The Israel Conversation

Nation State Law

Israel's Nation-State Law, also known as the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People, was passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in July 2018. The law enshrines Israel as a Jewish state and makes Hebrew the country's official language, while downgrading Arabic from an official language to one with "special status."

The debate over the Nation-State Law has been largely divided along political and ideological lines. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to strengthen Israel's Jewish identity and protect its cultural and religious heritage. They argue that it is a symbolic law that does not infringe on the rights of non-Jewish citizens and that it simply reinforces the fact that Israel was created as a Jewish homeland.

Opponents of the law argue that it undermines the democratic nature of the state and discriminates against Israel's Arab minority, which makes up about 20% of the population. They argue that the law sends a message that non-Jewish citizens are second-class and that it could be used to justify discriminatory policies and practices against Arab citizens in the future. They also criticize the law for failing to mention the principle of equality and for ignoring the rights of other minority groups in Israel.

The debate over the Nation-State Law has also spilled over into the international arena, with some countries and organizations condemning the law as discriminatory and racist. The law has been a source of controversy both within Israel and abroad, with supporters and opponents alike continuing to voice their opinions on its merits and flaws.

Calev moderated this debate between Matt who supports the law, and MIke who argues that it must be at least changed. 

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!

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

Is Israeli Democracy in Existential Danger?

Once again, we turned to Chat GPT and asked a simple question. “Does the current judicial reform crisis mean that Israeli democracy is coming to an end?”

Here’s the essential parts of it's answer: 

As an AI language model, I strive to remain impartial and avoid making predictions about political developments. However, I can provide some background information on the ongoing judicial reform crisis in Israel and its potential implications for Israeli democracy.

In recent years, there has been ongoing debate and controversy in Israel over attempts to reform the country's judiciary. Some critics of the judiciary argue that it is overly activist and unaccountable, and that it wields too much power over the other branches of government. They have called for various reforms, including limiting the power of the Supreme Court and allowing the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) to overrule the court's decisions.

However, many defenders of the judiciary argue that it is a crucial safeguard of democracy and the rule of law in Israel. They worry that attempts to limit its power could undermine these fundamental principles and lead to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.

At present, it is difficult to say whether the current judicial reform crisis in Israel is a sign that Israeli democracy is coming to an end. Israel has a long history of robust political debate and contestation, and it is likely that the country will continue to grapple with these issues for some time to come. However, it is important for all actors in Israeli politics to respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and to ensure that any reforms are undertaken in a transparent and accountable manner.

Well, I don’t know if we’re actors in Israeli politics, but as educators, we decided to debate the issue. Is this the end of Israeli Democracy, or just a growing pain on the way to better days?

Liel moderated this debate between Matt who fears the end is near, and MIke who argues that this too shall pass. 

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!

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Here are a few more quotations to consider:

Do we wish for an Exceptional or Normal state?

What do we hope for when we consider the Jewish State? Let’s consider our National Anthem:

“As long as deep in the heart,

The soul of a Jew yearns,

And forward to the East

To Zion, an eye looks

Our hope will not be lost,

The hope of two thousand years,

To be a free nation in our land,

The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Is that hope to become a free nation like all others, or to become an exceptional lofty nation? I suppose it depends who you ask. 

Ben-Gurion is often quoted as having said, “When Israel has prostitutes and thieves, we’ll be a state just like any other.” There is no question that a goal of Modern Political Zionism was to achieve for the Jews no more than any other nation deserves, but surely no less. 

But for many, the Jewish State is obligated to become exceptional. It isn’t a new idea. It's literally Biblical.  It goes at least as far back as Isaiah 42:6, who prophesied, "I the LORD have called unto you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and submitted you as the people's covenant, as a light unto the nations". 

Should the modern State of Israel be held to a Biblical standard, or is it enough to be free in our land like everyone else? 

Calev moderated this debate between Mike who stood up for exceptionalism and Matt who defends normalcy. 

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!

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Here are a few more quotations to consider:



Ben-Gurion - “Two basic aspirations underlie all our work in this country: to be like all other nations, and to be different from all the nations. These two aspirations are apparently contradictory, but in fact they are complementary and interdependent. We want to be a free people, independent and equal in rights in the family of nations, and we aspire to be different from all other nations in our spiritual elevation and in the character of our model society, founded on freedom, cooperation, and fraternity with all Jews and the whole human race …”

Herzl - ““I once called Zionism an infinite ideal, and I truly believe that even after we possess our land, the Land of Israel, Zionism will not cease to be an ideal. For Zionism as I understand it includes not only the yearning for a plot of promised land legally acquired for our weary people, but also the aspiration to reach moral and spiritual perfection.”

Should the IDF end the draft?

Polling over the last few years shows growing support among Israelis for a professional, rather than a conscripted army. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has had a mandatory conscription policy since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. All Israeli citizens, with few exceptions, are required to serve in the IDF for a period of 2-3 years for men, and 2 years for women, after reaching the age of 18. So why, in recent years, has there been a growing debate over whether Tzahal should continue its draft policy?

One argument is that the current system is unfair and discriminatory. Some argue that certain groups, such as ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab Israelis, are exempt from the draft or are not required to serve for the full term, creating a sense of inequality and resentment. Others argue that the draft unfairly targets certain groups, such as low-income families, who may not have the same resources to support their children through their military service.

Another argument against the draft is that it is not necessary for national security. Some argue that Israel's military capabilities are sufficient to defend the country without mandatory conscription. They argue that a professional army, made up of volunteers, would be more effective and efficient than a conscripted army.

Defenders of the status quo argue that it is still necessary for national security. Israel faces significant security threats, including ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries and the threat of terrorism. Supporters of the draft argue that mandatory conscription ensures that the country has a strong and capable military that can protect itself.

Another defense of keeping the draft is that it promotes social cohesion and national unity. Military service is seen as a rite of passage for many Israelis, and serving in the IDF is considered a way to contribute to the country and demonstrate patriotism. Some argue that the draft fosters a sense of shared sacrifice and national identity, which is essential for the cohesion of Israeli society.

So what should Israel do? In this episode, Amy defends the draft, while Calev argues against it. And the whole shebang is moderated by Mike. 

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!

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Is there still a chance for a two-state solution?

For the last nine decades, whenever outsiders looked at the conflict between Jews and Arabs between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean Sea, they have come up with the same idea. Since both people have claims to the land, it will need to be split. 

A two-state solution refers to the idea of establishing two independent states for Israelis and Palestinians, respectively, living side by side within recognized borders. This usually means creating an independent Palestinian state in the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, alongside the State of Israel. The two states would have their own governments, laws, and security forces, and would coexist peacefully and diplomatically, recognizing each other's sovereignty and right to exist.

Of course, no such thing has ever existed. The specific details of how such a solution would be implemented remain subject to ongoing debate and disagreement between the two sides and the international community. We can imagine it, and choose to work for or against it. But for the foreseeable future, it isn’t in the cards.

It was first proposed in 1937 by the British Peel Commission This was rejected by the Arab Higher Committee. In 1947, The United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, was once again rejected by the Arabs.

Since then many maps and plans have been proposed. From Oslo and the Clinton administration, to Trump’s “Deal of the Century”, refinements and adjustments have been made from every direction. And yet, no progress.

In fact, the growing Jewish population has made many despair of the possibility for such a plan’s success. The issue isn’t just the quantity of Jewish West Bank dwellers.The Jewish population is spread in small enclaves dotted throughout the territory. This makes actual separation seem impossible to many. 

Is it worth debating the possibility of a Two-State Solution? If there is to be peace between Israelis and Palestinians, do we need to look for other models? Or is this still the basic approach we should maintain?

Mike moderates the debate between Matt, who argues that it's still possible, and Calev, who maintains that it is not. Join us! 

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!

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Are Jews Indigenous to Israel?

There are still some things you can Google, but now we also have Chat GPT.

When we looked on google to define indigenous peoplehood, it said it means “inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists.”

Does this concept apply to Jews in Israel?

There are two ways to address this question. One is simply to answer it. The other is to question its relevance. It feels like it's important and relevant to the Zionist cause, but is it really? Does it actually matter? 

Well, we wondered what chat GPT had to say about this question’s relevance. Here’s some of what it answered: 

“The debate over Jewish indigeneity to the land of Israel has significant implications for politics, society, and culture in the region and beyond. Some possible implications of this debate include:

Political Conflict: The question of Jewish indigeneity is closely tied to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The idea that Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel has been used to justify Israeli claims to the territory and to support the establishment of a Jewish state, while some Palestinians dispute the Jewish claim to indigeneity and argue that they are the true indigenous population of the region. The debate over indigeneity therefore remains a contentious issue that has contributed to political conflict and tensions in the region.

Cultural Identity: The idea of Jewish indigeneity is central to the identity and self-image of many Jews around the world. It has been used to create a sense of historical continuity and to connect Jews to their cultural and religious roots. The debate over Jewish indigeneity therefore has implications for how Jews understand and define their own cultural identity...

Overall, the debate over Jewish indigeneity is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues in the Middle East and beyond.”

With all due respect to the friendly artificial intelligence at OpenAI, we decided to debate the issue ourselves, even though we are only good, old fashioned humans. Calev moderates this week’s episode, with Amy taking the position that it is true and relevant, and Mike questioning the premise and its use. 

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!

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

The Israeli Judicial Reform Debate

This is certainly the most divisive topic in current Israeli politics. While many thousands protest every week, supporters call those protesters anarchists. We recorded this episode before all of the plan’s specifics were announced, we certainly called the issues correctly. This debate has been ongoing for several years, but is now reaching a crisis point. 

The main issue at the center of the debate is the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches of government. Proponents of judicial reform argue that the current system gives the judiciary too much power, and that it needs to be reined in to prevent it from overstepping its bounds. They argue that the current system has resulted in a lack of accountability and has allowed the judiciary to interfere in areas that should be the purview of the legislature.

On the other hand, opponents of judicial reform argue that the judiciary is an essential check on the power of the legislature, and that limiting its power would undermine the rule of law and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. They argue that the current system has been successful in ensuring that the laws are properly enforced and that the rights of citizens are protected. Additionally, they argue that the judiciary needs to be independent and free from political pressure in order to effectively perform its role as a check on the power of the legislature.

The debate over judicial reform in Israel is not only about the balance of power between the branches of government, but also about the broader implications for Israeli democracy and the rule of law. Both sides in the debate are deeply committed to ensuring that Israel remains a strong and vibrant democracy, and that the rights of citizens are protected. However, they disagree on the best way to achieve these goals, and the debate over judicial reform will likely continue to be a contentious issue in Israeli politics for the foreseeable future.

Is this an attempt to put unelected elitists back in their place? Or is this an attempt to create an executive branch with absolute power?

The debate between Mike and Calev is hosted by Matt. Calev takes the position that the proposed reforms will severely damage Israeli Democracy, and Mike takes the position that these reforms are what Israel needs in order to lead to a more fair system.

Enjoy! And let us know what you think!

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

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

New episodes on the way!

Our new season is coming before you know it. We've reformatted in light of a different podcast landscape then when we started, back in 2016. (There are more options now for Israeli headlines in english)

As educators, we decided that working out various issues that affect Israeli life, culture and politics is our strength. We thought it would be fun to take turns debating these topics in an informal way. Issues like judicial reform, the Nation-State law and the viability of a Two State solution are coming to your feed over the next six weeks.

Let us know what you think of the new format, and please request topics for us to uncover.

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

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

There are thousands of Israelis who do not meet the definition of "Jew" by the standards of Orthodox Judaism. Imagine going to Jewish schools, serving in the IDF, and then being told that you can't marry a Jew! How should the Jewish State resolve this disturbing problem for so many of its citizens?

Rabbi Chashi Freedman is the Educational Director of Nativ, the largest conversion preparation organization in Israel. He sat down with Mike and Rena to discuss the work he does. He shared moving stories and profound insights that you won't want to miss. Whatever your opinions are on these matters, this is an episode that will stay with you for some time. Join us!

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

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Always get as much Hillel Halkin content as you possibly can. If you want to know why, listen to our current episode. Alan rejoined Mike for this one. They discussed Ahad Ha'am's arguments with Herzl, but it's really about why the history of Zionism is so relevant to us today. Normally we discuss current events, but a scholar like Hillel reminds us that we need to be informed by our past. Don't miss this one!

Hillel Halkin

His Amazon Page

Masa Website

Facebook page

Please rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.

If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.