This week, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett dissolved the one-year-old government that he formed (in his words) “l’shem shamayim,” for the sake of heaven, to affirm the unity of the people of Israel. Bennett’s opponents on the right have insisted that they, too, were acting for the sake of Heaven by affirming their deeply held truths. Join Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi and Elana Stein Hain in an episode recorded live from Jerusalem as they discuss the balance between truth and love of the Jewish people and ask: when is one required to affirm his or her truth and when is compromise necessary?

#53: The Role of Truth in Israeli Politics

Thoughtful debate elevates us all. In For Heaven’s Sake, Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain revive the Jewish art of constructive discussion on topics related to political and social trends in Israel, Israel-Diaspora relations, and the collective consciousness of being Jewish.



JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

News

News Commentary

Since mid-April, protests against the Israel-Hamas war on North American college campuses have hit a fever pitch, with some critics leveling the charge of antisemitism against the wave of demonstrations.
In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi consider how this story gets framed in the global marketplace of ideas when antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and critique of Israel, lose their distinction.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS
Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Israel at War – The Third Front

Before dawn on Sunday, April 14th, with the help of its allies, Israel staved off its first ever direct attack by Iran.
In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss this new reality for Israel and its neighbors, and what it would mean to trade blows openly with a regional superpower that has, until now, hid its aggression behind proxy militant groups.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS
Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Israel at War – Iran

Hostage negotiations remain deadlocked as their families continue to pressure Israel’s government to reach a deal, while rightwing MPs are threatening to dissolve Netanyahu’s coalition if the IDF does not move into Rafah. In this landscape of stark public discord, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi clash on their own priorities for victory in this war.
 
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS
Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Israel at War – The Victory Debate

180 days since the tragedy of October 7th, war still wages in Gaza, hostages have yet to be returned, Israel’s allies are now pushing for a ceasefire, and the accidental bombing of seven aid workers on April 1st marks the latest IDF fumble.
 
In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi take moral stock of Israel’s failures, its critics, and its unsung heroes, as this long and complex war hits the 6 month mark.
 
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS
Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Israel at War – The Six-Month War

Israelis are engaged in multiple layers of conflict, both external and internal. As the Israel-Hamas war continues into its 6th month, Israelis are simultaneously fighting a battle against their own government. This week, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Netanyahu’s leadership, and what the Israeli public can – and should – do to demand better from him.  
---- 
This episode is sponsored by Wayne Robbins. 
 
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 
 
Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

#53: The Role of Truth in Israeli Politics

Download our free app to listen on your phone