The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Amanda Borschel-Dan, while Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman reports in from Warsaw.

We hear from Berman, who is making his way from Warsaw to the Ukraine border. He met with Polish Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich and we hear a few minutes from that interview. Please check The Times of Israel website for more updates on the Ukraine crisis.

Goren discusses an article on The Times of Israel's sister Hebrew website Zman Yisrael by Ira Tolchin. In Israel, says Goren, the Russian and Ukrainian immigrant communities are exhibiting increasing solidarity during the armed conflict.

On March 1, the two-year emergency measures surrounding the coronavirus pandemic are being partially rescinded. Jeffay explains how Israel is faring now.

And finally, we hear about a fascinating new study in which Israeli scientists say they may be able to cut the risk of heart attack by rebalancing gut bacteria — using capsules containing germs collected from excrement.

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 28

Israeli study mines donor poop for bacteria that could avert heart attacks

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IMAGE: A woman carries her child as she arrives at the Medyka border crossing after fleeing from the Ukraine, in Poland, February 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jessica Steinberg.

Berman discusses the diplomatic tightrope being walked by Israel with regard to its relations with both Ukraine and Russia. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have been conducting a good cop-bad cop routine, offering aid but concerned about Israel's need to work with the Russian military presence in neighboring Syria.

Horovitz commented about his interview with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky two years ago and his conversation Saturday night with Zelensky's former press secretary, regarding the situation in Ukraine right now, and expectations for how and when the situation will end.

Berman also spoke about his plans to head to Poland Sunday, where some Israeli diplomats from Ukraine have temporarily relocated.

Horovitz brought up Israel's recent diplomatic crisis with Poland vis a vis Holocaust restitution, and moves to end the rift given the Russian invasion into Ukraine.

Discussed articles include:

PM talks with Ukraine’s Zelensky, again refrains from condemning Russia in statement

Hundreds of Israelis flee Ukraine by land, as Lapid orders to keep embassy in Lviv

Ex-Zelensky aide to ToI: Putin wants to own Ukraine; world must do more to deter him

A plea to the free world, US and Israel: Tell Putin that Zelensky must not be harmed

A serious man: Zelensky bids to address Ukraine’s dark past, brighten its future

Israel moves to end rift with Poland amid Ukraine fighting, sends envoy to Warsaw

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MAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett poses for a picture at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, January 26, 2022; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the nation in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 24, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90; Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Diplomacy reporter Lazar Berman and Diaspora Affairs reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on this special extra episode focussed on the Ukraine crisis.

Berman explains what is happening with the thousands of Israelis left in the war-torn country and how they can still get out.

Gross tells us how listeners can help and what various Jewish organizations are doing now. He relates what he heard yesterday in conversations with Ukrainian Jews.

We speak about the nazi imagery being bantered about by both sides of the conflict. Where does this stem and why is it rearing its head now?

And finally, some 26 Ukrainian Birthrighters are stuck in Israel. The Jewish mother in all of us wants to know if they have a place for Shabbat.

Discussed articles include:

Some 500 Israelis fled Ukraine Thursday, thousands more remain – ministry

Live Blog February 25, 2022

Ukraine leader urges citizens to take up arms as Russia invades ‘like Nazi Germany’

How Putin distorts WWII, Holocaust to justify invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine tweets caricature showing Hitler giving his approval to Putin

26 young Ukrainian Jews visiting Israel stranded as Russia invades their country

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Editor David Horovitz and Palestinian Affairs reporter Aaron Boxerman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Political correspondent Tal Schneider briefs us remotely from Athens.

The watched pot that has been the mounting Ukraine crisis boiled over last night with reports of Russian soldiers invading Ukrainian borders. This is a hugely shifting story with minute-to-minute updates on the website and live blog (see below).

Horovitz discusses his most recent oped about the power struggle between Russia and the US. We hear how he sees the role of Ukraine in this and how Israelis are viewing the conflict.

Schneider reports from Athens where she is part of a convoy with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. She includes a statement made by Herzog after meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Boxerman gives background to a mini-scandal involving Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi's new posting as consul general in Shanghai, China. She's the first Arab woman to hold such high diplomat office, but is making waves for statements about the national anthem.

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 24, 2022

Putin’s derision, the failure of diplomacy, and the stark lessons for Israel

In Ukraine’s vulnerability, a reminder for Israel

Lapid to ToI: Ukraine’s plight shows why Israel must always be able to defend itself

Ukraine’s Jewish TV comedian-turned-president thrust into starring role in crisis

Herzog heads to Greece for state visit as Turkey détente brews

New consul general to Shanghai under fire for comments on anthem, Jewish state

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Image: People attend a pro-Ukraine protest rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, February 24, 2022 after Russian troops have launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Diplomacy correspondent Lazar Berman and Health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

All eyes are on Ukraine and the western nations' attempts to sanction President Vladimir Putin's Russia. Berman updates us on what is happening on the borders now. He explains how Israel continues to run through the raindrops between the needs of the country's "best friend" the United States and ally Russia. Also, are Ukraine's Jews readying for aliya and can the Jewish state accommodate them?

Berman proposes that even while the world's eyes are on Ukraine, the Iran nuclear deal talks in Vienna are directly connected -- at least in Putin's eyes. He explains the tangled web and how Israel is or is not succeeding in its drive to make a longer, better deal.

Jeffay is able to take a break from breaking COVID research and brings us a promising new biological treatment for PTSD involving oxygen therapy.

We also hear about an out-of-this-world experiment in which Israeli cancer drug Doxil has returned to Earth after a series of tests on the International Space Station (ISS). What's this about?

And finally, Berman explains how Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi's pioneering new posting as Israel’s Consul General in Shanghai, China, is a win-win situation.

Discussed articles include:

Israel’s diplomatic staff in Ukraine complete relocation from Kyiv to Lviv

World-first Israeli study shows oxygen therapy can dramatically reduce PTSD symptoms

’Astonishing recovery’: 10 months after self-immolating, IDF vet is again walking

Can zero gravity help cure cancer? Israelis sent a drug to space to find out

In first for Arab woman, Meretz MK appointed Israeli Consul General in Shanghai

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IMAGE: In this photo taken by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and provided by Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service, the International Space Station is seen from the Nauka module on August 11, 2021. (Oleg Novitsky/Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service photo via AP)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

US correspondent Jacob Magid and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Jessica Steinberg.

Rettig Gur discusses the government's surprising announcement about its plans for 2023 budget and what that says about the Knesset coalition.

Magid offers some more details about the Nancy Pelosi-led mission to Israel last week, including highlights of their meetings with politicians and members of the Palestinian Authority.

He also offers a deeper dive into the Israel's plans to expand a national park near the area of the Mount of Olives onto what is partially church-owned lands and Christian holy sites.

Magid and Rettig Gur discuss the various parties engaged in this planned expansion, which was put on hold after Magid's story went public.

Discussed articles include:

US rep after trip: Israeli gov’t knows top threat to coalition is Jerusalem violence

In 1st, Israel advancing plan to expand national park onto E. Jerusalem church lands

Parks authority says it’s shelving Mount of Olives plan that angered church leaders

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IMAGE: View of Jerusalem's Old City seen from the mount of Olives, April 30, 2018. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Political correspondent Tal Schneider and News editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode.

It's a beautiful winter day, so we decided to start with some good news: Spiro explains the new roll-back on coronavirus travel restrictions in and out of the Holy Land.

We turn to Schneider, who explains the significance of a recent two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank of a delegation of Congressional Democrats led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Needless to say, eye brows were raised by who she decided not to meet with.

Rumors out of Vienna of a possible Iran nuclear deal have Israeli politicians at the highest levels making bold statements against. Let's also hear about quiet murmurs of acceptance.

Schneider flew with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to Bahrain last week. She describes a scene on the plane's steps that may have irrevocably lost him support from the right.

And finally, Spiro delivers the best of Team Israel from the just-finished Beijing Winter Olympics.

Discussed articles include:

Israel to open to unvaccinated tourists starting March 1

Pelosi and 7 members of Congress touch down in Israel for visit

PA’s Abbas hosts US House Speaker Pelosi for rare West Bank meeting

Bennett: Iran deal will spell more violent region, boost regime’s attacks on Israel

Gantz warns of Iranian drones, says any new nuke deal must be enforced and built on

Israel wraps up Winter Olympics without medals, but with new achievements

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IMAGE: Hailey Kops and Evgeni Krasnopolski, of Israel, compete in the pairs free skate program during the figure skating competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics, February 19, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military affairs reportER Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg.

Berman offers some updates about Ukraine following his trip last week to Kyiv, and discusses the sense of urgency in news headlines versus the continued measured response from Ukrainian diplomats.

Gross explains the IDF reaction to the Lebanese drone that entered Israeli territory on Friday, discussing the increasing use of drones and what that could mean in the future.

Berman speaks about the senior Turkish delegation that visited Israel last week to prepare for President Isaac Herzog's upcoming visit to Turkey and whether the long-strained ties can be improved.

4. Gross talks about his move into a new beat covering religion and his recent interview with the heads of umbrella Jewish organization, The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Discussed articles include:

Foreign Ministry issues fresh call for Israelis in Ukraine to leave immediately

Drone from Lebanon triggers sirens across north, evades Iron Dome

Turkish officials hold preparatory talks in Israel ahead of Herzog trip to Ankara

US Jewish leaders warn of growing antisemitism, say they helped fight Amnesty report

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: An undated photo released by the Israel Defense Forces on January 7, 2021, that allegedly shows Hezbollah members operating a drone in Lebanon. (Israel Defense Forces)

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This week, in honor of The Times of Israel's 10-year anniversary, Times Will Tell is speaking with founding editor David Horovitz.

We here at The Times of Israel want to thank all of you for giving us a chance a decade ago and so we’re peeling back the curtain for a glimpse behind the scenes.

Horovitz speaks about what it was like to launch a media platform in a crowded tough market. We talk about our five language platforms and deep dives into investigative journalism. We hear about the state of Israel generally, and finally, what gives Horovitz confidence in the future.

Image: Founding The Times of Israel editor David Horovitz in our Jerusalem office. (Amanda Borschel-Dan/ToI)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Health reporter Nathan Jeffay and New York-based news editor Luke Tress join Amanda Borschel-Dan for a packed, diverse program.

Jeffay starts us off right with some optimistic news about the waning Omicron coronavirus wave. We hear about the efficacy of vaccines on pregnant women and their babies after birth. We also learn about a new Omicron-targeted vaccine that is getting an Israeli trial.

Think you may have had COVID but aren't really sure? A new study out of Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital indicates you probably weren't infected.

We then turn to Tress and hear about the fascinating case of a proliferation of Yiddish-language New Testaments being delivered in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in New York. Who is behind this and why is it upsetting to some?

Tress then sheds light on an unusual location for a new Chabad house -- the metaverse. What exactly is going on here?

And finally, we end the program with even more medical good news. Jeffay spotlights a new spinal cord implant that has successfully been trialed at Tel Aviv University in 15 paralyzed mice, 12 of which regained mobility.

Discussed articles include:

CDC says COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy may protect babies after birth

In first test outside US, Israeli hospital to trial Omicron-specific Pfizer vaccine

Undetected COVID infections are rare, Tel Aviv hospital finds in staff survey

Seeking converts, Christian missionaries pitch Yiddish Bibles to NY ultra-Orthodox

Enter the metaverse: Chabad pioneers the first Jewish outpost in a virtual world

World 1st: Hope for paralyzed as Israeli lab spinal cords restore mice mobility

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IMAGE: The title page of the Henry Einspruch Yiddish translation of the New Testament. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)

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