Two Nice Jewish Boys

Two weeks ago, yet another Palestinian horrific terror attack took place in the Palestinian village of Hawara, just next to Jerusalem. The terror attack claimed the lives of two innocent Jews - Shay Silas Nigrekar and his son Aviad. Shay, a loving husband and father, embarked with his son Aviad on what seemed like a routine day, never suspecting the grim fate that awaited him. As they pulled into the car wash that day, they were brutally shot and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist. Today, we are joined by Lital Shemesh. Lital was meant to be on the podcast two weeks ago but had to postpone due to the tragic loss of her relatives, Shay and Aviad, in the Hawara attack. Lital is not only an accomplished journalist and TV presenter but also a prominent right-wing news personality. She has a wealth of insight to share, ranging from her experience at Channel 14 - Israel’s only conservative TV channel - to her perspectives on the proposed reforms in the communications market by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai. Together, we'll explore the aftermath of the horrific attack in Hawara and dive into the broader landscape of Israel's ever-evolving social and political dynamics. We’re honored to have Lital Shemesh with us today on the Two Nice Jewish Boys podcast.

Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/2njb *** It all started when a social media influencer, Senia Waldberg, shared a post that sent shockwaves through Israeli social media. Known for his capitalistic and libertarian perspective on politics, Senia took an unexpected turn by critiquing Netanyahu's right-wing government and its controversial judicial reform proposal. What made this critique even more intriguing was that it originated from the right side of the spectrum, rather than the expected left. Today, we're diving deep into Senia's thought-provoking post and the unique perspective it brings. Senia Waldberg's journey in the public eye has been a fascinating one. Many young Israelis remember him as one of the pioneers who brought the controversial 'seduction artists' courses to Israel, providing advice to men on matters of the heart and attraction. But life has taken Senia down diverse paths since then. He's evolved into a husband, a father, and an entrepreneur. Alongside his wife Masha, he's created a groundbreaking invention named 'Annabella' – a versatile milk suction device designed for mothers, aiming to be the ultimate solution in its domain. Senia is also the author of the best selling books in Hebrew “Why Do Women Like Men?” and “That’s How You Will Make Him Think Only About You”. As a campaigner, Senia worked with prominent politicians including Liberman, Bennet, Kahlon and Moshe Feiglin. Today, we're privileged to have Senia join us on the podcast. We'll explore not only his intriguing career journey and the evolution of his perspectives but also his take on current affairs that has caused ripples across Israel's Facebook sphere. Let's dive in!

If there’s a place on Earth where geopolitics not only makes for engaging conversation around the dinner table but is an everyday concern for every citizen, it’s the Middle East. Today, we’ll dive into the captivating realm of Middle East geopolitics, where history is being reshaped by intricate negotiations. Israel and Saudi Arabia, former foes, now pursue historic peace, yet shadows loom as nuclear reactors emerge on Saudi soil. Amidst Lebanon's fragility, Hezbollah's audacious dance with Israel adds even more tension. As Iran navigates behind the scenes, orchestrating both regional turmoil and negotiations with President Biden for a pivotal nuclear deal, the region hangs in a delicate balance. To shed light on these complex dynamics and the broader forces at play, we are honored to have Dr. Raphael BenLevi with us today. A distinguished authority in international relations and political science, Dr. BenLevi serves as the director of the Churchill Program for Strategy, Statecraft, and Security at the Argaman Institute, and is a research fellow at The Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy. Drawing from an extensive background in IDF Intelligence and affiliations with esteemed institutions such as Georgetown University, he brings profound insights to the intricate tapestry of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Notably, his contributions extend to his upcoming book titles "Cultures of Counterproliferation - the making of US and Israeli Policy on the Iranian Nuclear Program" With a scholarly journey culminating in a PhD from Bar-Ilan University, an MA from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), and a B.Sc. from the Technion, Dr. BenLevi's expertise serves as a guiding beacon in our pursuit of understanding these critical dynamics.

Picture this: It's 1962, and Pope John XXIII convenes the Second Vatican Council. When the conference concludes, one of its most significant outcomes is a new vision for the relationship between the Christian Church and the Jewish religion. This momentous declaration rejects the long-held accusation that the Jews were responsible for Jesus' death and seeks to foster understanding and reconciliation. Cut to - decades later, Dr. Karma Ben-Johanan, an Israeli researcher, would be captivated by the impact of this historical event on the Christian world. Her research would grant her one of the world’s most prestigious history prizes, the Dan David Prize, for her phenomenal achievements. Dr. Ben-Johanan's inquisitive mind delved deep into the subject during her doctoral studies at Tel Aviv University. She was puzzled by the idea that, in the 20th century, Jews were still a topic of concern in the Christian world. What were the origins of this guilt and the subsequent need for reconciliation? This inquiry led her on an academic journey to dismantle the complex tapestry of Jewish and Christian relations after the Second Vatican Council. Today, we have the privilege of exploring the intricacies of Dr. Ben-Johanan's research, discovering how the past informs the present, and understanding the fascinating dynamics between religious communities in our ever-changing world. Her work serves as an inspiration, bridging the gaps of understanding and shedding light on the complexities of interfaith relations. Dr. Karma Ben Johanan is a senior researcher-lecturer at the department of comparative religion studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Her book, ‘Jacob’s Younger Brother’ was published by Harvard University Press and is available on Amazon. We’re delighted to have her on the show today. The book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jacobs-Younger-Brother-Christian-Jewish-Relations/dp/0674258266

Those are turbulent times in Israel, with recent events casting a glaring spotlight on the country's judiciary system. The passing of the first law of the Netanyahu government judiciary reform, which removes the 'reasonability clause' from the supreme court, and the contentious law proposing changes to the committee to elect judges have ignited passionate debates about the system's flaws and challenges. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Emi Palmor, an Israeli lawyer and esteemed civil servant who held the prestigious position of Director General of the Ministry of Justice from 2014 to 2019. During her 24-year tenure in the civil service, Emi was appointed by the government to chair public committees addressing sensitive and controversial social and legal issues, demonstrating her exceptional leadership skills and commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the betterment of Israeli society. As a leading expert in the field, Emi Palmor's contributions extend far beyond her time in the Ministry of Justice. Her extensive experience in law and governance, coupled with her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the government, has earned her national recognition. Notably, she is among the first 20 members of the Facebook Oversight Board, tasked with making crucial (and some would say - controversial) content moderation decisions on one of the world's largest social media platforms. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Israel's judiciary system, explore Emi's remarkable career journey, and gain insights into her valuable work within the government and beyond.

Naor and Eytan talk about recent events in Israel!

This episode was recorded with live audience at Soho House Jaffa on July 11th 2023. The event was produced by TLV International Salon: https://www.tlvsalon.com/ *** We’re sitting here tonight in the magnificent ancient city of Jaffa, sipping cocktails and enjoying this beautiful venue provided by our wonderful hosts, SOHO House. Amidst all this, it’s easy to forget the unrest that unraveled (and still is unraveling) today across the country. A “national day of disruption”. Main highways were blocked, huge protests at the airport, demonstrations in front of politicians' homes, and more, all in opposition to the proposed Judicial reforms by Netanyahu’s right wing government. All of this is but a symptom of a nation divided - divided along political, religious and ethnic lines. The right vs. the left, haredim vs the secular, Jews vs Arabs. The Abu Hassan hummus lovers and the anti-Abu Hassans. To add gasoline to the fire, Israel faces the same external threats it has always faced. As we’ve seen over the past weeks with the operation in Jenin and the wave of terror that just hit Israel, year after year, generation upon generation, our never ending list of enemies are as eager as ever to end us. But fear not my dear audience, we just so happen to have with us tonight a doctor for just such ailments. A historian with experience in diplomacy and politics who also coincidentally just wrote a book on how to face these very challenges. Dr. Michael Oren is a distinguished American-born Israeli historian, author, and former Israeli ambassador to the United States. Known for his insightful work, including the best-seller "Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide" and the award-winning "Six Days of War," his influence in academia and politics is widespread. Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Oren also left his mark on the political landscape, as a former member of the Knesset for the Kulanu party and as a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. His latest book, "2048: The Rejuvenated State," brings forth a bold vision for Israel's future. It's this exciting work that brings us together tonight, just outside the golden walls of old Jaffa, for a candid conversation on Israel’s future. Ladies and gentlemen, please give your warmest welcome to Dr. Michael Oren. Buy Dr. Oren's new book: https://www.amazon.com/2048-Rejuvenated-State-English-Hebrew/dp/9655263525

Naor and Eytan talk about everything that's been happening in Israel lately!

In the midst of the ongoing political tug-of-war in the US, and the ever-present debates around progressive identity politics, we invite you to join us for a down-to-earth look into the great American divide. No matter which side of the aisle you find yourself on, the polarization is hard to ignore. But what happens when someone defies expectations and challenges the status quo? Enter CJ Pearson, a young black trailblazer who made an unexpected journey from the left to the right-wing of the political spectrum. In this episode, we'll delve into the complexities of progressive ideology, the growing influence of identity politics, and the role of African Americans within the Republican Party. With the upcoming elections looming, it's the perfect time to reflect on the fascinating journey of individuals like CJ Pearson, who challenge the norms and spark conversations about race, ideology, and the future of American politics. CJ Pearson is a young, up and coming, sharp PragerU personality and a frequent guest of Fox News. Grab a seat and get ready for a candid, thought-provoking discussion that navigates the intricate intersection of politics, identity, and the quest for common ground.

2NJB LIVE EPISODE IN JAFFA WITH DR. MICHAEL OREN! RSVP here: https://MichaelOrenSohoSalon.eventbrite.com *** It’s easy to forget, but we recently had yet another mini-war with Gaza. In Tel Aviv, we experienced moments of running to bomb shelters, but that’s nothing compared to the anxiety and turmoil experienced by those living in villages near the Gaza border. They faced daily bombardment, with mere seconds to find safety — a testament to their incredible perseverance. Now look, we all know, opinions about Gaza are like podcasts - everyone’s got one, and no one really cares about yours. But truly understanding the reality on the ground requires hearing from those who live there. Joining us today is Amir Tibon, one of Israel's accomplished young journalists and a resident of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, the closest community to Gaza. With his invaluable insights, Amir sheds light on the challenges faced by the people in this turbulent region. Amir Tibon is Haaretz Newspaper's diplomatic correspondent. He was previously U.S. news editor for Haaretz and before that, the paper's Washington D.C. correspondent from 2017-2020. His writing on Israel has been published in The Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, The New Yorker, Tablet and other leading US publications. Amir lives in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, with his wife and two daughters. Get ready for a captivating conversation as we explore the aftermath of the recent conflict in Gaza, Israel-USA relations and the upcoming elections in the States and its effect on Israel. We're thrilled to have Amir Tibon as our guest on the podcast today. Amir's articles @ Haaretz: https://www.haaretz.com/ty-WRITER/0000017f-da25-d42c-afff-dff77f020000