Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Israel Conversation

  A Visit to the Gaza Border

This past June, Liel took Alan, Matt, Calev and Mike to the sites that were devastated by the October 7th invasion. As a licensed tour guide, Liel wanted to share insights with her colleagues about what happened in the “Gaza Envelope” on, and since, that day. As they went from location to location, they recorded Liel speaking, as well as some of their thoughts and observations along the way. 

On the one year anniversary of October 7th, we thought it would be meaningful to share the experience with our listeners. Liel, Mike and Calev sat with our engineer Ben in his studio, to choose what to include in this episode. We also added narration to explain and contextualize each of the clips. While we were doing that, we also reflected on our thoughts since the visit, and about this difficult year in general. For those interested to see what we saw, here is a link to our shared photo album of the visit. 

Wishing you, our listeners, and all of our Nation a year of peace, healing and renewal.

Shana tova. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

  Is Israel Handling its Problems? 

Everyone agrees that Israel is beset with problems. Some of them can be managed, and many of them must be solved for Israel to survive and have a healthy future. Is there a danger of reaching a tipping point where Israel has too many problems to succeed? Is whatever is right about Israel in danger of being destroyed by what’s wrong with it? Or is whatever is wrong with Israel going to be fixed by what’s right with it? 

Liel hosts this debate with Matt taking the position that our problems are out of control, and Calev arguing that we have reason to be optimistic. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Are We in the 1920s or 1930s? 

It is always interesting and helpful to learn from history. And so it's very natural to look to our recent past to find parallels to our current era. With the astonishing global rise of antisemitism many are looking at the previous century and seeing troubling signs for our future. But what part of 20th Century is the clearest precedent? In between the two World Wars, antisemitism rose and shook Jewish security in the Western world. Are we at an early stage like the 20s? Or in a later danger zone like the 30s? Are the analogies even accurate at all? 

Liel hosts this debate with Alan taking the position that our time is more similar to the 1920s, and Matt arguing that it is like the 1930s. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Mass Protests

We live in an era when mass protests are just a normal part of weekly life in Israel. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Do they even make a difference? What changes have occurred because of them? And overall, do they create a positive or negative effect on Israeli life, politics and culture? 

Jordana hosts this debate with Calev taking the position that the protests create positive change, and Alan taking the position that they are problematic.. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Campus: Fight or Flight?

Young Jews prepare to return to campuses in the near future. Was last year a preview of what this year will be like? What should students do about open antisemitism around them? Should they stay and fight for what’s right? Or should they move on to places where Jews are more welcome and secure? There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, and each individual should decide for themselves. But a debate on the subject will help uncover the issues and factors to be weighed when making such important choices. 

Alan hosts this debate with Liel taking the position that Jews should stand their ground and fight, Mike taking the position that they should leave and build the Jewish future in other ways. . 

Am Yisrael Chai!

414 Hostages in the Media

This is a painful topic. How should images of the hostages be handled by the media? What is informative and what is exploitive? And in terms of viewing, what is the line between being informed and harming self health? May better days arrive soon, and discussions like this no longer be relevant. 

Calev hosts this episode with Alan and Liel and Matt discussing the issues. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

413 Lebanon

This episode discusses the military threat posed by Hezbollah in the North of Israel. We discuss the ongoing tensions, evacuations of Israeli residents, and the challenges faced in finding a resolution. The conversation highlights the significant military capabilities of Hezbollah, the historical context of conflicts in the region, and the psychological impact on the Israeli population. The uncertainty of diplomatic solutions and the potential for a military confrontation add complexity to the situation. 

Calev hosts this episode with Alan and Liel discussing the issues. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

412 ICC and Consequences

What is the ICC? How is it different from the ICJ? What are the consequences of Israel being tried in the ICC? Is the ICC a legitimate judge of Israel? Should we even care? 

Jordana hosts this debate with Calev arguing that we should care, and Alan arguing that we shouldn’t. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

411 Iranian Intentions

When Iran directly attacked Israel in April they made history. Their proxies have been attacking Israel for years, but last April was the first time that the Islamic “Republic” launched a direct attack on the Jewish State. But was that attack a sign of Iranian strength or weakness? Did the Iranians intend to do more damage, or was the small amount done what they intended? Presumably, how we understand the last attack will help us understand the current impending one. It is of course possible that the Iranians are assessing the current situation in a different way. But they are also likely to be making very similar calculations again. Perhaps the debate in this episode is even more relevant than when we recorded it in June. 

Matt hosts this debate with Calev arguing that the Irainians failed in their mission, and that they meant for much more damage to be done to Israel. Mike argues that they succeeded in causing minimal damage. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

410 Complicated current politics

In this episode, we delve into the turbulent landscape of Israeli politics following the recent departure of centrist ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot from the government. We explore the impact of their exit on the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who formed an ultra-orthodox far-right government after the fifth elections in November 2022. 

Our discussion covers the rising discontent among Israeli citizens, marked by increasing Saturday night demonstrations that initially called for the return of hostages and have now merged to demand both a hostage deal and new elections. We examine the internal tensions within the government, particularly between the Shas and Otzma Yehudit parties, and speculate on the government's potential instability as it approaches the end of its shelf life.

As the Knesset heads into a long recess, we consider whether Netanyahu can maintain his position amidst growing pressures and internal conflicts. Join us for an in-depth analysis of the current political climate, the challenges faced by the government, and the possible future scenarios in Israeli politics.

Tune in to hear expert insights and perspectives on the evolving situation and what it could mean for the future of Israel.

Calev hosts this roundtable discussion with Benji, Jordana and Matt. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

409 Is Judicial Reform Dead? 

It feels like a million years ago that Israel was debating the government plan for judicial reforms. In the traumatic aftermath of October 7th, all of that fight has been left behind. 

But is that a permanent or a temporary shift? Once the dust settles after the defeat of Hamas, (God willing) will we once again be plunged into the divisive political battle over checks and balances in Israel? 

Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that it's still in play, and Benji argues that it's all in the rear view mirror. . 

Am Yisrael Chai!

408 Is it Time for Elections? 

“... It [is] not best to swap horses when crossing streams”, said Abraham Lincoln when running for reelection during the American Civil War. How well does that argument apply to Israel today?

Polls show that Israelis have low confidence in the current government. This is a dangerous situation in a time of multiple major conflicts. But it is also dangerous to create a new election season in such a situation as well. Which is the greater danger? Should we push for elections as soon as possible, or wait till the war(s) settles down? 

Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that it's time to hold elections, and Alan argues we should wait till the war is over. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

407 National Security and Arab Israelis

In the context of the Gaza war, many Jewish Israelis argue that their fellow citizens of Arab ethnicity present a security threat. Employment, access and movement must be monitored and perhaps restricted, according to this view. Is that concern reasonable? And even if it hypothetically is, can a democracy functionally discriminate based on the ethnicity of its citizens? How should a democratic Jewish state resolve this dilemma? 

Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that we can racially profile to maintain security, and Jordana argues that ethnicity must be ignored among Israeli citizens. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

406 Can Hamas be Contained? 

Until October 6th, the shared Israeli conception was that Hamas could be contained in the Gaza strip. Sure, the IDF would occasionally have to knock out their rocket launchers. But overall, that is something we could live with. Now since October 7th, is it possible to go back to that plan? Or has the reality changed leaving destruction of our enemies as the only valid option?

Matt hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that we can restore containment of our adversaries, and Mike argues that prompt and utter destruction is the only valid option. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

405 American Abstention

The routine is that if Israel doesn’t approve of a United Nation Security Council resolution, the United States vetoes it. But in March, America abstained on UNSC resolution 2728. Israeli leaders (and many Israelis) were furious. Is this a big deal and a sign of things to come? Is the allyship between these two democratic nations deteriorating? Or is this just a typical dustup between administrations, soon to be in our rear view mirror? 

Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that this is a major setback in Israel/US relations that will have lasting consequences, and Mike argues that this is a tempest in a teapot that will be mostly forgotten. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

404 - How will this war be seen by history?

Israel has fought Hamas in Gaza over and over again. There was Operation Cast Lead in 2008, Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, and Operation Protective Edge in 2014 just to name a few. Thousands of rockets have been launched at civilian areas of Israel and Israel has counter attacked over and over again. 

Will the current war, Operation Swords of Iron be just another battle in this long running war? Or will this war be remembered as a moment of change in Israel and the region? 

Matt hosts this episode’s debate, where Alan takes the position that this is a major turning point in Israeli History, and Calev argues that this will be another round in our long battles with Hamas. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

403 Should Freeing Hostages Be the Priority?

The Gaza war has challenged Israel with countless moral dilemmas. One of the most painful relates to the efforts to free the hostages. Inevitably, missions to destroy Hamas will put the lives of Israeli hostages at risk. Conversely, delays for negotiations and deals to release hostages give Hamas time to regroup or escape. How should our leaders decide to prioritize between defeating our enemies and rescuing our citizens? 

Matt hosts this episode’s debate, where Jordana takes the position that the destruction of Hamas must be the highest priority, and Mike argues that freeing the hostages must come first.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

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402 When can we critique the government? 

 “Don’t swap horses in the middle of the stream” - associated with Abraham Lincoln’s re-election campaign. 

Israelis, and Zionists worldwide, consistently complain about whatever government is in power.  But in the middle of a war, what are the rules? Can we openly critique, complain or even demand change of a government in the middle of a national crisis? Can we afford not to? 

Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that we must aggressively bring our complaints and demands to the government, and Liel argues that we must currently be cautious and gentle at this time. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

401 - Proportionality and International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

After defining proportionality (enjoy the audio clip from the West Wing) there is so much to debate about the ethical conduct of the current war. While it is difficult for citizens to debate these issues with limited information, it is arguably their duty to do so. Is Israel correctly protecting civilian life in Gaza? Should it be sending in more humanitarian aid? How much should international opinion be taken into account? 

Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Israel must improve its conduct in the conflict, and Mike argues that it does not. (followed by another West Wing clip)

Am Yisrael Chai!

308 Framing the Conflict Post October 7

Israelis and Zionists all had to have some understanding of the conflict with Palestinian Arabs. This was as true before October 7th as afterwards. In what ways do we need to reframe those understandings after the massacres? What discomforting truths did we avoid? What misconceptions have been disproven? 

Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Benji takes the position that he must reframe his understanding of the conflict, and Mike argues that he does not. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Israel Citizens Filling the Breach When Government Fails

This is an era when citizens around the world don’t have a tremendous amount of trust in government. Israelis and Jews around the world are still shaken by the intelligence and operational failures that led to the October 7th massacres. In the weeks and months since, many are still complaining that the work still isn’t being taken care of. We never know what’s really happening in “the room where it happens”, and there are concerns that the decisions aren’t being made well. 

Israelis from all parts of society jumped in to fill the breach. A tremendous amount of civic pride arose from those who rushed to bring food and materiel to the soldiers on the front. But is that a good or bad sign about Israeli life? Is it a positive, or a negative, that grassroots support is required for the success of vital national missions?

Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that citizens should never expect the government to get the job done, and Liel argues national efforts require leadership from the top down. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Are Shoah Analogies Appropriate?

We are all living with the trauma of the post October 7th world. It is often referred to as the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. But do comparisons to the Shoah help us contextualize and understand the world we live in? Or are any such comparisons not at best unhelpful, and at worst inappropriate? Can those analogies help us understand the victims? The perpetrators? 

Calev hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Shoah analogies are helpful, and Alan argues that it isn’t, and never was, a good idea they are not. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Who should be hired to do the labor in Israel?

Evidence has been uncovered that Arab laborers from the Gaza strip provided Hamas with intel on the Israeli towns where they worked. In the wake of this shocking news, Israelis are debating who to hire for many basic jobs. How should we balance insecurity with inclusivity? Should Israeli Arabs return to work in Israeli Jewish businesses? What about West Bank Arabs? Should Israel return to an old Zionist idea, “Avoda Ivrit” - “Jewish Labor”?

Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Liel takes the position that Israelis should take this opportunity to reexamine the Avoda Ivrit principle, and Alan argues that it isn’t, and never was, a good idea. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Should Israel Fight Hezbollah?

While most of our attention is on the war in Gaza, there has been constant combat on our northern border. Will the battle with Hezbollah heat up to a full scale war? Should it? While war is always horrible, should Israel extend the conflict and eliminate Hezbollah as it has pledged to do to Hamas? 

Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that Israel should resist preemptive attacks, and Mike argues that Israel must do just that. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

What will happen after the war?

When the dust settles, what will Gaza look like? What would be success for Israelis? What could make a better future for Gazans? While the war is far from over, the question is already relevant. 

Many are speaking about this issue in Israel and around the world. While we aren’t privy to the discussions behind the scenes where people in power are working the plans out, we can still try to figure out what the possibilities are. This is a difficult debate. All of the possibilities seem difficult and problematic. So which of the options are the best, or perhaps the least bad?

Liel hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Israel must retain control, and Mike argues for handing it over to foreign powers. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

What will winning the war look like?

This episode was recorded before the deal to recover hostages was announced. 

Has Israel set realistic goals in its war with Hamas? What would victory look like? Is it possible to eliminate Hamas as an organization? As an idea? Can the hostages be rescued? Can Israel win the public relations battle? Should it? 

Join us as we dissect these complex events, aiming to provide insight and understanding. Our goal is to help listeners process these challenging moments, fostering resilience and guiding us towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we navigate the intricacies of history, seeking a deeper comprehension of the path ahead. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

How did we get here?

In this gripping podcast episode, Calev, Alan, and Matt delve into the intricate factors that led to the October 7 massacre. Was it a result of tactical errors, intelligence failures, or misinterpretations of Hamas' intentions? Or does the root cause trace back to Israel's strategic decision to disengage from Gaza in 2005? 

Join us as we dissect these complex events, aiming to provide insight and understanding. Our goal is to help listeners process these challenging moments, fostering resilience and guiding us towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we navigate the intricacies of history, seeking a deeper comprehension of the path ahead. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Special: Israel at War - Episode 3

Crisis on Campus

In this third special current event episode, Calev, Liel and Mike, discuss what is happening outside of Israel in college campuses during Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. How should students understand the anti-Israel protests? What should they do? 

We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special: Israel at War - Episode 2

What happens next? 

In this second of two special current event episodes, Mike, Alan, Mordechai and Jordana discuss what may come next in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special Israel at War - Episode 1

Where are we now? 

In this first of two special current event episodes, Calev, Liel and Matt discuss where we are on day 4 of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Are there boundaries to Jewish caricatures?

 We didn’t even know that Ben was recording. But he was! 

He recorded our discussion of a political cartoon. (you can look at it on this link) It made Matt particularly uncomfortable and we debate its appropriateness. 

The issue was that the government was defunding existing programs to transfer more money to Haredi causes and institutions. And so the cartoon showed Orthodox Jews running away with bags of money. 

Isn’t that an antisemitic trope? But even if so, how else can an Israeli political cartoonist show Haredi party leaders taking money away from other parties? 

It’s an interesting but niche topic. So while we didn’t record a full episode about it, we’re releasing it as a bonus while we prepare to record the next batch. Enjoy and Shana Tova!

Here is a link to the Guardian cartoon that Calev mentions. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

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Should Israel Do More to Support Ukraine?

Israel faces a complex dilemma when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. On one hand, Israel maintains strong historical ties with Russia, particularly regarding the Russian-speaking Jewish community. Russia has also been a key player in regional stability, particularly in Syria, where Israel has concerns about Iranian influence. Israel has generally tried to maintain a delicate balancing act between the United States and Russia, its two major allies, to safeguard its security interests.

On the other hand, Israel has historically supported the principle of territorial integrity and the right to self-determination, which are central issues in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Israel itself has faced challenges related to territorial disputes and self-determination, making it sensitive to these issues. Furthermore, Israel's relationship with the United States, which is a strong supporter of Ukraine in this conflict, can put pressure on Israel to take a clear stance against Russia.

Ultimately, Israel's dilemma in supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is a complex interplay of historical, geopolitical, and security factors. Israel must carefully weigh its interests in maintaining its relationships with both the United States and Russia, while also considering its commitment to principles like territorial integrity and self-determination. Balancing these competing factors will continue to present challenges for Israel in navigating its stance on this conflict.

Matt hosts this debate between Calev that Israel has struck the right balance, and Mike who argues that we should be doing more to support Ukraine.

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Haredi Draft

The debate over drafting the Haredim, or ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel, has been a contentious issue in the country for several decades. At its core, the debate revolves around the question of whether or not Haredi men should be subject to compulsory military service like the rest of the Israeli population. This issue stems from a historical exemption granted to the Haredi community, dating back to the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. The exemption was intended to encourage Haredi religious study, which is a central pillar of their way of life. However, over the years, this has sparked significant debate, with proponents arguing that it is necessary for a more equitable distribution of the burden of military service in Israel, while opponents claim that mandatory military service would undermine Haredi religious traditions and values.

This debate is complex and multifaceted, touching on issues of religion, state, and citizenship. It reflects the broader tension in Israeli society between maintaining a Jewish state and ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all its citizens. As Israel continues to grapple with this issue, finding a balance that respects religious traditions while addressing concerns about national security and civic duty remains a significant challenge.

Our engineer Ben (!) hosts this debate between Matt who argues that Israel should not draft Haredim , and Mike who argues that they should be drafted.. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Can Israel Have a Constitution? 

Israel’s Declaration of Independence calls for a “Constitution which shall be adopted by the Elected Constituent Assembly not later than the 1st October 1948...". It doesn’t look like we’re going to make the deadline. The current judicial reform crisis exists because of that. So too the current crisis over the role of the Attorney General. There simply aren’t agreed upon rules of the road for how governance and legislation should take place. 

Of course, not all countries have constitutions. Should Israel have one? Could Israel successfully create one even if we wanted to?

Matt hosts this debate between Calev that an Israeli constitution is unnecessary and unlikely, and Mike who argues that it is both needed and likely. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Definition: A constitution is the aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organization or other type of entity, and commonly determines how that entity is to be governed.

Apartheid

Type the word “apartheid” into a google search bar and the second search that pops up is “apartheid Israel”. We’ve all heard the accusation. It is also a demonstrably false descriptor for the State of Israel. This ridiculous calumny may make a nasty sound-bite sized accusation. But for anyone genuinely trying to understand the conflict, it clearly fails to explain anything in an honest way. 

But this podcast has a debate format! So after explaining why the above paragraph is true, our team still finds something for Zionists to argue about. Is the term “apartheid” useful at all to describe life in the West Bank? After all, the approximately half a million Jews who live there as Israeli citizens under Israeli law, lead very different lives from the approximately two and half million Arabs who are citizens of nothing and live under the Palestinian Authority and Israeli military law. 

Liel hosts this debate between Calev who argues that in certain narrow contexts the term isn’t entirely unhelpful, and Mike who argues that the term is always useless at best. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

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Definition: apartheid - noun

1: racial segregation

specifically : a former policy of segregation and political, social, and economic discrimination against the non-white majority in the Republic of South Africa

NOTE: The extreme racial segregation of apartheid lasted from 1948 to 1994 and included such restrictions as where people of certain races could live or own land, what jobs they could hold, and who could and couldn't participate in government.

2: SEPARATION, SEGREGATION

cultural apartheid

gender apartheid

Is There a Future for the Jewish Diaspora? 

Jews have been living outside of the land of Israel for thousands of years. It is a historical truth that this process started by enemies driving them into exile. But these diaspora communities settled in, expanded, and continued to migrate around the globe for over two millennia. 

In the 20th century, Jews chose two strategies for building a thriving Jewish future. 

One approach was to create and live in a Jewish State. The State of Israel was founded by people who believed that ultimately there would be no future for Jews in the Diaspora. The changes of modernity, they argued, meant that the exile must end for the Jews to survive into the future. Only by creating a State of Jews, by Jews and for Jews, could thriving Jewish life and communities be sustained. 

The other approach was to build Jewish communities in tolerant Western Democracies. This approach assumes that Diaspora Jewish life will be safe as long as minority rights and freedom of religion continue to function in the modern world. 

As time went on, Israeli Jews softened their language about the future of Diaspora Jewry. But are they right? Should we be taking the warnings of the early Zionists more seriously? 

Calev hosts this debate between Matt who defends an optimistic view towards the future of Jewish life in the Diaspora, and Mike argues the pessimistic view of classic Zionism. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Definition; A diaspora is a population that is scattered across regions which are separate from its geographic place of origin.The word is used in reference to people who identify with a specific geographic location, but currently reside elsewhere.

Notable diasporic populations include the Jewish diaspora formed after the Babylonian exile...

The term "diaspora" is derived from the Greek verb διασπείρω (diaspeirō), "I scatter", "I spread about" which in turn is composed of διά (dia), "between, through, across" and the verb σπείρω (speirō), "I sow, I scatter". In Ancient Greece the term διασπορά (diaspora) hence meant "scattering"

Herzl vs. Ahad Ha’am

There is an old saying that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” We deeply believe that knowing the history of Zionist debate brings a richness of perspective and understanding to the issues that we face today. So we submit for your approval one of the first deep debates that divided the Zionist world. 

In past episodes when we’ve mentioned Ahad Ha’am in passing, listeners have contacted us to know who he was. But before Herzl, he was arguably the intellectual leader of the Zionist movement. Then Herzl published “The Jewish State” and began the Zionist Congress, becoming the undisputed center of all Zionist energy. Ahad Ha’am wasn’t shy about explaining what he considered to be Herzl’s wrongheadedness. 

What was the disagreement? How has history proven their positions to be right or wrong? How and why are they still so relevant to today’s Israel? 

Matt explains the Herzl position, and Mike presents Ahad Ha’am. Our special guest host this week is the young scholar Avigayil Unterberg Nuriel. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

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Does Israel Need America? 

Everyone knows that Israel and America have a strong relationship. As allies their economic, political, military, and cultural ties are deeply rooted. It remains so across multiple administrations in each of the countries. 

But is America a necessary ally for Israel? What would happen if that relationship changed? Could Israel survive and thrive if for some reason it lost America as an ally? 

Matt hosts and frames the discussion, and Mike and Calev debate the issue. Calev argues that America is an indispensable ally, and Mike argues that it isn’t. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Note: This is the beginning of season 9, which is season 2 of our new debate format! 

We decided to get this episode published in a timely fashion. Normally, our debates are meant to be “evergreen” educational discussions about Israel and Zionism. 

But we’re breaking the format because so many people are asking how to process the Knesset vote this week. What does the removal of the unreasonableness grounds mean for the Supreme Court? For Israeli law, Democracy and society? How should we understand where we are now? What should we expect for the future?

Calev hosts and frames the discussion, and Mike and Liel debate whether to be optimistic or pessimistic in this difficult time of division. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

We are excited to announce the upcoming second season of our new debate format!

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

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How Should Diaspora Jews Express their Ideas About Israeli Politics?

Note: This is the end of the season and our podcast will be on a brief hiatus. Keep subscribed for season 9! 

There are several factors that can make it complicated for diaspora Jews to express their opinions on Israeli politics. Here are a few:

• Lack of firsthand experience: Diaspora Jews may not have firsthand experience living in Israel or the Palestinian territories, which can make it difficult to fully understand the complexities of the political situation. They also don’t share the heaviest burdens or pay the heaviest costs of living in Israel.

• Fear of alienation: Expressing opinions that are contrary to the dominant narrative within the Jewish community can lead to feelings of alienation or ostracism.There may be pressure from within the Jewish community to conform to a particular political viewpoint on Israel, which can make it difficult for individuals to express their own opinion.

• Perceived lack of influence: Some diaspora Jews may feel that their opinions on Israeli politics carry little weight, given that they are not Israeli citizens and do not have a direct say in Israeli policy. 

Overall, these factors can create a challenging environment for diaspora Jews who wish to express their opinions on Israeli politics. However, it is important to remember that open and respectful dialogue is essential for building understanding and finding solutions to complex issues. How do we resolve this tension?

Matt moderated this debate between Calev who argues for Diaspora Jews to be reserved, and Mike who argues for robust expression of opinions.

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

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Should Israeli Reserve Soldiers Refuse to Serve as Protests?

The protests against Judicial Reform have continued on a smaller scale over the past weeks. With Passover behind us, and the national holiday season underway, Israelis are gearing up for whatever is coming next. 

One aspect of the protests in particular has been hotly debated. Should reservist soldiers refuse to perform their duties (“miluim’ in Hebrew) as a form of protest? Over the course of the past few months, this has been a growing phenomenon. 

Historically, the military has been supposed to be entirely apolitical. This is partly because in a Democracy the military protects the people, it doesn’t rule them. But it is also because national security is an issue that is so existential that it is dangerous to allow the military to take sides in political debates of any kind.

What about the current debate has caused it to spill into withholding of service by the IDF’s most loyal soldiers? And more to the point, are they doing more harm or good with this drastic approach to protest? What are the arguments for and against this tactic? Join us to find out!

Calev moderated this debate between Matt who argues against soldiers refusing duty, and MIke who defends the position of those reservists.

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

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Nation State Law

Israel's Nation-State Law, also known as the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People, was passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in July 2018. The law enshrines Israel as a Jewish state and makes Hebrew the country's official language, while downgrading Arabic from an official language to one with "special status."

The debate over the Nation-State Law has been largely divided along political and ideological lines. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to strengthen Israel's Jewish identity and protect its cultural and religious heritage. They argue that it is a symbolic law that does not infringe on the rights of non-Jewish citizens and that it simply reinforces the fact that Israel was created as a Jewish homeland.

Opponents of the law argue that it undermines the democratic nature of the state and discriminates against Israel's Arab minority, which makes up about 20% of the population. They argue that the law sends a message that non-Jewish citizens are second-class and that it could be used to justify discriminatory policies and practices against Arab citizens in the future. They also criticize the law for failing to mention the principle of equality and for ignoring the rights of other minority groups in Israel.

The debate over the Nation-State Law has also spilled over into the international arena, with some countries and organizations condemning the law as discriminatory and racist. The law has been a source of controversy both within Israel and abroad, with supporters and opponents alike continuing to voice their opinions on its merits and flaws.

Calev moderated this debate between Matt who supports the law, and MIke who argues that it must be at least changed. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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Is Israeli Democracy in Existential Danger?

Once again, we turned to Chat GPT and asked a simple question. “Does the current judicial reform crisis mean that Israeli democracy is coming to an end?”

Here’s the essential parts of it's answer: 

As an AI language model, I strive to remain impartial and avoid making predictions about political developments. However, I can provide some background information on the ongoing judicial reform crisis in Israel and its potential implications for Israeli democracy.

In recent years, there has been ongoing debate and controversy in Israel over attempts to reform the country's judiciary. Some critics of the judiciary argue that it is overly activist and unaccountable, and that it wields too much power over the other branches of government. They have called for various reforms, including limiting the power of the Supreme Court and allowing the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) to overrule the court's decisions.

However, many defenders of the judiciary argue that it is a crucial safeguard of democracy and the rule of law in Israel. They worry that attempts to limit its power could undermine these fundamental principles and lead to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.

At present, it is difficult to say whether the current judicial reform crisis in Israel is a sign that Israeli democracy is coming to an end. Israel has a long history of robust political debate and contestation, and it is likely that the country will continue to grapple with these issues for some time to come. However, it is important for all actors in Israeli politics to respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and to ensure that any reforms are undertaken in a transparent and accountable manner.

Well, I don’t know if we’re actors in Israeli politics, but as educators, we decided to debate the issue. Is this the end of Israeli Democracy, or just a growing pain on the way to better days?

Liel moderated this debate between Matt who fears the end is near, and MIke who argues that this too shall pass. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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Here are a few more quotations to consider:

Do we wish for an Exceptional or Normal state?

What do we hope for when we consider the Jewish State? Let’s consider our National Anthem:

“As long as deep in the heart,

The soul of a Jew yearns,

And forward to the East

To Zion, an eye looks

Our hope will not be lost,

The hope of two thousand years,

To be a free nation in our land,

The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Is that hope to become a free nation like all others, or to become an exceptional lofty nation? I suppose it depends who you ask. 

Ben-Gurion is often quoted as having said, “When Israel has prostitutes and thieves, we’ll be a state just like any other.” There is no question that a goal of Modern Political Zionism was to achieve for the Jews no more than any other nation deserves, but surely no less. 

But for many, the Jewish State is obligated to become exceptional. It isn’t a new idea. It's literally Biblical.  It goes at least as far back as Isaiah 42:6, who prophesied, "I the LORD have called unto you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and submitted you as the people's covenant, as a light unto the nations". 

Should the modern State of Israel be held to a Biblical standard, or is it enough to be free in our land like everyone else? 

Calev moderated this debate between Mike who stood up for exceptionalism and Matt who defends normalcy. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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Here are a few more quotations to consider:



Ben-Gurion - “Two basic aspirations underlie all our work in this country: to be like all other nations, and to be different from all the nations. These two aspirations are apparently contradictory, but in fact they are complementary and interdependent. We want to be a free people, independent and equal in rights in the family of nations, and we aspire to be different from all other nations in our spiritual elevation and in the character of our model society, founded on freedom, cooperation, and fraternity with all Jews and the whole human race …”

Herzl - ““I once called Zionism an infinite ideal, and I truly believe that even after we possess our land, the Land of Israel, Zionism will not cease to be an ideal. For Zionism as I understand it includes not only the yearning for a plot of promised land legally acquired for our weary people, but also the aspiration to reach moral and spiritual perfection.”

Should the IDF end the draft?

Polling over the last few years shows growing support among Israelis for a professional, rather than a conscripted army. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has had a mandatory conscription policy since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. All Israeli citizens, with few exceptions, are required to serve in the IDF for a period of 2-3 years for men, and 2 years for women, after reaching the age of 18. So why, in recent years, has there been a growing debate over whether Tzahal should continue its draft policy?

One argument is that the current system is unfair and discriminatory. Some argue that certain groups, such as ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab Israelis, are exempt from the draft or are not required to serve for the full term, creating a sense of inequality and resentment. Others argue that the draft unfairly targets certain groups, such as low-income families, who may not have the same resources to support their children through their military service.

Another argument against the draft is that it is not necessary for national security. Some argue that Israel's military capabilities are sufficient to defend the country without mandatory conscription. They argue that a professional army, made up of volunteers, would be more effective and efficient than a conscripted army.

Defenders of the status quo argue that it is still necessary for national security. Israel faces significant security threats, including ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries and the threat of terrorism. Supporters of the draft argue that mandatory conscription ensures that the country has a strong and capable military that can protect itself.

Another defense of keeping the draft is that it promotes social cohesion and national unity. Military service is seen as a rite of passage for many Israelis, and serving in the IDF is considered a way to contribute to the country and demonstrate patriotism. Some argue that the draft fosters a sense of shared sacrifice and national identity, which is essential for the cohesion of Israeli society.

So what should Israel do? In this episode, Amy defends the draft, while Calev argues against it. And the whole shebang is moderated by Mike. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Is there still a chance for a two-state solution?

For the last nine decades, whenever outsiders looked at the conflict between Jews and Arabs between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean Sea, they have come up with the same idea. Since both people have claims to the land, it will need to be split. 

A two-state solution refers to the idea of establishing two independent states for Israelis and Palestinians, respectively, living side by side within recognized borders. This usually means creating an independent Palestinian state in the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, alongside the State of Israel. The two states would have their own governments, laws, and security forces, and would coexist peacefully and diplomatically, recognizing each other's sovereignty and right to exist.

Of course, no such thing has ever existed. The specific details of how such a solution would be implemented remain subject to ongoing debate and disagreement between the two sides and the international community. We can imagine it, and choose to work for or against it. But for the foreseeable future, it isn’t in the cards.

It was first proposed in 1937 by the British Peel Commission This was rejected by the Arab Higher Committee. In 1947, The United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, was once again rejected by the Arabs.

Since then many maps and plans have been proposed. From Oslo and the Clinton administration, to Trump’s “Deal of the Century”, refinements and adjustments have been made from every direction. And yet, no progress.

In fact, the growing Jewish population has made many despair of the possibility for such a plan’s success. The issue isn’t just the quantity of Jewish West Bank dwellers.The Jewish population is spread in small enclaves dotted throughout the territory. This makes actual separation seem impossible to many. 

Is it worth debating the possibility of a Two-State Solution? If there is to be peace between Israelis and Palestinians, do we need to look for other models? Or is this still the basic approach we should maintain?

Mike moderates the debate between Matt, who argues that it's still possible, and Calev, who maintains that it is not. Join us! 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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Are Jews Indigenous to Israel?

There are still some things you can Google, but now we also have Chat GPT.

When we looked on google to define indigenous peoplehood, it said it means “inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists.”

Does this concept apply to Jews in Israel?

There are two ways to address this question. One is simply to answer it. The other is to question its relevance. It feels like it's important and relevant to the Zionist cause, but is it really? Does it actually matter? 

Well, we wondered what chat GPT had to say about this question’s relevance. Here’s some of what it answered: 

“The debate over Jewish indigeneity to the land of Israel has significant implications for politics, society, and culture in the region and beyond. Some possible implications of this debate include:

Political Conflict: The question of Jewish indigeneity is closely tied to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The idea that Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel has been used to justify Israeli claims to the territory and to support the establishment of a Jewish state, while some Palestinians dispute the Jewish claim to indigeneity and argue that they are the true indigenous population of the region. The debate over indigeneity therefore remains a contentious issue that has contributed to political conflict and tensions in the region.

Cultural Identity: The idea of Jewish indigeneity is central to the identity and self-image of many Jews around the world. It has been used to create a sense of historical continuity and to connect Jews to their cultural and religious roots. The debate over Jewish indigeneity therefore has implications for how Jews understand and define their own cultural identity...

Overall, the debate over Jewish indigeneity is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues in the Middle East and beyond.”

With all due respect to the friendly artificial intelligence at OpenAI, we decided to debate the issue ourselves, even though we are only good, old fashioned humans. Calev moderates this week’s episode, with Amy taking the position that it is true and relevant, and Mike questioning the premise and its use. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

The Israeli Judicial Reform Debate

This is certainly the most divisive topic in current Israeli politics. While many thousands protest every week, supporters call those protesters anarchists. We recorded this episode before all of the plan’s specifics were announced, we certainly called the issues correctly. This debate has been ongoing for several years, but is now reaching a crisis point. 

The main issue at the center of the debate is the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches of government. Proponents of judicial reform argue that the current system gives the judiciary too much power, and that it needs to be reined in to prevent it from overstepping its bounds. They argue that the current system has resulted in a lack of accountability and has allowed the judiciary to interfere in areas that should be the purview of the legislature.

On the other hand, opponents of judicial reform argue that the judiciary is an essential check on the power of the legislature, and that limiting its power would undermine the rule of law and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. They argue that the current system has been successful in ensuring that the laws are properly enforced and that the rights of citizens are protected. Additionally, they argue that the judiciary needs to be independent and free from political pressure in order to effectively perform its role as a check on the power of the legislature.

The debate over judicial reform in Israel is not only about the balance of power between the branches of government, but also about the broader implications for Israeli democracy and the rule of law. Both sides in the debate are deeply committed to ensuring that Israel remains a strong and vibrant democracy, and that the rights of citizens are protected. However, they disagree on the best way to achieve these goals, and the debate over judicial reform will likely continue to be a contentious issue in Israeli politics for the foreseeable future.

Is this an attempt to put unelected elitists back in their place? Or is this an attempt to create an executive branch with absolute power?

The debate between Mike and Calev is hosted by Matt. Calev takes the position that the proposed reforms will severely damage Israeli Democracy, and Mike takes the position that these reforms are what Israel needs in order to lead to a more fair system.

Enjoy! And let us know what you think!

This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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New episodes on the way!

Our new season is coming before you know it. We've reformatted in light of a different podcast landscape then when we started, back in 2016. (There are more options now for Israeli headlines in english)

As educators, we decided that working out various issues that affect Israeli life, culture and politics is our strength. We thought it would be fun to take turns debating these topics in an informal way. Issues like judicial reform, the Nation-State law and the viability of a Two State solution are coming to your feed over the next six weeks.

Let us know what you think of the new format, and please request topics for us to uncover.

This episode was edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.