For years, Einat Wilf warned the world: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was never about borders. It wasn’t about settlements. It wasn’t about occupation. It was about one thing—the refusal to accept a Jewish state in any part of the land.

This week on For the Love of Zion, Joe and Shahaf sit down with one of Israel’s most fearless and brilliant voices to talk about everything the world got wrong—and what it will take to finally get it right.

Dr. Wilf, a former Israeli lawmaker and author of The War of Return, has spent two decades exposing how international institutions, especially UNRWA, have sustained not peace—but the illusion of peace—by funding the dream of Israel’s destruction. That dream shattered on October 7. But it didn’t start there. And it won’t end there—unless we confront it.

This is not a conversation about geopolitics. It’s about ideology. About a century-long war against Jewish self-determination. About the global campaign to cast Zionism—the Jewish people’s liberation movement—as colonialism, racism, even genocide. And about the only path to peace: killing the lie.

In this moving and deeply personal conversation, we sit down with Anna Kislanski, one of the most influential liberal Jewish leaders in Israel today, to talk about what it means to be a Reform Jew in the Jewish state—especially after the horrors of October 7.

Anna shares the story of a moment of joy and progress—16 Israeli municipalities inviting Reform communities to lead egalitarian Simchat Torah celebrations—cut short by Hamas’ brutal attacks the next morning. From there, she traces how her movement sprang into action: mourning, organizing, comforting, and rebuilding.

She speaks candidly about the trauma facing Israel’s liberal Jewish communities, from the kibbutzim of the Gaza Envelope to the displaced families of the northern Galilee. But she also tells a story of hope—of Havdalah ceremonies in Hostage Square, of Reform rabbis crisscrossing the country to hold together scattered communities, and of new bridges built between Jews and Arabs.

What happens when a nation already divided is plunged into the worst trauma in its history? How does a journalist navigate war when her own children are on the front lines?

This week, we sit down with Tal Schneider, the political and diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, to discuss the state of Israel in the wake of October 7th. A veteran reporter with a career spanning decades, Tal has covered everything from Israel’s political chaos to its foreign policy, and she brings a deeply personal perspective to the current crisis.

We talk about:

🔹 Covering war while being the mother of two IDF soldiers.

🔹 The transformation of Israeli civil society and its response to government dysfunction.

🔹 Why so many Israelis feel disconnected from their leadership—and what that means for the country’s future.

🔹 The global media’s failures in reporting the war and what Israelis actually think about Gaza.

🔹 The shifting relationship between Israel and the Diaspora—why the last 18 months have reshaped how Israelis view Jews abroad.

And we end with a call to action: What can the Diaspora really do to support Israel beyond fundraising?

A gripping, deeply human conversation about a country forever changed.

📌 Support the hostages: Hostages and Missing Families Forum

📌 Learn more: Times of Israel

What if you had a direct say in how Israel’s national institutions allocate over a billion dollars a year? What if you could vote—not in an Israeli election, but in one that shapes the Zionist future?

This week, we sit down with Herbert Block, Executive Director of the American Zionist Movement, to discuss the World Zionist Congress elections—what they are, why they matter, and how American Jews can wield real influence in Israel and the Diaspora.

We talk about the surge in engagement since October 7th, the evolving relationship between Israeli and American Jewry, and why many Jews hesitate to call themselves Zionists—even when they live, breathe, and act on its ideals.

Plus: What does a strong Zionist future look like? Is Zionism an unfinished project? And why does the American Zionist Movement insist on keeping its tent big—from the far-right to the far-left, religious to secular, Ashkenazi to Sephardi, Reform to Orthodox?

The elections are coming up. If you’re a proud Zionist (or just want to understand why this matters), this episode is for you.

📌 Learn more & vote: zionistelection.org

We sit down with Yehuda Setton, CEO of the Jewish Agency for Israel, to discuss the evolving relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, the role of the Jewish Agency in global Jewish life, and the unprecedented challenges facing Jewish communities today.

A former Shaliach (Israeli emissary) himself, Yehuda shares how his experience abroad transformed his outlook on Zionism, Jewish unity, and the importance of strengthening Jewish identity worldwide. From crisis response to fostering community resilience, this conversation is a deep dive into the urgent work of ensuring a thriving Jewish future.

✅ What the Jewish Agency actually does and how it operates in 66+ countries.

✅ How October 7th and global antisemitism are reshaping Jewish priorities.

✅ The importance of Shlichut (Israeli emissaries) in connecting Jews worldwide.

✅ Why Jewish communities must actively engage in rebuilding Israel today.

✅ The role of immersive Israel experiences in strengthening Jewish identity.

✅ How to shift perceptions of the Jewish Agency from “bureaucracy” to impact-driven innovation.

💬 “The Jewish Agency is the guardian angel of Israel and the Jewish people. Wherever there is a crisis, we are there.” – Yehuda Setton

💬 “For the first time in millennia, most of the world’s Jews will soon live in Israel. That changes everything.” – Joe Roberts

💬 “Israel needs the Jewish people today more than ever. We must show we are not alone.” – Yehuda Setton

📖 Learn about the Jewish Agency’s global impact – Read More

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On this week’s episode of For the Love of Zion, hosts Joe Roberts and Shahaf Feinkuchen sit down with David Hazony, Director and Steinhardt Senior Fellow at the Z3 Institute and editor of the powerful anthology, Young Zionist Voices: A New Generation Speaks Out.

In this in-depth conversation, David shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the global Jewish community after October 7th, 2023. Together, we explore how a new generation of Zionist leaders is stepping up, the reckoning needed within legacy institutions, and Israel’s evolving role in the Diaspora.

This is an episode filled with hope, inspiration, and a call to action for anyone passionate about the Jewish future.

✅ The stark differences between Jewish life pre- and post-October 7.

✅ How Young Zionist Voices captures the spirit of a new movement.

✅ Why institutional reckoning is essential for a stronger Jewish future.

✅ The unique challenges faced by young Zionist leaders in North America.

✅ Israel’s shifting role as a cultural and spiritual center for the Diaspora.

✅ How grassroots movements are reshaping the Jewish communal landscape.

💬 “Zionism is Judaism. The future leaders of our people are already here.” – David Hazony

💬 “If institutions don’t adapt, they’ll be replaced by those who do.” – Joe Roberts

💬 “We’ve discovered superpowers we didn’t know we had. It’s time to invest in them.” – David Hazony

📖 Young Zionist Voices: A New Generation Speaks Out – Buy on Amazon

📖 Jewish Priorities: 65 Proposals for the Future of Our People – Buy on Amazon

📰 David Hazony’s essay: The War Against the Jews – Read Here

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This week on For the Love of Zion, we sit down with Eyal Yakoby, a rising advocate against campus radicalism and antisemitism. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Eyal shares his experiences combating anti-Israel rhetoric and extremism at one of America’s most prestigious universities. From speaking before Congress to initiating legal action against his alma mater, Eyal’s story is one of courage, advocacy, and a commitment to Jewish and Zionist values.

This powerful discussion dives into the systemic issues within academia, the challenges of addressing antisemitism in higher education, and Eyal’s vision for a united and proactive Jewish community.

✅ The state of antisemitism on college campuses before and after October 7, 2023.

✅ The role of university administrations in perpetuating or addressing extremism.

✅ Insights into legal action and federal oversight of academic institutions.

✅ Eyal’s personal journey from a secular Jewish student to a vocal advocate for Zionism.

✅ How social media plays a role in the fight against misinformation and hate.

💬 “Never Again isn’t a guarantee—it’s a goal we have to achieve through action.” – Eyal Yakoby

💬 “The name Ivy League is meaningless if education is replaced by activism.” – Eyal Yakoby

💬 “Jews are the canary in the coal mine. When society turns on Jews, it turns on freedom.” – Eyal Yakoby

📖 Learn about the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism – Read Here

🎥 Register for the Tulsa screening of October Hate – Sign Up Here

📑 Read Sarah Hirshhorn’s article on the paradigm shift post-October 7 – Read Here

If you enjoyed this episode:

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This week, we sit down for a profound conversation with Dr. Casey Babb, an expert on national security, antisemitism, and Zionism. Dr. Babb, a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and an advisor to Secure Canada, shares his insights into the alarming rise of anti-Zionism, terrorism, and extremism in Canada and beyond.

Drawing from his extensive experience in academia, government, and media, Dr. Babb explores the misconceptions surrounding Zionism, the challenges facing Jewish communities in the West, and the urgent need for unity and education in combating antisemitism.

✅ The growing crisis of terrorism and anti-Zionism in Canada and its global implications.

✅ Why anti-Zionism is the most dangerous form of antisemitism today.

✅ How historical events like 9/11 shaped Dr. Babb’s perspective on extremism and Zionism.

✅ Practical steps individuals and communities can take to combat antisemitism and support Zionism.

✅ The importance of reclaiming Zionism as a source of pride and empowerment.

💬 “Anti-Zionism is the most dangerous form of Jew hatred right now. It dehumanizes and delegitimizes Jewish identity and existence.” – Dr. Casey Babb

💬 “Zionism is the greatest indigenous success story in human history. It’s time we reclaim it.” – Dr. Casey Babb

💬 “We are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are we free to desist from it.” – Joe Roberts

📑 Dr. Casey Babb’s articles on antisemitism and national security:

• “Canada’s Jihadi Crisis Should Worry America” (Newsweek) – Read Here
• “The War on Terror Is Coming Home” (The Hill) – Read Here
• 🎥 Watch the film October Hate – Register for Tulsa Screening
• 🎙️ Listen to previous episodes of For the Love of Zion – Explore Episodes

📖 Terry Glavin's seminal piece on Canadian antisemitism post 10/7 – Read Here

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On this week’s episode of For the Love of Zion, Joe Roberts and Shahaf Feinkuchen sit down with renowned Middle East analyst and educator Avi Melamed. With over 40 years of professional experience and a deep understanding of the region, Avi provides a nuanced and apolitical analysis of the seismic shifts in the Middle East following October 7, 2023.

This thought-provoking conversation covers the state of the Middle East today, the challenges of Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the importance of education in navigating these complex realities. Avi also shares insights about his work with Inside the Middle East and his upcoming visit to Tulsa.

✅ The aftermath of October 7 and the disintegration of the Axis of Resistance.

✅ The future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, including the relevance of the two-state solution.

✅ The role of Arab states and international players in shaping the region’s future.

✅ How education can combat polarization and misinformation about the Middle East.

✅ Insights into Avi’s North American tour and his mission to improve Middle East education.

💬 “To understand Israel and the conflict, you must understand the Middle East.” – Avi Malamed

💬 “Out-of-the-box thinking is the name of the game for progress in the region.” – Avi Malamed

💬 “Education is the scaffolding for constructive dialogue and understanding.” – Avi Malamed

📖 Avi Melamed’s latest book: Inside the Middle East: Making Sense of the Most Dangerous and Complicated Region on Earth – Buy on Amazon

🌐 Inside the Middle East (ITME) website and fellowship program – Learn More

📅 Register for Avi Melamed’s Tulsa Event (January 22–23) – Sign Up Here

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This episode is proudly brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, dedicated to strengthening the connection between Israel and the Diaspora.

In this week’s episode of For the Love of Zion, we sit down with Representative Esther Panitch, the only Jewish legislator in Georgia’s House of Representatives. Esther shares her powerful journey as a public servant, advocate, and proud Zionist, delving into her work fighting antisemitism and fostering connections between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel.

This candid conversation covers her recent trip to Israel post-October 7, the challenges and triumphs of passing the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism in Georgia, and her personal connection to Zionism. Esther also discusses her role as a candidate for the Jewish Future Slate in the World Zionist Congress elections and the importance of strengthening Jewish unity in turbulent times.

✅ Insights from Esther’s trip to Israel with a diverse group of legislators post-October 7.

✅ The personal and community impact of antisemitism in the U.S. and Israel.

✅ The significance of adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its real-world impact.

✅ How Esther navigates rebuilding coalitions and educating others about Zionism.

✅ The importance of the World Zionist Congress and why it matters today.

💬 “We can’t take Israel for granted. It’s on all of us to ensure its survival and thriving.” – Esther Panitch

💬 “Antisemitism today is not just old stereotypes; it’s new narratives that pervert history and target Zionism.” – Esther Panitch

💬 “Zionism is about the right to Jewish self-determination in our indigenous homeland, nothing more, nothing less.” – Esther Panitch

📖 Learn more about the IHRA definition of antisemitism – Read Here

📖 CAM report on Antisemitism post October 7th – Read Here

📅 Register to vote in the World Zionist Congress elections – Sign Up Here

🌐 More about the Jewish Future Slate and its mission – Learn More

If you enjoyed this episode:

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