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!

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!

It's an extra long episode. We invited friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur to explain Israeli elections to a group of Rimon students. (see links below about the Rimon Movement. As usual, Haviv wove data and anecdotes into an explanatory narrative that made so much sense out of Israel's unique system of government. We just had to share it! The first hour is Haviv explaining his thesis, in his usual engaging manner, followed by Q&A with students. You can listen to all or part of it, but we think the whole episode is rewarding from start to finish.

Enjoy!

Haviv at TOI

Rimon Episode

Rimon Movement

Mike's Comic with Zvi Ron explaining Israeli Elections

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.

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What is the RIMON Student-Led Movement? What do they mean by "reimagining Israel education"? How are they trying to improve Jewish life and identity on college campuses? What's the current state of Jewish life on campus, in both the real and virtual versions? Mike and Benji interview the leaders of the movement, Jordana Schiff and Elie Codron. Join us!

Rimon Movement

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Why has the topic of conversion become such a big topic of controversy this week? Also, this is Alan's last episode as co-host. Join Mike and Matt in wishing him the best.

Episode 115 - Interview with Educational Director at Nativ

Haviv Rettig Gur on the Controversy

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Happy Purim! It's been a weird week in pop culture casual antisemitism. There was Michael Che's ignorant (and also bad) joke on SNL, and also impossibly racist Hasidim on a Canadian NBC tv show. (did you know there was Canadian NBC?) Its as if the news wanted to set us up for a Purim episode! What actually happened? Does this mean the world is heading into an antisemitic apocalypse? Does it mean nothing and we should forget about it? If it means something between these two extremes, how do we split the difference? Mike and Matt hash it out from the perspective of two Zionist educators. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg.

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The fourth Knesset elections in two years are scheduled for March 23rd. What's different this time around? What are the new parties and coalitions? How might the outcome differ from the previous three times? Our panel of Mike, Matt and Benji discuss. Join us!

Opinion polling for the 2021 Israeli legislative election

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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How can we discuss the tensions building over Israel's Haredi community in the age of Covid in a positive constructive way? With angry protests and burning buses, how can we add light but lower the heat? How can we find an honest yet positive take on this social conflict? Alan and Mike invited friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur to reflect on his article on the subject. As always, Haviv brought insight, perspective, and even some optimism to this troubling topic. Join us!

Haviv's Article in Times of Israel

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Israel is rolling out Covid vaccinations faster than any other nation. Why are people blaming the Jewish State for the much slower roll out for West Bank Palestinians? Is Israel treating Jewish and Arab citizens differently? Why are Arabs in the West Bank a different situation? What are the agreements between Israel and the Palestinian authority regarding healthcare? Can Israel reach herd immunity without vaccinated Palestinians? Simon Plosker, the Managing Editor of UN Watch, wrote about the topic in his Times of Israel blog. So Alan and Mike invited him to get past the soundbites and explain the complicated situation to our listeners. Simon feels that its an important conversation well worth having, and we think you'll agree. Join us!

Simon's blog post in the Times of Israel

UN Watch

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Returning guest expert Miri Eisin (Col. Ret.) joined us to explain the Israeli security concerns over Iran. What role does Iran play in the Middle East? How will the new American administration approach this problem? What are the different perspectives on how do deal with the Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons? As always, Miri explains complicated issues in ways that are easy to understand. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Alan and Mike invited Jacob Magid to discus his Times of Israel Article about the passing of Sheldon Adelson. They discuss his life, philanthropy, and controversial political activism.

Jacob's Article

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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How can a bunch American expats discuss the chaos in the US with their gap year students? Can they avoid it? What does it mean to Americans, Jews and Israelis? Has anything similar ever happened in Israel? How should teachers process these weighty issues with each other? Alan, Mike and Benji work on these and other issues. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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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!

What were the major Israeli news stories that will continue to impact 2021? What are the major take aways from a difficult and challenging year? Alan, Mike and Matt make their year-in-review observations and predictions. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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How did it come to this? Fourth elections in two years! Why did the current government collapse? Who are the major players in this story? What will happen next? Alan, Mike and Matt explain the headlines and all that you'll need to know to follow current events. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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According to the Talmud, Jews must love converts, and never mistreat them. Then why is David Ben Moshe, a Jew whose conversion was recognized by the Israeli Rabbinate, not being given Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return? Is it because of the criminal record in his pre-conversion life? Is it because he is a Jew of color?

This episode is longer than usual for our podcast, and the Israel issues come in about half way through. But we feel that David's personal journey of growth and repentance are a crucial prelude to understand the true injustice of denying his citizenship. And it is a fascinating, unique and deeply troubling story every step of the way. Please join us, and do what you can to help David in his struggle for justice and citizenship in the country he and his family call home.

Jpost Article

Go Fund Me Campaign

Episode 115 about Israel's problems welcoming converts -  An interview with Rabbi Chashi Freedman of Nativ

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Why would Israel have assassinated Iran's leading nuclear weapon's expert? What could happen if Iran creates nuclear weapons? How will shifting American administrations change the dynamics in the region? Alan and Mike turned once again to expert Eran Lerman to help us understand this complex issue. Join us!

Eran Lerman

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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With massacres in Northern Ethiopia on the rise, resolving the status of the last Jews there has become a matter of urgency. To explain the issue, Alan and Mike invited Uri Perednik, the founder and CEO of The Struggle for Aliyah for Ethiopian Jewry, an NGO that works with Jews in both Ghondar and Addis Ababa. Why are there Jews still left in Ethiopia? What is life like for them there? What more can Israel do to help them? What can we do? Join us to hear about this important topic.

Uri's Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ethiopianjewryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethiopian_jews/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EthiopianJewryTelegram: https://t.me/ethiopianjewry

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Why are Israelis so focused on the NBA draft? Why does this sports news matter? What stories are being ignored? And what do we want to follow up on with Aaron David Miller? Join Alan, Mike and Benji for this news roundup!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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He was in all the rooms where it happened. Having worked for multiple American administrations, Aaron David Miller has tremendous access and insight into the world of Middle East diplomacy. In what way was having a personal relationship with Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat different than just watching him on the news? How do personal relationships shape diplomacy? What should the American team have done differently at Camp David? What were the pros and cons of the Trump administration's approach to diplomacy? What should we anticipate from a Biden administration?

All this and so much more! Alan and Mike learned so much, and we're sure you will as well. Don't miss this episode!

(note: we apologise for some glitches in Mike's sound quality this episode, but we don't think it will detract from the fascinating discussion)

Ha'aretz Tribute to Erekat

Aaron David Miller on Twitter, at Carnegie, and on Wikipedia.

Aaron David Miller is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former State Department Middle East analyst and negotiator in Republican and Democratic Administrations. He is a CNN Global Affairs Analyst and the author most recently of the End of Greatness: Why America Can’t Have (and Doesn’t Want ) Another Great President.

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Now that the dust seems to be settling on the American election, Alan and Mike invited Dr. Shany Mor to give them some perspective. Why are Israelis so focused on USA politics? What do changing administrations really mean for Israel and the Middle East? Join us for this enlightening discussion!

Shany Mor at the Israel Democracy Institute

Shany Mor at Tablet

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Alan and Mike wanted to know how Palestinians view the normalization of ties with the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan. They invited friend and colleague Firas Amad to share his thoughts. Firas is from East Jerusalem, and is a tour guide, educator and entrepreneur. We've invited him as a guest speaker to many of our students over the years. His opinions are his own, and they are informed and thought provoking. To understand any issue, it's crucial to hear out all sides and perspectives. That includes, maybe especially, perspectives that are very different from your own. From a Palestinian perspective, the new accords are largely irrelevant, and that becomes clear during the conversation. Join us for this engaging discussion!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Calev Ben-Dor joins Alan and Mike to talk about his recent observations in Fathom. Is Israel an "I" culture or a "we" culture? How does that impact the fight against Corona? What is generating the weekly protests around the country? Is there a path out of the cynicism and distrust for institutions and leadership? Join us!

Calev's article in Fathom

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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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!

We last spoke to Nathan Jeffay, The Times of Israel's health and science correspondent, in July. He joins Alan and Mike for an update. What are the human and societal implications of over 2,000 deaths and rising? What can we to to protect ourselves and Israel's future? Join us!

Nathan Jeffay at Times of Israel

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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It a complicated Middle Eastern story, so we turned once again to retired Colonel Miri Eisen. What is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict about? How is Israel involved? What are the implications for the region? Join us!

Miri Eisin Website

Map

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict - History and Maps

Example of Youtube footage

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Alan, Mike and Sharon take a deep dive into Enlightenment philosophy to unpack why politics have become so dysfunctional. We think you'll enjoy coming along the ride for the ride. How do we debate permitting protests over Yom Kippur prayers in a productive way? How does modern philosophy help that discourse? Does post-modern philosophy help or hinder resolution of social dilemmas? What are facts? Its an unusual episode for our podcast, but a great look into a conversation in the Israel Teachers Lounge. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Sure it's great news. But why are the U.A.E. and Bahrain normalising relations with Israel now? What message are they sending to Israel when the mention the Palestinians? How does all of this play out in the culture and politics of the region? How will the imminent U.S. elections affect the Middle East? The always insightful Haviv Rettig Gur explains his perspective to Alan and Mike. Join us!

Haviv at Times of Israel

Haviv at Mosaic

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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It's a strange moment to move back to Israel, which is exactly what new team member Sharon Wagner-Zauder did. She joined Alan and Mike to discuss the current Corona outbreak. How did we end up with 4,000 new cases a day? What does this say about Israeli society? What does it say about the current government? How do we manage our emotional equilibrium in an age of disfunction? (spoiler alert: it's rough) Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Why doesn't the Israeli government have a budget yet? Why are Corona virus cases on the rise? Why are there anti-government protests every week? Did the first two questions answer the third one? Can we find reasons for optimism? Rajel Leghziel joins Alan and Mike to get them up to date and reflect on the disfunction. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Politics in Israel are confusing enough. Things get more complicated when you bring in other countries and their policies. Should expats in Israel vote in foreign elections? How should pro-Israel voters outside of Israel cast their votes? How should we talk to each other about our opinions when we disagree? Join Alan, Mike and Matt for a candid discussion.

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Alan and Mike asked Colonel (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS) to explain Israel's new relationship with the United Arab Emirates. What makes this deal so groundbreaking? What does it mean for Israel diplomatically and economically? How does it reflect and affect the various allegiances in the region? What role did the US play in this achievement? What might unforeseen consequences be? Could there be a downside? You won't want to miss this one! Join us!

Colonel (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Hours before the announcement of a peace treaty with the UAE, Alan and Mike met with Miri Eisen to explain the situation in Lebanon and what it means for Israel. Why did the explosion happen? What does it tell us about the Lebanese government? What may the future bring and is there any reason for optimism? Confused by the whole situation? For clarity and understanding, join us!

Miri Eisen's Website

Miri Eisin served in the Israeli intelligence community and retired at the rank of full colonel in 2004. Over her twenty year career in the military she served in diverse positions in the field, combat units and research departments. Miri served as the Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson from the second Lebanon war until the end of 2007. She now teaches at IDC Herzliya, and works extensively with the media, student groups and diplomats. Miri is a fellow at the Center for International Communication at Bar Ilan University and an associate at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism.

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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What is life like for Jews on today's college campuses? What should Jewish educators know about young Jews in North America? What are the challenges and what are some solutions for keeping Jews connected to their people? Former director of Jewish Life and Israel Engagement at Rutgers Hillel in New Jersey, Liel Zahavi-Asa, joins Alan and Mike to share her thoughts and insights. Join us!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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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!

Alan and Mike met with Nathan Jeffay, the Times of Israel health reporter, to explain Israel's fight against the pandemic. What role does government policy have in the rise in Covid19 cases? What advances have Israeli researchers made in fighting the disease? How has Israeli society changed in these strange times? Join us!

Nathan Jeffay on Facebook

Times of Israel byline

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Zionism's founders wanted to change Jewish character and culture. In 2019, the data is in, and we can now see that they succeeded. (although not necessarily in the ways they intended)  In this important episode, Alan and Mike interview Shmuel Rosner.

Shmuel Rosner's Webpage with many relevant links

This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Do Biblical borders relate to modern conversations about Israel? How should religion and politics relate? Was Peter Beinart's one state solution argument relevant in any way? Join Alan and Mike in the Teachers Lounge.

Neil Rogchevsky piece

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Ben Katz joined Alan and Mike to talk about his work for Shoval, educating Israeli teachers and professionals about LGBTQ+ issues in the Orthodox community. How does one open a dialogue with Orthodox institutions? How have things changed over the last decade? What impact has his work had? Join us!

Shoval on Wikipedia

Shoval Website

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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July 1st has arrived, and Israel's annexation plan remains as opaque as ever. Has entering July changed the story? What is the argument for and against annexation at this time? How do Israeli security analysts understand the region? Two educators, (Alan & Mike) invited a journalist (friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur) to explain where we are, why we're here, and where we might be going. Join us!

Note: the opinions expressed in this episode do not represent Makom or the Jewish Agency.

Haviv Retting Gur at the Times of Israel

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Alan, Mike and Matt analyse the Israeli-Palestinian conflict using the security vs. justice paradigm. How to the Israelis see their history as a story of independence and security? How do the Palestinians see their history as a story of injustice? Can there be a process that resolves those narratives into a peaceful solution? Join us!

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

It is still not clear what form July's annexation will take, if it happens at all. We discussed many of the relevant questions with Calev Ben-Dor in episode 176. In this episode, Alan, Mike and Matt lay out Benjy's theory of The Three Lenses for viewing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Then, they role play an improvised conversation about annexation from each of the three perspectives. Alan represents social justice, Matt takes on the geopolitical perspective, and Mike plays the fundamentalist. Join us for a lively and clarifying episode.

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Suzanne Singer joins Alan and Mike to discuss Israel's forgotten war. They invited her after her recent Times of Israel blog post. Why did the IDF control southern Lebanon for 18 years? Why did they leave? Why was this long war so forgotten? How are the veterans trying to reclaim their honor? How does the legacy of Suzanne's son Alex, who died in combat in Lebanon, still inspire the Singer family and countless others? Join us!

Suzanne's Blog post

The Alex Singer Project

Alex Singer Book

Pumpkin Flowers by Matti Friedman

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

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Often, “interesting times” leave most people feeling helpless and depressed. The modern Zionist movement was born of such difficult times. Pogroms, World Wars, ideological ferment are just a few of the elements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that ultimately fueled the creative building of a new historical plateau for the Jewish nation. Zionism is a form of activism and is as relevant today as ever.

In this episode, Alan and Mike try to break down how Zionism built growth out of chaos. These are the seven steps to change the world, and keep your own sense of balance and optimism. Join us!

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

Makom Website

Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

The Palestinian Authority has begun the process of ending security coordination with the Israel Defence Forces. How does that coordination work? What are the consequences of ending it? Why is annexation of West Bank territory such a pressing political issue now? What will happen next? Alan and Mike invited Calev Ben-Dor to explain it all and put it all in context. Join us!

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

Makom Website

Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

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!

The good news is, no fourth round of elections. Rajel joins Alan and Mike to hash out why our new government has more ministries than any other. How did the political leaders from various sides frame this new team? Why are there so many new and/or changed ministries? How does this compare to previous governments? What’s our personal vote for silliest ministry? Join us!

Analysis by friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

Makom Website

Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Well, the swearing in of the new government is delayed till Sunday. Here's hoping it will work out. Hours before the delay was announced Alan, Mike and Matt Zoomed to discuss the last minute twists and turns. Will we have a fully mandated government after 18 months of disfunction? Will the priority of a global pandemic force the politicians to get to work? Are there still reasons to be positive and optimistic? Join us!

Latest update as of posting

Analysis by friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

Makom Website

Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.

Due to a technical problem on our part the original release of this episode was missing some audio. This release is the corrected file. Our apologies.

Writer and activist Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll joined Alan and Mike to discuss how the Corona crisis has exacerbated tension with and within the Haredi community. Her constructively critical perspective is always worth a listen. Why did it take so long for Haredi neighbourhoods to practice quarantine? What steps need to be taken within the community? How can people outside the community help move things forward? You'll want to hear the important insights in this must hear episode. Join us!

Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll's website

This episode was recorded on Zoom, and then sent to the amazing Ben Wallick Studios for editing. Ben is the best!

Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman.

Makom Website

Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and review us on Apple. Recommend us to friends.