The Israel Conversation

Who should be hired to do the labor in Israel?

Evidence has been uncovered that Arab laborers from the Gaza strip provided Hamas with intel on the Israeli towns where they worked. In the wake of this shocking news, Israelis are debating who to hire for many basic jobs. How should we balance insecurity with inclusivity? Should Israeli Arabs return to work in Israeli Jewish businesses? What about West Bank Arabs? Should Israel return to an old Zionist idea, “Avoda Ivrit” - “Jewish Labor”?

Mike hosts this episode’s debate, where Liel takes the position that Israelis should take this opportunity to reexamine the Avoda Ivrit principle, and Alan argues that it isn’t, and never was, a good idea. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Should Israel Fight Hezbollah?

While most of our attention is on the war in Gaza, there has been constant combat on our northern border. Will the battle with Hezbollah heat up to a full scale war? Should it? While war is always horrible, should Israel extend the conflict and eliminate Hezbollah as it has pledged to do to Hamas? 

Benji hosts this episode’s debate, where Calev takes the position that Israel should resist preemptive attacks, and Mike argues that Israel must do just that. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

What will happen after the war?

When the dust settles, what will Gaza look like? What would be success for Israelis? What could make a better future for Gazans? While the war is far from over, the question is already relevant. 

Many are speaking about this issue in Israel and around the world. While we aren’t privy to the discussions behind the scenes where people in power are working the plans out, we can still try to figure out what the possibilities are. This is a difficult debate. All of the possibilities seem difficult and problematic. So which of the options are the best, or perhaps the least bad?

Liel hosts this episode’s debate, where Matt takes the position that Israel must retain control, and Mike argues for handing it over to foreign powers. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

What will winning the war look like?

This episode was recorded before the deal to recover hostages was announced. 

Has Israel set realistic goals in its war with Hamas? What would victory look like? Is it possible to eliminate Hamas as an organization? As an idea? Can the hostages be rescued? Can Israel win the public relations battle? Should it? 

Join us as we dissect these complex events, aiming to provide insight and understanding. Our goal is to help listeners process these challenging moments, fostering resilience and guiding us towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we navigate the intricacies of history, seeking a deeper comprehension of the path ahead. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

How did we get here?

In this gripping podcast episode, Calev, Alan, and Matt delve into the intricate factors that led to the October 7 massacre. Was it a result of tactical errors, intelligence failures, or misinterpretations of Hamas' intentions? Or does the root cause trace back to Israel's strategic decision to disengage from Gaza in 2005? 

Join us as we dissect these complex events, aiming to provide insight and understanding. Our goal is to help listeners process these challenging moments, fostering resilience and guiding us towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we navigate the intricacies of history, seeking a deeper comprehension of the path ahead. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Special: Israel at War - Episode 3

Crisis on Campus

In this third special current event episode, Calev, Liel and Mike, discuss what is happening outside of Israel in college campuses during Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. How should students understand the anti-Israel protests? What should they do? 

We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special: Israel at War - Episode 2

What happens next? 

In this second of two special current event episodes, Mike, Alan, Mordechai and Jordana discuss what may come next in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Special Israel at War - Episode 1

Where are we now? 

In this first of two special current event episodes, Calev, Liel and Matt discuss where we are on day 4 of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Are there boundaries to Jewish caricatures?

 We didn’t even know that Ben was recording. But he was! 

He recorded our discussion of a political cartoon. (you can look at it on this link) It made Matt particularly uncomfortable and we debate its appropriateness. 

The issue was that the government was defunding existing programs to transfer more money to Haredi causes and institutions. And so the cartoon showed Orthodox Jews running away with bags of money. 

Isn’t that an antisemitic trope? But even if so, how else can an Israeli political cartoonist show Haredi party leaders taking money away from other parties? 

It’s an interesting but niche topic. So while we didn’t record a full episode about it, we’re releasing it as a bonus while we prepare to record the next batch. Enjoy and Shana Tova!

Here is a link to the Guardian cartoon that Calev mentions. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

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Should Israel Do More to Support Ukraine?

Israel faces a complex dilemma when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. On one hand, Israel maintains strong historical ties with Russia, particularly regarding the Russian-speaking Jewish community. Russia has also been a key player in regional stability, particularly in Syria, where Israel has concerns about Iranian influence. Israel has generally tried to maintain a delicate balancing act between the United States and Russia, its two major allies, to safeguard its security interests.

On the other hand, Israel has historically supported the principle of territorial integrity and the right to self-determination, which are central issues in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Israel itself has faced challenges related to territorial disputes and self-determination, making it sensitive to these issues. Furthermore, Israel's relationship with the United States, which is a strong supporter of Ukraine in this conflict, can put pressure on Israel to take a clear stance against Russia.

Ultimately, Israel's dilemma in supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is a complex interplay of historical, geopolitical, and security factors. Israel must carefully weigh its interests in maintaining its relationships with both the United States and Russia, while also considering its commitment to principles like territorial integrity and self-determination. Balancing these competing factors will continue to present challenges for Israel in navigating its stance on this conflict.

Matt hosts this debate between Calev that Israel has struck the right balance, and Mike who argues that we should be doing more to support Ukraine.

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

Masa Website

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.