Israel ReBound

Alan asked Liz if anyone observes St. Patrick's Day in Israel and she said probably not. What about the President of Israel? Doesn't he have Irish roots? Alan brought up Matisyahu's concerts that have been canceled in cities in America how is it being played out in Israel? Liz shared that he will be coming to perform in Israel in April. Alan also mentioned that Matisyahu had a chance to connect to wounded Israeli soldiers who were on a special program in Aspen.

As for Purim, Liz mentioned a special project honoring the hostages being held in Gaza. "What are their favorite cookies?" check out Tasteslikehome.co.il

In this episode Liz updates on the Eurovision submission by Israel and also discusses why there seems to be more scrutiny on Israel no matter the event.  Liz asks Alan to share how the growth of antisemitism in America is being addressed. He shares several seminars and articles that are worth looking at.

Franklin Foer's article in The Atlantic 
Streicker Center events on Antisemitism 
The Eye of Haman

This was a comprehensive  discussion around current issues that make up the unique nature  and character of Israel. Liz also shared the current challenge of Israel's submission to the Eurovision. See the links below:

Recap on elections: Link
Outcome of the ultra-orthodox Link 
Eurovision Link

This was a dynamic conversation about the municipal elections in Israel--check out the resource below from The Jerusalem Post.  Alan shared with Liz the many articles and interviews he has been reading and listening to about how Israelis are lookin at antisemitism especially the recent interview Daniel Gordis did with Michal Cotter-Wunsh and Einat Wilf. Check them out. Liz also updated Alan on volunteering opportunities in Israel check out the resource Ruachtova.org.il.

Links to articles and sites:
The elections: https://jpost.com/israel-news/article-788422
Daniel Gordis Israel from the Inside Einat Wilf and Michal Cotler-Wunsh
Volunteering in Israel

This was a lively episode. Liz went into details about a unique underground winery, she also discussed municipal elections in Israel, Liz also updated us on the story we discussed in 2023 about a  cable car system going from the first station to the old city--Alan brought up how antisemitism is impacting Jewish and Israeli presenters for example inspirational speaker Leah Goldstein being disinvited to speak in Canada because of a "Small but vocal group of protestors" or Matisyhu's concerts being canceled. Check our Dara Horn's article The Return of the big lie

Leah Goldstein

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss the rescue of the two hostages who were taken with other members from their kibbutz on Oct. 7th. Alan shared with Liz the two commercials by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism during the Super Bowl. Liz was reporting from Moldova.

Link to the Super Bowl Commercial

Link to the rescue of the hostages

In this episode Liz breaks down more of the issues with UNRWA, Alan introduces the city of Chicago's controversial ceasefire resolution and he shares his experience at the Rancho Mirage Writers festival's session with Bret Stephens, Bari Weiss and Emma Blankstein on Fighting Antisemitism.

The Jerusalem Post opinion piece on UNRWA that Liz mentioned: 

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival 

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss the initial, preliminary ruling by the ICJ and that one of the 2 dissenting  judges, Judge Julia Sebutinde from Uganda was being criticized by the Uganda government for her decision.

Alan brought up UNRWA and what is their ultimate goal as it doesn't seem to want to settle the Palestinians but to prolong their existence until....check out an article written by Dr. Einat Wilf from 2013 UNRWA: an obstacle to peace? 

Thank you for listening 

After a week off Liz and Alan discuss the mood in Israel after surpassing the 100 day mark. Also what will the ICJ ruling mean for Israel and a shift from dried fruit and nuts to fresh fruit for Tu B'shvat. 

In this episode Alan asks Liz how the country is approaching the 100 day mark of the hostages being held in captivity and the IDF at war with Hamas. Liz asks Alan about the increase of Antisemitism in America and how that is impacting the support for Israel.