Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy

Send us a textGregg Roman, Director of the Middle East Forum, join Eylon for an in-depth discussion about Israel's path to victory over Hamas and the broader regional challenges facing the Jewish state. Roman outlines the Israeli Victory Project, explaining why defeating Palestinian rejectionism is crucial for lasting peace. The conversation touches on historical comparisons, including the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the complexities of post-war Gaza governance, and how international perceptions of Israel’s fight for survival have evolved since October 7. Tune in for a compelling conversation on what "total victory" means for Israel's future.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny GoldmanSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textLizzy Savetsky is a leading Jewish influencer and pro-Israel activist. Lizzy started her online journey over a decade ago as a fashion blogger, posting on her blog, Excessories Expert, and Instagram page. Gradually – Lizzy began to share more about her family life, Jewish faith and traditions, and educational content, including “Yiddish Word of the Week” and her daughter’s weekly “Torah Corner.” In 2019, Lizzy changed her handle from ExcessoriesExpert to LizzySavetsky to focus more exclusively on Jewish and Israel content. Lizzy was a dedicated voice for Israel long before October 7, but in the past few months she has used her platforms to support Israel, interview families of hostages and survivors of the massacre, support Jewish college students, and educate her followers about the increase in antisemitism around the world. Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny GoldmanSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textEylon Levy vs Mehdi Hasan - Debate of the Century"Were Israel's actions in the Gaza War justified?" Eylon Levy proves: Mehdi Hasan won’t condemn Hamas’s strategy – because he’s part of Hamas’s strategy. This debate between Eylon Levy and Mehdi Hasan took place in New York City on September 21, 2024. It was hosted by Open to Debate and moderated by John Donvan.Eylon Levy is co-founder of the Israeli Citizen Spokespersons’ Office and host of the State of a Nation podcast. He served as an Israeli Government Spokesman in the October 7 War with Hamas, becoming one of the leading voices for Israel.Support the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textThe Druze community are a cherished part of Israel’s cultural mosaic, but ultimately difficult to pin down. A religion that splintered from Islam. An ethnic community that crosses borders but never defined itself as a modern nation. An Arabic speaking minority and some of Israel’s biggest patriots. Mansur Ashkar, a Druze native of Israel. He served as an officer in the IDF’s special forces and was stationed in Gaza before the disengagement. Growing up in a predominantly Jewish town, Mansur’s family roots trace back across the borders of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Believing the Jews & the Druze are the prime example that Israel aspires for peace and coexistence. Mansur advocates for Israel and the Jewish community, striving to foster coexistence between Jews and Arabs and amplify Arab voices in support of Israel. Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny GoldmanResearcher - Dan DimendbergSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a text“If you were all slaughtered the Arab world couldn't care less and yet The Western media outlets celebrated Haniyeh as a peace loving dove” - so says today’s guest Syrian activist, Rawan Osman. Rawan was born in Damascus, to a mixed Sunni-Shiite family.She came to Germany and encountered a relatively liberal, free society, describes herself as a “recovered antisemite” and when she came to Israel saw everyone of different shapes, sizes and colors, concluding this is a nation to learn from. Having only met Jewish people for the first time while living in Strasbourg in the city's Jewish quarter. These encounters forced her to reckon with the antisemitism she had been taught growing up. Rawan came to Israel not only to learn but also to make a bit of a rebellious statement. “Once you’ve come as an Arab to Israel, you’ve crossed all the red lines”.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny GoldmanSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textWhen her cousin Omer was abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct 7, Yasmin and her family's life was thrown into unimaginable turmoil. Yasmin opens up about the personal and emotional toll of fighting to bring Omar home, the impact of international activism, and the painful backlash she has faced. From her dreams of his return to her tireless advocacy on campuses and around the world, Yasmin’s story is a powerful reminder of hope and resilience. Join us as we explore the complexities of hostage negotiations and the human impact of the ongoing struggle.Please watch, share, and support the fight to free the hostages.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny Goldman00:00  Coming Up01:05  Monologue02:58  Main Titles03:12  Introduction: The Abduction of Omer.09:18  Yasmin and the Familiy's Struggles After the Abduction11:10  Activism and Raising Awareness for Omer16:37  The Antisemitic Backlash26:15  The Role of Omer's U.S. Citizenship, and the U.S.'s Role on the World Stage30:13  Women and children first34:27  Negotiating with evil36:54  Emotional Toll of Watching the Abduction Videos41:37  Yasmin's Hope for Omer’s ReturnSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textNoa Tishby, a leading voice in the fight against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, sits down with Eylon Levy to dissect the complex and often contentious issues surrounding Israel. In this episode, Tishby addresses the growing influence of the BDS movement, the disturbing rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric on college campuses, and the alarming connections between these movements and terrorism financing. She shares her insights on how Israel is portrayed in the media and the challenges it faces on the global stage. Tishby's perspective provides a crucial understanding of the ongoing battle for Israel's legitimacy and the broader fight against hate. This episode is essential viewing for those seeking to grasp the intricacies of Israel's position in the world and the forces aligned against it.Credits: Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny Goldman00:00  Coming Up00:39  Monologue02:05  Main Titles02:21  Introduciton02:59  Parenting in Israel in conflict05:54  The Motives and Goals of Israel Advocacy11:50  Islamic Domino Theory14:53  Noa's former official role25:12  Do US Jews get it?34:02  Advocacy Tactics40:49  Preaching to choir or converting your enemies?52:06  Street fights56:25  Uncomfortable Conversation with a black man and a Jew1:01:10  The future of Israel brandingSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textFor ten years, Leah Goldin's son Hadar has been held by the Hamas terror regime after being killed and abducted during a ceasefire in 2014. In this emotional and powerful episode of "State of a Nation," Leah shares her family's relentless struggle to bring Hadar's remains back to Israel for a proper burial. She discusses the challenges they've faced, including judicial, political and business interests that have hindered their efforts, and the broader implications of the Israeli government's policies toward Gaza. Leah also reflects on the impact of the October 7th massacre, which led to hundreds of new hostages, and how her family has worked tirelessly to support other affected families. Join us as Leah calls on the international community to take action and explains what each of us can do to help bring all the hostages home.The story of Hadar Goldin serves as a cautionary tale for anyone sufficiently naive enough to think a terrorist army would respect a ceasefire.Please watch, share, and support the fight to free the hostages.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschAssistant Director - Benny GoldmanSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textShai Davidai joins us to confront the pressing issues of antisemitism and indoctrination within academia. Broadcasting from our new studio in Tel Aviv, this episode dives deep into the challenges that mark the future of education and Jewish identity in Academia and worldwide. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that pulls no punches in addressing the controversial dynamics at play in universities todayCredits: Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschResearch - Dan DimendbergSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textAs a child immigrant from rural Ethiopia, Mehereta Baruch Ron could never have imagined should would one day become deputy mayor of Israel's largest city, the international metropolitan Tel Aviv. In this riveting conversation with Eylon Levy, she shares her powerful story of perseverance, identity, and faith, recounting her community's ancient connection to Jerusalem, the harrowing journey through Sudan, and the profound cultural shock upon arriving in Israel. We also explore the unique form of Judaism practiced in Ethiopia, its biblical roots, and the challenges faced by Ethiopian Jews both in Ethiopia and in Israel. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of identity, belonging, and the misconceptions surrounding Israel in the global discourse.Credits: Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator and Creative Director - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector - Lotem SegevGraphics/Assistant Director - Thomas GirschResearch - Dan Dimendberg00:00 Coming Up00:56 Monologue02:33 Main Titles02:48 Introduciton04:55 Ethiopian Jews - guardians of biblical Judaism12:11 Ethiopian Zionism18:36 Growing up in Ethiopia23:03 Journey to Jerusalem27:33 Meeting European Jews and modern Israel30:22 The Left and IsraelSupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/