

Episode 22 - The Charedi Parties, with The Times of Israel's Sam Sokol
11 snips Aug 12, 2025
Sam Sokol, Knesset Affairs correspondent at the Times of Israel, shares his in-depth knowledge of Israeli politics and the charedi parties, such as United Torah Judaism and Shas. He discusses his journey from political aspirations to journalism, emphasizing the importance of accountability in reporting on religious issues. The podcast delves into the complexities of navigating Haredi politics, including the ongoing debate over military service for yeshiva students and its implications, revealing evolving attitudes within the community.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reporter’s Early Career And War Reporting
- Sam Sokol described his journalistic path from Manhattan to Knesset correspondent, including roles at Jerusalem Post and Haaretz.
- He recounted reporting in Ukraine and writing a book about Jewish communities affected by conflict.
Observant Reporter At A Secular Paper
- Sam shared being allowed accommodations for Shabbat and holidays while working at Haaretz.
- He recalled putting on tefillin in the newsroom and colleagues asking to photograph him.
Access Comes From Time And Fairness
- Sam emphasized building access by spending time, asking colleagues for help, and walking Knesset halls.
- He said fairness and reliability win trust from politicians across the spectrum.