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IsraelCast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Jewish National Fund
A podcast where we'll be sharing with you stories of interesting people doing fascinating work all over Israel.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago1h 5m
Extremism, Propaganda, and the Fight Against Antisemitism
On this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Catherine Perez-Shakdam for a candid conversation on extremism, antisemitism, and the forces shaping the Middle East and the West. Drawing from her firsthand experiences, Catherine discusses the influence of Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Qatar, as well as the role propaganda can play in shaping attitudes toward Israel and the Jewish people. She also reflects on October 7, the rise of antisemitism, and why knowing our history and strengthening Jewish identity are so important for the next generation. A powerful conversation about confronting hatred, understanding the world around us, and standing proudly in who we are.
- 1 weeks ago1h 30m
The American Jewish Divide: Politics, Religion, Israel, and Identity
On this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz and Professor Roberta Rosenthal Kwall explore the growing polarization within American Jewry and the political, religious, and ideological divides shaping the Jewish community today. From debates over Israel, Zionism, and antisemitism to the impact of labels and ideological "teams," Professor Kwall examines what is driving Jews further apart and how respectful disagreement can help bridge those divides. Together, they discuss finding common ground, strengthening connections across denominations, and fostering a greater sense of shared Jewish peoplehood.
- Aug 19, 202644 min
Zero to 100: Inside Israel's Elite Unit 669
In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Captain (Res.) Bar Reuven for an inside look at Unit 669, the Israeli Air Force's elite combat search and rescue unit. Bar reveals what it takes to earn a place in one of the IDF's most selective units, where thousands compete for only a handful of spots and training prepares soldiers for everything from battlefield evacuations to underwater, cliff, and aerial rescues. Bar reflects on the unprecedented demands placed on Unit 669 following October 7, its role in evacuating wounded soldiers and assisting rescued hostages, and the split-second, life-or-death decisions its members carry with them long after a mission ends.
- Aug 6, 20261h 9m
Ira Kohler: The Story Behind Once a Paratrooper
What compels a young man from Long Island to leave behind the comforts of home and enlist in the Israel Defense Forces as a Lone Soldier? In this powerful episode of IsraelCast, Ira Kohler shares the extraordinary journey that took him from studying economics at the University of Delaware to serving in the IDF's elite 890th Paratroopers Battalion after making Aliyah in 2022. When Hamas launched its devastating October 7 attack, Ira found himself thrust into some of the war's fiercest fighting, including the battle for Kibbutz Be'eri, before spending more than 100 days operating inside Gaza. He reflects on the realities of combat, the bonds forged between soldiers, the sacrifices of those who fell—including his childhood friend Omer Neutra—and the enduring sense of purpose that carried him through war. Now back in the United States, Ira has transformed his experiences into his memoir, Once a Paratrooper, and has become a sought-after public speaker, sharing an intimate and deeply personal perspective on courage, service, resilience, and the profound connection between the Jewish people and Israel.
- Jul 22, 20261h 7m
Aryeh Green on Finding Peace in the Promised Land
In this episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz sits down with author, policy advisor, and Israel advocate Aryeh Green to discuss his new book, Finding Peace in the Promised Land. Drawing on decades of experience in public diplomacy, policy, and regional engagement, Green presents a new approach to resolving the Arab Israel conflict through five transformative principles: humility, acceptance, gratitude, forgiveness, and purpose. Green explains how these ideas were inspired by his personal experiences and expanded through years of working to promote freedom, democracy, and stronger relationships across the Middle East. The conversation explores the role of education, religious leadership, media, governance, and grassroots engagement in creating the conditions for lasting peace. Green also reflects on the lessons of the Abraham Accords, the challenges that continue to shape the region, and why meaningful change requires both courageous leadership and cultural transformation.
- Jul 8, 202657 min
Changing the Narrative: Rawan Osman's Journey
In this episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz speaks with Rawan Osman about her extraordinary personal journey and the experiences that transformed her understanding of Israel, Judaism, and the Middle East. Growing up in Lebanon and Syria, Rawan was taught to view Israel and the Jewish people as enemies. She shares how an unexpected encounter with members of the Jewish community led her to question those beliefs, setting her on a path of research, self-discovery, and ultimately, conversion to Judaism. The conversation also explores the impact of October 7, the future of the Abraham Accords, the possibility of peace between Israel and its neighbors, and the challenges posed by rising extremism and misinformation. Through her unique perspective, Rawan offers a compelling look at the power of education, dialogue, and personal relationships to challenge deeply held assumptions and build a more hopeful future.
- Jun 24, 202650 min
Judge Roy Altman on History, Evidence, and the Law
In this engaging episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz sits down with Judge Roy K. Altman to discuss his new book, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law. Drawing on history, archaeology, and international law, Altman addresses some of the most common accusations leveled against Israel, including claims of colonialism, apartheid, occupation, and genocide. He also shares insights from leading educational delegations to Israel and discusses how firsthand experience can challenge widely held misconceptions. The conversation explores Jewish indigeneity, the power of historical evidence, the rise of misinformation in the post–October 7 landscape, and the importance of defending truth in an age of growing polarization. Thoughtful and timely, this episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of the narratives shaping the conversation around Israel today.
- Jun 11, 202646 min
The History They Don't Teach: Melissa Brodsky on Truth, Propaganda, and Israel
In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes independent writer and researcher Melissa Brodsky, author of The Lioness Writes on Substack. Known for her meticulous use of primary sources and documented evidence, Melissa explores the historical blind spots, propaganda networks, and modern-day narratives shaping how Israel and the Jewish people are discussed today. This episode dives into lesser-known chapters of Jewish and Israeli history, including the displacement of Jews from Arab lands, Soviet influence on Palestinian nationalism, and the selective moral outrage often directed at Israel by countries such as Ireland and Spain. They also discuss the dangers of historical ignorance, the rise of antisemitic rhetoric online and on campuses, and the importance of confronting misinformation with facts. The conversation also turns personal, as Melissa reflects on losing friends after October 7, navigating online hate, and building communities of truth-seekers and allies. From Jewish pirates in Jamaica to the enduring lessons of history, this episode is a powerful reminder that knowing the past is essential to understanding the present. Melissa Brodsky is an independent writer and researcher who has made it her mission to document what many would rather ignore. She publishes long-form investigative research and commentary on her Substack, The Lioness Writes, where she has built a readership of more than 4,600 subscribers and reaches an audience of approximately 50,000 followers on Facebook. Her work has also appeared in the Jewish News Syndicate and The Jewish Star.
About IsraelCast
A podcast where we'll be sharing with you stories of interesting people doing fascinating work all over Israel.
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IsraelCast covers topics including Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Judaism. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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