This week's episode covers major developments shaping Israel and the region: the return of Ron Gvili's remains to Israel, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, and growing alarm over worsening conditions in Iran amid reports of 30,000 deaths tied to an attempted overthrow of its antisemitic regime. Advertising executive Donny Deutsch calls for leadership and accountability after Hamas supporters chant outside a Queens synagogue. Ben Hilton of The Israel Guys breaks down a new Israel–Greece–Cyprus coalition countering Turkey, along with unprecedented changes at the Temple Mount allowing non-Muslim religious observances. The show also presents new evidence of BBC bias, featuring an interview with British media consultant David Ross and Natasha Hausdorff of UK Lawyers for Israel Charitable Trust.

As Iran dominates global headlines, this episode looks inside the country's growing unrest against the Islamic Republic. Podcaster Barak Schwartz shares the words of an Iranian woman who criticizes activists chanting "Free Palestine" while ignoring Iran's brutal oppression. The show also features a CBN interview with Iranian-Canadian commentator Goldy Ghamari, who says heavily armed regime forces and terrorist proxy groups have murdered thousands of civilians demanding freedom.

In the U.S., the program examines an antisemitic attack in Jackson, Mississippi, where a suspect accused of burning a synagogue laughed during his confession and called it a "synagogue of Satan." Mike also highlights Israel's "Stand for Freedom, Not Terror" social media campaign and New York Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal for a 25-foot protest buffer zone around synagogues.

Finally, Mike explores both sides of the Hillsborough State Attorney's decision not to pursue hate crime charges against three suspects accused of interrupting a religious service at the University of South Florida, instead charging them with hate crimes.

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Mike and Laureen break down the major U.S. and international stories shaping the week, examining the arson attack on a 160-year-old synagogue in Mississippi, where Torah scrolls were burned, but a Holocaust Torah survived. The hosts also discuss a pro-Hamas protest held outside a Queens, New York synagogue during Shabbat and controversy surrounding an event for preschoolers in New York City co-hosted by Mamdani and Miss Rachel.

In a featured interview with John Anderson, journalist and author Douglas Murray explains why much of the Arab world shows little concern for the Palestinian cause. Ben Shapiro weighs in on why it appears the Arab world is winning the global public-relations battle. The episode also covers protests across Iran as the regime shuts down internet access and satellite connections.

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Show recorded on 1/5/26: This week's show opens with a look at NYC Mayor Mamdani's first week in office and actions taken that make it a less safe place for Jews.

Mike and Laureen examine the growing push for Christian Nationalism and its implications for Jewish communities, featuring Wall Street Journal reporter Aaron Zitner's interview with Pastor Doug Wilson of Christ Church, a leading advocate for merging church and state. The hosts also unpack why Israel has barred Doctors Without Borders from operating in Gaza, arguing the organization is not what it claims to be, with analysis drawn from a narrative by Quillette's Zoe Booth.

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A powerful clip from Beginning Within's Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein examines a revealing exchange between Penn State University's Sam Richards and his students during a lecture asserting that "Palestine did not exist 200 years ago," a claim that stunned students who view it as their ancestral homeland. Rabbi Weinstein unpacks why historical literacy matters and how emotional narratives often replace facts in today's discourse.

The program also features Australian television host Julia Hartley-Brewer in conversation with author and commentator Melanie Phillips, examining why the Gaza ceasefire continues to falter as Hamas refuses to disarm and what that means for Israel's security and regional stability.

Mike then turns to New York City, focusing on growing security concerns for Jewish residents and institutions as mayor-elect Mandami prepares to take office.

Throughout the episode, Mike underscores the urgent need for a proactive, positive campaign in support of Israel. He addresses and debunks accusations of genocide and apartheid, discusses the sharp rise in antisemitism in Australia following the Bondi Beach attack on Jews celebrating Chanukah, and raises alarms about the growing belief that the United States is a "Christian nation" and the troubling implications such thinking may hold for American Jews. In a lighter, seasonally fitting moment, he also reviews 11 classic Christmas songs written by Jewish composers.

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Recorded on December 22: Mike and Laureen reflect on the eight days of Chanukah and what it means for the Jewish community to be a light in a darkening world. From 18,000 people gathering at Brooklyn's Barclays Center to massive Chanukah solidarity events in Amsterdam and controversy in London as the city's mayor attempted to halt a vigil for the Bondi victims — the week underscored both resilience and resistance.

Amid rising threats, the FBI thwarted a New Year's Eve terror plot involving multiple bombings in the Los Angeles area, while Australian authorities intercepted seven men en route to Bondi Beach, highlighting the global scope of ongoing security concerns.

This week's guest, Benham Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warns that Iran and its threat to Israel are not getting the attention they deserve because attention is being diverted to Venezuela. The hosts also examine troubling moments of antisemitism at the Turning Point USA conference, where Ben Shapiro pushed back against the rhetoric, and unpack Tucker Carlson being named Antisemite of the Year by Stop Antisemitism — along with other notable figures and incidents making headlines.

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Recorded December 15, 2025: Mike and Laureen dedicate this episode to the violent antisemitic attack targeting Australia's Jewish community during a Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach. The show includes excerpts from Australian television coverage and firsthand witness accounts as events unfolded.

They discuss statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cited earlier warnings to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about rising antisemitism, as well as updates from Sydney's police chief, who labeled the incident terrorism and vowed accountability amid an ongoing investigation. The hosts also examine troubling security failures, noting the delayed police response despite the presence of community security.

The episode further addresses a recently foiled FBI investigation involving a pro-Palestinian group planning coordinated attacks in Southern California. Mike and Laureen close with a call for vigilance and resilience, emphasizing the enduring responsibility to bring light in the face of hatred.

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This week, Mike and Laureen remember beloved Rabbi Gary Klein (z"l) and examine Hamas' refusal to honor a disarmament agreement. They unpack George Clooney's offhand comments about Amal Clooney's involvement in drafting the Muslim Brotherhood's constitution, an organization recently designated as a terrorist group in Florida and Texas.

They cover major cultural flashpoints, including mainstream magazines boost of anti-Jewish messaging and Eurovision's rejection of an Israeli boycott that triggered the withdrawal of Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ireland.

The hosts spotlight NYC Mayor Eric Adams' executive order barring BDS from city investments and his directive to strengthen protection for houses of worship. Barack Swatt previews CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin's interview with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's threat to seek his arrest under the ICC declaration if he visits New York. And British journalist Melanie Phillips explains why she believes the West has embraced the "Palestinian lie," eroding its moral clarity and weakening its defense of democratic values.

The hosts wrap up with family-friendly animated films and binge-worthy streaming picks for Chanukah.

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Week of 12/1/25: This week on the show features an in-depth conversation with "The Economist's" Middle East reporter Gregg Carlstrom and correspondent Rosie Blau, who explain why Gaza is unlikely to be rebuilt any time soon and explore various plans for overcoming barriers. The hosts discuss JTV's Ollie Ansfeld report on reasons why some Jews supported Hitler during the 1930s in hopes of their own survival. Mike and Laureen look at the week's major headlines including an AI-generated top 10 "Best Books of 2025," that included three titles that don't exist; Hamas terrorists trapped in Gaza's tunnels who refused to lay down their arms when offered safe passage; lifetime payments to terrorists' families who die while murdering Jews; blood libel claims against Israel shifting from starvation in Gaza to accusations of causing obesity despite climbing birth rates; the Pope's historic visit to Lebanon and the Hezbollah welcome that followed; and Texas' designation of CAIR as a terrorist organization.

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Week of 11/24/25: Mike and Laureen break down the recent high-profile Oval Office meeting between NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Trump, focusing not just on what was discussed, but what was left unsaid. The episode features a compelling clip from political commentator Ken LaCorte, who explains why Palestinians continue their struggle despite overwhelming losses. The hosts discuss a conversation between CBS' Major Garrett and the Free Press' Tanner Nau and analyze Nick Fuentes' efforts to influence the Republican Party by mobilizing young right-wing voters through a new nonprofit organization with openly antisemitic and racist aims.

The week's headlines included the PLO's "pay to slay" incentivized terrorism program; a report from the Institute for Standing Against Global Antisemitism on Qatar's $20B influence campaign in U.S. universities; and President Trump's designation of certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as global terrorist organizations. In closing, Mike and Laureen condemn a disturbing incident at the University of South Florida, where Muslim students praying on a parking garage rooftop were harassed, leading to three arrests.

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