Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Israel’s political system is famously complex. It’s parliamentary, based on proportional representation, and rarely produces a clear majority - meaning governments are constantly being built, rebuilt, and threatened from within by their own coalitions.In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Lahav Harkov, Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, to offer a clear primer on how Israeli elections work and what to expect as the country moves toward its next vote.Although elections aren’t legally required until October 2026, few expect Israel to wait that long. Aviva and Lahav discuss what could trigger an early election, which parties and political figures to watch, and how public opinion is shifting.Guest BioLahav Harkov is the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, where she covers Israel’s domestic and international politics. She previously served as Diplomatic Correspondent and Contributing Editor at The Jerusalem Post, and before that spent more than eight years as the paper’s lead reporter and analyst covering the Knesset.Lahav has interviewed leading figures across Israel’s political spectrum and is widely regarded for her deep sourcing among lawmakers and diplomats. She regularly provides analysis to international outlets including the BBC, MSNBC, and France 24, and has published in The New York Post, The Free Press, Commentary, Tablet, and The Washington Examiner. She has been recognized by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency as one of the most influential voices on Jewish social media.Originally from New Jersey, Lahav moved to Israel at 17, holds degrees in political science and communications from Bar-Ilan University, and lives in central Israel with her family.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into Iran's unprecedented unrest. He discusses the regime's brutal internet shutdown and its far-reaching implications. Ben Taleblu highlights how economic factors and U.S. political messaging have influenced public sentiment against the regime. He also proposes strategic non-kinetic options and urges for targeting the leadership to weaken the regime's grip. His insights reveal the potential for a societal shift in Iran, questioning the longevity of the Islamic Republic.

Isaac Herzog, the Eleventh President of Israel and former chairman of the Jewish Agency, discusses leadership amidst national crisis. He shares insights from comforting bereaved families and emphasizes the importance of presence and acknowledgment for healing. Herzog explores how October 7 transformed Israeli society, highlighting the complexities of unity in a fractured landscape. He also addresses the need for dialogue with regional partners and expresses hope for a resilient and democratic future for Israel while supporting global Jewish communities against rising antisemitism.

Dr. Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., shares his insights on Middle Eastern dynamics as 2026 approaches. He discusses Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland and the implications of Netanyahu’s meetings with Trump. Oren highlights the influence of Trump's military stance on regional deterrence and predicts electoral scenarios for Israel, considering factors like the October 7th inquiry and Haredi politics. He also explores Iran's internal unrest and its potential impact on regional stability.

Michael Rapaport, a veteran actor, comedian, and podcaster known for his passionate advocacy for Israel, shares his candid reflections on the year 2025. He dives into issues such as rising antisemitism in Hollywood and the importance of Jewish resilience. With a mix of humor and sincerity, he discusses his New Year's resolutions, offers hot takes on global events, critiques media narratives, and announces a personal documentary. Notably, he reveals his surprising plans to run for mayor, making this a must-listen for fans and those interested in his fiery takes!

Shaul Kelner, a Professor of Jewish Studies and Sociology at Vanderbilt University, dives into the complexities of American antizionism. He discusses how this movement operates more as a political act than an intellectual critique, emphasizing the dangers it poses to Jewish communities. Kelner unpacks the ambiguity in the pro-Palestine movement's goals and its roots in U.S. academia. Highlighting the distinction between anti-Zionism and antizionism, he warns that misunderstanding these terms can hinder critical discussions around antisemitism and broader social inclusivity.

Loay Alshareef, a peace advocate and historian from the UAE, shares his transformative journey from anti-Jewish views in Saudi Arabia to advocating for Muslim-Jewish understanding. He recounts how living with a Jewish family in France reshaped his perceptions and challenged his indoctrination. Loay emphasizes the need for education in de-radicalization and argues against the misconception that being Muslim and Zionist are mutually exclusive. He also highlights the significance of the Abraham Accords in fostering peace.

Please donate to support and the families affected by the Bondi Beach terror attack: www.charidy.com/supportsydneyWe want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.Aviva speaks with survivors of the terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead and dozens wounded. What began as a public gathering to mark the first night of the Jewish festival became one of the deadliest attacks on Jews in Australia’s history.Sorella’s fundraiser for Rabbi Eli Schlanger: Charidy.com/ElischlangerChavi’s organization: Theempoweredjew.org

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.In this episode, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis reflects on what Hanukkah asks of us this year, in the wake of the antisemitic attack on Jews in Australia. He explores how an ancient story of courage, conviction, and spiritual resilience speaks to a moment when Jewish communities are confronting rising antisemitism, deep communal strain, and the challenge of remaining visible in difficult and frightening times.The Chief Rabbi discusses the enduring meaning of the festival, what it takes to keep Jewish identity proud and vibrant in the face of threats, and how individuals and communities can bring light into a world that often feels shadowed by fear and uncertainty.Guest Bio:Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is only the 11th Chief Rabbi of Great Britain since the office was introduced in 1704. He is the religious figurehead for Jewish communities right across the Commonwealth, from Hull to Hong Kong and from Cardiff to Cochin. He was installed on 1st September 2013 in an historic ceremony attended by His Majesty King Charles III, then The Prince of Wales.Born in South Africa, he previously served as Chief Rabbi of Ireland and Rabbi of the Western Marble Arch and Finchley (Kinloss) Synagogues in London, making him one of the UK’s most respected community Rabbis. As Chief Rabbi, he is a primary representative of the Jewish community to government, other faiths and civil society as well as being responsible for oversight of crucial parts of the UK Jewish community’s religious infrastructure.Chief Rabbi Mirvis is known as a principled leader who has broken new ground in the fields of interfaith and social responsibility as well as tackling a number of particularly complex or controversial issues including the welfare of LGBT+ students in Orthodox Jewish Schools and antisemitism in the British Labour Party. Chief Rabbi Mirvis serves as Associate President of the Conference of European Rabbis, President of the London School of Jewish Studies and was made a Knight Commander of the British Empire, by His Majesty The King in 2023.  

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Israel is facing a moment without precedent: a sitting prime minister on trial for corruption is now asking the president for a pardon. Benjamin Netanyahu has spent years fighting charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting gifts from wealthy associates. The trial has dragged on through political crises, judicial reform battles, and two years of war. He insists he’s the target of a political conspiracy. Others say the case is a test of whether Israel’s leaders can ever be held accountable.Now he argues the trial is hurting the country — and wants President Isaac Herzog to bring it to an end.The move has split Israelis. Supporters say a pardon would allow the nation to turn the page. Critics warn it would set a dangerous precedent and undermine public trust in the rule of law. And into this already charged moment stepped President Trump, urging Herzog to grant the pardon and calling the prosecution politically motivated.In this episode, Dr. Michael Oren joins host Aviva Klompas to break down the stakes: what a pardon would mean for Israel’s democracy and how it could reshape the political map.