Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Elana Kaminka, peace activist and bereaved mother.

On October 7, 2023, Elana's firstborn son, Lt. Yannai Kaminka, 20, a commander in the Home Front Command, was killed battling against Hamas at the Zikim IDF training base. His efforts and those of his fellow officers there saved the lives of almost 100 recruits, as charted in a recently released IDF probe into the failures on and leading up to October 7.

In a frank and open discussion about what it means to choose a path of peace after losing her first child to terrorists bent on destroying her nation, Kaminka speaks with The Times of Israel just after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down in refusing to hold a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 disasters. 

Kaminka made aliya from California as a lone soldier at age 18 and later married Eyal with whom she had four children. Prior to October 7, she was already active in groups committed to fostering empathetic, respectful and nuanced dialogue. After losing her son, she redoubled her efforts to promote engagement between Israeli Jews and Palestinians -- and to protest the Netanyahu government, which she holds accountable for her son's death.

She is an active member of Tag Meir and the Parents Circle Families Forum and speaks tirelessly about the need to counter extremism and develop empathy and compassion among all levels of Israeli society.

While advocating for a future of dignity and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike in the Land of Israel, she is also a mother of three additional children, including her son who was conscripted to a paramedics unit a mere six weeks following his older brother's death.

And so this week, we ask Elana Kaminka, what matters now.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. 

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

Tens of thousands of IDF reservists are again being called up — Berman among them — and Israel appears to be standing at a crossroads in the Gaza War.

In the first half of our program, we discuss Israel's strategy of conducting conflicts through a fighting force that is largely made up of reserve forces. Berman charts earlier wars and discusses the major takeaways from them.

We then turn to the present war and discuss its rollout, pauses, surprises (beepers, anyone?) and successes.

Berman discusses why it is imperative to end this war quickly -- for both Israelis and Palestinians.

At this liminal moment, we take a look at the past, present and future of the operations in the Gaza Strip.

Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Undated image of IDF forces in the Gaza Strip. (Israel Defense Forces)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

According to the Hamas health ministry, two IDF airstrikes early Wednesday hit the Karama School in Tuffah, a suburb of Gaza City, killing 15. Later in the day, an Israeli strike near a restaurant and market in the city killed at least 33 people, including women and children. Fabian reports on these two incidents and assesses where the IDF is currently heading in Gaza based on statements from IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir yesterday.

A Hamas commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern coastal Lebanese city of Sidon early Wednesday morning. What was Khaled Ahmad al-Ahmad responsible for?

Three Israeli soldiers were wounded in two attacks carried out by Palestinians in the northern and southern West Bank on Wednesday afternoon. Even as the fighting in Gaza is ramping up, we learn that the concentration of forces are still largely in the West Bank.

As the army is searching for manpower, it apparently has no lack of woman power. Women still cannot enlist into all fighting units, but where they can, they’re showing up in record numbers. Fabian talks about this and a new rededicated unit -- where women can serve -- aimed at fighting drones along the northern border.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Hamas-run authorities say at least 48 killed in series of IDF strikes in Gaza

Hamas, Hezbollah commanders killed in IDF strikes in Lebanon

3 soldiers wounded, 2 seriously, in West Bank attacks

Ultra-Orthodox incensed as IDF chief orders boost in community’s conscription

IDF sees continued surge in female combat recruits amid Gaza war

Revived air defense battalion to aim new weapons at drone threat in north

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Soldiers stand near an Israeli army mobile canon at a position by Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 6, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a US truce with the Houthis, Magid discusses Jerusalem's surprise over that turn of events, given the ongoing Houthi attacks on Israel, including the Sunday morning attack that hit near Ben Gurion International Airport.

Magid explores Israel's new plan for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza to prevent Hamas from diverting resources and getting the food into Gazans' hands. The plan includes working with humanitarian organizations and private US contractors and will allow some 60 trucks into Gaza daily through one border crossing. Food packages will be given directly to approved representatives of Palestinian families.

Trump is expected in the Middle East next week but isn't including a stop in Israel. Magid examines how hostage families are viewing the trip as a possible opportunity to bring the remaining hostages home. Families have also expressed concern over recent statements from the US president, as well as Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over conflicting numbers of living hostages.

Finally, Magid discusses a downgrading of US ties with the Palestinian Authority, with the elimination of the US Security Coordinator role, which helps bolster security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It's part of the broader reorganization of the State Department by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The conversation can also be viewed here:

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Trump announces US truce with Houthis, who say their strikes on Israel will continue

IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion

US hostage families see Trump’s May trip to region as chance for loved ones’ return

US plans to eliminate security post tasked with bolstering Israel-PA security ties

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Family members and representatives of the 59 remaining hostages stand in front of the Knesset on May 5, 2025, to state that the Israeli public agrees that victory cannot be achieved without returning the hostages (Courtesy Hostages Family Forum)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Horovitz discusses the Israeli Air Force missile attack on the Yemen port, in response to the Houthi missile that hit Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning, and the ongoing bafflement about how to handle the challenge presented by the Iran-backed Houthis, and one that isn't going to fade.

He discusses the mood in the country as thousands of reservists are called up again to fight in Gaza, as polls show that two-thirds of Israelis would be prepared to stop fighting to bring the remaining hostages home. Horovitz notes that the language used by the government and army are subtle with an unclear plan in Gaza and an unpredictable US administration.

Horovitz also offers a brief look at the latest regarding the cabinet decision against a state commission probing October 7, as the attorney general had suggested. He notes that there is domestic concern on the part of the public who want to be sure that a disaster of that scope will never happen again and the concern that Israel will be able to defend itself internationally with the proper scrutiny into what took place on that day.

Finally, Horovitz comments on remarks made by US Mideast envoy Steve Witfkoff at an Israel Independence Day event at the US Embassy in Washington, DC, and his clear message that Israel needs to be united despite all the pressures from the outside and inside.

IMAGE: An Israeli reservist kissing his wife and child goodbye as he leaves for reserve duty, in Jerusalem, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Late last night, Israel approved a plan to significantly broaden the military offensive against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip. The plan provides for the “conquering of Gaza” and retaining the territory. One voice was heard above all in warning, that of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who reportedly warned ministers that this could endanger the hostages held there. Fabian debriefs us on what he knows about this plan and what else is happening on the ground in Gaza.

Yesterday morning, a Houthi ballistic missile struck the Ben Gurion Airport compound. Fabian explains the initial conclusions about the failure and discusses Israel's anti-missile array, including a Patriot air-defense system that will be refurbished and sent to Ukraine.

Finally, we learn conclusions from the IDF's probe into the October 7, 2023, battles at Zikim Beach and hear that a squad of Israeli soldiers stationed near the border with the Gaza Strip abandoned civilians sheltering on the beach as Hamas terrorists invaded the coast.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Israel okays ‘conquering Gaza, holding the territories,’ as IDF chief said to warn ‘we could lose’ the hostages

IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion

UN humanitarian agency rejects new Israeli plan for Gaza aid deliveries

Netanyahu threatens Houthis, and Iran, as cabinet convenes after missile hits airport

Patriot air-defense system based in Israel to be refurbished, sent to Ukraine – NYT

Most foreign airlines halt flights to Tel Aviv after Houthi missile hits airport

In ‘massive failure,’ troops abandoned civilians at Zikim Beach on Oct. 7, IDF probe finds

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Troops operating in the Gaza Strip in an undated photo released for publication on May 4, 2025 (Israel Defense Forces)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Earlier this morning, a Houthi ballistic missile struck inside the area of Ben Gurion Airport after the Israel Defense Forces failed to intercept it. Landings and takeoffs were halted before the projectile struck. Magen David Adom says six people were physically hurt in the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport. Berman explains how the biggest blow may have been to Israel's reputation.

Two IDF soldiers -- Cpt. Noam Ravid, 23 from Sha’arei Tikva and Staff Sgt. Yaly Seror, 20, from Omer -- were killed and two were wounded in an explosion in a booby-trapped tunnel shaft in southern Gaza’s Rafah Saturday, the military announced. This terrible announcement comes after we heard last night that the military will resume mass call-ups of reserves for more intensive operations in Gaza. Berman weighs in on whether Israel is gearing up for "the" big operation in Gaza, or whether that will be on hold until after US President Donald Trump's visit to the region.

The Israel Defense Forces said its fighter jets had carried out a wave of airstrikes in Syria late Friday, less than a day after Israel attacked near the presidential palace in Damascus, amid Israeli warnings to Syria’s new Islamist rulers not to harm their country’s Druze minority following deadly sectarian clashes. Also, on Saturday, the IDF said troops were “deployed to southern Syria and prepared to prevent hostile forces from entering the area and Druze villages.” This comes as an Israeli Air Force helicopter ferried humanitarian aid to the Sweida area of southern Syria and retrieved wounded Druze. Berman gives insight into Israel's activities.

The Fire and Rescue Service said Thursday evening that firefighters had gained control of the conflagrations that had ravaged the Jerusalem hills for close to 30 hours. The announcement came hours after roads and train lines were reopened and evacuees from the area were permitted to return to their homes. Surkes describes the factors that led to this massive outbreak and why lessons definitely have yet to be learned.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Houthi missile hits grounds of Ben Gurion Airport after interception fails; 6 injured

Two IDF soldiers killed, two wounded in blast in booby-trapped Rafah tunnel

IDF calls up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of expanded Gaza offensive

IDF strikes military targets across Syria, says troops deployed to protect Druze

PM: Qatar ‘playing both sides’; Doha: He’s trying to justify crimes against civilians

Israeli chopper ferried aid to Druze in southern Syria, 70 km from border — source

Government accused of failing to take fire threat seriously despite years of warnings

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Israeli security forces at the site where a missile fired from Yemen hit an area of Ben Gurion Airport, May 4, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

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Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with the coordinator of The Times of Israel's Those We Have Lost project, Amy Spiro, for this special episode in honor of Israel's Memorial Day to Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.

We explain about the genesis of our Those We Have Lost project, and how we aim to tell the stories of individuals slain in Hamas's brutal attack on October 7, 2023. The first entry was written on October 11, 2023, when the number of the murdered was still unclear and funerals were held around the clock.

Today, with 1,100 individual entries covering almost every single person killed by Hamas, our Those We Have Lost project paints a picture of each of their lives and the ongoing ripple effects of their deaths.

Spiro speaks to the challenges she's faced -- including the mundane issue of how to write names in Latin letters -- and where she draws her information from.

The Those We Have Lost project works to ensure that despite the massive scale of the loss, no one is forgotten. On behalf of The Times of Israel, Borschel-Dan urges listeners to visit the project's home page this week and keep the fallen's memories alive.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. 

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

This week, we look at Israel's long history of hostage release negotiations and how the price per captive has become increasingly inflated over the decades.

To begin our discussion, Berman gives a brief survey of some traditional Jewish sources dealing with the subject, including the Bible, Mishna and the Rambam's writings.

We then turn to 1950s Israel and hear a survey of hostage and POW situations -- and how many prisoners Israel released to free its citizens.

Finally, we discuss the deal which released Gilad Shalit -- and saw 1,027 Palestinian security prisoners again walk free, including Hamas October 7 mastermind, Yihye Sinwar.

Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

IMAGE: Illustrative image of now-dead Hamas head Yachye Sinwar at a rally to mark the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), in Gaza City, April 15, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode on Israel's Independence Day.

Today, we will step back in time and attempt to get into prime minister David Ben-Gurion’s state of mind as the Jewish state is declared in 1948. We speak about the divided nation -- even as it was fighting for its mere survival against enemies on all fronts. 

To understand how Ben-Gurion was thinking on that fateful May 14, 1948, we turn to two newly released images of his handwritten diary, which reveal the first prime minister’s anxieties as the newly born country headed to war against invading Arab neighbors.

We then discuss how a mere few weeks after the Declaration of Independence, one of the most painful episodes in Israeli history occurred -- the Altalena Affair. Rettig Gur explains this social turning point.

Finally, Rettig Gur expounds on the current Israeli moment and compares it to the prescient anxiety felt by Ben-Gurion and the profound test of leadership he faced so soon after the founding of the state.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Cartoon illustrating Israelis' first election, January 25, 1948. (AP Photo/H. E. Munhall)

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