Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Join Dr. Nadine Baudot-Trachtenberg, an Israeli economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel, as she offers insights into the economic toll of prolonged conflict. The discussion includes the rising threat of anti-Semitism linked to current tensions and highlights the challenges of humanitarian aid in Gaza. They also delve into the implications of Israel's political landscape on the economy, particularly regarding military service exemptions and the potential for economic reform amidst ongoing turmoil. Baudot-Trachtenberg sheds light on the resilience of society in these tough times.

Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor and current Kissinger Professor at Harvard, dives deep into the turbulent Middle East landscape. He analyzes Israel's potential military actions against Iran and the precarious situation in Gaza. Sullivan reflects on U.S. foreign policy shifts under both Biden and Trump, especially regarding Saudi normalization. He also addresses the Biden administration's challenges, discussing leadership dynamics and personal aspirations post-office. A compelling look at current global diplomacy and security!

Join actor and writer Jonah Platt, known for his Broadway role in Wicked, as he shares insights on being Jewish in Hollywood. The discussion delves into the tragic D.C. shooting and rising anti-Semitism, emphasizing community resilience and the need for open dialogue on Israeli issues. Platt offers a personal take on the importance of Jewish identity and the entertainment industry’s evolving landscape. He talks about navigating tough conversations and the positive impact of being outspoken, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the Jewish experience today.

Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director at Chatham House, dives into the complexities shaping the Middle East. She discusses Trump's tour and its implications for US-Iran relations, amid talks of a nuclear deal. The emotional toll of hostage negotiations is highlighted with the release of Edan Alexander, shedding light on Israel’s role and the broader impacts on society. Vakil also addresses the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ethical considerations involved, emphasizing the urgent need for action in the face of geopolitical tensions.

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.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.