Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Jonathan and Yonit discuss recent events in Israel, including a surprising new government and a judicial overhaul. They speak with Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of a hostage captured by Hamas, about her ongoing campaign to bring her son Hersh back home. They also cover the emotional toll of advocating for a child, navigating faith, finding joy amidst difficulty, practical steps to support hostages, and the remarkable women fighting for their release.

Pressure on the Israeli government is mounting from within and without. As the international community debates exactly what kind of ceasefire it demands of Israel, many of the hostage families urge an immediate pause to bring their loved ones home - a plea that gained new intensity after the mistaken killing by the IDF of three fleeing hostages in Gaza. Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that, together with a new poll which suggests Israeli public opinion is hardening on a range of issues - including disenchantment with Benjamin Netanyahu. Plus: a nod to actor, writer and polymath Stephen Fry, who this week took a stand that caught many by surprise. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: Unholy Podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political scientist Yascha Mounk joins the podcast to discuss the trap of identity politics and the situation in America’s universities. Topics include American pressure on Israel, discrepancies in public and private discourse, the complicated position of American universities on free speech, understanding the response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the grip of ideology on Western campuses, and an incident of antisemitism in Poland.

Investigative TV journalist Ilana Dayan joins Yonit and Jonathan to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, hate speech against Jews, Israeli politics, the rise of anti-Semitism in Ivy League universities, gender bias in warnings, and the failure of the Zionist idea. They reflect on Ilana Dayan's impact and end with hope for a brighter future.

Michael Milshtein, Israel's foremost expert on Hamas, shares shocking insights into Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October massacre and the man they call 'the Butcher'. The podcast discusses the emotional rollercoaster of hostage families, testimonies of captive children, controversy surrounding captivity, Hamas' goals and ideology, the bleak outlook for peace, and Israel's mistakes in dealing with Hamas.

Discussion on delay in Israel-Hamas ceasefire and release of hostages, Hamas demands for release of children and mothers, IDF's discovery of terror tunnels and international media's silence, lack of importance given by UN to Jewish hostages, emotional impact and trauma in Israel, aftermath of war including rage towards IDF and intelligence agencies, challenges of satire during war, impact on polls, emotional and psychological impact of hostage release, ongoing issue of hostages held by Hamas.

Former Pentagon official Dan Senor, author of The Genius of Israel, joins Yonit and Jonathan to discuss the resilience of Israel. They also explore the ongoing war, political accountability, calls for Netanyahu's resignation, the Al Shufa Hospital situation, the largest pro-Israel demonstration in US history, and the societal shock absorbers that contribute to Israel's resilience.

Kara Swisher, the influential tech journalist, joins Yonit and Jonathan to discuss the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, in the Israel-Hamas conflict. They explore the role of algorithms and foreign influence, and question if international pressure will lead to Israel's operation against Hamas coming to an end. The podcast also touches on rising anti-Semitism, the toxicity of Twitter, and the challenges faced by journalists in Gaza.

The hosts reflect on recent difficulties and tensions. They discuss the impact of recent events on diaspora Jews and the shift in conversations. The chapter analyzes the Israeli blockade and concerns about blowback on Jews. It also discusses challenges faced by diaspora Jews and the intention of Hamas. The actions of Hamas and their impact on Israelis and Jewish people are explored.

Muli Segev, creator of Eretz Nehederet, discusses the role of satire during wartime. Simon Sebag Montefiore talks about the misconceptions of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The podcast also touches on the political dynamics, international pressure, and volunteer efforts in Israel. It explores the use of humor as a coping mechanism during traumatic events, and the conflict between satire and the woke movement. Jewish comedians' identity crisis is also discussed.