Send us a text

In this Part II of The New Shinshinim episode, Esti is joined by Baltimore Shinshinim, Shachar and Itamar, for a fun conversation! They talk about their road to becoming Shinshinim, their personal connections to October 7th and how it affected their lives. And lastly, they share their favorite Israeli things, from places to snacks and Israeli music.

Send us a text

Esti is joined by one of the new Baltimore Shinshinim, Yahel, for this Part I of the conversation with the 2024-2025 Shinshinim. They talk about Yahel's experience in Baltimore, growing up in Israel and her personal connection to the October 7 attack and the hostages. 

Send us a text

Esti is joined by three Israeli Shinshinim: Ronnie, Eshel and Tamarina. They talk about this amazing program and the girls' experience as Shinshinim in Baltimore during the current war in Israel.

The Shinshinim program is a collaboration between the Jewish Agency of Israel and The Associated. The Jewish Educational Services manage this program. 

Send us a text

Dr. Larry Weiss spent several months in Israel, serving as a medical volunteer with Magen David Adom. This week, Dr. Weiss joins Esti Zenati on The Israel Connection to discuss his experience.

Send us a text

Esti is joined by Rabbi Steven Schwartz and Rabbi Dana Saroken who just returned from a mission to Israel. We discuss the mission and share some of the stories from the people we met during our time in Israel. We also reflect on the devastating news released yesterday about the confirmed murder of 32 of the hostages being held in captivity. 

Send us a text

It has been 100 days since the attack on Israel and there are still over 130 people being held in captivity. 

Esti and Ben share the stories of several of the hostages and their families. We also discuss what you can do to help bring them home. 

Send us a text

52 hours in Israel - Rabbi Dana Saroken discusses her recent trip to Israel and Esti Zenati reflects on life in the United States since October 7.

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by Dalia Ziada, Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. They discuss Dalia's support for Israel and its fight against radical Islam, the Arab world's relationship with Israel, Dalia's partnership with Hillel International and more.

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by special guest, Jonah Platt. Jonah is an actor, artist, Jewish advocate for Israel and the Jewish people, and the host of his newly released podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Jonah and Esti talk about being Jewish in today's climate, Hollywood's silence when it comes to Israel & the "ceasefire" letter debacle, and Jonah's new podcast and how it came to be. 

Send us a text

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by Jewish writer, activist and co-host of the We Should All Be Zionists podcast with Dr. Einat Wilf. They talk about Blake's activism experience and why he has chosen to be active in the fight against antisemitism, Zionism, his recent aliyah and more! 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by a special guest, Dr. Einat Wilf. They discuss the importance of Zionism, the right path to peace in the Middle East, and her latest book, We Should All Be Zionists.

Send us a text

Esti is joined by her own 9-year-old daughter, Jazz, and Beth El's Executive Director, Ben Wachstein, to talk about Esti & Jazz's trip to visit their family in Israel this summer and Jazz's upcoming first time at a sleep away camp. Stay tuned for a trip & camp recap in August!

Send us a text

Esti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool talk to our special guest, Idan Tzameret, owner of Kitchen Design by Idan on Falls Rd in Baltimore and Beth El member, about the experience he had with antisemitism in early May, his life as an Israeli, including his years in the IDF, and the current war.

Send us a text

Esti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool discuss the ongoing antisemitism crisis on college campuses, the Israeli hostages and more. 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by friend and past co-worker in Israel, Dan Rozett, Director of Community Relations & Israel Engagement at the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey. They talk about Dan's current experience at his job, his past as an IDF combat, and the alarming rise in antisemitism throughout the USA and the world. 

Send us a text

Esti is joined by Hen Mazzig, a globally recognized speaker, educator, author, and digital influencer who has become a trusted voice on Jewish issues and Israel, appearing as an expert in media across four continents, including outlets like BBC, CNN, The Washington Post, SkyNews, New York Times and more. They talk about Hen's personal experience advocating for Israel for many years and being one of the most known voices in the pro-Israeli world, Mizrachi & Sephardi Jewry and growing up in Israel. 

Send us a text

Esti talks to guest, Mitch Gold, founding member of FIDF Baltimore and member of the FIDF National Board. They talk all things FIDF and Mitch shares his experience in Israel during the past year and as a child, living in Be'er Sheva with his family in the 1960's and during the Six Day War.

Send us a text

Esti is joined by Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. They talked about the important role the Jewish Council plays within the Jewish community, the rise in antisemitism and The Associated Antisemitism Task Force. Howard shares his experience working with representatives from other religions and also his experience in Israel prior to the war. And of course, don't forget the new segment, My Favorite Israeli Thing, we talk Golda Meir, the Western Wall and the best Shawarma in Israel! 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by guest co-host, Ben Kreshtool, and special guest, comedian Modi Rosenfeld! They talk about Modi's career in comedy, his favorite places to perform in Israel and his current US tour, Pause for Laughter.

Modi will be performing in Baltimore at The Lyric on Sunday, March 2. Get your tickets at modilive.com.

Send us a text

 Esti Zenati hosts attorney Ran Bar-Yoshafat, who also serves in the IDF reserves as a combat Special Forces soldier. Ran shares his experience fighting in Gaza, Northern Israel, and Judea & Samaria since October 7, 2023, all while balancing life as a newlywed and a first-time father, having spent over 250 days on the battlefield. They also discuss Ran's role as a speaker on US college campuses, focusing on his experience at UC Berkeley, where rioters interrupted and shut down his event. 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by guest, Elkana Cohen, author of the book OCT 7: The War Against Hamas Through the Eyes of an Israeli Commando Officer, which is based on Elkana's diary entries during the war in Gaza. Esti and Elkana talk about his personal experience of what it's like serving in the IDF since October 7, 2023 and being on the battlefield in Northern Gaza for over a year, experiencing major losses of close friends and becoming a father for the first time.  

Elkana's book mentioned above is available for purchase in the US on Amazon.com. 

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Elkana's friends who were killed on or after October 7, 2023: Avi Buzaglo, Ben Bronstein, May Naim, Gaya Halifa, Yotam Ben Bassat, Aryeh Shlomo Ziering, Omri Michaeli, Roy Yosef Levy, Eliad Ohayon, Yehuda Natan Cohen, Moshe Yedidyah Leiter, Sergey Shmerkin, Matan Meir, Yosef Chaim Hershkowitz, Yedidya Asher Lev, Eyal Meir Berkowitz, Gal Meir Eisenkot, Tzvika Lavi, Etan Nach, Liav Elosh, Daniel Ben Harosh, Maoz Fenigstein, Shauli Greenglick, Shay Shamriz, Dvir Pima, Dan Weidenbaum, Itay Seif, Yarden Zackai. May their memory be a blessing forever.

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by Israeli-American Winter Olympian AJ Edelman for an insightful conversation about his journey to Israel and his path to the Winter Olympics. AJ shares his experience making aliyah to Israel in 2016, his journey to the 2018 Winter Olympics, and his preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics with his Bobsled team, BobTeam Edelman. The discussion also delves into AJ's advocacy for Israel over the past year and a half, highlighting the personal and professional impact his advocacy has had on his life and career.

To support BobTeam Edelman and learn more, go to: israelbobsled.team

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by special guest, Moran Stela Yanai. Moran was held hostage by Hamas for 54 days, after being kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and released on November 29, 2023, during the first hostage release deal. They talk about Moran's October 7, her experience in captivity and her hopes and dreams for the near future, for herself and for the remaining hostages.

Send us a text

Esti Zenati sits down with a very special guest, Erin Molan—renowned Australian TV and radio presenter, and former host of the prime-time show Erin on Sky News. Widely recognized for her unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, Erin shares the story behind her viral monologue that not only captured global attention but deeply moved hearts in Israel. She opens up about life after Sky News, her steadfast commitment to standing with Israel and the Jewish people, and her resolve to remain on the right side of history. Erin also offers a personal glimpse into motherhood, reflecting on the challenges and joys of raising her young daughter as a single parent. 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by two special guests straight from Israel: Guy Flavian and Iris Hillel, co-heads of the Israel's Story initiative. Israel's Story was a hasbara project launched immediately after the October 7 attacks, rapidly growing to involve over 200 volunteers and spreading across social media platforms in multiple languages. The initiative’s goal was to advocate for Israel and promote its perspective during a particularly turbulent time. In this conversation, Guy and Iris share their experiences within the world of hasbara, offering insights into the challenges they faced while managing such an urgent and high-stakes initiative. They also open up about the psychological toll of working around the clock in such an emotionally intense environment, highlighting the personal and mental health challenges that come with being immersed in this type of advocacy on a 24/7 basis. 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati speaks with Yuval David, an Emmy-winning Israeli-American journalist, actor, and LGBT activist. They discuss Yuval’s advocacy for Israel, the Jewish community, and LGBT rights, as well as his role in promoting Jewish representation in media. The conversation explores his experiences in the entertainment industry as a Jewish Israeli-American, particularly after the events of October 7, 2023, and the impact on perceptions of Israel. 

Send us a text

Esti Zenati interviews Israeli stand-up comedian, content creator and IDF reservist, Matan Peretz. They discuss Matan's comedy journey, the therapeutic role of comedy - particularly during the war, and his rise to global recognition. Matan also shares insights from his recent visit to concentration camps in Poland, his thoughts on Joe Rogan's comments on Israel and his plans for future performances in the U.S.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati revisits with Rabbi Dana Saroken, Beth El's own rabbi and founder of the Soul Center. They explore her inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to spiritual leader, discuss her efforts to connect Israel and America, and the importance of making Judaism relevant for all ages. They also delve into the power of storytelling in Jewish identity and the challenges faced by Jewish students on college campuses.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the brutal terrorist attacks at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. Mazal, a 35-year-old mother from Southern Israel, recounts her life before the incident, the harrowing details of the attack, and how she survived while losing her two close friends. She shares her journey towards healing and resilience, driven by the need to provide a better future for her son and tells all about the dear friends she lost and what they meant for her. Mazal also discusses her efforts in advocacy and truth-telling, aiming to highlight the real issues at hand and foster a safer world. 

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Mazal's beloved friends, Danielle Cohen and Yochai Ben Zacharya, who were brutally murdered at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. May their memory forever be a blessing. 

Send us a text

Join Esti Zenati for an inspiring chat with Jay Shofet of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), the nation's oldest and largest environmental NGO. Jay reveals how SPNI has protected Israel's biodiversity since 1953, embedding a love for nature through science and education. Hear about the vital "Nature Heals" program, which uses Israel's green spaces to aid trauma recovery post-October 7, alongside crucial efforts to rewild wetlands and tackle climate change. Discover SPNI's vision for a greener, healthier Israel with accessible nature for all. 

Send us a text

In this episode, Esti is joined by Na'ama Ore, the CEO of SparkIL, a social FinTech startup providing crowdfunded, interest-free loans to small Israeli businesses. The episode highlights the impact of SparkIL, in particular, emergency loan funds for businesses owned by IDF reservists and others hugely affected by the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war, and the role of mentors and support networks in helping business owners. Nama also shares personal anecdotes, such as her children serving in the IDF and how her work at SparkIL gives her hope and purpose.

Send us a text

Esti Zenati is joined by journalist, Jotam Confino for an unfiltered conversation on The Israel Connection to break down media bias, journalistic integrity, and the complexities of covering Israel and Gaza for a European audience. From the fallout of October 7th to the failures of international reporting, Jotam offers sharp insights, personal stories, and bold critiques—plus a fun look at his favorite Israeli quirks. 

Send us a text

In the Season 3 premiere of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Israeli comedian, Shahar Cohen. They talked about Shahar's rise to fame with his 'America vs. Israel' videos, his popular characters like 'Nofar,' and the impact of social media on his career. He also shares insights into his U.S. tour and his mission to unite people through humor.

Shahar is currently touring in the US. Get tickets here. 

Send us a text

In this special episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Ben Kreshtool and Jill Suffel from Beth El to unpack the rapidly evolving war between Israel and Iran. They explore the surprising alliances forming in the Middle East, what this conflict means for Israel’s future, and offer practical advice—and words of comfort—for tourists currently stuck in Israel who may be feeling anxious or unsafe.

Whether you're looking for clarity, connection, or just a space to process everything that's happening, this conversation is for you.

Have any questions about the current war? Please ask us on our social media platform, we're happy to answer!

Send us a text

 In this episode, Esti Zenati interviews Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the 21st Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Leiter reflects on his return to public service after the tragic loss of his son, Major Moshe Leiter, who was killed leading IDF forces into Gaza on November 10, 2023. He outlines his key goals as ambassador, including defending Israel’s legitimacy during a seven-front war, strengthening bipartisan U.S. support, and uniting the diverse American Jewish community. The conversation also touches on the May 21st shooting of two Israeli diplomats, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, and the following security warning from the FBI to the Jewish and Israeli community in the US. Through personal stories and sharp insight, Ambassador Leiter offers a moving portrait of resilience, purpose, and leadership shaped by personal loss.