Explore every episode of the podcast The Jewish People's Podcast

In this episode, we look back at the 1929 Hebron Massacre, when 67 Jews were brutally killed in a violent pogrom. Award-winning journalist Yardena Schwartz discusses her book Ghosts of a Holy War, which explores how the massacre ignited the Arab-Israeli conflict and continues to influence the Israel-Hamas war today.

In this episode, we explore the powerful new booklet "I Will Be With Him in Trouble," which features voices from Israel's national religious community on the hostage crisis. Created by Tzvi Zussman, whose son Ben was killed in Gaza, the booklet encapsulates the debate around whether to negotiate for the hostages' return. Zussman aims to rally support for a deal, urging the community to take a stand.

In Israel, there are those who sleep at night and those who do not. This distinction was drawn recently by a leading Israeli journalist. He was referring to the difference between those who serve in the IDF in wartime and those who do not or have no relatives in harm's way. How does Israel cope with this fault line, and what is the media's role?

In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Raphael Shore about his new book, Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Jew?, which delves into roots of Jew hatred drawing on historical facts, religious insights, and contemporary analysis.

He discusses the complexities of antisemitism, the resilience of the Jewish spirit, and the power of faith in the face of adversity.

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Irwin Cotler talks with JPPI about the 670% increase in antisemitism since October 7 and threats to his life at the hands of the regime in Iran. 

In a major blow to Russia and Iran, Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has come to an end. His father came to power in 1971 and almost  54 years later the family that had murdered hundreds of thousands of its own people is gone. 

For Israel – like most things – this is an event that carries with it opportunity and risk. Opportunity because it is a massive blow to Iran and risk because HTS, the group of rebels leading the fight in Syria, are not exactly liberal progressives. These are radical Islamists and while they might not want to immediately pick a direct fight with Israel, Israel needs to be prepared.

Rebel forces in Syria have seized control of Aleppo and are poised to expand their grip on other parts of the divided nation. What are the implications for Israel? How does this connect to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon? And what role does Iran play in this unfolding crisis?

10 Things Every Jew Should Know Before They Go to College, the essential new book by Blake Flayton and Emily Schrader, enables Jewish students to tackle antisemitism on campus while embracing their cultural and historical roots. Blake joins us today to share his journey from progressive Jew to Israel advocate, his insights on campus dynamics, and his plans for the future.

On Wednesday a ceasefire went into effect, ending - at least for now - 14 months of war with Hezbollah. Elliott Abrams, who served in three U.S. administrations, was George Bush's Deputy National Security Adviser in 2006 during the Second Lebanon War, which also ended with an international supervisory mechanism. We discuss how it might work this time, and what Trump's Iran policy is likely to be.

What is the sentiment among American Jews following the recent U.S. elections, and what are their predictions for the future of U.S.-Israel relations?

JPPl's Voice of the Jewish People Index, which conducts monthly surveys of American Jews, examines expectations from Donald Trump and reflections on Joe Biden's presidency, including his efforts to combat antisemitism.

To take part in the JPPI survey: jpanel.net/podcast

The Biden administration imposed sanctions this week against Amana, the main development company of West Bank settlements. The floodgates of sanctions from the US, the UK and the EU have been opened. What does this mean for Israel?

Donald Trump is building his foreign policy team and Israel is watching closely. What do the appointments of Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and Mike Huckabee mean for Israel and what should Benjamin Netanyahu be doing ahead of Inauguration Day?

JNF Canada recently faced an unprecedented challenge as the Canada Revenue Agency moved to revoke its charitable status, sparking public and legal debate. Lance Davis, CEO of JNF Canada, will offer insights into the reasons behind this decision, JNF Canada's response, and its broader implications for charitable organizations.

On Thursday night, an antisemitic pogrom erupted on Amsterdam's streets, a chilling echo of Kristallnacht. Micha Zweibach, an Israeli who moved to Amsterdam six years ago, talks about the insecurity Jews feel in "progressive" Europe. Dr. Dov Maimon discusses the situation's severity and urges Israel and European governments to take concrete actions to counter rising antisemitism.

Donald Trump is the 47th President of the U.S. In this episode, Shmuel Rosner and Lahav Harkov provide an in-depth analysis of the elections, exploring their impact on both domestic and international fronts, including how the results could affect U.S.-Israel relations. Tune in to understand what the election means for the future of American politics and its ripple effect across the Jewish world.

Join JPPI's Shmuel Rosner and Sara Hirschhorn on the key U.S. election 
issues with implications for Israel and Jewish communities. In this episode, we explore each candidate stances, past voting trends, and critical policy areas. We also look into how the outcome could impact U.S.-Israel relations, antisemitism in AMerica, and broader Jewish interests in the political arena.

On Monday, October 28, the Knesset overwhelmingly passed legislation to ban UNRWA from operating inside Israel. Dr. Einat Wilf, a former MK and co-author of The War of Return argues that UNRWA has long been the problem and not the solution.

Shmuel Rosner and Avi Gil discuss Israel's strategic dilemmas as it enters the second year of war, the key issues awaiting the Knesset's return today - particularly the Haredi conscription bill - and the coalition's survival prospects.

Evangelical support for Israel may be waning - particularly among the young generation. Why? What could be done to mitigate this trend, and what does it mean for next month's presidential election? JPPl's Dr. Shlomo Fischer discusses his new study: Evangelicals, Jews, and Israel.

General David Petraeus discusses the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, stressing the need for Israel to offer a clear vision for Gaza's future while ensuring security. He praises Israel's operation that destroyed Hezbollah's communication network, highlighting its advanced intelligence and logistical capabilities.

One year after the October 7 Hamas invasion of Israel, we speak with two IDF reservists Asher Guedalia and Omri Erental who were called up to defend Israel during the attack. These real-life heroes share their unique stories and perspectives, reflecting on their experiences a year later.

Rosh Hashana marks new beginnings. Amid the ongoing war, we speak with Rabbi Yitz Greenberg about his new book, The Triumph of Life, which explores the evolving relationship between God and humanity, highlighting the Jewish journey and the dawn of a new era for Judaism.

In this special episode, JPPI senior fellow and host Yaakov Katz sits down with JPPI fellow Noah Slepkov to unpack the significance of Hassan Nasrallah's assassination, along with Israel's decapitation of Hezbollah's entire military command. What does this mean for Lebanon? How can the United States use this as a moment of opportunity, and does this deal a defining blow to the Islamic Republic's proxy?

On today's episode we talk to former IDF Colonel Kobi Marom about Israel's war on two fronts. Is Israel headed toward a ceasefire with Hezbollah? What are the next steps in the war in the north and how will it impact the continued offensive against Hamas in Gaza?

In the last year there have been nearly 170 murders in Arab Israeli communities. Many believe the police are not just incompetent but are possibly being directed to take no action. Why is this happening, and what needs to change? Join us as we discuss these issues with Ofer Dagan, Co-Executive Director of Sikkuy-Aufoq.

Pagers and devices are mysteriously exploding across Lebanon, with Israel suspected. This signals a new phase in the 11-month conflict along Israel's border. What might Hezbollah do in retaliation, and does this mean we are on track for a wider regional war? Join host Yaakov Katz as he talks with JPPI VP Dr. Shuki Friedman and JPPI Senior Fellow Shmuel Rosner.

Iranian activist Elica Le Bon talks about her fight against the Islamic Republic and her advocacy for the Jewish people after the events of October 7. She discusses the backlash she's faced for speaking out against antisemitism and delves into the complex "red-green alliance"- the coalition between Western progressives and Islamists.

Dozens of IDF soldiers have been severely wounded in the war, many losing limbs. How are they coping now? In this episode, we speak with the mother of one of the most severely injured soldiers and a therapist helping them regain their physical and emotional strength.

As the new academic year begins, we delve into Columbia University's latest report on campus antisemitism. How does this surge of antisemitism manifest, and what does it mean for the fight against intolerance and hate? Join JPPI's Noah Slepkov as he discusses the report's findings and their implications for Jewish communities worldwide with JPPI Senior Fellows Prof. Gil Troy and Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn.

After the tragic murder of six Israeli hostages in Gaza last week, the country now faces the dilemma - prioritize the Philadelphi Corridor or a hostage deal. JPPI Senior Fellows, Michal Bar Asher Siegal and Shmuel Rosner join to discuss.

After the murder of six hostages in a Hamas terror tunnel in Gaza, Israel looks for a way forward. What will this mean for the war effort and can a victory still be achieved. Yaakov Katz is joined by Dr. Seth Frantzman, author of the new book "The October 7 War" to analyze the situation.

As the U.S. continues to push for a ceasefire and talks are set to resume in Cairo, we turn to Amb. Dennis Ross for his analysis of the situation. What are the prospects for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, and is the threat of an attack from Iran still a possibility?

On Thursday, residents of three Kibbutzim along the Gaza border returned to their homes after the state stopped funding their stays in hotels across the country.

In today's episode, we speak with Oriana Golan, who is back in her home in Nir Am. What is it like to return home after 10 months, and how does it feel to live in what remains a war zone?

The Middle East is at a crossroads - does Iran go ahead with its plans to attack Israel? Will the region becomes engulfed in a wider war, or will the talks in Doha succeed, a hostage deal be reached and war averted? Featuring Senior JPPI Fellows Shmuel Rosner and Avi Gil to dissect the current situation in an increasingly volatile Middle East.

Tisha b'Av is different this year. Israelis, for the first time in decades, understand that the State of Israel is not as secure as they once thought and that statehood cannot be taken for granted. Rabbi David Stav, chairman of Tzohar, explains the significance of the fast day this year through the prism of October 7.

As our minds are oscillating between the destruction of the Temple, and more recent atrocities of October 7th, Tzohar has embarked on an ambitious project to give new perspective to the ancient kinot by connecting them to the events of this year, highlighting the historic and recent Churban and offering glimmers of hope. To read more click here

As Israel braces for an Iranian attack, the Alma Research Center's Boaz Shapira walks us through what we can expect, what will be launched and from where. Also, has Israel lost the initiative as it sits waiting to be attacked?

In this episode, Prof. Michal Bar Asher Siegal explains that, despite the rights of Christians in Israel being protected—including the freedom to worship and maintain their own religious institutions—there have been tensions and several instances of discrimination, primarily related to property rights and access to holy sites.

Since the 1972 Munich Games, Israeli Olympians have been under close protection by the Israeli Security Agency, and due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Team Israel now has additional 24/7 security from France. This episode discusses the situation at the games, the role of antisemitism in the protests, and the significance of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the context of Palestinian politics.

Israel is currently engaged in a multi-faceted war that has led to significant displacement and international tension. Join JPPI senior fellow and host Yaakov Katz and Prof. Gil Troy to discuss JPPl's new guidebook aimed at helping both Jews and non-Jews understand the complex events since October 7 and what it means for the Jewish people and the world.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his fourth address to Congress yesterday. Join JPPI expert analysts as they explore the long-term implications of his statements - for U.S.-Israel relations, regional stability, potential policy shifts and diplomatic consequences. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu will deliver his fourth address before a joint session of Congress this week. In this episode of the Jewish People’s Podcast, Herb Keinon, a senior analyst at the Jerusalem Post, sits down with JPPI senior fellow Yaakov Katz to discuss Netanyahu’s aims, objectives, and the potential political benefits that could arise from his speech.

Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to the US next week as his coalition faces turmoil over a potential hostage deal that could lead to the government's collapse. Join JPPI Senior Fellow Yaakov Katz in a discussion with Walla News political correspondent Tal Shalev as they talk about Netanyahu's fate. 

As tensions escalate in the north after a deadly barrage of rockets into the Golan, we explore Hezbollah's mindset to understand Hassan Nasrallah's intentions and the conflict's potential trajectory. Join us for an insightful conversation with Matthew Levitt, Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Nine months into the war, we proudly mark our 100th episode with a comprehensive deep dive into the state of affairs in Israeli society and politics. To commemorate this milestone, JPPI President Yedidia Stern joins host and JPPI senior fellow Yaakov Katz to outline the significant challenges that lie ahead for the Israeli people and discuss how JPPI can play a crucial role in addressing and solving these issues.

With the war continuing in Gaza and a ceasefire deal now looking unlikely, we talk to former US diplomat Ambassador Dennis Ross and JPPI President Professor Yedidia Stern about Israel's options for moving forward, getting the hostages home, and ending the war with a decisive victory for Israel.