Two Nice Jewish Boys

If Tel Aviv is the Silicon Valley of the Middle East, AKA Silicon Wadi, cybersecurity is its beating heart. From the towering successes of Palo Alto Networks and Checkpoint to the relatively recent rise of Wiz, Israel stands as the undisputed leader in the realm of digital defense. At the core of this technological powerhouse lies Unit 8200, Israel's legendary intelligence unit, known for honing the skills of some of the world's sharpest cyber minds. Graduates of 8200 venture into the entrepreneurial landscape, seeding the growth of Israel's cybersecurity sector with their expertise and innovation. One of the things that truly sets Israel apart is the tidal wave of investment flooding into its cybersecurity ecosystem, propelling the nation to the forefront of global innovation. If you think about it, it’s pretty crazy - Israel, or at least Israeli tech, is protecting a huge chunk of the world’s most lucrative digital assets. Today, we're honored to host Alon Arvatz, one of the young new minds in the cyber realm. As an IDF cyberwarfare veteran and tech product leader, Alon has authored the compelling book, "The Battle for Your Computer: Israel and the Growth of the Global Cyber-Security Industry," where he unravels the intricacies of Israel's pivotal role in the global cybersecurity landscape. Join us as we discuss with Alon Arvat all things cyber security, AI and even how it all connects to the current war in Gaza. Alon's book: https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Your-Computer-Cyber-Security-Industry/dp/1394174152

As the war in Gaza rages on, the influence of the Religious Zionist party, led by figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, looms large over the direction of the Israeli government. With key ministerial positions in hand, they wield considerable power in shaping policies not only concerning the ongoing war but also regarding broader societal issues such as military service, national identity and economic affairs. Today, we’re going to take a close look at this pivotal shift in Israeli society with our distinguished guest, Yair Ettinger, an Israeli journalist and the author of the illuminating new book, "Frayed: The Disputes Unraveling Religious Zionists", Ettinger's work provides invaluable insights into the challenges facing the Religious Zionist movement, which has become increasingly influential within Israeli politics and society. Amidst the turmoil of war and political maneuvering, many questions arise about the future direction of Religious Zionism and its impact on the broader Israeli landscape. Ettinger is an award-winning journalist, with decades of experience. Frayed has won the 2021 Hillel Kook Award and is a finalist of the Jewish Book Council. He was a journalist for Haaretz newspaper for 20 years and today, he’s one of Kan’s commentators on Religious affairs and writes for various outlets such as Ynet. We are super thrilled to be joined by Yair Ettinger on this episode of the Two Nice Jewish Boys podcast.

Michal Sela z”l, was a vibrant soul whose life was tragically cut short on October 3, 2019, at the tender age of 32. Her husband was convicted of her brutal murder, shedding light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence that plagues our society. Sadly, Michal's story is not an isolated incident—around 20 women meet similar fates each year in Israel alone. The statistics on violence against women in Israel paint a grim picture, highlighting the urgent need for action. Despite advances in technology and information accessibility, domestic violence continues to claim lives at an alarming rate. Recognizing this dire need, the Michal Sela Forum emerged, spearheaded by Michal's sister, Lili Ben Ami. Through her tireless efforts and innovative approach, Lili seeks to revolutionize the way we address and prevent domestic violence. Our guest today is Lili Ben Ami, the visionary behind the Michal Sela Forum. As the founder and CEO, Lili has dedicated her life to leveraging technology and innovation in the fight against violence towards women. Her groundbreaking work has garnered international recognition, from winning prestigious prizes to speaking at the United Nations. Through her leadership and advocacy, Lili is reshaping societal norms and advocating for a future where every woman can live free from fear and violence. We’re honored to be joined by her today to talk about Michal, the Michal Sela Forum and rising from the tragedy. Michael Sela Forum's website: https://www.msf-global.org/

In the quiet streets of the Emanuel settlement, Malka Leifer appeared to be just another face in the crowd, blending seamlessly into the fabric of daily life. Yet, beneath this ordinary facade lay a story that would captivate and horrify a nation. Leifer, a former headmistress at the Adat Israel school in Melbourne, was under suspicion for heinous acts of sexual abuse against her students. Her saga, marked by a cunning flight from Australia and a controversial claim of mental unfitness for trial, unfolds against a backdrop of international legal drama, challenging the very principles of justice and accountability. The case of Malka Leifer is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper, more pervasive issue within the Haredi community. Sexual assault, often shrouded in silence and taboo, leaves its victims isolated and desperate for support. This societal challenge poses profound questions about power, protection, and the willingness of a community to confront uncomfortable truths. As the struggle for justice for Leifer's victims continues, it reveals the complexities of balancing religious loyalty with the imperative to safeguard the innocent. Enter Shana Aaronson, the CEO of an organization dedicated to protecting victims of sexual assault within the ultra-Orthodox community. With a mission fueled by personal conviction and a deep understanding of the nuanced dynamics of Haredi society, Aharonson and her team stand at the forefront of a tireless fight for justice. Their work, emblematic of a broader struggle for change, brings hope to those who have suffered in silence, offering a beacon of support in a landscape often dominated by power and patriarchy. As we delve into this episode, we explore the courage, challenges, and unwavering commitment of those who dare to stand up against sexual assault in the Haredi community.

Imagine this: It's 2011, and you're managing a hospital in Aleppo, Syria. Life is ordinary until a thunderous storm of civil unrest erupts into the Syrian Civil War. Chaos reigns as the conflict intensifies, and the Assad regime's iron fist descends upon anyone suspected of opposition. Amidst this turmoil, Shadi Martini, the General Manager of that very hospital, becomes a beacon of hope. He and his comrades work tirelessly, covertly providing aid to wounded and ill civilians as they navigate the treacherous landscape of a city under siege. In the heart of the Syrian war's darkest days, Shadi Martini's initiatives shine with unwavering resolve. His dedication to helping those in need knows no bounds. But as the conflict rages on, danger lurks ever closer. In 2012, a deadly twist of fate shatters their clandestine network. Discovery by the regime forces Shadi into an impossible decision: stay and risk certain death or flee the war-torn country that was once his home. Today, Shadi Martini is not just a survivor; he's a symbol of resilience and compassion. As the Chief Executive Officer of Multifaith Alliance, he tirelessly advocates for humanitarian aid and bridges cultural divides. His mission transcends borders, encompassing Syria, Humanitarian Aid, and Israel, topics deeply intertwined with his extraordinary journey. We're thrilled and honored to have Shadi Martini on the show with us today to discuss his life, Syria, humanitarian aid, Israel and much much more.

2NJB are being interviewed by Chanale from the Weekly Squeeze Podcast! *** “Israel's Catch 22 and Are We Preaching To The Choir?” Eytan Weinstein and Naor Meninger from the “Two Nice Jewish Boys Podcast” are on the show today. APPLE PODCASTS👇🏻 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-squeeze-with-chanale/id1614568206?i=1000640888654 SPOTIFY👇🏻 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4L1bTbXnleNLhlmTIUZoZ6?si=xCxGNS6oQPOqBrtcL326dA https://2njb.com Follow My Beautiful Land Of Israel On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mybeautifullandofisrael

Three months ago to the day Israel suffered one of its darkest days, if not the darkest day, in its 75 year history. We’ve all been overwhelmed by the scenes of October 7th. Whether depicted visually or verbally, they cut deep. But in the time since, events have unfolded - and the proverbial excrement is hitting the fan. As the war drags on in Gaza, inch by inch, what seemed to be unanimous international support for Israel (for about 3.5 seconds on Oct 7th) has quickly shifted. America is attempting to force Israel’s hands both in the strikes against Hamas in Gaza and in the provision of humanitarian aid. And then, just last week Israel allegedly took out one of the heads of Hamas - Saleh Al-Arouri in Lebanon, in a surgical strike. The extreme precision of the assassination was assumed to be a wink and nod at Hezbollah signaling, “feel free to stay out of this one”. Hezbollah apparently wasn’t keen on letting it be and on Saturday they upped their usual rocket barrage towards Israel, and supposedly managed to hit an extremely strategic facility on Mount Meron in Northern Israel. The water is beginning to bubble. The only question is what happens when the pot’s boiled? To help us dissect these complex issues, we're joined today by Caroline Glick. Caroline is not just any journalist; her resume speaks volumes. A former advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a veteran of the IDF, Caroline brings a unique blend of military and political insight. Her work as a senior columnist for publications like Israel Hayom and The Jerusalem Post, along with her on-the-ground reporting during Operation Iraqi Freedom, has established her as a formidable voice in Middle Eastern affairs. She also has her own, brilliant podcast titled, The Caroline Glick Show - check it out. We are thrilled to be joined by Caroline Glick on the podcast today to talk about the war, Israel-America relations and where it’s all headed.

(special thanks for TLV Salon for organizing this event! check them out at: https://www.tlvsalon.com) *** About a month ago, in early November, several families of the hostages taken by Hamas on Oct 7th gathered at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic Center for a special evening. There was no agenda, no politicians, no diplomats, just the families, a piano and Igor Levit. Levit is a world renowned pianist who’s been described as “one of the great musicians of his generation”. He was born in a city called Gorky in the Soviet Union to a Jewish family. In 1995 his family moved to Germany where he lives today, in Berlin. Igor Levit is one of the most prominent, young musicians in both Germany and around the world. After Oct 7th as the war began and antisemitism raged around the world, Igor was faced with the question: what can I, a pianist, do for my people? And Igor’s answer didn’t come without risks. Igor Levit won the silver medal at the 2005 Rubinstein competition and has graced concert halls and major classical music festivals worldwide with his performances. His distinguished recordings, including the complete Beethoven sonatas and acclaimed albums of varied compositions, have garnered widespread praise. We are thrilled and honored to be joined by Igor Levit on this live episode of The Two Nice Jewish Boys Podcast here at SOHO House Tel Aviv. We’ll be talking to Igor about his life, his career and what the hell he’s doing in Israel.

In recent weeks, Israel has found itself in an unprecedented situation following the October 7th attack. The nation is now facing simultaneous conflicts on three fronts, with a major campaign in Gaza, a mini-war in the north, and another campaign in the West Bank. The strain on both the military and public patience has reached critical levels as Israel navigates through this multifront challenge. Zooming out to the bigger picture, the orchestration by Iran is becoming increasingly evident. The global stage is set for a potential war as Iran pulls the strings of various players like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Their actions threaten not only the stability of the region but also the global economy, pushing Israel and the West to confront difficult decisions. As tensions rise, the question becomes: What steps should Israel and the Western world take in response to this intricate web of geopolitical challenges? To unravel these complex questions, we turn to our most trusted expert, the man with the insights, Dr. Dan Schueftan. Dr. Dan is the head of the International Graduate Program of National Security at the University of Haifa, with a wealth of experience as a teacher at the IDF National Security College and Command and Staff College. His advisory roles for Israel’s National Security Council and former Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon, coupled with his prolific writings on Israel’s National Security, make him the go-to expert for understanding the intricacies of the current geopolitical landscape. Join us as we explore the analysis and recommendations of Dr. Dan on the unfolding events that have captivated the world's attention. (Main photo: Hagai Fried)

Special live episode with audience recorded at Soho House Jaffa and produced by the amazing TLV International Salon! check them out at www.tlvsalon.com *** Picture this: Yahya Mahamid, an Israeli-born Muslim from the city of Umm el-Fahm, posts a simple photograph to Facebook. On the surface, it seems like just another post, but this singular act reverberates through his life, shaking his world to its very core. The backdrop? A grim headline about three Jewish teenagers who've gone missing in the West Bank. For Yahya, this wasn't just news; it was a deeply personal event, with one of the teenagers being his same age. But as the notifications began pouring in, the weight of that one post, that one choice, became evident. His world was turned upside down, his life redefined by a single click. So, what does life look like when your entire narrative is shifted by a fleeting online moment? Join us as we journey through Yahya's captivating tale. Yahya Mahamid is a trailblazing Israeli educator, activist, and mentor, fervently dedicated to the empowerment and integration of Israel's Arab youth. A rare Israeli-Muslim who stepped forward to volunteer in the IDF, he's now diligently working towards his B.A. in Education at Ono Academic College. As a formidable advocate against anti-Semitism and misinformation, Yahya ceaselessly champions dialogue and understanding. We're thrilled to welcome him to the Two Nice Jewish Boys Podcast for this very special live episode at Soho House TLV.