Based in Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev, The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is an academic and research institute working to advance cooperation between Israel and its neighbors on pressing environmental concerns. A valued Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate, the Institute brings together Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian students to study and address common problems relating to water usage, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Tarek Abu Hamed, Executive Director of the Arava Institute, to discuss the environmental issues facing the Middle East, how the Institute is solving these issues while building community bridges, and the immediacy with which we need to address climate change.

One of the most important units of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is military intelligence. All of Israel’s military strategy is based on the information gathered by the IDF’s intelligence officers, and Israel has been saved countless times due to the mental acuity and creativity of its military intelligence. As an intelligence officer for 20 years, Miri Eisin is one of the leading experts in Israeli intelligence, security, and diplomacy. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Eisin to discuss her experiences in the military, the importance of diversity in the intelligence community, and the benefits of exposing American Jews to the reality of living in Israel.

As one of the leading experts on the Holocaust, Dr. Rafael Medoff has been an outspoken critic of western countries and their reticence to support European Jews before and during WWII. According to Medoff, at every turn where America could have supported the persecuted population, they instead callously went out of their way to find reasons not to get involved. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Medoff to discuss his thoughts on the recent Ken Burns documentary on the Holocaust, the politics behind countries not helping Jews as much as they could have, and whether FDR would have supported a Jewish state.

As Jeremy Corbyn rose to power in Britain’s Labour Party, the party grew increasingly antisemitic, isolating both Jews and those allies. Those allies include Rt. Hon Joan Ryan, a longtime member of Labour Friends of Israel who grew increasingly disillusioned at her party’s turn towards Jew hatred. When she finally left the party, she cited antisemitism as the sole reason for her resignation. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ryan to discuss how she got involved in British politics, why she is such a strong supporter of the Jewish community, and why she doesn’t regret speaking out against antisemitism despite the backlash against her.

When it comes to creating cultural understanding and tolerance, few things are more unifying than sports, which brings people of all backgrounds together for one common goal. Dubbed “the Jewish Jordan” for his religious heritage and professional basketball background, Tamir Goodman uses his basketball camp to bring diverse players from around the world to learn about basketball and more effectively communicate with each other. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Goodman to discuss his personal background, the unifying power of sports, and what Zionism means to him as an Israeli Jew.

As one of the most prominent Zionist leaders ever, as well as the founder of Jewish National Fund, Theodore Herzl’s influence has reverberated throughout modern Jewish history. And as the largest owner of Herzl memorabilia with over 5,000 items, David Matlow has made it his life’s goal to educate people on the life and legacy of Theodore Herzl. Through both his collection and his Herzl Project, Matlow helps people of all ages recognize the vast impact Herzl has had and inspires them to follow in his footsteps. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Matlow to discuss the history of Herzl and the early Zionist movement, how he came to acquire his vast collection, and how Herzl’s theater background helped him recognize the importance of projecting the correct image.

Our past is filled with countless stories about Jewish leaders who changed the course of history. There are also the stories of the Jewish People’s friends beyond the Jewish faith -- individuals who have dedicated their life’s work to supporting Jews despite not sharing their religion. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ari Mittleman, the author of Paths of the Righteous: Stories of Heroism, Humanity and Hope, which discusses non-Jewish individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty in supporting both Israel and the Jewish People. Shalowitz and Mittleman discuss some of these individuals and how happenstance often plays an important role in making a difference.

Zack Bodner is a bridge-builder. The CEO of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, Bodner has been creating dialogue and understanding between diaspora and Israeli Jews through his Z3 project. As a former AIPAC regional director who has worked on college campuses, Bodner has experience with Jews from all walks of life, and understands the important role Israel has played in Jewish history and the importance of coming together as a people despite our differences. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Bodner to discuss the three central principles of the Z3 project, the ambivalence he feels over anti-Zionist Jews, and how being Jewish means different things to different people.

Advocate Ory Slonim’s life has always revolved around Israel. From his family’s heritage in pre-state Israel to his military service to his many charity operations, Slonim has dedicated himself to helping others. He has also worked closely with POWs and MIAs, serving as a Special Consultant to seven of Israel’s Ministers of Defense on the matter and writing a bestselling book on his experiences. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Slonim to discuss his work supporting POWs and MIAs, how his Israeli roots date back to Hebron before the State of Israel was formed, his brush with terrorism, and his support for maintaining a proper work-life balance.

Switching gears away from the law, Glasgow native Eve Barlow rose to prominence as one of the leading music journalists in Britain. After amassing a large social media platform and significant following, Barlow turned her focus towards Jews and Israel, staunchly advocating against antisemitism and anti-Zionism, both in general and in the British music and political scene. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Barlow to discuss her experiences in the music journalism industry, why she felt the need to start advocating for Jews, and how she feels so much of anti-Zionist activity is performative rather than sincere.