IsraelCast

In her book Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, actress, writer, and producer Noa Tishby discusses the inconvenient truths about a country that has too many disproportionate perceptions behind it. Host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Noa for a discussion on the worldwide benefit of supporting Israel, the Middle East conversations happening on college campuses, and how Zionism and Feminism go hand-in-hand.

How is the conversation about Israel on college campuses unfolding today and how is virtual learning impacting the discourse? This week, IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz invites Asaf Romirowsky, PhD, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, to expound on the complexities of the campus environment for both students and faculty, how the “cancel culture” mentality suppresses dialogue, and how to effectively teach a rich history to kids who are living on 160 characters.

Love binge-watching shows on Netflix? Then this week’s IsraelCast episode is just for you, as yes Studios’ Managing Director, Danna Stern, sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz. They discuss the secrets of television production, what makes Fauda and Shtisel international sensations, and a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming new series.

“I feel a responsibility to talk about this as much as I can.” So recounts Stephen B. Jacobs, one of the last remaining survivors of the Holocaust. Sent to Buchenwald concentration camp at the age of 5, Stephen recalls his memories hiding in the TB ward where his father worked, being reunited with his family after liberation, and how he remembers “too much” while his brother remembers nothing, having blocked out his harrowing experiences. Fast forward to the present, with Stephen helping to memorialize the heroic acts of Albanians who risked their lives to save Jews during the war, and again to the future, as he takes a prominent role in enhancing the future of the Jewish people as a judge in Jewish National Fund-USA’s Envision Tomorrow’s Israel competition for their new world-class campus in Be’er Sheva, Israel. This week’s episode of IsraelCast reminds us not just to “never forget”, but also to build on the past for future generations.

“Be proud of who you are and be strong.” These simple words from a Holocaust survivor encouraged Michael Neuman to become a professional obstacle course racer and lead a non-profit that helps children with physical challenges through a Spartan race. Tune into IsraelCast this week as Michael sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz, to discuss the reasoning behind wearing a yarmulke during an obstacle course and the “Why?” of anti-Semitism.

Our world has changed, yet, Jewish National Fund-USA has also changed the worlds of so many Israelis in many meaningful ways. The positive and inspiring stories that have come out of these difficult times have been endless. Join JNF-USA CEO, Russell Robinson, and host, Steven Shalowitz, as they discuss the superhero work of JNF-USA and its partners, and why Russell is so optimistic about the future of Israel.

For the past 73 years, children in Israel have grown up following in the footsteps of their grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends by enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). But for those with disabilities and special needs, the dream of joining the IDF was, for a long time, unattainable. Enter Special in Uniform, an organization close to the heart of Lihi Lapid, author, journalist, and special needs advocate. In this week’s episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz speaks to Lihi about how Special in Uniform deeply impacts youth with special needs by giving them a chance to join the IDF, as well as her life as a journalist and photographer.

When Riki Golan was born two months prematurely and didn't receive enough oxygen, the doctors diagnosed her with cerebral palsy and told her she would never be able to walk. Riki defied the odds and became a Major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In honor of Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM), host, Steven Shalowitz welcomes her on IsraelCast to discuss her journey through the IDF and the meaningful work of Special in Uniform, who helps integrate young Israelis with disabilities into the IDF and prepare them for life after the army.

What a week! As we conclude our IsraelCast Abraham Accord series, second-time guest Arsen Ostrovsky continues an ongoing theme of the week: that it is up to everyday people to make the relationships across the Middle East flourish. Tune in as host, Steven Shalowitz, speaks with Arsen about his role on the board of Sharaka, an organization that helps strengthen the bond between the people of the Gulf & Israel, as well as the love of coffee and food shared between the two cultures.

How do you bring peace and solidarity between countries? Easy…chess! Twenty years ago, Lior Aizenberg found Chess4All for Israelis of all ages to play chess. However, now that we live in an internet world with no “boundaries”, Aizerberg has started to host tournaments with other countries, including Iran, Syria, Iraq, Morocco, and many more. Lior joins host, Steven Shalowitz, for a conversation on the important lessons chess teaches children and the rapid growth of chess around the world.