Unholy: Two Jews on the News
Unholy Media
Yonit Levi of Israel's Channel 12 News and Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian are two of the most prominent journalists in the world today. They are also Jews. Each week, join what MSNBC's Rachel Maddow calls "two great, smart smart smart hosts" as they dissect and debate current events shaping Israel, Jewish life - and the wider world.
Their blend of nuanced discussion and sparkling conversation, featuring a dazzling range of guests, is why New Yorker editor David Remnick calls himself a “proud, avid listener," why Ira Glass says he "completely enjoys this show" and why Malcolm Gladwell calls it an "incredibly fun podcast".
For a weekly fix of globally informed talk – including nominations for the greatest act of chutzpah and outstanding mensch of the previous seven days – there’s only one destination. Make every Friday morning Unholy.
Contact us via: [email protected]
Their blend of nuanced discussion and sparkling conversation, featuring a dazzling range of guests, is why New Yorker editor David Remnick calls himself a “proud, avid listener," why Ira Glass says he "completely enjoys this show" and why Malcolm Gladwell calls it an "incredibly fun podcast".
For a weekly fix of globally informed talk – including nominations for the greatest act of chutzpah and outstanding mensch of the previous seven days – there’s only one destination. Make every Friday morning Unholy.
Contact us via: [email protected]
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 22, 2026 • 55min
The Final Sprint and What to Watch for on Election Night
With Israel’s election five days away, the conversation races through razor-thin coalition math, expat voters returning home, Netanyahu’s closing strategy, and Gadi Eisenkot’s appeal. The fallout from a Qatar funding investigation, ultra-Orthodox draft politics, and possible post-election tensions with Iran add urgency. Across the Atlantic, Jewish voters in Michigan face their own painful political dilemma, alongside reflections on peace, change, and Israel’s future.
33 snips
Oct 19, 2026 • 40min
Why one word blew up the Israeli election campaign – with Matti Friedman
Matti Friedman, a Canadian-Israeli journalist and bestselling author, examines the racial flashpoint shaking Israel’s election campaign. He explores the deep Ashkenazi-Mizrahi divide, the overlooked history of Middle Eastern Jewish communities, institutional discrimination, and the political rise of Mizrahi identity. The conversation also touches on culture, intelligence services, and the legacies of Begin and Netanyahu.
Oct 15, 2026 • 41min
Netanyahu, Eisenkot and the 61 Problem
Israel’s election enters a pressure-cooker final stretch as Netanyahu pitches a familiar coalition and Eisenkot rallies the opposition. Bennett surges while Lapid fades from view. The discussion explores possible defections, an October military escalation, Arab parties’ place outside the blocs and the unlikely prospect of a minority government. Plus, campus chutzpah and kosher cannabis.
Oct 13, 2026 • 35min
Can you trust the polls? with Dahlia Scheindlin
Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli pollster, political strategist, and Haaretz analyst, unpacks Israel’s conflicting election polls. She explores why most surveys agree, who remains undecided, the risks facing small parties, turnout surprises, expat voters, and why October 7 barely shifted long-term political trends. The conversation ends with six opposition leaders holding the keys to the next government.
5 snips
Oct 8, 2026 • 48min
The Ghost of October 7th, Wild Polling — and a Response to Mamdani
Israel’s election enters a fog of wildly divergent polls, fragmented opposition tactics, and speculation that Avigdor Lieberman could reshape the right. The third October 7th anniversary raises unresolved questions about accountability and national safety. Outside Israel, Zohran Mamdani and Britain’s Green Party face criticism over their positions, while punctuation earns a cheeky Chutzpah award.
9 snips
Oct 6, 2026 • 30min
Amir Tibon on October 7, three years on - and Israel's election
Amir Tibon, an Israeli journalist and author of The Gates of Gaza, recounts surviving October 7 with his family in Nahal Oz and the difficult decision to return home. He reflects on raising children with living memories of trauma, why the third anniversary feels especially heavy, and Israel’s coming election. The conversation explores security, political accountability, Netanyahu’s staying power, and trust in national institutions.
Oct 6, 2026 • 41min
Yuval Raphael on Nova, healing and Eurovision
Yuval Raphael, an Israeli singer-songwriter and Nova Festival survivor, reflects on returning to Re’im three years after the massacre. She discusses surviving eight hours in a shelter, healing through storytelling, and speaking to audiences worldwide. Raphael also recounts representing Israel at Eurovision, confronting boos on stage, and carrying the emotional weight of a traumatized generation.
5 snips
Oct 1, 2026 • 44min
Drama in the skies - politics on the ground
A foiled mid-air hijacking leaves Israel cheering the courage of passengers and crew, while raising troubling questions about security failures and ignored warnings. The election spotlight turns to Netanyahu’s response, a divided opposition, and the growing influence of political rivalries. Plus, settler violence, diplomatic isolation, and awards for audacity and integrity.
13 snips
Sep 29, 2026 • 50min
Mansour Abbas: The Man who would be Kingmaker
Mansour Abbas, Israeli Arab politician and Ra’am leader, discusses his party’s groundbreaking Jewish-Arab alliance and the risks of coalition politics. He addresses threats from extremists, Arab voter turnout, Ra’am’s break with the Islamic Movement, and what “Islamist” means to him. He also explores language, identity, Palestinian statehood, and whether he would answer Netanyahu’s call.
Sep 24, 2026 • 49min
The Disqualification Games, German angst — and Wayne Rooney’s Bubbe
Israel’s election nears a dramatic legal showdown over banning Arab parties and a controversial Balad politician. Netanyahu targets Gadi Eisenkot over possible Arab backing, while tensions rise in the West Bank and threats against Iran dominate the international stage. Germany’s political extremes raise fresh concerns for Jewish safety. Plus, Wayne Rooney’s surprising Jewish ancestry and a tribute to Nobel laureate Ada Yonath.
