After October 7: A Quillette Podcast

Gil Hoffman is the Executive Director of HonestReporting, a Jerusalem-based media watchdog that monitors international news coverage for bias against Israel. He previously served as the chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post for nearly 25 years, covering 10 Israeli election campaigns and reporting from over 40 countries. A frequent lecturer on Israeli politics and media, Hoffman has appeared on CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera, and has been a guest lecturer at major universities around the world. He holds a degree in political science and journalism from Northwestern University and served as a reserve spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces.

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Pamela Paresky speaks with Israeli intellectual and former Knesset member Einat Wilf about the contradictions of Palestinian statehood, the role of UNRWA, and the enduring rejection of Jewish sovereignty.

Editor’s note: This interview was conducted on 22 September.

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In a wide-ranging conversation with Pamela Paresky, Katharine Birbalsingh—the outspoken headmistress of Michaela Community School in London—explains how discipline, shared values, and traditional teaching methods can do what modern multicultural dogma cannot: create unity and foster excellence among diverse students. From silent corridors to family-style lunches, Birbalsingh’s philosophy is unapologetically old-school—and it’s working.

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In an interview with Pamela Paresky, former Quillette editor Toby Young discusses the current threats to free expression in the UK, focusing on issues of blasphemy, censorship, and the implications of hate speech laws. Young highlights a recent case involving a Turkish political refugee, Hamit Koskun, who was prosecuted for burning a Qur'an in the UK. The case exemplifies the challenges of free speech, as it suggests the presence of "blasphemy codes." Young critiques the "two-tier justice" system and stresses that non-believers must respect religious codes to avoid prosecution. He discusses the broad definitions of speech crimes, including "non-crime hate incidents," and the impact of such records on individuals. Young shares his experience of being "cancelled" and his motivation behind founding the Free Speech Union to support those targeted by cancel culture. Additionally, he reflects on his recent appointment to the House of Lords and discusses potential legislative changes to improve free speech protections. The dialogue underscores the need for robust free speech advocacy amid Europe's evolving political dynamics.

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On 9 March, Pamela Paresky sat down with Gadi Taub in Tel Aviv to discuss the war in Gaza, the failures of Israel’s security establishment, and the ideological forces—both inside Israel and across the West—that have undermined the country’s ability to defend itself. Their wide-ranging conversation covers everything from 7 October and the erosion of Israeli deterrence to the rise of postcolonial ideology, the crisis of liberalism, and the battle for narrative power in a media-saturated world.

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On 2 March, Pamela Paresky spoke with Dr Dan Schueftan, a leading Israeli political scientist and national security expert who has advised multiple Israeli prime ministers.

They discuss Israel’s resilience after October 7, the necessity of defeating Hamas, and the shifting alliances reshaping the Middle East. Schueftan critiques the influence of ideological extremism on Western democracies and urges a return to pragmatic, civic-minded liberalism.

The conversation also touches on leadership, minority rights, immigration in Europe, and the need for meaningful—not symbolic—social progress.

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In an interview conducted by Pamela Paresky in July 2024, Israeli historian Gadi Taub discusses the precarious situation Israel faces, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in understanding the nation's conflicts. Taub argues that the ongoing struggles should not be viewed as a continuation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but as the first Israeli-Iranian war. He contends that Israel must deliver a decisive victory to deter future aggression and suggests that the Iranian-backed encirclement of Israel through proxy groups, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, poses an existential threat that needs addressing.

Taub criticizes the United States' approach, accusing it of appeasing Iran rather than supporting its traditional allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia. He suggests that this approach reflects a broader postcolonial philosophy, which he believes is misguided. Taub highlights the need for Israel to rethink its strategy, moving away from the Oslo Accords' vision of a two-state solution, which he believes is currently unviable due to the Palestinian national movement's focus on dismantling Zionism rather than building a nation-state.

Furthermore, Taub underlines the danger posed by Iran's strategic moves to surround Israel with hostile forces and stresses the importance of addressing this threat, drawing parallels with historical precedents such as Israel's victory in the 1956 Suez Crisis. He calls for bold action, suggesting Israel may need to annex parts of Gaza and dismantle the Palestinian Authority to secure its future. Ultimately, Taub warns against relying on international support, urging Israel to take responsibility for its security and future amidst evolving geopolitical threats.

Editor's note: This interview was conducted by Pamela Paresky in July 2024.

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Pamela Paresky speaks with historian Gadi Taub about the 7 October attacks, the failure of Israel’s political and military leadership, the ideology of Hamas, and why the current war marks the beginning of a wider regional conflict with Iran.

Editor's note: This interview was conducted by Pamela Paresky in July 2024.

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In an interview by Pamela Paresky, Lahav Harkov, a journalist and political analyst, discusses the Israeli parliamentary system, highlighting the challenges of forming coalitions and the voter’s role in selecting parties over individual candidates. She examines the tension between ultra-Orthodox Jews, exempt from military service, and the secular community, emphasising the need for mutual recognition in achieving peace agreements. Harkov explores the history of Israeli concessions, the complexities of settlements, and the significance of the West Bank and Jerusalem. Additionally, she addresses the interplay between religion and politics, the impact of conflicts with groups like Hamas, and the stability of the current government.

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Musician and educator Noah Shufutinsky speaks with Pamela Paresky about the trauma of October 7th, the roots of Jewish identity, and the ideological distortions taking hold on Western university campuses.

Noah Shufutinsky, known by his stage name Westside Gravy, is a multifaceted artist, rapper, and activist who has gained recognition for his unique blend of musical talent and advocacy. He is known for using his platform to address social and political issues, particularly those affecting Jewish and African-American communities.

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