You’ve heard Israel called the “start-up nation” – now hear from its “guru”. Jon Medved, CEO of OurCrowd and often known as “the startup nation’s guru”, joins IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz this week to discuss the work of OurCrowd, the importance of the Abraham Accords to the tech industry, and Jon’s large Hawaiian shirt collection.

From Zionist pioneer, Leon Pinsker, to the Father of Modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl, to the first President of Israel, Chaim Weizmann, the story of Zionism has been filled with controversy, misunderstanding, and astonishing feats. Author of Zionism: The Concise History, Alex Ryvchin sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz, to tell the story of Zionism and the impact it has on modern Jewish identity and to war and peace in the Middle East. 

Growing up as an Israeli Muslim in a Bedouin family, Ishmael “Ish” Khaldi wanted to be a farmer. After two of his close friends were killed during their police service, Ish made a personal commitment to serve the country of Israel. Listen to Ish as he sits down with Steven Shalowitz to discuss his upbringing, values, and career as a diplomat.

September 15, 2020 was a historic day for Israel and United Arab Emirates - signing a peace treaty normalizing their relations. This week on IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz welcomed on Lior Haiat, the Israel Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, who was part of the official delegation that visited the UAE for this momentous event. Listen to Lior speak about the visit and what this means for the future of the Middle East.

Half a century ago, a 6-year-old Roni Raab visited his grandparents, who had made Aliyah, in Israel. On Sunday, Sept. 6, 1970, he, his mother, and 4 siblings boarded a TWA flight to return home to New York. A week later, Roni and his family finally deplaned after a tense, harrowing experience on an airplane that had been hijacked by the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine). Find out how Roni made it through this dangerous time and how it impacted the rest of his life on this week’s episode of IsraelCast with host Steven Shalowitz.

Ever since he was a little kid, Yonatan Winetraub wanted to go to Mars. Find out how he went from a kid with a dream to the co-founder of SpaceIL, running a robotic mission to the moon, on this week’s episode of IsraelCast. Host Steven Shalowitz talks to Winetraub about the importance of motivating students to be interested in science and engineering, not just being a YouTube star. Hear about the time capsule of hopes and dreams, Beresheet, left on the moon - including a small Bible, letters from communities around the world, and a picture painted by his grandmother.

Courage. Gratitude. Connection. These words are bantered around often enough, but it is rare to find someone with so many stories of simple acts, making connections, and saying thank you. Tune in to this week’s episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits with Israel advocate and former diplomat Shahar Azani, who relays stories from Kenya, Israel, Yemen, and the United States – and who reminds us of the value and importance of finding commonalities with others and appreciating the simple things in life.