During the Gulf War, Israelis looked for stability amidst the fear and chaos of a constant barrage of missiles from Iraq. As an IDF spokesperson, Dr. Nachman Shai served as the calming voice that told them when it was safe to exit their bomb shelters. Now, as Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Shai looks to build bridges between Israeli Jews and Jews from all over the world. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Shai to discuss the importance of being honest with Israelis during the Gulf War, the differences between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, and the importance of reaching out to Jews everywhere to ensure their safety from old and new forms of anti-Semitism.

Dr. Nachman Shai, Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs

A podcast powered by Jewish National Fund where we'll be sharing with you stories of interesting people doing fascinating work all over Israel. #poweredbyJNF

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Among everything else, Israel’s startup sector was heavily impacted by the October 7 terrorist attacks. Between inflation and Israeli protests, the attacks and subsequent war have been another setback in a series of extreme challenges for Israel’s entrepreneurs. Yet, the spirit of Israel perseveres, and its changemakers have continued to grow and thrive in this trying landscape. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Molly Livingstone, who operates at the heart of Israel’s innovation sector, to discuss how the attacks impacted Israel’s startup industry, how Israel’s innovators have responded, and several of her favorite ventures that she is a part of.

Molly Livingstone, Alternative Thinking Consultant

Israel’s war with Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre has reverberated throughout the world, resulting in a dynamic shift in the world. From Arab Israelis to Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East, from U.S. college campuses to the United Nations, Israel’s domestic and international relations have changed forever. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down once again with former diplomat and branding expert Ido Aharoni, who untangles the web of relationships in the Middle East and greater international community, explaining both why Arab Israelis are more supportive of Israel than ever and how the United Nations has failed Israel so soon after supporting its creation.

Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israeli diplomat, writer, lecturer, and consultant

Ran Bar-Yehoshafat was set to speak at Berkeley about his experience as an IDF soldier and reservist, as well as his legal expertise as a former Knesset Legal Department member and the current deputy director of the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based, non-partisan think-tank dedicated to, among other things, promoting Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and defending its democracy. Unfortunately, the Berkeley faculty shut down his speech due to students rioting. Tune into the latest episode of IsraelCast to hear Bar-Yehoshafat discuss the Berkeley, his reaction to the October 7 massacre, and the lack of understanding in the west of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ran Bar-Yoshafat, Deputy Director of the Kohelet Policy Forum

Michael Lucas wears many hats. Rising through the adult entertainment industry to become one of the top performers and producers, Lucas is also a passionate documentarian and lifelong activist. He has also, despite growing up in the antisemitic Soviet Union, been very connected to his Jewish heritage, and has always advocated for the State of Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Lucas to discuss how he got into the entertainment business, the antisemitism he faced while trying to document Israel’s gay life, and his support for Israel in the face of potential boycotts.

Michael Lucas, Founder of Lucas Entertainment & Israel Advocate

It is more important than ever to find reliable news sources who can report the facts accurately. Since 2010, Tazpit Press Service (TPS) has been the only Israeli newswire agencies, now reaching over 10 million people worldwide and distributing over 5,000 articles per year. On this week’s episode, host Steven Shalowitz speaks once again to Amotz Eyal, Founder and CEO of TPS, this time in the agency’s Jerusalem office, to discuss TPS’ news operations, media bias from other newswires, and his memories of October 7.

Dr. Nachman Shai, Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs

Download our free app to listen on your phone