Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Richard Haass, a veteran in US foreign policy and former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, shares insights on the impending fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Award-winning filmmaker Alexis Bloom discusses her documentary on Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial, revealing the intertwining of politics and personal relationships. They navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the implications of military actions, and the challenges of documentary filmmaking in today's climate. The conversation is both poignant and illuminating.

As a veteran of Israel's security establishment, a former defence minister with roots on the Israeli right, says Israel is engaged in "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, there's renewed talk of a deal to secure a hostage release and ceasefire before Donald Trump takes office in January. Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that - and they speak with Yael Alexander, whose son Edan is still held captive and was this week shown alive in a video released by Hamas. There's a bulging list of chutzpah nominees, stretching from Rumania to New Jersey, and big news about Unholy itself - with a chance for listeners to join the Unholy family.  Subscribe to our new Patreon community Social media links (Instagram, X, Bluesky, Youtube and Facebook) available here Our membership tiers: $8/month (Friend of the Pod): Get 2 bonus episodes a month, early access to event tickets, discounts on merch, and access to a members-only chat room.$25/month (Family Member): Enjoy everything in the Friend tier, plus a live Zoom call with us once a quarter and a limited-edition tote bag at no extra cost. Special Holiday Promotion: Sign up for the Family Member tier now and get 80% off your first month!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, discusses the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and shares his insights on ending the conflict in Gaza. He reflects on the implications of a nuclear Iran and how Israel must adapt to this reality. Barak also critiques Israel's media landscape and recent legislative shifts threatening press freedom. Amidst serious topics, the conversation includes a light-hearted nod to cultural traditions and the humorous 'Mensch of the Week' awards.

Thomas Friedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist from The New York Times, and Ilana Dayan, acclaimed journalist from Israel's Channel 12, dive into the sensitive geopolitical landscape marked by recent ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. They discuss the implications for Israel's future, including potential shifts in U.S.-Israel relations under a possible second Trump term. Dayan shares insights from a landmark speech, emphasizing the importance of journalism and truth in seeking a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump White House official and current co-host of The View, discusses the impact of Trump’s potential second term on U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Military affairs analyst Amos Harel provides insights into the military strategies at play in Gaza and the broader implications of recent geopolitical shifts. They also touch on rising anti-Israel sentiments in Amsterdam and share a lighthearted moment about Radiohead's connection to Israel.

A tumultuous week sees Donald Trump poised for a White House return while Israel’s Defense Minister is dismissed. The hosts analyze how these shifts affect U.S.-Israel relations and the electoral landscape. Investigations into the Israeli Prime Minister raise eyebrows with allegations of leaks and protocol tampering. They also humorously award the Mench Award to a courageous artist for his graceful heckling response, blending political commentary with heartfelt moments.

Rachel Maddow, MSNBC host and author of "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism," joins the hosts to discuss the intricate connections between the upcoming U.S. elections and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. They explore the urgent implications of Israel's military actions against Iran and the complex dynamics shaping peace negotiations. Maddow also highlights historical figures in the fight against fascism, drawing parallels to today's political climate, and reflects on grassroots activism as vital for democratic engagement.

Dan Senor, a former foreign policy advisor and author, teams up with Jeremy Bash, ex-chief of staff at the CIA, to tackle the pivotal questions facing American Jewish voters. They debate how Kamala Harris and Donald Trump align with Jewish concerns about Israel and rising antisemitism. The duo dissects U.S. foreign policy complexities, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the implications of the contentious Iran deal. Their discussion highlights the urgent need for moral leadership amid a fracturing political landscape, shedding light on the Jewish community's priorities.

In this engaging discussion, Sir Simon Schama, a world-renowned historian, reflects on the complexities of Jewish identity and historical memory amidst contemporary conflicts. He delves into the ongoing Israel-Hamas tensions, examining historical parallels and the impact of past persecution on present sentiments. Schama also critiques the portrayal of Jewish characters in Hollywood, highlighting the need for accurate representation. With insights into resilience and the emotional dilemmas faced by Jewish students, he urges a nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian discourse.

Shimrit Meir, an expert on the Arab world and former senior diplomatic advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, discusses the implications of Yahya Sinwar's death on the Israel-Hamas conflict. She explores potential shifts in hostage dynamics and the role of Qatar as a mediator. The conversation also touches on Sinwar's controversial legacy and the internal dynamics within Hamas. Meir emphasizes the urgent need for effective communication with both the West and regional players to address emerging threats and the complexities of the ongoing conflict.