Evgenia Barushtray was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and now lives outside Tel Aviv. She is an artist, whose work can be found here. You can also follow Evgenia on Instagram.

Outro Song: Metzapim by Nuriel

 

Born in Israel, Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata attended Ben Gurion Medical School, where she focused on global health. Learn more about Dr. Abu Ata on her website, Facebook, and Instagram. She also hosts a podcast, My Grandmother's Blessings. Outro song: Brave Souls by Elijah Aaron.

Yocheved Kim Ruttenberg is a 23-year-old woman who sprang into action after the war broke out, raising thousands of dollars in donations. She came to Israel in late October and has been coordinating volunteer trips through the Sword of Iron volunteer Facebook group, which now has over 30,000 members. Outro song: Pashut Hashir by Anat Malamud

 

Chana Boteach is the CEO of the Kosher Company and lives in Israel. The company has a store in Jerusalem or can be accessed online at www.kosher..

Chana believes that sexuality has become impersonalized and devalued, resulting in loneliness, failure to connect and sexual boredom. She hopes to bring the erotic secrets of Judaism to a universal, 21st century audience and reclaim the true power of sexual intimacy. 

Outro song: women, life, freedom by Shifra Jacobs.

Supernova survivor Shye Klein moved from rural Canada to Israel in 2023 after he developed a deep connection to the land and its people. You can find Shye through his website. Outro song: Sparks by Bizarre Contact and Bubble.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast, What Came After. 

What Came After is hosted by Manya Marcus, an American psychotherapist who will interview public figures and private citizens about the heartbreaking events of October 7th and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war. We will bring you moving, inspiring stories you won't hear anywhere else, shedding light on perspectives that are often overlooked. Season 1 coming Aug. 18.

After October 7th, Arye started a Facebook group called Jerusalem Helping Others, which focuses on volunteering for soldiers and evacuees centered in and around Jerusalem. He participates in such activities weekly, knowing from firsthand experience what is required during wartime. You can also follow his activities (and twice-a-year sales) on the Instagram page Jerusalem_Books_and _Comics. Outro music: "Nafshi" by Yonina, cover by Noah Bar-Shain and Meir Kreitman

Racheli Konstantyn is an American-Israeli singer, actor and performer located in Ramat Gan, Israel. Trained at the Ono School of Music in Kiryat Ono, Racheli has a passion for storytelling and a dream of performing on Broadway. You can follow Racheli on Instagram.

 

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Alfonsina Y El Mar" by Mercedes Sosa, performed by Racheli Konstantyn  Listen to the original on Spotify or Apple Music  Listen to Racheli's performance on Instagram or Facebook 

 

 

Aleeza is the creator, writer, and lead actor of HOT’s scripted comedy-drama Chanshi, produced by Kastina Productions. Brooklyn-born and raised, Chanowitz moved to Israel in 2011 and attended the Sam Spiegel Film School in Jerusalem.

Chanowitz is currently developing her second series with Kastina, Big Crater (featured in the Sam Spiegel Series Lab), as well as a limited series adaptation of Zeruya Shalev’s best-selling Love Life for HOT.

She lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and gorgeous daughter.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: ⁠⁠"Leviatan" by Orian Shukrun and Ohad Darshan  Listen on Spotify or Apple Music

Debra Neal, a current resident of Jerusalem, has 15 years of experience in the hair care industry. Debra is originally from Bakersfield, California, where she trained as a hairstylist after the recession in 2008. In 2014, Debra moved to Israel to continue her career. She has provided hair care to soldiers during the current war and continues to bring beauty and smiles to everyone around her. For more info about Debra or to book an appointment, check out her Instagram: @hair.stories_with.deb.

Michael Starr is the Diaspora affairs correspondent for The Jerusalem Post, covering global Jewish affairs, antisemitism, and radical anti-Israel activities. Previously, Starr was the correspondent for legal affairs and police affairs. Starr is a veteran of the October 7 war and earned a BA in government and diplomacy and an MA in security studies at Reichman University.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Abba" by Elijah Aaron Listen on Spotify or Apple Music

Mazal Tazazo, an Ethiopian Israeli woman who volunteers with at-risk youth, was forced to run once the terrorists infiltrated the Nova festival on October 7, 2023. One of the terrorists hit her in the head with his rifle, then dragged her across an open field. As she regained consciousness, she felt them tying her up with rope, straightening her legs and coming closer to her. As they reached toward her face, she played dead by holding her breath. They left her for dead in the field. By playing dead, she managed to survive.

 

Remo Alhuziyel, a Bedouin police officer, was one of the first responders to arrive at the scene of the Nova festival. Remo was supposed to start his shift in security for the festival in Re'im at 6:30 a.m., but he was early for his shift and immediately got caught up in the fighting with Hamas terrorists. He rescued hundreds of people who were at the festival. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Caught in a Flame" by NURIEL Listen on ⁠Spotify ⁠or ⁠Apple Podcasts

Yisrael Tsadok is an educator, both by profession and at heart. Formerly an Israeli shaliach at the Chicago Jewish Day School, Yisrael is now the Director of Education for Kibbutz Nir Am. Yisrael is proud to be the husband of Tammy and the father of their five amazing children.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Ein Li Eretz Acheret" by Yonina

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

Joe Wolfson is the co-director and rabbi of JLIC TLV - a community of young olim in Tel Aviv working in partnership with local synagogues and organisations. From 2015 to 2022, he served as the JLIC Rabbi at NYU in downtown Manhattan. He is passionate about building welcoming Jewish communities in urban environments that are deeply connected to their surroundings. In 2020, he was recognized as one of The Jewish Week’s 36 under 36 for his Covid relief work.

 

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Modeh Ani" by Elijah Aaron

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

A note about our music as we wrap up Season 1 and prepare for Season 2.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

On October 7th, defying his commander's orders, Nimrod Palmach traveled south towards the border, where he faced and eliminated over 30 Hamas terrorists. Preventing the terrorists from entering Kibbutz Alumim as well as Kibbutz Be'eri, he saved hundreds of Jewish lives. Hailed a "hero" by many international news outlets, including Fox News USA, ABC News UK, CBN News, Sky News Australia, and the Jerusalem Post, Nimrod has rejoined as a reservist in the IDF during the current Gaza/Israel war. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Hallel Gradwohl and Maya Zanger-Nadis

Outro Music: "Noshem" by Elnatan

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

Talya Tomer is an Israeli social entrepreneur in community-based placemaking. As the spouse of a IDF reservist and mother of three ages 2, 6, 8, her personal experiences since October 7th have deeply influenced her recent projects. In response to the ongoing war, Tomer has been supporting children affected by the war. She authored and spearheaded the publication and distribution of two children’s books, designed for the kids of reservists and those displaced from their homes. Aimed at providing understanding and comfort in a reality where the adults around don’t always have the words, these books have been printed and distributed to 30,000 families, thanks to a combination of donations and community efforts. They can be purchased in Israel via this website. Tomer is a graduate of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Hallel Gradwohl and Maya Zanger-Nadis

Outro Music: "Lose It" by Elnatan

Listen on ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠Apple Music

Since 1982, Jeff Seidel has introduced thousands of Jewish college students to their first Shabbat experience as well as offered free tours and classes through his Jewish Student Centers at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba, and IDC in Herzliya. He has lived in Jerusalem’s Old City for over thirty years and connected tens of thousands to the Land of Israel. He has also authored “The Jewish Traveler’s Resource Guide,” which lists Shabbat placement programs around the world.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Valley (Jack Shorr Remix)" by NURIEL Listen on ⁠Spotify ⁠or ⁠Apple Music

Yoni Collins is an award-winning Israeli-Canadian filmmaker and activist. After serving as a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, he studied film in both Canada and Israel.

He works as a filmmaker and videographer in the film, music, and commercial industries. His filmmaking largely deals with war, Judaism, antisemitism, and PTSD. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Yoni has been volunteering, filming, and documenting the October 7 massacre and its aftermath, the war itself, and the legal and political campaigns for the hostages in service to his people and country.

 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Makom Bli De'aga" by Elnatan

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

 

 

Sarit Gradwohl is a writer, lecturer and social worker. She holds bachelor's degrees in film & television, majoring in screenwriting (2004), and social work (2007), from Tel Aviv University, as well as a master's degree in social work (2024) from Haifa University. Her first book “Sapari Tama Temima” was published by Pardes Publishing House (2014), and its English translation “Hamama” was published on Amazon (2019). Her second book, “All About Sophie” funded by the Rabinovitch Foundation, and published as part of the Pere series by Tal-May Publishing (2023). Sarit also published many short stories in various journals, including “Sagol-Tchelet” (2022), “Be’er” (2023) and “Lekol-Haruhot” (2024) and many others. After ten years in Skokie, Illinois, Sarit returned to her hometown of Pardes Hanna, where she works in the social services department of the Community and Welfare, and where she coordinates the “Boys’ Circle” program for the town’s youth. When not busy with social work, writing, or parenting, Sarit lectures on the history and culture of Yemenite Jews, including the history of the Yemenite, Balkan and Mizarahi Children's Affair. Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "HaPachad Roked" by Anat Malamud

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

Greg Kunin is a multilingual comedian with performances in English, Russian, and Hebrew. Born in the Soviet Union, raised in Israel, and having navigated the corporate world in America, Greg brings a sharp and unique perspective on global events and everyday life. In addition to his comedy career, he teaches public speaking and draws from his background as a former entrepreneur. A dedicated family man, Greg has been married for 15 years and is the proud father of two children. _______________________________________________________________________

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Everything’s OK" by Elijah Aaron

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

Chani Turk made Aliyah in 2004 from Chicago to Modiin. She is a wife ,  mother and nurse  midwife. Chani got her midwifery degree from Tel Hashomer and has been in the delivery room there for close to five years.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Am Yisrael Chai" by Malkie Levine

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music

Rami Zelikovich, born in January 1959, has been the head of the Eldar Barnir Foundation since 2010. A tennis coach for the past 40 years, he spent 19 years in the United States, primarily as a tennis professional. In addition to his work in tennis, Rami has studied music, graphic design, and interactive media—disciplines he continues to practice daily. Through the foundation, he established a youth tennis circuit, runs a tennis club in Tel Aviv, and founded a coexistence program in Abu Ghosh. Following the events of October 7, 2023, the foundation, in partnership with the J17 vegan restaurant, supported an initiative that provided thousands of vegan meals to soldiers.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "VaOmar Lach Lo Od" by Rami Zelikovich

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠

 

Dov Sabo, who was raised in Israel and has lived in the Netherlands for over 25 years, discusses his decision to move from Israel to the Netherlands following his service in the IDF. Coming from a religious background, Dov reflects on how life in the Netherlands initially felt more “relaxed”—until October 7th, when he was jolted awake to a reality his Auschwitz-survivor grandmother had known: that the native Dutch people he had considered friends, were not.

Dov speaks about raising his daughters in the Netherlands, why his grandmother believed Holland was a safe and acceptable place for her grandson to build his adult life, and how the October 7th attacks led him to offer “psychological first aid” to Kibbutz survivors who fled to Eilat.

Hear more about why Dov was in Egypt when the October 7th attacks began, and why Dov's response to the pogrom in Amsterdam on November 8th led many in Israel to believe that this real estate mogul might be a Lyft driver in Amsterdam.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Yesh Mehuma" by Tzlil Dayan

Listen on ⁠Spotify or ⁠Apple Music

Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Rabbi Ari Koretzky (known on campus as “Rabbi K”) made his way to College Park via stops Israel, Ner Israel Rabbinical College and Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Masters in Creative Nonfiction Writing. Ari brings his passion for Judaism, podcasting (check out “Jews You Should Know“ and "Iyun"!), jetskiing, racquetball, music and more, to his work as Executive Director. Ari lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife Malka, and their four children – Meir, Rena, Shalom and Ahuva.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Elokai" by Tani Polansky

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠or ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠

Matthew Schultz is an author and rabbinical student living between Boston and Tel Aviv with his partner Yoav. He is the author of Torat Ha'Aretz, Torah of the Land, a weekly look at the Torah portion through the lens of the Jewish relationship to the land of Israel and the idea of exile. 

Torah Ha'Aretz: https://matthewschultz.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_a_schultz/  

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Kavanot" by Anat Malamud

Listen on ⁠Spotify or ⁠Apple Music

Sara Dahan is a community builder and mental health enthusiast with a mission to foster belonging, bring difficult topics out of the shadows, and ask big questions. Sara studied neuroscience at MIT with a special interest in developmental cognitive science followed by a degree in epidemiology from NYU focusing on the health of communities. She spent 10 years as a community strategist in Brooklyn where she specialized in nurturing vulnerability and destigmatizing taboo subjects via intimate events and community structural design. Sara recently immigrated to Israel during the Israel-Hamas war to investigate the role of community in building resilience and healing PTSD.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "I'll Show Everyone" by Tzlil Dayan

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠

Season 2 has just wrapped, and we’re gearing up for an incredible Season 3. If you're interested in getting bonus content via email, you can sign up on our website, www.whatcameafter.com. Don’t forget to check out any episodes you may have missed in our first two seasons, and be sure to follow and subscribe to What Came After wherever you get your podcasts. Season 3 is coming soon and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Nicole Jansezian lives in Jerusalem where she reports on the complicated yet beautiful aspects of this city as well as the challenges facing the people of the Holy Land. She and her husband Tony are part of the Armenian Christian community of Jerusalem and are raising their three children in a crossroads of languages, cultures and religions.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Open Our Hearts/Pote'ach et Yadecha" by Minna Bromberg

Listen on ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠

Rafael Aronov is 30 years old and originally from Arad. He now lives in Be'er Sheva and is happily married to Lior. He is the son of two Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union. Coming from an athletic family, Rafael, and his brother and sister are all martial artists. He is also a special forces police officer and takes pride in serving his country.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Yalla" by Elnatan

Listen on ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠

Dr. Hemi Rotenberg is an assistant professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. He also happens to be an IDF reservist (used to be less demanding in past years), and since Oct 7th, he has served 8 months in total during three rounds of service. He lives in Kiryat Tiv’on with his wife, four children, and a dog, which he mistakenly brought home a week before the last round of duty.

 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Morning Light" by Elijah Aaron

Listen on ⁠Spotify ⁠or ⁠Apple Music⁠

 

Roxana Ostrovsky was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, and has been living in Tel Aviv for the past 20 years. She balances a full-time career in consulting with raising two children in the White City.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Beautiful Day" by NURIEL

Listen on Spotify or Apple Music

 

Céline Bardet is an international lawyer who has worked in over 50 countries, specializing in war crimes, international justice, post-conflict security, and the prosecution of sexual violence in conflict. She is the founder of We Are NOT Weapons of War (WWoW), a nonprofit organization that develops innovative legal strategies to combat the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war.

In this episode, recorded in Paris in February 2025, we speak with Céline about the resistance she faced within her own community of legal advocates when she began working with survivors of the sexual violence committed during the October 7th attacks. She shares why she ensures that funding for her work in Israel comes from a diverse range of donors—both within and beyond the Jewish community—and how Jewish burial customs have complicated forensic investigations into these crimes. Céline also reflects on the disturbing reactions she has encountered from fellow members of the international feminist legal community, some of whom have suggested that, in the case of Israeli victims, “there must be a reason.”

Join us for this urgent and deeply important conversation.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics including war, sexual violence, and crimes against humanity.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Im Haya Makom" by Anat Malamud

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠

 

In this episode, we travel to Rome to speak with Luca Spizzichino and David Fiorentini. Luca is the current president of the Italian Union of Jewish Students and Young Professionals (UGEI) and a freelance journalist. David, a recent medical school graduate, is UGEI’s former president and its current Policy Officer.

Luca discusses the growing challenges of combating antisemitism online and how Holocaust education has become even more central to Italian Jewish advocacy since October 7th. He also shares his efforts to defend university students whose studies were disrupted by anti-Israel protests, and reflects on his own grandparents' survival of the Holocaust without ever leaving Italy.

David talks about the difficulty of presenting Israel—a Middle Eastern country—to Western audiences. As one of just 40 Jews remaining in the Tuscan city of Siena, he reflects on the dual nature of aliyah: how moving to Israel energizes many Italian Jews, while also complicating efforts to preserve the diverse and historic Jewish culture unique to each Italian region.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Kama Tov" by Shlomo Lipman

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠

Earlier this year, What Came After traveled to Brussels for a sobering conversation with Rihards Kols, Latvia’s Member of the European Parliament. Recorded inside one of the European Parliament’s media studios, this interview confronts a chilling possibility: that the world may be repeating the darkest chapters of the 20th century.

Kols offers an unflinching look at how his own country has confronted Russian aggression, and how the invasion of Ukraine by a nuclear-armed autocracy has emboldened others—China, North Korea, and Iran among them. He draws a direct line from Russia’s war in Ukraine to Iran’s support of Hamas’s attack on Israel—both sovereign nations under siege.

As the world grapples with rising authoritarianism, Kols warns of the West’s dangerous complacency. He challenges the belief that dialogue alone can deter autocratic threats and criticizes the hesitation of democratic nations to provide meaningful support to those on the front lines—especially Ukraine and, more recently, Israel.

Recorded in January 2025, several months before the outbreak of the Israel-Iran war, this conversation now resonates with eerie urgency. Kols’s words offer one glimpse of hope: history will warn us, rather than repeating itself, if we are willing to listen. 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "All We See" by Nuriel

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we travel to Paris to speak with Anna Veronese, a rabbinical student at Maharat—the only institution offering both Orthodox ordination to women and virtual learning, creating a global community she deeply values.

We talk about Veronese's identity as a feminist, left-wing Jew who remains a committed Zionist while being selectively critical of some Israeli policies. She shares how the trauma of October 7 continues to shape her parenting, as her children form their own Jewish and Zionist identities. She also reflects on the tension between wanting to shield her children from tragedy and embracing the solidarity shown at their Jewish school with hostage families and Israeli society at large.

Veronese opens up about her complex sense of belonging—born in Italy, living in France amid rising antisemitism, and not being Israeli. She describes the pain of losing ties to the French feminist community and tells a shocking story of being cast out of a feminist march for being a Zionist. She wrestles with her belief in the importance of a vibrant Jewish future in France, even as she doubts whether the next generation can truly thrive there.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Mar'ot" by Anat Malamud

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠

 

What Came After traveled to Amsterdam in February to speak with Rabbi Akiva Camissar about his experiences working with the city’s Israeli Jewish community in the wake of two deeply traumatic events: the October 7th attacks in Israel and the violent pogrom against visiting Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam in November 2024.

Rabbi Camissar shares how the events of October 7th created a profound shift in his community. Made up largely of Israeli expats, the community became more tightly knit, with members drawing strength and solidarity from one another. That sense of unity proved crucial a year later, when anti-Israel violence erupted in Amsterdam. With no warning, the community mobilized and improvised rescue systems that helped protect and evacuate scores of Israelis who were in danger.

He speaks movingly about the importance of maintaining a vibrant Jewish presence in Amsterdam and how he believes that the future of the city’s Jewish life lies with its growing Israeli population. Rabbi Camissar also offers a powerful reflection on Simchat Torah 2023, which coincided with the attacks on October 7th. As news of the massacre emerged, he made a deliberate choice: his community would still dance. Even in the face of horror, they would continue the tradition of dancing with the Torah—an act of spiritual defiance and hope. Long before the phrase “We Will Dance Again” became a symbol of resilience after the Nova music festival massacre, Rabbi Camissar had already claimed the powerful sentiment for his community.

This episode offers a poignant look at how faith, community, and identity can become sources of strength in moments of fear and uncertainty—and how, even in the darkest times, Jewish life endures. 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "On Our Way" by Elijah Aaron

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠

What Came After traveled to Brussels this past January to sit down with Juan Caldes at the headquarters of the European Jewish Association.

Juan, the European Advocacy Coordinator, spoke with us about the alarming rise in antisemitism across Western Europe—and why he believes this trend hasn’t taken hold in Eastern Europe in the same way. He shares some of the difficult personal decisions he's made in response to the worsening security climate, including the painful choice to affix his mezuzah to the inside of his door, shielding his Jewish identity from public view.

Juan also reflects on his experience as a convert to Judaism at such a turbulent time. Born and raised in Spain as a devout Catholic, he discovered at age 18 that he had Marrano Jewish ancestry. That revelation led him on a transformative journey to Judaism, which he studied extensively while living in Israel. Now a proud European Jew, Juan speaks candidly about why—despite significant adversity—he remains committed to defending the idea that Jews are not only a vital part of Europe’s past, but also its future.

     

 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Change" by Nuriel

Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠

In this special episode, What Came After presents an audio travelogue from the team’s trip to Paris this past January. Join our summer intern, Keren Glicksman, as she interviews host Manya Marcus about the experience, and listen to on-the-ground recordings from Manya and producer Maya Zanger-Nadis as they navigate the city during a particularly challenging moment in Jewish history.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Une Petite Cantate" by Talya Eliav

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Rabbi Emile Ackermann is the co-founder, together with his wife, Rabbanit Myriam Ackermann-Sommer, of Ayeka in Paris — the first Liberal Modern Orthodox community in France. Born in Strasbourg and a graduate of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, he holds a BA in Administration Économique et Sociale. Rav Emile is also deeply engaged in French political life.

He is the author of N’oublions pas qui nous sommes (Let Us Not Forget Who We Are), in which he shares his vision of Modern Orthodoxy, reflects on his time at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, and explores his perspective on laïcité in France — a subject at the heart of many public debates. A regular guest in national media, he often defends and articulates the Jewish voice in the French public sphere.

Rav Emile is also a trainer in the fight against antisemitism, providing education for French political parties as well as Jewish youth organizations. Committed to interfaith dialogue, he frequently speaks at multicultural and multi-faith events across the country.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Pa'am" by Anat Malamud

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Marta Kubica is the Chief Executive Officer of ELNET CEE (Central and Eastern Europe), driven by a passion for strengthening ties between Europe and Israel through innovative diplomacy. After five years in the role, Marta sees ELNET as more than just an organization facilitating delegations or strategic dialogues; it is about creating a safe space for open conversation and building trust. With over 18 years of experience, including work at both the U.S. and Israeli embassies in Poland, she skillfully brings people together, applying her background in Jewish studies and political science to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding.

Marta is currently focused on developing innovative diplomatic initiatives that support resilience, civil defense, and crisis management, including aiding Ukrainian refugees—a testament to her belief in the power of human connection and collaborative problem-solving.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Goral Ehad" by Ofra Haza

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Arie Bensemhoun has been the Chief Executive Officer of Elnet France since 2011. He has made his career in the private sector as a consultant in communications, PR, and international relations, dealing with Middle Eastern and strategic affairs. He plays a crucial role in the French-Israeli relationship through his commitment at both the community and political levels. He seeks to strengthen ties between political leaders from France and Israel who believe that close relations between Europe and Israel are vital to both parties.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Nigun Ga'agu'a" by Elnatan

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Ruth Dureghello was born in Rome on July 5, 1967. She earned a law degree from the University of Rome La Sapienza and went on to pursue a career in entrepreneurial activities. Married with two children, Ruth led the “For Israel” party as its presidential candidate for the Council of the Jewish Community in Rome in 2015. She won 44.08% of the total vote and, following the Council’s recommendation, became the first woman to serve as President in the history of the Roman Jewish Community. Re-elected by a wide majority in 2019, she led the Jewish Community of Rome until June 2023.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Shir L'Shalom" by Lehakat HaNachal

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Listen to our conversation with ELNET CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) featuring:

Anna Miszewska, Deputy Director

Joanna Olszewska, Project Manager

Marta Kubica, CEO

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Old Polish Tango in Hebrew" by Olga Mieleszczuk

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Mino is a Roman entrepreneur and restaurateur with deep roots in the culinary world, shaped by his family’s experience in the industry. He manages two establishments: Casalino Osteria, a kosher restaurant, and a bakery-café, Dolce Kosher. Through his work, he combines tradition and innovation, creating welcoming spaces where people can enjoy great food and hospitality. Beyond the kitchen, Mino is passionate about curating special events and menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and Italian culinary heritage.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Voice Acting: Matt Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Osim Shuk" by Noa (Achinoam Nini)

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Welcome to What Came After. Today is October 22, 2025. While much remains uncertain in Israel, one thing is clear: the emotional recovery of an entire nation coping with collective trauma will be a long and complex process. In this episode, I speak with several remarkable people from Ripples of Healing, a therapeutic program that helps individuals process trauma through guided immersion in water. It’s a powerful, innovative and effective approach. We'll explore the therapy itself, as well as the personal journeys of several people who've been transformed by it.

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Yitzchak (Itzik) Rabinovitz

An electronic engineer and graduate of the University of Illinois, Itzik immigrated to Israel 47 years ago and has since devoted his career and life to strengthening Israel’s defense — both through his service in the IDF and his work in the defense industry.

He and his wife, Channa, are proud parents of five children and grandparents to 29. During Operation Iron Swords, four of Itzik’s sons and his son-in-law served on active reserve duty, each contributing over 400 days in defense of the nation.

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Tzviki Barkai

Age 37, husband and father of two daughters.

During his military service in Gaza (Operation Cast Lead), Tzviki was shot in the head by a sniper and critically wounded.

After undergoing treatment at Einot Bar, he experienced a profound personal transformation and chose to dedicate his life to helping others heal.

Today, Tzviki serves as the CEO of Advot Marpeh (Ripples of Healing), a nonprofit organization operating within the Einot Bar ecosystem. He leads with deep commitment to expanding care and rehabilitation for trauma survivors.

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Einat Sarfati Cohen

Founder of Einot Bar, Israel’s leading center for growth through crisis.

For the past decade, Einot Bar has been operating as an integrative healing center located in the heart of the Negev Desert, offering innovative programs that combine mind, body, and spirit.

Einat is a mother of three and the founder of the community of Giv’ot Bar, which became a model for sustainable living and regional development that transformed the Negev and the Galilee over the past twenty years.

Since October 7th, Einat has been working tirelessly in Israel and abroad to support soldiers and civilians recovering from trauma. The integrative medical model she developed at Einot Bar has been recognized as a leading approach in Israel for trauma recovery and holistic rehabilitation.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "And The Waves" by Menachem Halevi and Nuriel

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Simon Deng is a former slave from South Sudan, human rights activist, public speaker, and professional swimmer. He has lived in the United States since 1989 and has been a leader of the South Sudanese expatriate community since 1993.

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Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Jerusalem" by Elijah Aaron

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In February, What Came After sat down with the Chief Rabbi of Poland and native New Yorker, Michael Schudrich. Their conversation was recorded in Warsaw, where Rabbi Schudrich has lived and worked for the past 35 years.

Host Manya Marcus speaks with Schudrich about his personal journey to Poland, how there are many more Jews- or those with Jewish heritage- who live in Poland than anyone realized or expected when Schudrich took his post in 1990, and how Poland’s Jewish community is growing to include more Poles whose Jewish parents, grandparents and great grandparents stayed in Poland after the war and chose not to share with their own families that they were Jewish. Schudrich speaks to the process of self-discovery among these community members, as well as the need for the broader international Jewish community to recognize and support the Jewish life that has not only survived in Poland, but begun to thrive.

Schudrich talks about the Polish response to October 7th, and how, in the wake of the tragedy, more Polish Jews have come out of the woodwork and chosen to live Jewish lives.

 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Keren Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "It's Never Too Late" by Elijah Aaron

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This past September, I had the pleasure of traveling to New York City to sit down with Deena Margolies, a staff attorney at the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. The Brandeis Center—unaffiliated with Brandeis University—provides legal advocacy for individuals affected by Title VI violations, with a particular focus on those targeted for their Jewish or Zionist identity in academic settings, from elementary schools to universities, including students, faculty, and staff.

In our conversation, Deena shares what inspired her journey from entertainment law to civil rights advocacy, where she now represents victims of antisemitism. She explains the scope of Title VI, unpacks the distinction between free speech and harassment, and recounts powerful stories of college students who risked their social standing to defend themselves and their peers. Deena also reflects on why her current work keeps her every bit as busy—and fulfilled—as her earlier legal career.

Please join me for this timely conversation.

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Basheket Sheli" by Anat Malamud

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This past July, I had the privilege of sitting down with Yossi Held, Executive Director of Stand With Us Midwest. In our conversation, Yossi discussed the dual mission of Stand With Us: to educate the public about Israel and Judaism in order to counter widespread misinformation, and to provide legal support for individuals impacted by antisemitism—particularly in educational settings, from elementary schools to graduate programs.

Yossi reflects on how the small size of the Jewish community leaves it in a constant struggle to stay afloat against antisemitism—an undercurrent that has always existed but has now erupted into an undeniable force in society. He also talks about his personal journey through profound loss and resilience: navigating the aftermath of October 7th while caring for his terminally ill husband. Yossi shares how, in the midst of this storm of communal and personal adversity, his work at Stand With Us became his solace. 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor: Shira Glicksman

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Boom Boom Blossom" by Elijah Aaron

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