Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Shimrit Meir, former adviser to Naftali Bennett, discusses the international players in Israel's conflict with Hamas, including Qatar. The hosts explore the complexity of the hostage situation, Qatar's role in mediating the conflict, Israel's goal to eradicate Hamas, the shift in media coverage, challenges of fighting a cynical terror organization, a satire program during wartime, and the achievements of women combat soldiers.

Joe Biden becomes the first US president to visit Israel at a time of war, the world’s media blame Israel for a deadly Gaza hospital blast that, most experts now agree, was most likely caused by a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket - and Yonit and Jonathan hear the moving, probing comments and questions sent in by you, Unholy’s listeners. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: Unholy podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discusses the mood in Israel after a challenging week, the new unity government's response to Hamas attacks, US President Joe Biden's show of solidarity, the blame game for intelligence and political failures, controversy at Harvard, media coverage of terrorism, and stories of heroism and resilience amidst the crisis.

This emergency episode covers the devastating attack by Hamas on Israel, with casualties and abductions causing fear and terror. The conflict is analyzed, questioning the government's ability to protect civilians. Israel faces trauma and uncertainty with missing civilians and the challenges of responding while hostages are held. The shared anxiety and unity within the Jewish community is highlighted, emphasizing the need for continued conversation and reporting on the situation.

Special guest Yuval Neria, a decorated fighter turned psychology researcher, discusses the impact of the Yom Kippur War on the Israeli psyche. The hosts also address incidents of spitting at Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem, highlighting the need for respect towards other religions. Plus, they talk about an unexpected find: matzo ball soup in Europe!

Investigative reporter John Ware joins Yonit and Jonathan in London to discuss his documentary on rocker Roger Waters. They also touch on Yom Kippur skirmishes in Israel, Joe Biden's actions, and remarkable stories of two dogs.

Veteran CBS News correspondent Lesley Stahl discusses covering Israel, social media challenges, and the rise of the octogenarian in US media and politics. Yonit and Jonathan break down the Saudi-Israeli relations breakthrough and predict the big winner. They also explore festive greetings and discuss the implications of the meeting between the US and Israel for regional normalization. The podcast touches on Yau's transformation, women in the broadcasting industry, age in politics, and the future of broadcast journalism.

David Remnick, New Yorker editor and friend of the podcast, joins Yonit and Jonathan to reflect on the year, including the Israeli Supreme Court's session on Netanyahu's judicial overhaul and the possibility of a second Trump presidency. They also discuss meeting the most Jewish artist of the last century and present special awards for the year's biggest act of chutzpah.

Prof. Jacob Hanna, Israeli researcher, discusses a massive scientific breakthrough at Israel's Weizmann Institute in stem cell research. They also touch on controversial films, Jewish identity, political implications of the research project, controversy at Yad Vashem, and bravery in preventing cybersecurity attacks.

Only a week until Unholy returns to regular broadcasting - which means one more edition of Conversations We Love, a series in which we return to some of our prized talks. And what better way to end summer vacation than with pioneering radio host Ira Glass, creator of the 800-episode "This American Life". In this special interview, Glass reflects on his career - from a Pulitzer, through being dubbed 'the godfather of podcasting' and to the disappointment of his Jewish parents when he let them know he wasn't going to be a doctor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.