Wildfires and Woes: Israel's Independence Day Reflections

To help struggling Israeli combat veterans find their way back, please visit the American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs’ (AFINS): afins.us/warriorcare

Upcoming Event Notice: Dan Senor will be delivering this year’s State of World Jewry Address at the 92nd Street Y (92NY) on Tuesday May 13 at 7:30 pm. To register: 92ny.org/event/the-state-of-world-jewry-address

Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcast

Subscribe to Ark Media’s new podcast ‘What’s Your Number?’: lnk.to/HJI2mX

Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorg

To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org

Dan on X: x.com/dansenor

Dan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenor

Today’s episode:

Flames that engulfed more than 5,000 acres around Jerusalem as Israel marked its 77th Independence Day. Dozens of Independence Day ceremonies were canceled, and according to many Israelis — the feelings of national solidarity that normally characterize this day were scarce. For the families of hostages in Gaza,  this was their second Yom Haatzmaut without their loved ones. And yet, Israelis are nothing if not resilient. The country’s population has now surpassed 10 million people. Forty-five percent of all Jews on Earth today call Israel home. So, while there are reasons for concern, there are also reasons for hope. 

Reflecting on how far Israel has come, and where it may go from here, we are joined by bestselling author and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, Yossi Klein Halevi, to discuss the debt we have to Israel’s founders, and to the soldiers who have fallen in its defense. 

For Yossi Klein Halevi’s books: tinyurl.com/ycfcn72u

CREDITS:

ILAN BENATAR - Producer & Editor

MARTIN HUERGO - Sound Editor

GABE SILVERSTEIN - Research

YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer