Don Futterman, Allison Kaplan Sommer, and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Check out the extra segment.

It’s Finally Nice & Legal! Israel is a Jewish State!

Israel passes its long embattled “Nation-State” law, declaring that this is definitely, but definitely, a Jewish state. It probably won’t mean much in practice, but it is one helluva symbolic statement. Question is, though, just what is it stating?

Rigged

Two of Israel’s leading environmental NGOs to break ranks with protesting activists, and support the plans of the government and huge energy corporations to build a gas rig just ten kilometers from shore. They say they’re doing what’s best for the environment, but shouldn’t environmental NGOs do what is best for the activists they represent? At the end of the day, who do NGOs answer to?

The Promised Proscenium, or, A Light Unto Netflix

“Start-Up Nation” is soooo 2008. With hits on Broadway, on the silver screen, and on Netflix, Israel of 2018 is a “Stage & Screen Nation.” How the hell did that happen?

Extra Segment: Birthright Israel, Birthright West Bank?

For our primo Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss the newest trend on Birthright tours, demonstrably getting off the tourbus near the end of the trip, and FB live-ing yourself as you go visit Palestinians in the occupied territories. We admire the young folks when they take a stand, but why does this protest feel, well, a little entitled and sour?

Music

Yagel Haroush & Shir Yedidot Ensemble

• Yedidi Ro’i
• Yafah ve-Tamah
• Yedid Nefesh
• Shaar Petach Dodi