Explore every episode of the podcast IsraelCast

Noa Cochva has fought for Israel in a multitude of ways. As a soldier, she served as a combat medic, including for five months on the Gaza border post-October 7. As an activist, she works tirelessly to spread the truth about Israel amidst a sea of antisemitism. And as the former Miss Israel, she represented her country on the international stage. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Cochva to discuss her advocacy work, her experience on the Gaza border, and being assaulted by pro-Palestinian protesters in Times Square.

In the post-October 7 world, advocating for Israel can feel like an uphill battle. Trolls and antisemites attack pro-Israel posts on social media, and Zionists get banned merely for supporting Israel's right to exist. Yet, the fight continues, and everyday, people are in the trenches spreading the truth about Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with actor and activist Yuval David to talk about getting deplatformed for discussing Zionism, the increased antisemitism in America and especially Hollywood, the danger of Jews who attack Israel, and practicing self-care when you feel like you can't take a break.

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.

In a country besieged by enemies, trauma is an unfortunate fact of life for many Israelis. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Israelis has grown in the wake of October 7 and is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Growing as Winners, an Israeli nonprofit, is dedicated to supporting PTSD-afflicted vets by getting them treatment and integrating them into the Israeli workforce. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Alon Tirer, Chairman of Growing as Winners, to discuss the prevalence of trauma in Israeli society and how Tirer's organization is working to get Israelis the mental health support they need.

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.

Now nine months after the October 7 terrorist attacks, Israel's economy has bounced back incredibly well, with some metrics showing the market is even better than before the war. Agreements like the Abraham Accords are still in place, and corporations are still investing in Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Chalamish, a Professor of International Economic Law at NYU, to discuss the resiliency of the Israeli market, how corporations analyze risk in Israel, and how difficult times lead to creative solutions in the startup world.

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.

Since the October 7 attacks, the importance of Israel's security has never been more apparent. In addition to the military, Israeli startups have also popped up with the sole purpose of protecting Israel. One such company is RealEye, which is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to identify potential threats to Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Kevin Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of RealEye, and Dov Greenbaum, Founder and Director of the Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies at Reichman, which has been working closely with RealEye, to discuss examples of RealEye using A.I. to save lives, the ethics of using such tech to sift through data, and the threat on American college campuses.

With his unique background as an Iraqi- and Lebanese-raised former journalist who has since become an outspoken voice for democracy and liberty, Hussain Abdul-Hussain remains one of the world's foremost experts on Middle East relations in a time of growing unrest in Gulf State countries. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Hussain to discuss the dangers and rewards of speaking out, the increase in ties between Arab nations and Israel, and what a post-war reconstruction plan might look like for Gaza.

Shai Davidai did not set out to become one of the leading faces in calling out Jew hatred and anti-Israel rhetoric on college campuses. He just wanted to focus on his career in academia and be with his family. Yet, when the pro-Hamas protests came to his Columbia University following the October 7 attacks and Davidai found himself in a maelstrom of hate and harassment, the mild-mannered professor dedicated himself to advocating for the Jewish homeland amidst a sea of antisemitism. On this special bonus episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Davidai to discuss his antisemitic experiences at Columbia, the shocking indifference from the university's administration, and how everyone can do their part in supporting Jewish communities under attack.

When Hamas attacked Israel's border communities in Israel's south, Jewish National Fund-USA was already there and had the infrastructure to provide rapid aid. Launching its Israel Resilience Campaign, the organization supported evacuations, housing, food, clothing, education, trauma therapy, donating firefighting and protective equipment for civil defense, facilitating volunteer services, and more. And with an eye towards tomorrow, the campaign's Build Together plan is rebuilding communities from the ground up – cleaning up the region, designing and constructing new homes, and helping small businesses reopen. Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell Robinson returns to talk to Host Steven Shalowitz about the organization's immediate response to October 7, the importance of not forgetting Israel's North amidst the Israel Envelope relief efforts, and why he's optimistic about the future of Jewish leadership.

During the October 7 terrorist attacks, the first and often only line of defense for hours were the southern border communities' Civil Security Squads, many of which were underfunded and underequipped, leading to the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives. Created in the wake of the massacre, Civil Squads of Israel is dedicated to properly equipping the civil defense units on the Gaza and Lebanon border and ensuring that they will be prepared for any more assaults. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Nir Alon, Co-founder and Chief Finance Officer of Civil Squads of Israel, to discuss his harrowing October 7 experience, and his determination to prevent another massacre by buying proper tactical gear for those that need it.

In this episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz sits down with author, policy advisor, and Israel advocate Aryeh Green to discuss his new book, Finding Peace in the Promised Land. Drawing on decades of experience in public diplomacy, policy, and regional engagement, Green presents a new approach to resolving the Arab Israel conflict through five transformative principles: humility, acceptance, gratitude, forgiveness, and purpose.
Green explains how these ideas were inspired by his personal experiences and expanded through years of working to promote freedom, democracy, and stronger relationships across the Middle East. The conversation explores the role of education, religious leadership, media, governance, and grassroots engagement in creating the conditions for lasting peace. Green also reflects on the lessons of the Abraham Accords, the challenges that continue to shape the region, and why meaningful change requires both courageous leadership and cultural transformation.