Welcome back to BALAGAN. It has been too long, and I have much to share.

Since it has been a while since my last episode, and even though I have a few recorded materials and more episodes in the making, I wanted to dedicate my first episode of the season to your questions. So, if you're going to ask me anything, feel free to do so in one of the following ways:

1. Fill in this short Google form - https://forms.gle/CGVqEd1TVXtVFSph8
2. Please email me directly at kobi.cohen@gmail.com

I am looking forward to hearing from you and Yalla BALAGAN!

It has been two months since the war was forced upon Israel by Hamas, but it seems that Israel doesn't have any Exit Strategy. While soldiers are dying, the world sees the photos from Gaza and the Gaza people suffering. They don't know these people are used as Human shields by Hamas and that the war can end quickly if Hamas surrenders and sends free all the people abducted.

On the other hand, Netanyahu and his coalition refuse to take responsibility and keep painting his alliance without paying attention to Israelis' suffering. On November 30th, Israeli hero - Yuval Kestelman fought against two terrorists who murdered three people, wounded six more, and killed them. Sadly, he was killed in cold blood by a settler who executed him (There is documentation of the horrible event). Netanyahu had no words of empathy to his family and summarized it "At times of wars, accidents happen. That's life"...

When it comes to his allies and himself, he will always ensure they are secure, but when it comes to his opponents or someone he has no political gain from, he will either ignore or make excuses as to why things are the way they are.

After spending three and a shelf weeks there, I spoke to my friend Jeff Becker about recent events and the political atmosphere in Israel.

On November 29, 1947, the General Assembly voted in favor of the Partition Plan over British Palestine, also known as UN Resolution 181.

The plan to divide the land between Israelis and Arabs was accepted by Zionist leaders and was turned down by the Arab Nations.

Today it seems that more than ever, we should discuss the two-state solution, as from both ends of the Radical Left and the BDS supporters to the Israeli Messianic Right Wing, there is strong support for "From the River to the Sea - One State will be Free". 

To discuss Israel's situation, The Partition Plan, and more related subjects, I was glad to host my friend Ido Dembin, Executive Director of Molad - The Center for the Renewal of Israeli Democracy, once again.

To read more about UN Resolution 181 - https://www.un.org/unispal/data-collection/general-assembly/

Tor read more about Molad - http://www.molad.org/en/

Uri Ashi was one of the only people advocating for peace for the last couple of years. For over two years, he stood holding a sign with big letters saying, "Peace with the Palestinians is doable." 

Even though he works in the High-Tech scene, Uri has dedicated his last years to research, writing, and advocating for the two-state solution. 

His book Hatikvah (Just like Israel's National Anthem) covers the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and offers a solution. I reached out to Uri to see if he thinks we can still achieve Peace amid the Black Sabbath of October 7th. 

To check Uri's website (Hebrew) - https://hatikvah.co.il/#book

#Peace #Israel #HaTikvah

Tikkun Olam is one of the most essential values in Judaism. But how do we make this idea concrete by helping change the world for people with disabilities?

Disabilities are color, gender, religion, or Nation blind, and some Israelis are working hard to provide solutions that are easy and simple to make. 

TOM - Or Tikkun Olam Makers, is a global movement of communities that creates and disseminates affordable solutions to neglected challenges of people with disabilities, the elderly, and the poor.

How do they do that? For that, I spoke to Roy Goldenberg, Israel Director at TOM.

To learn more about TOM please check their website - 

https://tomglobal.org/about

#TikkunOlam #Israel #DIsabilities

I traveled to Israel to check the pulse, be with my people and see for myself what was happening. Here is a quick update.

I will have many exciting guests speaking in the next couple of episodes.

Do you have any ideas or questions? Feel free to email me at kobi.cohen@gmail.com

#Israel #BringThemBackHome #HamasisISIS #FreeGazafromHamas

In 1923, Ze'ev Jabotinsky, Founder and Leader of Beitar (Revisionist Zionism) wrote an essay called The Iron Wall, which, in a nutshell, says - The Arabs will not accept our existence and make peace until we will have strong institutions of our own. They will understand they can not outtake us.

For years, Israel has built its institutions and mainly its Military power, with one of the strongest armies in the world. Further than that, for years, Israel was able to minimize its casualties from Terror, which led us, Israelis, to believe that we could keep on living the way we did without seeking to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

The leader of this conception was Netanyahu, who bragged that the Arab countries are making "Peace for Peace", ignoring the threats from Gaza (And Lebanon and the West Bank, but that is for other episodes).

What was right and wrong with the Iron Wall conception, and why did it fail under Netanyahu?! On this and more, I spoke to my friend, Nir Reisler, a Zionist Researcher.

To read the English translation of The Iron Wall - http://en.jabotinsky.org/media/9747/the-iron-wall.pdf

#Israel #Hamas #Peace #HamasisISIS

Until October 7th, Israel was the Goliath in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, but Hamas's atrocities changed things. Since then, four weeks have passed, and it seems that in the war that is also being held on Social Media and Traditional media, the wind is shifting, and the damage in Gaza is moving the public sentiment toward Hamas.

What can we learn from the trends, and can Israel have the upper hand?! On these questions and more, I discussed with Joana Landau,  Founder, President, and former CEO of Vibe Israel, a nonprofit sharing Israel’s story with the world that has generated over a billion positive mentions of Israel online and the best-selling co-author of “Ethical Tribing: Connecting the Next Generation to Israel in  the Digital Era,” which was endorsed by President Herzog. She is a global expert on country branding and  the unique challenges Israel faces when building its global reputation.

To learn more about Joana and Ethical Tribing - https://www.ethical-tribing.com/

#Israel #BringThemBack #HamasisISIS #October7 #EthicalTribing #JoanaLandau #VibeIsrael

On today's episode, I discussed Accountability, Responsibility, and what is happening within Israeli politics amid the Was forced upon us on October 7th. A lot of aggression, distrust, and scarcity are taking place, and it is quite concerning. To discuss the options and what I think is the right thing to do for Israel, I hosted my dear friend Jeff Becker.

#Israel #IsraeliPolitics #Netanyahu #BennyGantz #YairLapid

It's hard to say that the Pro-Israel sentiment on American campuses is strong. For years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, The BDS movement, and Israeli government policies took their toll when the advocacy organizations tried to alarm that some of the clashes were not just legitimate criticism but pure Antisemitism. 

The is FACT that this war was forced upon Israel after the Massacre Hamas did on The Black Sabbath of October 7th, murdering more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians, and taking more than 200 people hostage until now, more than two weeks after the war started, we don’t know what is their status - Are they alive or dead, what is their health status, and how are they being treated; All that, doesn’t seem to bother many, who hold themselves to higher progressive standards.

The Ivy League campuses students are leading a strong anti-Israel sentiment. Along with Barak Sella, we will discuss the progressive discourse, what happened at Harvard as a case study, and what can be done - Because a true progressive person doesn’t discriminate against any blood. 

Barak Sella is a dear friend, an educator, currently a student at the Kenndey School at Harvard, and former Executive Director of Reut Institute in Israel.

#Harvard #Ivyleague #HamasisISIS #HumanRights #Hamas #Terror

As time goes by, the numbers are still growing - So far, more than 1,400 people have died in the horrific Hamas massacre in Israel, and more than 200 people are still being held hostage under Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Almost 200 people are still considered missing (Neither dead nor hijacked. Status unknown).

Avi Dabush is a social activist and the CEO of Rabbis for Human Rights. He was also living in Kibbutz Nirim, one of the 11 Kibbutzim built as part of the 11 Points project to settle the area bordering Gaza / Egypt (1948 border).

On the Black Sabbath, Avi was seiged with his family in the shelter for 8 hours; his Kibbutz lost 5 community members who Hamas terrorists murdered.  

Hear his story - that is the story of the survivors. If you wish to help the Kibbutzim Nirim and Nir Oz who were attacked and suffered heavy losses in lives (Nir Oz lost more than 100 people out of a community of 400 people in total!) and property, here are a few links to donate and also a campaign to free our hijacked civilians with Posters you can download and hang - 

Nirim - https://my.israelgives.org/he/fundme/Nirim

Nir Oz - https://my.israelgives.org/he/fundme/kibbutzniroz

Kidnapped from Israel Campaign - https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com/languages

On Saturday, October 7th, At 6:29, simultaneously with an attack of hundreds of missiles fired at Israel and under the IDF radar, more than 1,500 armed Hamas terrorists breached the wall between Gaza and Israel. In a well-planned attack, they raided 11 IDF outposts and bases and more than 20 Israeli civilian settlements - The city of Sderot, Kibbutzim, and Moshavim, all in the Gaza envelope (A description of the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, which is located up to approximately 6.5 miles / 10 kilometers from the border). They were well armed, crossing the wall with well-weaponized vans and motorcycles by land, motorboats by sea, paraglides, and drones by air. What Happened? A special episode of BALAGN. To join the campaign to release the hostages -

https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com/

To see Nas Daily videos -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNW2p0nTEto&ab_channel=NasDaily

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw9bfddQzxw&ab_channel=NasDaily

Former MK Major General Yair Golan served the state of Israel and its people most of his life. His Military career ended after 38 years, and he jumped into politics from there. Golan was perceived as controversial. As Deputy Chief of Staff, Golan made a speech on Holocaust Day in 2016 in which he drew a parallel between Europe in general and Germany in particular in the 1930s and current-day Israel by saying, "If there is one thing that is scary in remembering the Holocaust, it is noticing horrific processes which developed in Europe – particularly in Germany – 70, 80, and 90 years ago, and finding remnants of that here (in Israel) among us in the year 2016." Since then, he was marked by the Right-wing extremists and their allies in Israel. Listen to what he has to say.

#YairGolan #Democracy #ElorAzaria #Netanyahu

Episode 9 - Israel is captivated by Fundamentalist Jews with Dr. Tomer Persico

The Judicial Overhaul in Israel is led by four different groups of interest - Netanyahu, who is invested in stopping his trials; Likkud members, who seek Power and control; the Haredim, who care about being exempt from military service and continuing their control over the Rabbinical institutions, and the Extremist Nationalists from "Religious Zionism," Jewish Power and Noam - A group of  Messianic Orthodox. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Betzalel Smotrich, Simcha Rotman, and Avi Maoz all represent different approaches to Jewish Supremacy that are nurtured from the same origins. To Discuss Jewish fundamentalism, I am glad to have Dr. Tomer Persico, a Research Fellow at the Hartman Institute, a religious and secularism researcher and thinker. He is the author of Jewish Meditation and In God’s Image - the idea of individualism, freedom, and equality.

To read his last post at Sources “A Natural Act of Vengeance”: Settler Violence and Two Types of Jewish Fundamentalism

To read more of Dr. Persico’s thoughts - tomerpersicoenglish.wordpress.com/

#Israel #Extremists #JewishSupremacy #IsraeliDemocracy

On this episode, I spoke to Yossi Klein Halevi, an American Israeli, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem author, and a known Zionist speaker. In our conversation, we discussed his history, coming from supporting Meir Kahana and the Jewish Defence League(JDL) in the US to being one of the biggest opposers to Kahana and his ideology, which recently was legitimized by PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party.

We also discussed the shifting relations between Israel, Israelis, and American Jewry, and finished with a powerful massage to All Israel lovers in the world - Stand up in support of the Pro-Israeli protest movement to keep Israel a vital Jewish and Democratic state.

BTW - Yossi wrote a book about his memoirs as an Extremist. You can read more about it here - 

https://www.yossikleinhalevi.com/

#YossiKleinHalevi #Zionism #Israel #IsraelDemocracy #Kahana #Netanyahu

On September 13th, 1993, a ray of light shined. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Negotiator Mahmoud Abbas signed a Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, commonly called the “Oslo Accord,” at the White House. Israel accepted the PLO as the representative of the Palestinians, and the PLO renounced terrorism and recognized Israel’s right to exist in peace. Both sides agreed that a Palestinian Authority (PA) would be established and assume governing responsibilities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip over a five-year period. Then, permanent status talks on the issues of borders, refugees, and Jerusalem would be held. While President Bill Clinton’s administration played a limited role in bringing the Oslo Accord into being, it would invest vast amounts of time and resources to help Israel and the Palestinians implement the agreement. However, by the time Clinton left office, the peace process had run aground, and a new round of Israeli-Palestinian violence had begun.

Along with Gidi Grinstein, Co-Author of (In)Sight: Peacemaking in the Oslo Process Thirty Years and Counting, I discussed the importance of the Oslo Accords and their ongoing impact on today's relationship with Israel's neighbors and the impact on American Jewry.

You can find Gidi's book on AMAZON.

#Peace #Oslo30 #OsloAccords #Israel #Diplomacy #(In)Sight  #Peacemaking #Israel

One of the phenomena of the Judicial coup in Israel is the great awakening of Israelis who live abroad and until recently did not set foot in a Jewish setting or were involved in Political activity are now protesting in their thousands. All around the world, groups of concerned Israelis are rallying in city centers and trying to raise awareness of what is happening in Israel.

I had the pleasure of hosting my dear friend Offir Gutelzon, founder of UnXeptable, a grassroots movement, to speak about the growing involvement of Israelis abroad and why it is important that Diaspora Jews join the rallies and have their voice heard.

Between September 18-22, the UN General Assembly will convene in New York City, and the protestors are waiting for PM Netanyahu with many surprises.

 If you are interested in reading more about the protest movement and what you can do, please check the following links - 

UnXeptable - https://www.unxeptable.org/

Donate to Unxeptable - https://www.americaisraeldemocracy.org/unxeptable

UnXeptable Link. tree - https://linktr.ee/unxeptable

Usa4IsraeliDemocracy - https://www.usa4israelidemocracy.org/

#IsraeliDemocracy #Israel #Democracy #Netanyahu

The different groups collaborating in the backlash against the Judicial Overhaul seem to have different leaders, pulling in different directions. While some say it should focus on the Judicial Overhaul only, other groups target some of Israel’s deeper issues - The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the tension between Ultra-Orthodox society and the Settlers. Is this the way to stop the judicial overhaul? To discuss how to gain the most out of the protest movement, I am glad to host Rachel Azaria, former MK of the Kulanu Party, and author of “Guided Revolution” (In Hebrew, it sounds better - המדריכה למהפיכה).

One of the strongest engines of the protests against the Judicial Overhaul is Israel’s economic engine -  The High-Tech industry. that its leaders joined forces against what they see as a threat to the state of Israel as the Start-Up Nation with a thriving economy needs a strong democratic foundation. On the other hand, some parts of the high-tech industry actually help populist leaders strengthen their control over massaging, tracking opposition and bypassing the conservative media channels with no filters.

One of the loudest voices in the Israeli High-Tech scene calling her friends to go out to the streets is here with us - 

Inbal Orpaz is a strategic consultant in the fields of innovation and start-ups, the Founder of the "#WomanInTech" initiative to promote women in high-tech, and a visiting researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS)

#WomenInTech #Israel #JudicialOverhaul #Democracy

Money, Power, and Respect - That is the Philosophy in a nutshell.

Under cover of the demand to improve the ability of Governance, the coalition members narrowed civil rights. They cut budgets for minorities and not-for-profit organizations while over-budgeting the Ultra-Orthodox and the Religious Zionism projects. The Likkud, which used to be the Liberal Party, is now the Populist Party, which appoints point persons only based on their loyalty to Netanyahu or being good friends with Likkud Politicians. 

To discuss the looting of the nation's resources, I am glad to have Eran Etzion, former Deputy head of the National Security Council and former Head of the Policy Planning Division at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and current protestor against the Judicial Upheaval again.

#Israel #IsraeliDemocracy #JudicialOverhaul

The Judicial Overhaul seemed to be vague about some issues that Israel was and still is facing, such as the Palestinian conflict. Some would say that the time when Israeli society was so divided between Judicial overhaul protestors and Judicial Reform supporters was the right time for Palestinians to try and gain leverage in the International arena. Even though the past few months were the bloodiest in a long time, with 34 Israelis and more than 100 Palestinians dead since January 1st, 2023, the West Bank has been mostly quiet. Is that so? To get a better understanding, we have Ms. Noa Shusterman Dvir, Director of the Palestinians and the Region Program at MIND Israel.

@NoaShusterman #Israel #IsraeliPalestinianConflict #JudicialOverhaul

The justification for the Judicial reform of the current coalition is promoting is the lack of governance. But is governance what we are lacking in Israel? To discuss Israel’s real challenges and what actions are needed to be taken to strengthen Israeli democracy and improve the public Bearucracy, we have Roy Folkman, a Former Member of the Knesset of Kulanu Party, A Social & High-tech entrepreneur and the author of “Version Update - New rules for Israeli Politics,” published in 2021 and seems today as crucial than ever. 

#IIsrael #IsraeliPolitics #IsraeliDemocracy #Democracy #JudicialOverhaul

For many years, the Israeli Non-haredi Orthodox, who identified as “Religious Zionism,” was considered to be the Hyphen between Jewish and Democrate - Committed to the Equilateral Triangle of Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael & Torat Yisrael (The People, the land, and the bible). Over the years, they were considered to be the new generation of Serving Elite - In the IDF, Media outlets, Politics, and Public Administration. In recent years and mainly these days, it seems they chose a side. Is that so? Along with Ohad Merlin, we will try to bring depth to what happened: from moderate, they seem to transform into extremists, to the “religious Zionsm” Party we see today. 

Ohad Merlin is an organizing and founding member of the Democratic Religious Zionist protest group.

#Israel #JudicialOverhaul #YallaTikvah #BenGvir #Smotrich #ReligiousZionism

In our Previous episode, we shed light on Israel’s democratic structure, checks and balances, and the lack of. When the democratic structure is so fragile, the role of the gatekeepers becomes crucial to ensure proper governance and keeping the rule of law.  In recent years, Israeli politicians worked hard to weaken the gatekeepers, but now they do it with full power. What are they trying to do, how, and what will be the implications?

On January 3rd, 2023, less than a week after the Israeli government was sworn an oath in the Knesset, Minister of Justice Yariv Levin dropped a bomb. In a press conference, he presented a list of judicial changes the newly formed coalition would like to enact. 

Since then, the state of Israel has been spinning in a clash between the Judicial “Reform” supporters and the Anti Judicial Overhaul protesters. But how did we get to this situation? Aren’t there any checks and balances? 

To better understand the origins of our current Judicial Crisis, I am glad to have Dr. Ori Aronson, An Associate Professor of Law at Bar-Ilan University and former assistant to Israel’s Chief Justice Aharon Barak.

https://www.lawprofsforum.org/en

#IsraeliDemocracy #JudicialOverhaul #Israel #Democracy

Our second part of the discussion with Mr. Nir Reisler about why the Israeli left needs to embrace Republicanism.

#Nationalism #Israel #IsraeliPolitics #IsraeliLeft #Democracy #IsraeliDemocracy

It seems like fear and hatred had won in the Israeli elections. In a one-sided game, the Bibi block delivered what they came to deliver and won 64 seats in the 25th Knesset. Having that said, more than the Right wing – Haredi block won, we can defiantly say that the “center”-left and their allies have lost. While Bibi played to win, Yair Lapid tried to continue the deadlock, and as we know from sports – when you play defense, you are most likely to get a goal. What were the results? What’s their meaning? What happened in the Arab parties and the Zionist left? And what will the next coalition look like? Along with my friend, Jeff Becker, we try to explain.

#YairLapid #Netanyahu #Likkud #YeshAtid #IsraeliPolitics #Knesset

(Originally aired November 2nd, 2020)

November 4th marks 27 years of the assassination of Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin by Yigal Amir. The murderer, an Orthodox Law student, was influenced by the toxic environment of the growing opposition to the Oslo accord led by then head of Opposition, MK Benjamin Netanyahu.

It seems that no real discussion was made, and no real lesson was learned. Israeli democracy is weakening while no real discussions are made. Different individuals seek to fade Rabin’s memory and Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination from Israel’s history.

What was happening in those days, and how is it connected to what is happening today in Israel? Along with Jeff Becker I have shared my personal experience as a teenager living in Jerusalem in the years prior to the murder and the days after the murder of the late PM Yitzhak Rabin.

You can listen to the Podcast on - Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/BalaganSpotify Apple Podcasts – https://tinyurl.com/BalaganApple Google Podcasts – https://tinyurl.com/BalaganGoogle Amazon Music - https://tinyurl.com/BalaganAmazon

#YitzhakRabin #YigalAmir #BenjaminNetanyahu

Republicanism, not Republicans, was the foundation of the Nation-state. 

How was it implemented in the state of Israel, and what happened to it over the years?

#Israel #Republicanism

On Episode 69 we spoke to Adir Binyamin about the legislative branch - The Knesset, Israel’s parliament. So how do you get elected to the Knesset? Who can vote, and whats the process?

For that, we have my dear friend, Mr. Guy Ben Gal. Guy is An Israeli educator and has been active in both political and education fields in Israel for the past 15 years. Guy worked as a high school civic studies teacher, a civic education instructer in the ministry of education, and a junior high principal. Guy has a BA and MA in political science from Hebrew and Haifa universities.

#Elections #IsraelPolitics #Knesset #IsraeliParliament #IsraeliDemocracy

Israel is a parliamentary democracy. Israel’s parliament is called the Knesset. As the supreme state body, the Knesset is sovereign and thus has complete control of the entirety of the Israeli government.

To speak more about the Knesset and its role, I am happy to have Mr. Adir Binyamini, Deputy Mayor of the municipality of Netanya, a dear friend, author of the book “The Way to the Knesset” and former Speaker of the House of the Hebrew University’s Students Union.

#Knesset #IsraeliPolitics #Elections

Election day is coming fast, but things are unclear, with no end on the horizon for the political deadlock. Who are the runner-ups, and what are their chances? For that, I had the pleasure of hosting my dear friend Tamir Morag, Yisrael Hayom's diplomatic correspondent.

When Israelis are going to another round of elections, a good question is – What will they vote for? Or a better question is WHAT are the burning topics the Israeli parties will NOT talk about, and as it seems the Israeli voters are ignoring of.

To answer these questions, I am happy to have Mr. Ido Dembin, Executive Director of Molad – The center for the renewal of Israeli Democracy, an independent, non-partisan Israeli think tank.

Visit Molad's website - http://www.molad.org/en/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MoladCenter

FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/MoladCenter

#Israelielections #Israelipolitics #Moladcenter

After a short break, we are back, and who is the best man to discuss current events in Israel than Jeff Becker, who is back with me to discuss what happened and how come even though I assumed the coalition would last at least one more year, it didn't survive...

For many, supporting the Zionist aspirations of establishing a Jewish state prior to 1948 seems obvious. But we don’t know how many players worked really hard in order to make this happen. Today we are going to deep dive into behind the scenes the support and opposition to the establishment of Israel, and that is why

I am happy to have Prof. Jeffrey Herf of the University of Maryland, and author of “Israel’s Moment: International Support for and Opposition to Establishing the Jewish State, 1945–1949, where he examines the political realities that underpinned support for and opposition to Zionist aspirations in Palestine in the United States, and Europe, including the Soviet bloc.

Prof. Herf's book is available to purchase HERE

#Israel #1948 #Diplomacy #IsraelUSRelations

Top Guna: Maverick seems to be the greatest hit of summer 2022. Did you knew that the operation executed (Flying below radar, Radio silence and Attacking a nuclear reactor) was inspired by a true story? Want to hear more?

(Originally aired on June 7th, 2021)

If it wasn’t for Israel, the world would have faced a nuclear Iraq. But at 16:00 of Sunday, June 7th, 1981, a squadron of 8 F-16A’s joined by 3 pairs of F-15 A's to provide fighter support took off from Etzion base near Eilat, on their way east, traveling a total distance of 2,200 kilometers (Roundtrip), below Radar at. 3 hours later all planes were back safe and the mission was accomplished - The Nuclear reactor named Osirak was destroyed.

The operation surprised the world, Israel was condemned by the international community, but in the long run was embraced for this bold move, as Saddam Hussein's Iraq was a threat to the area and the world's stability.

Colonel Ze’ev (Zevik) Raz, who led the attack is here to share with us about the attack, the days before and the days after the attack, and what is the thing he is proud of the most (Surprise - NOT the attack!). Raz served as Squadron commander and the Israeli Air Force Flight School commander and was decorated with a Chief of Staff Citation (Ramatkal award) for his leadership in leading the operation.

To watch a documentary on YouTube - Operation Opera - Israel's Raid on the Iraqi Reactor 1981

#topgun #topgunmaverick #tomcruise #missionimpossible #f #tomcruisefan #tomcruiseforever #topgunmovie #tomcruisemovie #maverick #tomcruisestyle #tomcruiseedit #tomcruisesmile #ethanhunt #tomcruiselover #hollywood #tomcat #movie #usnavy #missionimpossiblefallout #jackreacher #aviation #tomcruiser #tomcruiseuniverse #tomcruisefans #film #tomcruisemovies #tomcruisehair #paramountpictures #movies

2nd part of our conversation with Dr. Moshe Fuksman-Shaal.

The night of May 17th, 1977 will be always remembered as the night of the “Ma’Hapach”, when after 29 years of ruling, the left-wing Labor party lost the election to the right-wing Likud party and a new era in Israel had begun.

Under the leadership of newly elected prime minister Menachem Begin, the state of Israel changed direction dramatically. Along with my guest today we will dive deep into the years of transition from labor to the Likud.

Dr. Moshe Fuksman-Shal is a lecturer in the Department of Communications and Political Science at Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem, the former vice president of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, and the author of “Ladies and Gentleman – Revolution”.

#Begin #Likkud #Israelipolitics

Exactly 45 years ago, the night of May 17th, 1977, will always be remembered as the night of the “Ma’Hapach,” when after 29 years of ruling, the left-wing Labor party lost the election to the right-wing Likud party, and a new era in Israel had begun.

Under the leadership of newly elected prime minister Menachem Begin, the state of Israel changed direction dramatically. Along with my guest today, we will dive deep into the years of transition from labor to the Likud.

Dr. Moshe Fuksman-Shal is a lecturer in the Department of Communications and Political Science at Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem, the former vice president of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, and the author of “Ladies and Gentleman – Revolution.”

#MenachemBegin #Likkud #Israelipolitics #Israelidemocracy

Every now and then, the tension between the Ultra-Orthodox and what is called Religious-Zionists and secular society comes to a new tip point. A few governments fell due to controversy over religious affairs, and the last political crisis just before Passover when MK Idit Silman of Yamina (PM Bennets’ right-wing party) announced she was leaving her role as a de facto government whip and exiting the coalition due to “Hametz” observance in Israeli hospitals disagreement with Minister of Health, Nitzan Horovitz of Meretz, left-wing party.

Along with my guest, Mr. Uri Keidar, CEO of Israel Hofsheet, we will get a better understanding of the famous Status-Quo, the biggest conflicts, and what was the solution around Chametz in Israel’s hospitals. 

To read more about Israel Hofsheet - https://israelhofsheet.org.il/en/english/

Uri’s email - uri@bfree.org.il

#Israel #Passover #Secular #Orthodox

הר הבית or Temple mount is sacred to both Jews and Muslims. For Jews, it is the pick of Mount Moriyah, where the 1st and 2nd temples were built, while for Muslims it is known for the musks of Al-Aksa and Tomb of the Rock, and where based on Muslim belief priest Muhammad's ascent to heaven.

For years the Temple Mount serves not only as a holy place but also as a source of tension and ongoing clashes over religion and control. Who is fighting and for what? For answering these questions I am glad to host Dr. Harel Chorev,  Head of the Middle Eastern Network Analysis Desk at Tel Aviv University and author of Networks of Power in Palestine: Family Society and Politics since the 19th Century

On Wednesday, April 6th Israelis found out they may stand in front of what may look like another round of election when MK Idit Silman of Yamina (PM Bennets’ right-wing party) announced she is leaving her role as a de facto government whip and exiting the coalition due to “Hametz” observance in Israeli hospitals disagreement with Minister of Health, Nitzan Horovitz of Meretz, left-wing party.

Are we really facing a new round of elections? How can the coalition work in such a deadlock and what the future will bring? For that, I have my dear friend, our lost boy who comes back – Jeff Becker.

#IditSilman #NaftaliBennet #Israel #IsraeliPolitics #YairLapid

The night of May 17th, 1977 will be always remembered as the night of the “Ma’Hapach”, when after 29 years of ruling, the left-wing Labor party lost the election to the right-wing Likud party and a new era in Israel had begun.

Under the leadership of newly elected prime minister Menachem Begin, the state of Israel changed direction dramatically. Along with my guest today we will dive deep into the years of transition from labor to the Likud.

Dr. Moshe Fuksman-Shal is a lecturer in the Department of Communications and Political Science at Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem, the former vice president of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, and author of “Ladies and Gentleman – Revolution”.

#Begin #Likkud #Israelipolitics

Israel does now have a constitution but a series of Basic Laws that are supposed to be the foundations of a future constitution. Most Basic laws are not drawing so much attention but one is unique. Since enacted on March 17th, 1992, This Basic Law is upsetting mainly two big factions in Israeli society - The Ultra-Orthodox (Haredim) and the nationalistic right-wing. Why? How? And who else?

To Discuss this law I am glad to have with me, once again, my friend, Prof. Roy Peled.

#Israel #Israelilaw #Humanrights

Just the way he lived, Menachem Begin, Israel’s 6th Prime minister was buried in a modest, simple, and traditional Jewish ceremony, on March 9th, 1992.

Begin, the 1st prime minister who did not come from the labor party was also the most JEWISH prime minister, who did not try to shy the new Zionist Jew image that the labor was trying to embed in Israel, but embraced a strong Jewish essence and had his Jewishness be his lighthouse.

With our guest we will hear more about who was Israel’s 6th prime minister, what path he took leading the “Irgun”, forming Herut, and then the Likud and what milestones he left behind.

Our guest today is Dr. Avi Shilon, a political scientist and Historian at New York University and the author of “Menachem Begin – A life”, Menahem’s Begin biography.

To check out Avi’s book click here

#Begin #Likkud #Israel #Zionism #IsraeliPolitics

For almost a decade the state of Israel was branded as THE Start-up nation with the highest ratio of tech companies per capita. But in order to maintain this achievement Israel needs to make sure that it is minimizing the gaps in education, mainly around math and English. Our guest today stands In the front of the effort to narrow the gaps and make sure Israel's future generation will excel in English. What are the gaps? What are the barriers and what is the government doing in order to ensure the next generation's education? For that, we have our following guest to explain.

With a track record of social entrepreneurship in the fields of education, government, and non-profit orgs, Mr. Alon Futterman is the CEO of TALMA: The Israel Program for Excellence in English.

To learn more about TALMA - https://www.talmaisrael.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TALMAadmissions 

Instagram - @talma.israel (https://instagram.com/talma.israel)

YouTube - https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCuW66gqnD2gCbOUGvRSfl4g  

#talmaisrael #teachwithtalma #eslteacher

Episode 53 - What’s the story in Sheikh Jarrah? With Noa Pinto

* The episode was recorded prior to Israel's Supreme court's decision to postpone the eviction of the families.

** Shimon Ha'Tzadik (Shimon the just) was a high priest who was buried where is now located Sheikh Jarrach.

There is never a dull moment in Israel and it seems that the place that ignited the last round of violence in May, the small neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah is once again a place of a clash between hard right-wing Jews and the local Palestinians. What is happening there and why? For that, we have Noa Pinto to explain. Noa is a Jerusalemite social justice, climate, and peace activist, a part of “Free Jerusalem” group activists, and a former associate at “Ir Amim”, a not-for-profit organization for an equitable and stable Jerusalem with an agreed political future.

#SheikhJarrach #IsraelPalestine #Jerusalem

Last May in Israel, the streets of Arab and shared cities were ablaze. The fabric of shared life in Israel was under an attack, fueled by extremists, locally and nationally. Indeed, most Israelis — Arab and Jewish — oppose the raging violence, as the entwined reality of life is stronger than these destructive forces. Nevertheless, the damage was overwhelming. The wave of anger and violence that swept the country indicates the crucial importance of public action and community organizing, and its urgence in places where it is absent.

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness, said Eleanor Roosvelt. Some people who share this vision are creating a new opportunity for both Jewish and Arab societies living together to set a new path of common life. The Tzedek Centers are working to open many centers across the country, home to any gender, ethnic group or socioeconomic status. For them, establishing centers in Arab and shared cities is an acute and primary goal. Arab and Jewish activists work together at their center in Haifa, and the new center has just opened at Ramla, and is set to be followed by Acre, Jaffa, Lod and Nazareth.

I am glad to host Amit Ben Ami, Ahlam Kasim Ali & Lev Littman, of Ajyal & Tzedek Centers to discuss what happened and how we can create an Arab-Jewish alliance, and empower the Arab society in Israel from bottom to top, so that the voice calling for peace, equality and solidarity will be heard.

https://merkazim.org/en/  #Israel #Israeliarabs #JewsandArabas

The hilltop youth phenomena has become a real problem that in a way It seems Israeli governments don’t really want to deal with. The hardline extremists set outposts all across the west bank and look like they are eager to confront the Palestinians, while the IDF is standing still with their hands tied.

But, while it seems that the Israeli authorities are incompetents dealing with the pogromists there are Israelis who do not stand still in silence.

I am glad to host Mr. Avi Dabush, CEO of Rabbis for human rights to discuss what is happening in the west bank and how while some choose to ignite the west bank, others choose to work toward building a better future.

Avi is a social and political activist and the author of “The rebel of the periphery” that we will discuss in another episode that we will dedicate to discuss the Israeli periphery.

To read more about Rabbis for Human Rights - https://www.rhr.org.il/eng

#AviDabush #Rabbis4HumanRights #Burin #Settlers #Israel #רבניםלמעןזכויותהאדם 

Between Jerusalem & New York – What are we blindsided about

When gaps between Israel & Israelis to American Jewry grow, one Jew wanted to expand the conversation and alter the dialogue. Moshe Samuels, CEO of Shazur & co-creator of the acclaimed Israeli TV miniseries “The New Jew” is one of those people working to bring Israeli point of view to Americans and American Jews POV to Israelis. The New Jew starred Guri Alfi, one of Israel’s most acclaimed comedians, and was aired on primetime on Kan 11, Israel’s National Broadcasting Network. I am excited to have him as our guest today to discuss The New Jew, why it was important to create it and what Israelis & Americans are blindsided to.

Shanna Tova from Balagan. We are taking a short break and will be back after the holidyas!

On a hot day of July 14th 2011, a small group of young Tel-Avivians left their overpriced rented apartments and set their new place in tents on Rothschild boulevard in Tel Aviv. This act made a huge wave and pushed hundreds of thousands of citizens to become activists and join them in tent “cities” within cities across the state, demanding the government to solve the high costs of housing in Israel. The pick of the protest was on September 3rd when the “1 Million March” gathered hundreds of thousands of citizens to rally.

I am honored to be joined by Shir Nosatzki, a social activist and founder and CEO of “Have you seen the horizon recently”, who was one of the leaders of the largest protest ever seen in Israel to tell us more.

A tale of Ice cream and strong hypocrisy – What is going on with Ben & Jerry’s decision around the West Bank and who benefits from it?

This week’s episode is a throwback to last years one of the most DEFINING EVENTS, which led to the political shift in Israel, later on.

The 1st large scale rally, by the official residence of Israel’s Prime Minister in Jerusalem, occurred on July 14th, and was called the Bibistillia, an homage to the French Bastille Day, named after the famous Prison in Paris, that has become a symbol to the French revolution.

Why were the people protesting, who was behind it and more was told by Nitzan Waisberg, an Israeli patriot and a social activist, who took part in the rallies against former PM Netanyahu. The episode was originally aired on July 19th 2020. Enjoy!

Netanyahu's rule in the last couple of years was a roller coaster ride not just for his opposition but also to his allies and even to his own party - the Likud.   

Bibism, just like Trumpism, has become a term used often in Israel to explain the blind support Netanyahu got from many of his supporters.

BUT, not all Likudniks were big fans of his ways.

I am happy to host my friend Binyamin Lachkar. Binyamin made Aliyah from France in 1996 and he had been a Likud member for more than 20 years. He is a former member of the Likud central committee and leader of the « liberalim ba'likud » the free market caucus of the party. He lives in Jerusalem, married + 3, and is the owner of a branding and graphic design firm

Darom Adom Festival was a spinoff for the name given by the IDF to the alarm system that alerts the residents of the Gaza border every time a rocket launches from Gaza, called Tzeva Adom (Red Color). First rocket, fired in 2001, and after 20 years of constant rockets fired from Gaza, it seems that the only thing changed is the Hamas capabilities and abilities.

How is it like to live in the Northern Negev, under ongoing rocket launches, without knowing when Hamas will fire next and where it will fall? Does the Iron Dome allow the residents to sleep in peace?

Hila Fenlon who lives in Netiv Ha’Asara, an Israeli Moshav located less than 300 meters from the northern border with Gaza, is a tough farmer who is here to tell us more about life in the south and how she sees the future.

Between May 24-25 of 1991, almost 15,000 Jews were airlifted to Israel in a military operation named Operation Solomon. In less than 36 hours a fleet of 35 Israeli Air Force, joined by El-Al planes and 1 Ethiopian Airways, fled 14,325 members of the Beita Yisrael community from Adis-Abba and brought them to Israel.

Avezu Fanta, who was 4 months old when she took off with her family on one of these planes is here to share her family memories from the days prior to the operation, and after arriving in Israel.

80 days after the election, on Sunday night of June 13th, the new government was sworn in, after winning a razor thin vote of 60 to 59. That marks the end of a 12 year era of Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister.

The newly formed coalition is very eclectic and fragile and we are here to discuss how long this coalition can last.

If it wasn’t for Israel, the world would have faced a nuclear Iraq. But at 16:00 of Sunday, June 7th 1981, a squadron of 8 F-16A’s joined by 3 pairs of F-15 A's to provide fighter support took off from Etzion base near Eilat, on their way east, traveling a total distance of 2,200 kilometers (Roundtrip), below Radar at . 3 hours later all planes were back safe and the mission was accomplished - The Nuclear reactor named Osirak was destroyed.

The operation surprised the world, Israel was condemned by the international community, but in the long run was embraced for this bold move, as Saddam Housein’s Iraq was a threat to the area’s and the world stability.

Colonel Ze’ev (Zevik) Raz, who led the attack is here to share with us about the attack, the days before and the days after the attack, and what is the thing he is proud of the most (Surprise - NOT the attack!). Raz served as Squadron commander and the Israeli Air Force Flight School commander, and was decorated with Chief of Staff Citation (Ramatkal award) for his leadership leading the operation.

To watch a documentary on YouTube - Operation Opera - Israel's Raid on the Iraqi Reactor 1981

“Ala Beyadi” (I have got it).On Wednesday night of June 2nd, with less than 30 minutes to spare until the end of the presidential mandate given to MK Yair Lapid, leader of the “Yesh Atid” party, Lapid advised the president he had enough support to form a government.

The future coalition is not unified ideologically at all. It spans from Hard right wing to the far left with the religious Muslim Arab party of Ra'am in the coalition as well. 

But, that was only the first major step Lapid and his allies needed to get. Now they need to make sure that they can survive a confidence vote in the Knesset and be sworn in. 

What may happen until then? That is what I will discuss with my good friend Jeff Becker.

The israeli disengagement from Gaza was the unilateral dismantling of the 21 settlements in the Gaza strip and the evacuation of the approximately 8,600 settlers and Israeli army from inside the Gaza strip, in August 2005.

Even Though most Israelis supported the plan, it has been criticized from various viewpoints - By the Settlers and the Israeli right (Including a strong opposition within the Likud party), and by international organizations including the UN who still see the Gaza Strip as still under military occupation by Israel as Israel is still controlling Gaza’s air and maritime space, and 6 out of 7 land crossings, it also maintain a no-go buffer zone within the territory and Gaza is remains dependent on Israel for its water, electricity, telecommunications and other utilities.

Who came up with the idea back in 2003? Why was the plan executed the way it was executed, and what did the decision makers think will happen afterwards?

Oren Magnezy, my guest today, served as a senior advisor to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and was the founding director of the Agency for Economic Development of the Arab sector in Israel, under Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Currently, he is helping Small and medium Israeli startups in accessing and succeeding in the US governmental and military marketplace

Lobbying, generally in the name of corporate interests, has become a permanent feature of policy making in most democratic countries, including in the US and Israel.   If the big companies are represented by lobbyists then who represents the people? Meet Lobby 99, the 1st and ONLY Public lobby which is working to represent the interests of the general Israeli public on a wide range of social-economic issues including banking reform, pension rights, healthcare and lowering the cost of living.  

 Rachel Gur, an Israeli attorney, who worked as a advisor to an Israeli cabinet member for almost a decade and now serves as Director of Policy at Lobby 99, is to explain how to advance the public interest for the vast majority of the public that cannot afford to hire corporate lobbyists to represent them in the halls of power.

To know more about Lobby 99 (And to support) - https://lobby99.org.il/en

#Lobby99 #לובי99

What is going on in Israel? More than 1500 rockets fired by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in the last 48 hours, after Hamas promised to hurt Israel for banning access to Dom of the Rock from Muslims. Ramadhan fest, the flag march on Jerusalem day, Sheich Jarach, all came down to a climax, but what ignited the ongoing round of violence, what is happening in Israel and Gaza, and why. That is what I am here to discuss with my friend Jeff Becker.

The Supreme court of Israel has been an ongoing target to the right-wing arrows, mostly around the claim that it prevents the government from ruling and the Knesset from passing laws that represent the majority’s wishes. All of that is because the court’s ruling on the legality of the Knesset legislation and decisions of state authorities.

When did this tension began, Is the Supreme Court really a barrier to governance as the critics say or just playing it’s role as part of the separation of powers in Israel?

And who can help me explain this better than the one and only, Dr. Roy Peled.

Dr. Peled is an Administrative and Constitutional Law professor at the Haim Striks School of Law, College of Management – Academic Studies in Israel, a Visiting Professor in Israel Studies at UC Berkeley, and former CEO & Chairperson of the Movement for Freedom of Information in Israel.

The Histadrut – Not your typical worker’s Union

Special episode for May 1st!

Israel’s worker's union, known as Histadrut Ha’Ovdim, was established by the socialist Zionists in 1920. Unlike worker unions abroad, its early days' mission was greater than just worrying about worker’s rights. Its political power was greater than any other union and for many years it had many leverages to use when negotiating with the governments. Its role in the establishment of Israel was unlike any other workers union and has effects on Israel’s economical structure until today.

Along with my guest, we will tell the story of Israel’s most influential organization outside of the government and the IDF.

I am happy to have today with me Professor Udi Manor, of Haifa University. Professor Manor’s main area of interest is Political History of the Jewish people in Modern times. He published 12 books, 50 articles and is an acclaimed speaker

#Histadrut #Socialism #Israelworkers

*Disclaimer - Episode recorded prior to Netanyahu's acts around nominating Minister of Justuice.

On May 4th the 28 days given to Benjamin Netanyahu to form a coalition will pass. Meanwhile the Political chaos grows, tension between Jews and Arabs escalates in Jerusalem and with Hamas in Gaza. What is happening?

Along with my friend Jeff Becker we will discuss these topics and try to guess what will happened.

The 24th Knesset began its work after the MK’s swore oath, on April 6. Prior, President Reuven Rivlin on Monday gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the first crack at forming a government but noted that he was doing so reluctantly, both because no party leader appeared to have enough support to succeed at cobbling together a ruling coalition and because he had “moral and ethical” reservations given that Netanyahu is on trial for corruption.

Netanyahu will now have 28 days to try to muster a coalition that can win majority support in the Knesset, but, given that he only has the backing of 52 out of 120 lawmakers, it will be a challenge.

Netanyahu was endorsed by his Likud party, with 30 seats, Shas, with 9; United Torah Judaism, 7; and Religious Zionism, 6.

Lapid was recommended as prime minister by 45 lawmakers (Yesh Atid 17, Blue and White 8, Yisrael Beytenu 7, Labor 7, Meretz 6), and Naftali Bennett by the seven members of his own Yamina party.

The three parties that made no recommendation account for the final 16 Knesset seats (New Hope 6, Joint List 6, and Ra’am 4).

Along with my friend Jeff Becker we will discuss what to expect in the upcoming days.

He wasn’t the most connected, and he wasn’t the most famous, but his commitment was the greatest - Isaiah Si Kenen was a passionate Zionist who changed the relationship and America’s commitment to the establishment to Israel.

Along with my friend Kobby Barda, who researched AIPAC and learned it’s history we will dive and discuss this person, who made an impact and it’s ongoing influence today.

Kobby Barda is a Ph.D. candidate at Haifa University and the author of “AIPAC’s Grassroots Path to Congress''.

If you wish to read Kobby’s research about Isaiah Kenen, President Eisenhower, and Aid to Israel During the Suez Crisis press the link - https://www.cambridge.org/engage/coe/article-details/5f6900135c1dab00193d210a

To purchase Kobby’s book AIPAC’s Grassroots Path to Congress: How Isaiah Kenen Built AIPAC to Be A Powerhouse use this link - https://www.amazon.com/AIPACs-Grassroots-Path-Congress-Powerhouse/dp/9659278853

The people of Israel spoke again.  But when will we know what they said? And whether what they said aligns with what they wanted? 

Along with my friend Jeff Becker, we will dive a little to give you the best perspective on who won, when we will have the final results, and what we should expect.

Join us for a temporary Aftermath, before we actually know the final count of votes, analyzing the winners and losers, and guessing what will happen.  

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You can listen to this episode on -

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A year has passed since Covid-19 hit the world. Israel, relatively, was one of the states hurt the most, at least in the OECD. Even though it has one of the best medical services in the world, Israel has one of the highest rates of deaths per capita (with more than 5,569 people died up until February 21st). Is it the lack of strategy, rapid and random decision making, and changing restrictions, that made Israelis less and less tolerant to governmental guidelines, or is it the Political mess, lack of leadership, and the distrust in Prime Minister Netanyahu himself and his cabinet? One thing is sure - After 3 quarantines with poor results restraining the Virus, Israeli’s are less obedient and it seems that the political mess hurt the public’s trust.

Nadan Feldman is a Haaretz correspondent on Global Economy, a Ph.D. candidate in history at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and he is here with me today to discuss this matter.

Haaretz subscribers can read Nadan’s article here.

For your Hebrew speaking friends and family who wish to hear more about what is happening in America - Follow “אוקיי בומר - הפוד מאמריקה

” Podcast in the various platforms (https://bit.ly/2W2f0lA)

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The ultra-Orthodox Rabbinical institutions control almost every aspect of life in Israel and narrow all other denominations' actions. Over the years there are voices who challenge the Ultra-Orthodox and the Israeli politicians in this area. The Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), the social justice arm of the Reform Movement in Israel is one of the strongest voices working to gain equality, religious freedom, and Pluralism.

Along with my guests - Rabbi Noa Sattath, director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) and Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Vice President of United Reform Judaism (URJ) for Israel and Reform Zionism & Executive Director of ARZA; we will review how things look like in Israel

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The official starting pistol fired its shot at 10 PM on February 4th, 2021, when the Likud Party’s list was submitted to the Central Election Committee.

39 parties in total submitted and will contest in the upcoming election with 14 main players with actual chances of being elected.  And today I’m joined by a dear friend - Nili Reichman, CEO & Founder of Humanizing - Public Identity Branding.

Nili is an experienced consultant in the fields of communication strategies, specializes in political campaigns and crisis management. In the past, she worked closely with both PM Netanyahu, Leader of New Hope Giedeon Sa’ar and chairman of Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid.

You can listen to the Podcast on -

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39 parties registered for the upcoming legislative elections in Israel. 2 interesting stories lay on the edges - The split in the Arab parties, between Mansour Abas and RAAM party from the Joint List &  what happened between Yamina & the Ultra right Jewish parties, with a last-minute merger between Betzalel Smotrich’s “religious Zionism Alliance & Kahana’s successor Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otazma Yehudit who earlier that week merged with NOAM, the Anti-LGBTQ religious party, leaving Hagit Moshe & the Jewish Home out of the game.

Along with my friend Jeff Becker, we will dive into what happened behind the scenes.

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In the past couple of years, there was great tension between the Israeli government and Israelis with many of our brothers in the US. A lot was shed over the Kotel compromise and the Conversion Law along with the close relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and American President Donald Trump has brought tension to new heights.

But, under the carpet, and tremendous efforts are being made in Israel to strengthen the bond. Along with my guest today I will discuss where do we, Israelis, stand in our relationship with our American brothers and sisters, what we did wrong, and what is being done today from the Israeli side of the equation in order to narrow the growing gaps and make a shift in Israeli approach and policies in order to find a w path in order to bring a new horizon to the Israeli-American Jewry relations.

Shira Ruderman is a professional philanthropist and social activist. She serves as the Executive Director of the Ruderman Family Foundation, a private family foundation that invests in three primary areas of focus: strengthening the relationship between Israel and the American Jewish community.

You are welcome to follow the Ruderman Foundation work using the following links - 

The Ruderman Family Foundation- Israel American Jewish Community Relations Facebook page

Shira Ruderman's Facebook page

The Ruderman Family Foundation website

 You can listen to the Podcast on -

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On December 27th Israel entered its 3rd lockdown after failing to contain CoVid-19. The number rose high even though more than 2.4  million people already received the 1st shot. In the past week, the government decided to extend the lockdown for 2 more weeks and may extend it again.

Some critics said the lockdown was due to PM Netanyahu’s trials. The hearing, dated January 8th was postponed and the opposition says that is the main reason for the lockdown timing.

BUT, another reason for this lockdown is Netanyahu’s coalition allies. Looking at the numbers show that the “Hardeim” are leading with the number of active cases with almost 40% of the total population.

The police are hardly enforcing the rules among the Ultra-Orthodox communities and bringing tension to new heights. Why is that happening and how come none of the politicians say a word? 

You can listen to the Podcast on -

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Most Israelis agree that Israel going to a 4th election term in 2 years proved the Israeli system of government is failing. Along with my guest Dr. Einat Wilf we will discuss where are we REALLY failing and what Israeli decision-makers really need to focus on.

Dr. Wilf is an author and a leading thinker on matters of foreign policy, economics, education, Israel, and Zionism. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010-2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Dr. Wilf is also the author of the book “It’s not the electoral system DUMMY!” explaining why Israel’s political problems lie somewhere else.

You can listen to the Podcast on -

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Once in a couple of years, a new kid comes to the playground of Israeli politics. That small party, which at many times nobody takes seriously, becomes the election's surprise and usually has the power to make an impact on shaping the new government. At most times that party also vanishes after a while - DASH in 1977, SHINUI between 1999-2003, GIL (HaGimlaim) between 2006-2009.

Those parties usually enjoy the support of many Left-wingers who are disappointed with the system and looking for something “New” & “Clean” without understanding the political game. 

In the upcoming election, we have many new players but only one is based on the Balfour rallies - DEMOCRATIT. 

My guest today is Eran Etzion, Democracy and Public policy entrepreneur and a Candidate in Israel's newly established DEMOCRATIT party primaries.

Formerly a senior diplomat and strategist who served as Deputy Head of Israel's National Security Council, and Head of Policy Planning in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To learn more about DEMOCRATIT - https://www.democratit.org.il/

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The 23rd Knesset officially dispersed as the clock struck midnight on Tuesday night, and the deadline to approve a 2020 budget expired, sending Israelis to the polls for the fourth time in less than two years. Elections were automatically called for 90 days from now, namely March 23, 2021.

The failure to pass a budget came just seven months after the swearing-in of the “unity government” between Likud and Blue and White. The two parties, which had fought each other bitterly in three indecisive elections, agreed to form a power-sharing government with a rotating premiership between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz in May.

What happened, and what should we expect? Kobi & Jeff explain.

Israel’s long term strong alliance is challenged not just by Israel’s relations with the Palestinians and the US reaction to Israel’s policies, but by other global players. In today’s episode, I will discuss China’s uprise as a global player and its impact on Israeli-American relations, and what we may see under President Biden's administration.

Dr. Ehud (Udi) Eiran, a senior lecturer and a US associate professor of International Relations at the University of Haifa in Israel and an active Board member at Mitvim – a leading Israeli thinktank. Dr. Eiran is also the author of 2 books & numerous academic articles.

To read more about Dr. Eiran – https://fsi.stanford.edu/people/ehud-eiran

To read more about Mitvim - https://mitvim.org.il/en/

In our 10th episode, we discussed PM Netanyahu’s rise in the public sphere until his defeat to Ehud Barak on May 17th, 1999. In this episode, I consulted with Mr. Eli Vered Hazan on the reasons for his loss and how he paved his way back into power. We were only able to cover 1999-2009, so stay tuned for a future episode.

You can listen to the Podcast on -

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The Corona crisis uncovered sensitive challenges Politicians refused to own, but are big and have a far bigger impact on Israel’s future. The Ultra-Orthodox communities’ separatism from the state of Israel, refusing to integrate into Modern Israel, while using their political power to budget their way of living, of the state’s budget, growing in numbers yearly and becoming a challenge for the state of Israel. How long can this go along?

Professor Dan Ben-David, A world knowen researcher of Economic Growth & Development and Israel Economy, President and Founder of the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research is here with me to discuss the challenges with the “Hardeim” and what the state of Israel needs to do.

To read more of Prof. Ben-David and the Shoresh institution please check their website at - https://shoresh.institute/

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Democracies are failing. Civil society is in a crisis. In Israel, it is more sensitive due to the big disagreements around state and religion, the occupation, corruption, and much more. But' our guest has a different point of view with an interesting solution - 

Yair Assulin, born in 1986, studied philosophy and history at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The Drive is the first of two novels he has written and for which he won Israel's Ministry of Culture Prize and the Sapir Prize for debut fiction.

To read more about Yair and his book "The Drive" that was translated into English please check the following link - https://newvesselpress.com/authors/yair-assulin/#:~:text=Yair%20Assulin%2C%20born%20in%201986,Sapir%20Prize%20for%20debut%20fiction.

Unlike in the US, the state of Israel doesn’t have a constitution, but a set of Basic Laws.

The idea of a constitution was brought in the declaration of independence, who gave a mandate to the “Founding Assembly” to form a constitution, based upon it the political formation of Israel will be built.

The Founding Assembly did not fulfill its purpose, and the question of a constitution is very sensitive in Israel and we are here to explain what happened, does Israel even need a Constitution, and what is the status today.

Eeki Elner, the founder and CEO of the Israel Leadership Institute, The Israel Leadership Institute North America - based in Ohio, and a Motivational speaker, has a long-lasting public career. Among his past roles is Advisor to the Minister of Education (Prof. Amnon Rubinstein), who was a co-founder of the Freedom of Religion Coalition in Israel and many other activities. Eeki served as the CEO of “Constitution for Israel” under Professor Uriel Reichmann and is her to enlighten us on what was done in order to form a Constitution.

The Israel Leadership Institute website - https://israeleader.com/en/

Israeli Democracy is under attack. Is it really in danger? That was my discussion with Uri Zaki.

Uri is the founder of The Front & Chair of the Meretz Executive Board  

Following military service as an officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Uri embarked on a career that that focused on promoting peace and challenging the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.  He was a senior advisor to former Justice Minister and peace camp leader, Yossi Beilin. He took part in the talks that formulated the Geneva initiative and was the main spokesperson of the initiative.

Between 2010-2013 Uri was the Director of B’Tselem USA, a Washington-based non-profit representing the Israeli human rights organization in the US. Uri later was the Israel Advocacy & Public Outreach Consultant at Human Rights Watch.

Uri held several positions in the Meretz Party, among them Chair of Young Meretz, Member of the Executive Board, and President of the Governing Assembly. In the 2019 national elections, he was the Director of the Strategic Team of the campaign.

In 2020 Uri was elected as the party’s Executive Board.

Uri serves on the Financial Committee of the Association of Civil Rights in Israel.

Today, Uri leads the Front (for the Protection of Democracy) – a unique organization in the Israeli progressive landscape that acts as an assertive “attack-dog” against the new-right and its anti-democratic infrastructure via opposition research, media campaigns, and legal action.  

Uri holds a law degree (LLB) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master’s degree (LLM) in Human Rights Law at the Emile Zola Chair for Human Rights at the College for Academic Management Studies.

Uri is a frequent contributor to the Israeli, American and international media. Uri was the co-host together with the late Ari Fuld of the weekly show “Israeli Frenemies” on ILTV.

 To learn more about the Front - https://hachazit.org.il/

In days of Polarization, Along with Nir Reisler, we discussed the special views of Berl Katznelson – One of the Intellectual founders of the Labor Zionism, who was able to include Nationalism, Socialism & Universalism under one roof.

We were also able to make the distinction between Socialism and Communism and between Nationalism and Patriotism.

Nir Reisler is the Editor of “Seventy Faces to Zionism” and the Content Manager of the Berl Katzanelson Foundation.

September 28th 2000 marked the 1st day of the 2nd Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada. More than 1,000 Israelis and 5,000 Palestinians died in this bloody era. Along with Dr. Ido Zelkovitz, we tried to understand, what happened, what’s sparked the 2nd Intifada, and what was Yasser Arafat’s (Former chairman of the PLO and President of the Palestinian Authority) part in the Intifada.

Dr. Zelkovitz is an Israeli historian and researcher of the modern Middle East. He is a research fellow at the University of Haifa, a Policy fellow at Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Affairs, and the Head of Middle Eastern Studies at the Yisrael Valley College.

Along with my friend Kobby Barda, author of “The Key to Understanding Donald J. Trump: The president who broke the rules of the game”, we discussed the most controversial president Donald Trump and why he is so popular in Israel. 

The book is available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Key-Understanding-Donald-Trump-president-ebook/dp/B082HSZ4DH 

Bibi made Israel first! Israel has scored a record of averaging 4,000 tested positive Israelis a day, making Israel the state with most sick people per capita. Why is this happening? What are the political aspects of the failed policymaking and when will be a change, Will Bennet challenge Netanyahu and what is happening with Yair Lapid & Yesh Atid party?

#BalaganPodcast #Netabyahu #YairLapid #IsraeliPolitics

There is no doubt that Benjamin Netanyahu is a skillful politician. But when did he first step in the political arena and how he dealt with "the Princes" of the Likud Party? Eli Vered Hazan tells us.

Along with Eli Hazan we review the Begin’s era as PM - From the “Mahapach”) Reverse / Change) in 1977 until Menachem Begin’s retirement. What were the biggest changes the Likud entered in Israeli politics of those days, what reforms were made, and what was the relationship withing the Likud’s leadership.

Who gains what from the UAE-Israel Normalization deal and why now, explained on BALAGAN with our guest Jeff Becker.

4 years ago Amir Haskel decided that enough is enough and started protesting ALONE against PM Netanyahu. Haskel, former pilot (Ranked Brigadier general) and a Holocaust researcher, decided he can not stand still while the PM is charged with corruption cases and that such man can not lead the state of Israel as we need higher morals and ethics. SO he started standing in the crossroad by his house with a sign and Israel flag. Soon many have followed. One of them was his old-time IAF pilot Asaf Agmon. Now they lead the No Way protests in Balfour. Let's hear what they have to say.