also a passionate documentarian and lifelong activist. He has also, despite growing up in the antisemitic Soviet Union, been very connected to his Jewish heritage, and has always advocated for the State of Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Lucas to discuss how he got into the entertainment business, the antisemitism he faced while trying to document Israel’s gay life, and his support for Israel in the face of potential boycotts.

It is more important than ever to find reliable news sources who can report the facts accurately. Since 2010, Tazpit Press Service (TPS) has been the only Israeli newswire agencies, now reaching over 10 million people worldwide and distributing over 5,000 articles per year. On this week’s episode, host Steven Shalowitz speaks once again to Amotz Eyal, Founder and CEO of TPS, this time in the agency’s Jerusalem office, to discuss TPS’ news operations, media bias from other newswires, and his memories of October 7.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented wave of attacks on Israel Envelope communities, murdering men, women, and children with no remorse, taking hostages, and destroying the land that Israeli pioneers worked so hard to develop. Four months later, even as people still mourn their losses and pray for the safe return of loved ones, these communities are starting to rebuild. On this special IsraelCast episode, host Steven Shalowitz tours Kibbutz Be’eri, a small community located about five kilometers from Gaza, with longtime community member Rami Gold, who recounts his memories of October 7 and describes both the current environment of the Kibbutz and his community’s rebuilding efforts.

One of Jewish National Fund-USA’s valued affiliates, the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites (SPIHS) works tirelessly to preserve Israel’s history. In its 40-year existence, SPIHS has helped preserve over 180 sites around Israel, operating several directly as museums open to the public. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with SPIHS President and former Israeli Supreme Court Vice President Elyakim Rubinstein to discuss the importance of commemorating a nation’s history, what SPIHS has done to support Israelis post-October 7, and Israel’s fight for legitimacy on the international stage.

Originally from a small Christian community in Lebanon, Jonathan El Khoury is now a prominent Israeli activist, working tirelessly to promote ties between Israel and the minority communities in them. His Reservists on Duty project has defended Israel from its detractors on college campuses across the United States, and El Khoury himself has supported the empowering of Israeli Christians and Muslims to enlist in the IDF. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with El Khoury to discuss growing up in and being forced to leave Lebanon, adjusting to life in Israel, and his thoughts on the October 7 attacks.

For over 2,000 years, Jews have survived and often thrived under extremely difficult circumstances. Author Gidi Grinstein believes the heart of Jewish continuity lies in our ability to adapt to our environments, as well as constant balance our community manages to strike between modernity and tradition. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Grinstein to discuss the interplay between orthodox and reforming Jewish communities, how that interplay has been critical to the Jewish People’s success, and how Israel simultaneously puts Jews in a position of power and vulnerability.

Founded in 1993, Jerusalem Venture Partners has created and invested in over 165 companies in Israel, Europe, and the United States and now manages over $1.6B from some of the world’s leading international sovereign funds. Its success led to the founding of Margalit Startup City, whose model is based on specialized “Centers of Excellence” around the world, including Margalit Startup City Galil, a groundbreaking food and ag-tech platform supported by Jewish National Fund-USA. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Erel Margalit, Founder and Executive Chairman of JVP and Margalit Startup City Galil, to discuss the strategy behind JVP, the growing food-tech in the Galilee, and how Margalit Startup City Galil is poised to capitalize on the region’s opportunities.

In “2048: The Rejuvenated State”, Ambassador Michael Oren sets out his vision for Israel in honor of Israel's 75th Independence Day 25 years in the future. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ambassador Michael Oren live from JNF-USA’s Global Conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Israel discussed in his newly-released book and the impact of the October 7 on the future of the State of Israel.

Started in 2014 in the wake of ISIS’ rise to power, the Philos Project seeks to promote positive Christian engagement in the Near East by creating leaders, building community, and taking action in the spirit of the Hebraic Tradition. Primarily focused on supporting persecuted Christians in the Middle East, the project also aims to strengthen the relationship between Christians and Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Luke Moon, Deputy Director of the Philos Project, to discuss its creation, the history of Christians in the Near East, and the importance of discussing difficult issues.

As Israel enters the ground invasion phase of its war with Gaza, public perception of Israel has fallen in the eyes of many, especially younger people who don’t have all the facts. In addition, international bodies like the United Nations and European Union have skewed pro-Arab to the detriment of Israeli lives. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ruth Wasserman Lande, a former Israeli Knesset member, to discuss the hypocrisy of protesters supporting those whose values diametrically oppose they’re own, how Israel values Palestinian lives more than their own government, and Iran’s involvement in the attacks.

While Western leaders have near-universally backed Israel in the wake of Hamas’ horrific attacks, a shocking number of people have expressed support for Hamas, levelling the same false accusations against Israel they usually do. One thing often said is that Israel is an “Apartheid State” and will compare Israel’s requirement for self-defense to South Africa. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with South African activist Olga Meshoe Washington to discuss her journey to becoming an advocate for the State of Israel, the history of Africa’s relationship with Israel and Jews, and why calling Israel apartheid is a ridiculous accusation that trivializes her people’s history.

With so many voices speaking out against the Jewish State, it’s gratifying to meet an unexpected ally. Yahya Mahamid was raised by his Arab community to hate Israel and everything it stands for, but through meeting other Israelis, he learned that everything he was taught was wrong. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Mahamid to discuss his journey to supporting Israel, the backlash he faced for it in his Arab community, and his thoughts on the recent terrorist attacks and subsequent war.

Hamas’ recent brutal and unprovoked attack has primarily been focused on Israel’s Gaza Envelope region. But how has this attack affected the rest of the country? Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum to discuss the current environment in Jerusalem, organizing support from the international community, and the special resilience of the Jewish people. She also discusses Hamas and the fundamentalist nature of their regime, and how this a clear battle between good and evil.

In the wake of the unprecedented, unprovoked, and horrific attacks by Hamas from Gaza on civilian communities in Israel, Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Middle East expert Jonathan Schanzer, author of Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel, and Eleven Days of War, the history of Hamas and its conflict with other Palestinian factions, and the future of policymaking regarding Israel and Hamas. The two discuss Israel’s intelligence failure, Iran’s fingerprints and its Ring of Fire strategy to strangle Israel, the broader regional picture and what this may mean to the conversations with Saudi Arabia, and what to look for in the coming days and weeks, especially vis a vis the possibility of a multi-front conflict.

At the height of the Yom Kippur War, when Israel was at its lowest, famed poet and singer Leonard Cohen visited the country and did a series of performances that raised the spirits of a nation. Almost 50 years later, journalist and author Matti Friedman took a deep dive into Cohen’s impromptu tour with Who by Fire: War, Atonement, and the Resurrection of Leonard Cohen, which chronicles Cohen’s also delves into Cohen’s spiritual and professional crisis and reawakening. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Friedman once again to discuss his research on Leonard Cohen, Israel’s attitude during the Yom Kippur War, and the importance of Cohen’s appearance in boosting soldiers’ morale.

As artificial intelligence continues to increase in popularity, everyone is figuring out how to use AI to improve lives. And Israel is no exception. For Israeli embryologist Daniella Gilboa, co-founder and CEO of fertility treatment center AIVF, AI has been used to increase the success rate of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), making it easier for women who want children to conceive. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Gilboa to discuss the IVF process, how artificial intelligence improves that process, and why the human element is still necessary.

Colonel Richard Kemp is no stranger to conflict. For over 30 years, Colonel Kemp has commanded troops in hostile territory and been at the forefront of the battle against terrorism. Now, Kemp also advocates for Israel, often in places where Jew hatred runs rampant, from college campuses to news outlets. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Colonel Kemp to discuss the relationship between the British and Israeli military, his experiences advocating for Israel on college campuses, and where he thinks anti-Israel bias comes from.

For Ben M. Freeman, Jewish Pride is a movement long overdue. In his first book, Freeman discussed the need for a Jewish Pride movement similar to ones other minority groups have had. His latest book, Reclaiming our Story: The Pursuit of Jewish Pride, goes even deeper, delving into the impact of Jew-hate on Jews, the long history of internalized anti-Jewishness, and how to reclaim our identity and break the cycle. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Freeman to discuss his new book, the three types of internalized anti-Jewishness, and the perils of letting the non-Jewish world define our identity.

Positively singular in its goal of making complex information about the Middle East digestible and accessible, the Alma Research and Education Center has been educating people around the world on the in-depth geo-political situations Israel faces every day, offering field briefings at various lookout posts along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and Syria as well as lectures and workshops around the globe analyzing the developments in Israel’s border conflicts. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, Founder and President of the Alma Research and Education Center, on her motivation for founding Alma, reaching the broadest audience possible, and how the truth is the best weapon they have.

One of Jewish National Fund-USA’s most important bridge-building projects, the Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel, is a competitive academic fellowship that invites full-time university and college faculty members to apply to participate in an all-expenses-paid academic trip to Israel. The Program links scholars from diverse disciplines with their Israeli counterparts at major institutions for the purpose of initiating exchanges and collaborations, with participants gaining a deeper awareness of the many challenges faced by the country and the creativity, spirit, and ingenuity that Israelis bring to tackling these issues. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Jody Holland, an Assistant Professor at University of Mississippi, about his experiences on the Faculty Fellowship Program, the connections he made, and Israel defied his preconceived notions.

On the forefront of economic innovation, Margalit Startup City has transformed cities from Jerusalem to Haifa into thematic international innovation centers that generate thousands of new jobs, bring young people back to the city centers, and establish a startup ecosystem. One such Center, Margalit Startup City Galil, has become a groundbreaking hub for inventors, multinational developers, entrepreneurs, and academic researchers collaborating to create the next food-tech and Agri-tech startups, thanks in part to support from Jewish National Fund-USA. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Nisan Zeevi, Vice President of Margalit Startup City Galil, to discuss the rapid rise of entrepreneurship in the Galilee, how innovation can bring people together, and the rippling economic effects of creating successful startups.

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 West, the various form of antisemitism he describes in it, and how the antisemitism he experienced shaped his worldview.

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 starting Club Z, the importance of exposing students to the realities of anti-Israel activities, and how to create the next generation of leaders.

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 journey, Masa’s different programs, and the importance of fostering understanding between Jews everywhere.

Shahar Azani serves as Founder and Principal at Fourth Dimension Strategies and as Senior Vice President at Jewish Broadcasting Services.

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 students on college campuses, and the power of Jewish Pride.

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 Visiting Professorship at Harvard University, where she lectured on modern Israel and received the Derek Bok Certificate of Teaching Excellence. She is co-editor, with Ilan Troen, of the book Essential Israel: Essays for the Twenty-First Century.

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 TPS, to discuss his motivations behind creating TPS, its growth, and the dangers of news outlets getting international stories from one or two sources.

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 of her nonprofit, the hurdles displaced immigrants face in Israel, and why it’s so important to support them.

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 10 years alone. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with NGO Monitor Vice President Olga Deutsch to discuss which NGOs are the biggest violators, how they combat that, and the importance of holding these organizations accountable.

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 Shalowitz talk to Ami Moyal, the President of Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering, on the importance of STEM education, his and the college’s research on speech recognition, and how to adjust education based on the current generation of students.

Prof. Ami Moyal has served as President of Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering since 2014. Under his leadership, Afeka’s student body has grown at an average rate of 9% per year, and today the college’s graduates contribute $2.25 billion annually to Israel’s GDP. Before joining Afeka, Moyal was active in the speech processing high-tech industry for 15 years, and held positions as VP Technology Dev., VP Business Dev., and CEO of Natural Speech Communication Ltd. Moyal has been published in The Jerusalem Post, Forbes, and Boston Business Journal.

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 when it comes to Israel advocacy.

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 guidance, and education. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Tania Pons Allon, Director of the Kasser Joint Institute, to discuss the challenges facing the Arava, a few of the projects the Joint Institute is working on, and her journey from Tel Aviv to the desert.

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 the film industry and how he rose above it, what Zionism means to him, and his LGBTQ activism in the Middle East.

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 of ideas. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Ruben Ceballos, a biology professor and researcher from University of Arkansas and faculty fellowship attendee, to discuss his academic research, key takeaways from his faculty fellowship experience, and how he’s using science to build cultural bridges.

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 efforts in reaching out to other communities, the importance of Holocaust education to Arab-Israelis, and Israel’s status as the “Startup Nation.”

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 Abu Hamed, Executive Director of the Arava Institute, to discuss the environmental issues facing the Middle East, how the Institute is solving these issues while building community bridges, and the immediacy with which we need to address climate change.

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 her experiences in the military, the importance of diversity in the intelligence community, and the benefits of exposing American Jews to the reality of living in Israel.

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 politics behind countries not helping Jews as much as they could have, and whether FDR would have supported a Jewish state.

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 is such a strong supporter of the Jewish community, and why she doesn’t regret speaking out against antisemitism despite the backlash against her.

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 personal background, the unifying power of sports, and what Zionism means to him as an Israeli Jew.

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 in his footsteps. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Matlow to discuss the history of Herzl and the early Zionist movement, how he came to acquire his vast collection, and how Herzl’s theater background helped him recognize the importance of projecting the correct image.

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 supporting both Israel and the Jewish People. Shalowitz and Mittleman discuss some of these individuals and how happenstance often plays an important role in making a difference.

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 down with Bodner to discuss the three central principles of the Z3 project, the ambivalence he feels over anti-Zionist Jews, and how being Jewish means different things to different people.

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 Israeli roots date back to Hebron before the State of Israel was formed, his brush with terrorism, and his support for maintaining a proper work-life balance.

Switching gears away from the law, Glasgow native Eve Barlow rose to prominence as one of the leading music journalists in Britain. After amassing a large social media platform and significant following, Barlow turned her focus towards Jews and Israel, staunchly advocating against antisemitism and anti-Zionism, both in general and in the British music and political scene. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Barlow to discuss her experiences in the music journalism industry, why she felt the need to start advocating for Jews, and how she feels so much of anti-Zionist activity is performative rather than sincere.

In 2014, Jason A. Kessler made a video response to a Jon Stewart episode after Stewart was overly critical of Israel during the Gaza War. Kessler’s video, which was originally meant to be a one-off, blossomed into the popular web series Jew or False, which fights antisemitism and misinformation with truth and humor. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Kessler to discuss several important topics he covers in Jew or False, what Zionism means to him, and how his background as an advertising lawyer makes him more keenly aware of misinformation.

Israel has recently been making major strides in the culinary world. Israeli cuisine has become increasingly popular, and the country has produced some of the world’s most prestigious chefs. And Israel’s culinary reach will only expand with the upcoming opening of the Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI by JNF), Jewish National Fund-USA’s cutting-edge new culinary school. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Mitchell Davis, host of GCI by JNF’s podcast, “What’s Burning,” to discuss the important role food plays in society, how Israeli cuisine has evolved over the years, and how GCI by JNF will revolutionize the culinary world.

The relationship between Christians and Israel has always been a complex one with varying perspectives and relationships with the State of Israel as well as vastly different histories with both Jews and Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Rabbi Dr. Daniel Friedman, a leading expert in Christian-Israeli relationships, to discuss the relationships between different Christian sects and Israel. Friedman discusses the role Christianity has in America’s consistent support of Israel, how a break in the Presbyterian Church led to them officially adopting a less pro-Israel stance, and why it’s important to have allies we may disagree with on other issues.

Over the last two years, Jewish National Fund-USA has had incredible success pivoting away from traditional fundraising methods and focusing on their partners’ (donors) needs, making thousands of wellness calls to check up on people and launching virtual tours of Israel for people who wanted to see their ancestral homeland from the comfort of their own home. Now, under CEO Russell F. Robinson’s leadership, JNF-USA is stronger than ever, with a vast array of programs and initiatives for the land and people of Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Robinson to discuss the importance of teen travel to Israel, his excitement about bringing JNF-USA’s upcoming $350 million World Zionist Village to fruition, and the importance of JNF-USA’s Conversations on Zionism and why we need to keep the discussion going.

AJ Edelman is an Israeli Olympian and Israel’s first sliding sport Olympian. He is now the captain of the Israeli bobsled team. A lifelong athlete who started out as a hockey goalie, he is now a five-time Israeli national champion who aims to raise Israel’s profile in Winter Olympic sports. Equally important, he’s a Modern Orthodox Jew trying to inspire Israelis and others to accomplish the impossible.

Jewish National Fund-USA ensures that no member of Israeli society is left behind, from its state-of-the-art rehabilitative facility in the Negev to Special in Uniform, which integrates teens with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. In recognition of Jewish Disability, Acceptance, Awareness, and Inclusion month, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Yossi Kahana, the director of JNF-USA’s Task Force on Disabilities, to talk about JNF-USA’s work supporting people with disabilities, what he’s learned in his 20+ years of experiences working with disabled Israelis, and the importance of making sure nobody gets left behind.

With plans to open in early 2023, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI by JNF) is set to revolutionize the culinary arts. Located in Kiryat Shmona in Israel’s fertile Galilee region, GCI by JNF is a 12-month, community immersion and intensive culinary arts program designed specifically for students to acquire a combination of practical culinary skills and a broad understanding of the major themes moving the food world today. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with the CEO of GCI by JNF, Nathan Hoffman, to discuss the culinary scene in Israel’s north, how GCI by JNF plans to transform the industry, and why he loves living in Tzfat.

In May 2021, the media breathlessly followed the 11-day armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, with hundreds of pundits appearing on television and commenting on social media to analyze the escalation of fighting. However, according to Middle East expert Jonathan Schanzer, much of the media missed many important details, opting for a version that ignores many of the complexities and nuances of the most recent conflict. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Jonathan to discuss his new book, Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel, and Eleven Days of War, the history of Hamas and its conflict with other Palestinian factions, and the future of policymaking regarding Israel and Hamas.

During the Gulf War, Israelis looked for stability amidst the fear and chaos of a constant barrage of missiles from Iraq. As an IDF spokesperson, Dr. Nachman Shai served as the calming voice that told them when it was safe to exit their bomb shelters. Now, as Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Shai looks to build bridges between Israeli Jews and Jews from all over the world. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Shai to discuss the importance of being honest with Israelis during the Gulf War, the differences between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, and the importance of reaching out to Jews everywhere to ensure their safety from old and new forms of anti-Semitism.

For years, Jewish National Fund-USA has been transforming Israel’s Negev and Galilee to attract new residents to the regions, by improving the quality of life, supporting tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, and so much more. On this week’s episode of IsraelCast, JNF-USA’s ever-energetic PR and Communications Manager in Israel, Yael Levontin, walks host Steven Shalowitz through JNF-USA’s vision for the land and people of Israel, from its Blueprint Negev and Go North initiatives in the Negev and Galilee to its push to redefine the conversation on what it means to be a Zionist. She also reflects on her personal experience with JNF-USA and Israel, and how she balances work and raising five children.

On this week’s episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Shufutinsky to discuss his mixed-race heritage as a black Russian Jew, how his rap music is both an extension of his identity and a platform to discuss real-world issues, and the importance of minority communities not being defined by outsiders, instead forging and maintaining their own unique identity.

For Jews living in the Soviet Union, identity was a complicated and sensitive issue. Though many Jews assimilated into Soviet culture, they still forged their Jewish identity through shared cultural interests, get-togethers, and the necessity to stand together in the face of anti-Semitism. In this episode, host Steven Shalowitz sits with Izabella Tabarovsky, Program Associate to the Kennan Institute, Contributing Writer at Tablet Magazine, and expert on Soviet Jewry, who talks about her experience growing up in the Soviet Union, what Americans can learn from the modern Refusenik movement, the importance of Russian-speaking Jews in the Zionist movement, and what Israel means to her personally. 

 Many young Jews and Zionists today are grappling with their identity. What does it mean to be Jew? What does it mean to be a Zionist? How do those identities intersect with other parts of who I am? How do I deal with people online telling me my Judaism is a problem? Amy Albertson, a professional Social Media Coach and Jewish activist, has dealt with these questions her whole life as a Chinese-American-Jewish woman. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Amy to talk about Zionism and how her experiences with antisemitism, the greater Jewish community, and Israel led her to further explore her Jewish identity and become an activist for Jewish pride around the world. 

Jewish people have a right to self-determination in the land of Israel as one of the indigenous populations of that region. That’s fact. Unfortunately, Jewish people around the world have seen this fact become forced open to interpretation by those that harbor antisemitic sentiments. On this week’s episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Gil Troy, a leading Zionist activist and acclaimed American historian, to discuss the alarming increase in antisemitic and antizionist rhetoric from thought leaders in our society and how even the most local of leaders can start a negative chain reaction that ultimately affects global perspectives. Tune in to learn more about Troy lays out how Jews and their allies can combat the hate with the knowledge of history.

For decades, Israel has been a leader in the global emergency response efforts from both governmental and civilian perspectives. In this week’s episode of IsraelCast, we’re honored to highlight IsraAID, an Israeli NGO, and welcome its Global CEO, Yotam Polizer. Since 2001, IsraAID has worked in emergency and long-term development settings in 55 countries, collaborating with communities at the deepest level, regardless of politics, religion, and ethnicity, working together for as long as it takes to provide relief where it’s needed. 

What if we told you that you never had to worry about curbing your sweet tooth ever again? Well, that may become reality sooner than you think thanks to DouxMatok’s Incredo® Sugar—a sugar reduction solution that doesn’t compromise the taste or the level of sweetness! On this week’s episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz chats with CEO, DouxMatok Ari Melamud about how Incredo® Sugar is able to accomplish such a feat and what this means for the future of personal nutrition.

If you’ve been a young Jewish adult or have raised one in the last twenty two years, chances are that you’ve heard of Birthright—a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey to the land of Israel. Since 1999, Birthright Israel Foundation has gifted more than 750,000 young Jewish adults from over 68 countries with this ten day trip to their ancestral homeland. This, in turn, has ensured a vibrant future of the Jewish people by strengthening their Jewish identities, communities and connections to Israel. According to a study at Brandeis University, Birthright alumni are 93% more likely to feel very connected to Israel than non-participants while 84% ultimately raised their children Jewish! Tune into this week’s episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with the President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, Israel “Izzy” Tapoohi, to discuss the crucialness of gifting young Jewish adults with this trip to Israel and why it has such a positive, long-lasting impact on its participants.

Did you know that Jewish people have been in America since before the American Revolution? Meet Aryeh Green—a direct descendent of one of America’s first Jewish families and of many prominent Jewish American figures in later years. Green grew up incredibly proud of both his American and Jewish identities, but had not really dived into his Zionist identity. This all changed when he moved to Israel for rabbinical school, immersed himself in the culture and realized how crucial Zionism was to Judaism as a whole. Green eventually made Aliyah and has been living in Israel for over three decades. Tune into this week’s episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Aryeh Green to discuss the many aspects of his life in Israel, including his soul-healing trek on Israel’s famed National Trail.

Virág Gulyás is a former diplomat to the EU, communications consultant, and journalist. She is also the NYC coordinator for End Jew Hatred, a grassroots civil rights movement dedicated to ensuring Jewish liberation from centuries of persecution and achieving justice for the Jewish people through peaceful direct action.

Anti-Semitism, Anti-Israel, Anti-Zionism…what’s the difference? Is there a difference? This week on IsraelCast, author and educator Ben M. Freeman sits down with host Steven Shalowitz for an engaging conversation on Jewish pride. Tune in to hear about why Jewish people need to reject the shame of anti-Semitism imposed by the non-Jewish world and how to define your own Jewish identity through Jewish experiences, history, and values.

Yoseph Haddad is a defender of Israel – from his time defending Israel as a member of the Israel Defense Forces or more recently as the CEO of Together – Vouch For Each Other, an organization bridging the gap between the Arab sector of Israeli society with Israeli society as a whole. What surprises most people who hear him speak, though, is that this staunch supporter of Israel is not Jewish, but an Israeli-Arab himself. Tune into this week’s IsraelCast episode as Yoseph sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz, for a fascinating conversation on growing up in Israel, how his life was shaped by a life-threatening injury when he served in the IDF, and about his ongoing work with integrating Israeli Arabs into Israeli society.

From long shots to Olympians, Team Israel baseball is currently on a remarkable Cinderella run. After much success during three qualification tournaments, Team Israel won the Africa / Europe 2020 Olympic Qualification tournament thus securing them as the first Israeli National Team since 1976 to qualify for an Olympic team competition. One man who has helped with the rise of popularity of baseball in Israel and Team Israel's recent accomplishments is Team Israel's General Manager, Peter Kurz. IsraelCast host, Steven Shalowitz, welcomes Peter to the show to discuss the players' stories and why they joined Team Israel, the pride of being associated with Team Israel, and how you can show your support as they head to Tokyo to compete for a gold medal.

Get an inside look at Israel and what it means to be Jewish through the eyes of David Kaufman, Architectural Digest’s Digital Director and a juror for Jewish National Fund-USA’s Envision Tomorrow’s Israel Competition. A Jew of color who was introduced to religion by his black Baptist grandmother, David expounds on the diversity of the Jewish experience, the captivating architecture of Tel Aviv, and what it means to be a creative person. Tune into this week’s IsraelCast episode as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with David, someone you may not know but will feel like a friend by the end of the conversation.

For people living on the Israeli border towns near Gaza, life is 99% heaven and 1% hell. We've heard the positive stories when it feels like heaven – the community, the agriculture, the beauty – but do we know the realities of life during the 1% of hell? Adele Raemer, mother, grandmother, and patriotic Zionist, joins Steven Shalowitz on IsraelCast this week to shed light on the stress and fear that pervades the region during times of conflict, and also to express the common humanity she and her community share with their Arab neighbors just a few miles away, across the border.

In her book Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, actress, writer, and producer Noa Tishby discusses the inconvenient truths about a country that has too many disproportionate perceptions behind it. Host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Noa for a discussion on the worldwide benefit of supporting Israel, the Middle East conversations happening on college campuses, and how Zionism and Feminism go hand-in-hand.