For years, Jewish National Fund-USA has been transforming Israel’s Negev and Galilee to attract new residents to the regions, by improving the quality of life, supporting tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, and so much more. On this week’s episode of IsraelCast, JNF-USA’s ever-energetic PR and Communications Manager in Israel, Yael Levontin, walks host Steven Shalowitz through JNF-USA’s vision for the land and people of Israel, from its Blueprint Negev and Go North initiatives in the Negev and Galilee to its push to redefine the conversation on what it means to be a Zionist. She also reflects on her personal experience with JNF-USA and Israel, and how she balances work and raising five children.  

Yael Levontin, Jewish National Fund-USA PR and Communications Manager in Israel

A podcast powered by Jewish National Fund where we'll be sharing with you stories of interesting people doing fascinating work all over Israel. #poweredbyJNF

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In the post-October 7 world, advocating for Israel can feel like an uphill battle. Trolls and antisemites attack pro-Israel posts on social media, and Zionists get banned merely for supporting Israel’s right to exist. Yet, the fight continues, and everyday, people are in the trenches spreading the truth about Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with actor and activist Yuval David to talk about getting deplatformed for discussing Zionism, the increased antisemitism in America and especially Hollywood, the danger of Jews who attack Israel, and practicing self-care when you feel like you can’t take a break.

Yuval David, Award-winning actor, host, director, and filmmaker and a leading Jewish LGBTQ activist

Among everything else, Israel’s startup sector was heavily impacted by the October 7 terrorist attacks. Between inflation and Israeli protests, the attacks and subsequent war have been another setback in a series of extreme challenges for Israel’s entrepreneurs. Yet, the spirit of Israel perseveres, and its changemakers have continued to grow and thrive in this trying landscape. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Molly Livingstone, who operates at the heart of Israel’s innovation sector, to discuss how the attacks impacted Israel’s startup industry, how Israel’s innovators have responded, and several of her favorite ventures that she is a part of.

Molly Livingstone, Alternative Thinking Consultant

Israel’s war with Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre has reverberated throughout the world, resulting in a dynamic shift in the world. From Arab Israelis to Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East, from U.S. college campuses to the United Nations, Israel’s domestic and international relations have changed forever. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down once again with former diplomat and branding expert Ido Aharoni, who untangles the web of relationships in the Middle East and greater international community, explaining both why Arab Israelis are more supportive of Israel than ever and how the United Nations has failed Israel so soon after supporting its creation.

Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israeli diplomat, writer, lecturer, and consultant

Ran Bar-Yehoshafat was set to speak at Berkeley about his experience as an IDF soldier and reservist, as well as his legal expertise as a former Knesset Legal Department member and the current deputy director of the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based, non-partisan think-tank dedicated to, among other things, promoting Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and defending its democracy. Unfortunately, the Berkeley faculty shut down his speech due to students rioting. Tune into the latest episode of IsraelCast to hear Bar-Yehoshafat discuss the Berkeley, his reaction to the October 7 massacre, and the lack of understanding in the west of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ran Bar-Yoshafat, Deputy Director of the Kohelet Policy Forum

Michael Lucas wears many hats. Rising through the adult entertainment industry to become one of the top performers and producers, Lucas is also a passionate documentarian and lifelong activist. He has also, despite growing up in the antisemitic Soviet Union, been very connected to his Jewish heritage, and has always advocated for the State of Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Lucas to discuss how he got into the entertainment business, the antisemitism he faced while trying to document Israel’s gay life, and his support for Israel in the face of potential boycotts.

Yael Levontin, Jewish National Fund-USA PR and Communications Manager in Israel

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