The Tikvah Podcast

On June 22, American B-2 bombers dropped hundreds of tons of explosives on three nuclear sites in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Right after President Trump announced that the pilots were out of Iranian air space, the world started to learn the details of Operation Midnight Hammer, the extraordinary American mission to neutralize Iran’s nuclear-weapons program. News coverage started immediately—and some of the most incisive and careful analysis appeared outside of the legacy media. Some of the best news coverage in English could be found at the Free Press, the Daily Wire, and the Call Me Back podcast.   Rather than bring on the guests who’ve already offered up their analysis in those venues, we thought it would be valuable to have a series of conversations on dimensions of this war—not only Operation Midnight Hammer, but the last two weeks beginning with the Israeli airstrikes on Iran—that take up some of the deeper, less immediate concerns. War is violent and bloody. But war is also a teacher, and it reveals things about the nations who wage it.   “Living Through History: Learning from the Twelve-Day War” is a series of conversations from the Tikvah Podcast at Mosaic and featuring its host, Jonathan Silver. These include a discussion with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik on what the war reveals about providence and Jewish history; with Hussein Aboubakr Mansour about what the war reveals about the clash of civilizations; with the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, about what the war reveals about the U.S.- Israel relationship at this moment in Zionist history; and with Victor Davis Hanson about what the war reveals about the American interest. Today you can listen to the first, with Rabbi Soloveichik.  

Jay Lefkowitz, a senior partner at Kirkland and Ellis and former U.S. envoy on human rights in North Korea, joins the discussion to dissect the upcoming Democratic primary in New York City. He highlights the dominant role of Jewish voters and their unique concerns, such as anti-Israel sentiments and educational funding. The conversation delves into the radical candidacy of Zoran Mandami and how his socialist proposals resonate with some Jewish voters. Lefkowitz also explores the intersection of local and national politics and the potential implications for the Democratic Party.

Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author, dives into the evolving dynamics between India and Israel following a recent conflict spurred by terrorism in Kashmir. He discusses India's remarkable shift from a critic of Israel to its largest arms customer, revealing the complex geopolitical landscape. Dhume explores the pivotal role of Israeli technology in India's defense and the growing common ground between two democracies facing similar threats, while contrasting this with Pakistan's reliance on China and Turkey.

Jeffrey Herf, a historian and analyst of anti-Semitism, delves into the alarming rise of domestic terrorism targeting Jewish individuals in the U.S. He connects recent violent acts to ideological movements, exploring both historical influences and contemporary radicalism. Herf discusses the complex dynamics of anti-Israel sentiment, radical speech on campus, and the repercussions of political rhetoric. He urges a critical examination of these issues, emphasizing the responsibility of society to confront rising antisemitic violence and promote informed discourse.

Matthew Solomson, a federal judge and chief judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, shares insights on balancing deep Orthodox Jewish faith with public service. He discusses the unique role of his court, covering everything from military contracts to the Affordable Care Act. Solomson reflects on his upbringing and the complexities of maintaining identity in a secular world. He also touches on a thought-provoking judicial visit to Israel and the implications of free speech amid political controversies on campuses. His journey exemplifies the fusion of faith and patriotism in the legal field.

Yossi Melman, a prominent Haaretz reporter and an expert on Israeli intelligence, delves into the life and legacy of Eli Cohen, Israel's most celebrated spy. He shares fascinating insights into how Cohen infiltrated Syrian politics by adopting a new identity, showcasing the art of social engineering. Melman discusses the implications of recently uncovered documents that reveal Cohen's daring missions and tragic end. He also highlights the ongoing challenges in Israeli intelligence, emphasizing the need to balance digital signals with human insights, inspired by Cohen’s exceptional legacy.

J.J. Kimche, a Jewish historian and Assistant Professor at the University of Austin, discusses the legacy of Paul Johnson, a British Catholic historian who took a keen interest in Jewish history. Kimche explores why Johnson viewed Judaism sympathetically and how his non-Jewish perspective offers unique insights into Jewish identity. The conversation touches on the complexities of Jewish belief, the evolution of Reform Judaism, and the significance of major historical events like the Holocaust and Zionism, highlighting the value of understanding Jewish history from diverse viewpoints.

Ari Heistein, a business development expert in Israel and former chief of staff at the Institute for National Security Studies, delves into the recent missile strike near Ben-Gurion Airport by the Iran-backed Houthis. He discusses their transformation from a revivalist movement to a guerrilla force and examines their military supply chain supported by Iran. Heistein also highlights the impact of these missile strikes on Israel's tourism and security perceptions, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance in the face of escalating threats.

Michael Doran, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, dives into Donald Trump's transformative Middle East policy. He discusses Trump's departure from previous administrations, focusing on Iran and Israel's empowerment. Doran highlights how the Trump era viewed Biden's foreign policy as weak, leading to a maximum-pressure campaign on Iran. The conversation also addresses the shifting American perceptions of Israel, the impact of disillusionment with elite institutions, and the intricate dynamics of U.S. alliances in the region. It's a captivating exploration of the high-stakes chess game in Middle Eastern politics.

Benedict Kiely, a Catholic priest from Canterbury and founder of Nasarean.org, discusses the legacy of Pope Francis and his significant ties to the Jewish community and the Middle East. Kiely reflects on the importance of Catholic-Jewish relations and the challenges faced by Christian communities in the Middle East, especially in Iraq. He also entertains the possibility of Cardinal Pizzaballa becoming the first Middle Eastern pope and its implications for religious dynamics and civilizational priorities. This insightful conversation navigates the complexities of faith in modern times.