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Explore the truth behind Israel's humanitarian efforts in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict. In this episode of State of a Nation, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy engages with Shimon Freedman, the international spokesperson for COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories). Together, they uncover the challenges of delivering aid in a war zone, the complexities of humanitarian logistics, and the accusations faced by Israel on the global stage. From new aid routes to combating looting and ensuring aid isn't hijacked, this discussion separates fact from fiction about Israel's role in facilitating aid to Gaza.

Gain insights into Israel's policies, the international community's response, and the obstacles to effective humanitarian aid distribution. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most critical issues shaping the Middle East today.
Key Topics:

• Israel’s humanitarian policies in Gaza
• Challenges in delivering aid amidst conflict
• The role of COGAT and international organizations
• Addressing looting and aid misappropriation
• International allegations vs. ground realities

📢 Subscribe for more in-depth interviews and analyses on Middle East affairs!

0:00 - Coming up
0:14 - Monologue
2:03 - Welcome
4:59 - Humanitarian Policy Before October 7th
9:08 - Challenges of Delivering Aid in a War Zone
12:49 - New Aid Routes and Increased Capacity
21:02 - Dual Use Items
27:03 - Polio campaign and Proactive aid
31:53 - Why no one believes Israel
36:10 - Why Israel doesn't call out UN agencies
39:21 - How to learn more

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Researcher - Tal Segal

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🌍 A New Era in the Middle East? The Fall of Assad and the Future of Peace 🌍
In this episode of State of a Nation, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy sits down with returning guest Rawan Osman to discuss the most significant developments reshaping the Middle East today. With the shocking collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, the region faces an uncertain but pivotal crossroads. What does this mean for Syria’s future, Israel’s security, and the broader Middle East?

🎙️ Highlights of this episode:
- The dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad: What led to this sudden shift, and what does it mean for Syria and its neighbors?
- Lebanon and Syria on the brink of transformation: How shifting perceptions of Hezbollah, Iran, and the so-called “Axis of Resistance” are opening doors to dialogue and peace.
- The power of grassroots diplomacy: How Syrians and Lebanese in the diaspora are breaking down barriers, challenging old narratives, and building bridges toward coexistence with Israel.

Rawan Osman, a fearless advocate for peace and a bridge between divided communities, offers unique insights into these seismic changes. From her interactions with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to the voices of ordinary Syrians and Lebanese on social media, Rawan shares stories that illuminate the region’s potential for hope and healing.

📌 Why watch this episode?
If you’re passionate about Middle East politics, Israel’s role in the region, or the ongoing struggle for peace and stability, this episode offers a front-row seat to history in the making. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two thought leaders dissect the latest geopolitical developments and share a vision for a brighter future.

👉 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations and updates on Israel, the Middle East, and global affairs.

0:00 - Coming up
0:18 - Monologue
5:56 - Welcome
6:50 - Rawan’s meeting with President Herzog
9:22 - Reactions to the Fall of Assad
17:23 - Post-Assad Syria
40:09 - What’s Happening in Lebanon
50:21 - The Beeper Attack
1:05:49 - Rawan’s Take on the Houthis
1:09:53 - Conclusion

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Researcher - Tal Segal

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In this compelling episode of State of a Nation, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy engages in a riveting conversation with Special Forces reservist Stav Cohen. Broadcasting from our new set in Mindspace LaGuardia, Tel Aviv, Stav shares his extraordinary journey as a lawyer-in-training, NGO leader, and front-line soldier.
Discover first-hand accounts of Stav’s experiences in Gaza, from navigating Hamas’s use of human shields to the complexities of urban warfare. Learn about the critical role international public opinion plays in Israel’s military and diplomatic strategy, and the psychological toll of combat. Stav also sheds light on the humanitarian efforts of Israeli soldiers and his personal mission to counter misinformation about the IDF.
Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the moral dilemmas and challenges faced by Israeli forces as they confront an enemy entrenched within civilian spaces. Like, comment, and subscribe to stay informed on stories that challenge narratives and deepen understanding.

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Researcher - Tal Segal 

0:00 - Coming up
0:15 - Monologue
1:57 - Welcome
5:48 - 2014 war in Gaza
9:12 - Does the information war matter?
13:52 - The IDF's mission in Gaza
17:50 - Hamas fighting from civilian areas
22:17 - The rules of engagement
27:40 - Hamas human shield strategy
31:52 - Stav's injuries
33:30 - The IDF's reputation
38:14 - Finishing the job in Gaza
40:25 - The hostage crisis
43:29 - Citizen Spokesperson

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Gen Z is shown time and again to be the American generation that stands most against Israel. But there are Gen Zionist heroes among them that are standing up for Israel and pushing back against the misinformation machine every day. Eylon Levy went to the Z3 conference in Palo Alto, to talk to the students who are on the front lines of the battle for hearts and minds on campuses across the country. 

The Z3 Project is an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC. Their objective is to foster a fresh approach to Jewish engagement in the 21st century. They are dedicated to fostering a thriving Jewish future through meaningful dialogue between Diaspora Jewry and Israel. They believe in the power of Jewish Peoplehood, mutual understanding, and a shared destiny to unite Jewish communities across the globe.

Links:
Website: https://z3project.org 
Youtube: http://youtube.com/@Z3Project 

Social:
Instagram: instagram.com/z3project/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/z3project 
Twitter: twitter.com/z3_project/ 

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The Jewish world, both in Israel and globally, has encountered a surge of antisemitism. Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel's special envoy for combating antisemitism, is uniquely positioned to shed light on this pressing issue. She assumed this role just weeks before the tragic October 7 Hamas attack.

A former Knesset member with the Blue and White party, Cotler-Wunsh is an authority in international human rights law, specializing in freedom of speech, civil liberties, and multiculturalism. Before stepping into her current diplomatic position, she served as a research fellow at the Institute for Counter-Terrorism and was involved in high-profile advocacy efforts, including campaigns for the return of fallen Israeli soldiers.

In her role, Cotler-Wunsh travels extensively, engaging with global antisemitism envoys, policymakers, and Jewish leaders to advocate for robust international strategies against rising antisemitism. Guided by her personal experience and insights from her father, former Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, she underscores the intrinsic connection between Israel’s security and the well-being of Jewish communities worldwide. Deeply committed to preserving the continuity of the Jewish people, she views this moment as a pivotal opportunity to address the challenges faced by Jewish communities in an increasingly divided world.

IHRA definition of antisemitism: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Researcher - Tal Segal 

0:00 - Coming up
0:30 - Monologue
1:30 - Welcome - Attack on Irwin Cotler
4:20 - Threat of Iranian regime
7:07 - Extremism in Canada
11:50 - Israel Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism
19:35 - Oct. 7 and the failure of "never again"
21:50 - IHRA Definition of antisemitism
30:37 - Alternative definitions of antisemitism
35:00 - Hostage advocacy
42:25 - Conclusion of the war and Israeli security
45:25 - Refugees and UNRWA
50:05 - Conclusion

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How do you count the dead in Gaza? And really when we’re talking about tens of thousands killed does a miscount here or there really make such a difference? The answer is yes, when that misinformation is used to accuse the IDF of purposefully targeting civilians and committing genocide. 

Andrew Fox has led the latest report by the Henry Jackson Society, Questionable Counting: Analysing The Death Toll From The Hamas-Run Ministry Of Health In Gaza

https://henryjacksonsociety.org/publications/questionable-counting/ 

An in-depth analysis of the active misrepresentation of deaths by Hamas and how these numbers are weaponized by international organisations to make false claims against Israel on the global stage.

Andrew is an experienced combat veteran, who served in the British Army from 2005 to 2021, completing three tours in Afghanistan, including one attached to the US Army Special Forces. He served in the Parachute Regiment and the Special Forces Support Group, with additional tours in Bosnia, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland.

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Researcher - Tal Segal 

0:00 - Coming up
0:20 - Monologue
4:55 - Welcome and intro to report
7:27 - Battlefield perspective
11:02 - Drilling down into the numbers - death ratios
19:00 - False Hamas claims of 70% of deaths were women and children
27:50 - Criticism of report death total
32:20 - Hamas' past lies of combat deaths
41:58 - Importance of combat ratio metric
45:57 - How armies manage civilian deaths
50:23 - Hamas tunnel network
58:00 - What is a proportionate strike?
1:03:13 - Media's coverage of Gaza
1:08:10 - Challenging the narrative
1:10:45 - Wrap up

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The history of modern Israel is so often linked to the founding of the state in 1948. Failing to consider the pre-history of a conflict that many would argue kicked off in force with the Hebron Massacre of 1929.

Yardena Schwartz has had an esteemed career as an award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer and is now the author of Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict. A seminal look at the conflict that began what is now almost one hundred years of unending war. 

Eylon sits down with Yardena for a wide-ranging discussion on the history of this region and how the repercussions of a century-old conflict are still very much being felt today.

Buy Ghosts of a Holy War: https://www.amazon.com/product/dp/145494921X/?tag=unionsquare 


Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Editor/Director - Benny Goldman
Graphics - Thomas Girsch

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Ami Kozak is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a comedian, musician, and impressionist. Since October 8th he has been using his platform to speak up against the rise of antisemitism and anti zionism. 
Eylon sits down with Ami for a wide-ranging conversation about the need to fight hate with laughter and why the Jewish people and their allies around the world can’t stay silent on anti-semitism.
Plus get an ‘impression’ of what leaders and haters around the world would say if they came to sit in the chair with Eylon on this State of a Nation. 

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A seasoned diplomat with a wealth of experience in international relations, Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee has been the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv since January 2022, where she leads the mission in promoting Taiwan-Israel relations across a wide range of sectors, including consular services, economic and commercial affairs, and cultural exchange.  

Since October 7th, she’s been outspoken in her support and solidarity with the Israeli people as natural democratic allies against authoritarian threats. Eylon sits down with the Taiwanese representative to discuss the key to saving these two democracies in the face of existential threats.

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator and Creative Director - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman

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Since 1997, Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi has been the founder and head of the Chabad house at Harvard University, one of the largest Chabad campus operations in the United States. 

In the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Zarchi and investor Bill Ackman organized a showing of Bearing Witness, which showed scenes of extreme violence recorded during and after the incursion, on the Harvard campus. The showing was the first campus audience to view the film. 

Eylon sits down with Rabbi Zarchi to discuss the ongoing issues faced by Jews on Harvard campus, Zarchi’s criticism of Harvard's stance on antisemitism and described "an atmosphere of fear for Jewish students" while speaking in front of Harvard president Claudine Gay and that Harvard does not allow Chabad to keep a menorah displayed overnight due to fears of vandalism.

Co-Creator and Host - Eylon Levy
Co-Creator and Creative Director - Guy Ross
Executive Producer - Asher Westropp-Evans
Director - Lotem Segev
Graphics - Thomas Girsch
Editor/Assistant Director - Benny Goldman

Support the show

Stay up to date at:
X: https://twitter.com/stateofapod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/