Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Amos Harel, a seasoned military journalist for Haaretz, dives deep into the escalating conflict in Gaza and the evolving dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu. He shares insights on military strategies and their humanitarian impacts, while contemplating the political pressures shaping these decisions. Harel also discusses the recent fires near Jerusalem and their historical significance, all while juxtaposing heavy military discussions with cultural reflections, including a new play centered on Roald Dahl's controversial views.

Eyal Waldman, co-founder of Mellanox Technologies and a father grieving the tragic loss of his daughter, shares his insights on Israel's tumultuous political landscape and personal trauma. He discusses the emotional duality of Independence and Memorial Days, reflecting on grief amidst national celebrations. Waldman also dives into the challenges facing Israel's high-tech sector and the pivotal role of Mellanox in shaping NVIDIA's AI advancements. Balancing innovation with ethical challenges, he offers a glimpse of hope for the future amid societal turmoil.

Unholy is going live in London! Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and great guests: Yuval Noah Harari, Andy Nyman and Mira Awad—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive Join our Patreon communityVisiting London or Tel Aviv? We’ve got special edition T-shirts in the Unholy Store!A solemn week for Israel, marked by mourning – and yet politics, as ever, presses on. At the centre: a widening rift between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency. In our conversation this week, we widen the lens. Sam Harris – neuroscientist, bestselling author and host of the Making Sense podcast – joins us to talk religion, politics and the elusive art of clear thinking in a time of sound and fury. Plus: our Chutzpah of the Week award goes to those who seem to have forgotten the basic dignity owed to the sick, while our Mensch accolade is shared by two groups standing firm in defence of their values – even when it’s hardest.   Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and bestselling author known for his work on ethics, religion, and the human mind. He is the host of the popular podcast Making Sense, and the founder of the Waking Up app, which combines meditation practice with insights from science and philosophy.   Unholy is going live in London!Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and surprises—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive

A captivating blend of reflection and conversation highlights six memorable moments, from Rachel Maddow's insights on fascism to Van Jones' views on social justice. The emotional weight of Passover Seders is explored, juxtaposed with tales of hope amidst turmoil. Delve into the complexities of Black-Jewish alliances and personal stories of love in the face of captivity. This poignant dialogue weaves together identity, community, and resilience, shining a light on contemporary challenges while celebrating shared humanity.

Oren Setter, a retired Brigadier General and former lead negotiator for the Israeli Hostage Task Force, shares insights from his three-decade career in the IDF. He candidly discusses the emotional and moral dilemmas of hostage negotiations, particularly in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The conversation also touches on the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, especially in light of recent political tensions. Plus, Setter highlights the critical balance between military action and diplomacy while ensuring the safety of hostages in fraught situations.

Matti Friedman, an award-winning journalist known for his keen insights on Israeli society, joins distinguished lawyer Anthony Julius, who has represented Princess Diana and explores themes of anti-Semitism. They dissect the recent tumult surrounding Netanyahu's leadership and its implications for Israel's democracy. The conversation also sheds light on the complex character of Abraham from Julius's latest book, unraveling themes of identity and faith, while reflecting on the broader struggles within Israeli society today.

Tensions in Israel are escalating with political drama and judicial changes shaking the foundation of democracy. The hosts dive into the fallout from the Signal-gate incident where a journalist accidentally stumbled into a secret discussion, revealing deeper issues in media practices. They explore the political turmoil following recent conflicts, highlighting protests against Netanyahu's government. Additionally, a gripping tale of resilience emerges as a survivor recounts his harrowing experience in captivity, emphasizing the humanitarian crises at play.

In the space of a week, Israel is once again at war in Gaza, Ben Gvir is back in government, and Netanyahu is moving to oust the head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, the Shin Bet. Meanwhile, the U.S. strikes the Houthis, the Houthis strike Israel, and rockets from Gaza target central Israel. With tensions escalating on multiple fronts, Yonit and Jonathan turn to Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel to make sense of the renewed fighting and the wider political-military turmoil.Plus: A Mensch award for the record-breaking Israeli tech giant Wiz, and a Chutzpah winner for the podcaster who crossed the line. Join our Patreon community and get access to exclusive content and moreSocial links, Unholy store and more Amos Harel is a prominent Israeli journalist specializing in military and defense affairs. Since 2000, he has served as the military correspondent and defense analyst for Haaretz, one of Israel’s leading newspapers. Throughout his career, he has provided in-depth coverage of Israel’s security challenges, including conflicts and military operations. Harel co-authored two notable books with Avi Issacharoff: The Seventh War: How We Won and Why We Lost the War with the Palestinians (2004), analyzing the Second Intifada, and 34 Days: Israel, Hezbollah, and the War in Lebanon (2008), examining the 2006 Lebanon War. Unholy is going live in London!Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and surprises—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive

Yonit and Jonathan break down today's major news: the ceasefire is over. As Israeli airstrikes resume in Gaza leaving hundreds dead and fears grow for the remaining hostages, this short update tackles the most urgent question—what explains what just happened? Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes (like Saturday Night Live), live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod  Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Unholy is going live in London!Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and surprises—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive

Yonit and Jonathan unpack the latest drama in Israel which many are calling a moment of truth for the country’s democracy: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to remove Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet. What’s behind the move, what does it mean for Israel’s security, and how do the US and Qatar fit into the picture? Join our Patreon community (promo code for Purim weekend: PURIM25) to get access to bonus episodes (like Saturday Night Live), live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod  Unholy is going live in London!Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and surprises—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive