On the Nose

Exploring the lost Arab-Jewish life pre-1948, the alternative visions to Zionism, and the challenges faced by Mizrahi Jews in navigating their identities within Israel and the broader Arab world.

On June 25th, New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman lost his primary election to George Latimer, a longtime Democratic Westchester County politician. The race attracted national attention because of the unprecedented role played by the Israel-advocacy group AIPAC: The lobby’s super PAC spent $14.5 million on television ads attacking Bowman, while AIPAC donors contributed about $2.5 million to Latimer’s campaign. Bowman’s loss marked a blow for the project of electing leftists to federal office, and the result particularly stung for the pro-Palestine movement; one of the most outspoken Democratic critics of Israel’s war on Gaza will now be replaced by someone who won’t even rebuke Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which puts him well to the right of Joe Biden. On this episode of On the Nose, senior reporter Alex Kane is joined by Intercept DC bureau chief Ryan Grim and former Justice Democrats spokesperson Waleed Shahid to discuss the meaning of Bowman’s loss, AIPAC’s electoral strategy, and the future of the movement to elect leftist Democrats.Thanks to guest producer Will Smith and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).”Articles Mentioned and Further Reading:“The Road Not Taken: Hard Truths about Jamaal Bowman’s Loss,” Micah Sifry, The Connector“What the Left Can Learn From Jamaal Bowman’s Loss,” Waleed Shahid, The Nation“A Trip to Israel Changed Jamaal Bowman’s Worldview—And Could Cost Him His Re-election,” Calder McHugh, Politico

Palestinian American poet and physician Fady Joudah discusses the challenges of publishing anti-apartheid poetry in English. He explores the power of silence, resisting victim narratives, and the generative capacities of language in times of genocide and injustice.

The podcast discusses the divide among American Jews over Israel's actions, the challenges of political work in synagogues, and varying approaches to synagogue life. They explore personal experiences, alternative Jewish community models, and reflections on anti-Zionist views within the Jewish community. The conversation also includes insights from children on conflict empathy and the complexities of raising a Jewish child.

Discussions on the shift from secularism to spirituality in Jewish Currents coverage, exploring evolving perspectives on religious engagement. Delving into radicalism, betrayal, and the malleability of Jewish tradition and identity. Contrasts between freedom satyrs and Parsha practice, interpreting Jewish texts, and inclusive dialogue on religion and secularism.

The podcast discusses the end of the iconic sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm after 24 years, marking the conclusion of an era of American Jewish comedy. They delve into Larry David's unique humor, Jewish identity, and comedic legacy. The episode also explores the show's depictions of Jewishness, Blackness, and Palestinianness, sparking conversations about race, language, and cultural commentary.

Exploring the complexities of Zionism and Anti-Zionism, the podcast delves into the evolving definitions and challenges of self-identification within the Jewish community. Discussing the strategic framing of Zionism and anti-Semitism, it raises questions about national self-determination and historical context. The speakers navigate the debates on Zionism and anti-Zionism, emphasizing the need for clearer definitions and acknowledging the Palestinian perspective for an evolution towards equality and coexistence in the region.

The podcast discusses the controversy at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, focusing on artists withdrawing from a show due to transparency and BDS concerns. It explores the complexities of showcasing artwork aligned with personal beliefs and the challenges of engaging in difficult dialogues. The podcast also delves into the intertwining of Jewish identity and Zionism in public settings, ethical dilemmas in the art world, and the concept of neutrality in institutions.

Guest Aaron Bushnell, Torah scholar, discusses his self-immolation protest outside the Israeli embassy, sparking debates on sacrifice, martyrdom, and political activism. The podcast explores the ethical implications of Bushnell's actions, highlighting the complexities of choosing martyrdom and resisting complicity in sin. It also delves into Jewish texts on sacrifice, martyrdom, and the transformative power of symbolic acts for community reflection.

Last week, the NYPD—called in by Columbia University president Minouche Shafik—arrested 108 Columbia and Barnard students, who had set up a Gaza solidarity encampment on a lawn in the center of campus. The group of students was subsequently suspended, and those at Barnard were evicted from campus housing. Over the following days, others reestablished the encampment—continuing the call for the university to disclose their investments and divest from Israeli companies, to boycott Israeli academic institutions, and to keep cops off campus, among other demands.In the week since the encampment was established—as the tactic spreads to campuses around the country—the movement has been maligned as a threat to Jewish students, and lawmakers like Sens. Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley as well as Jewish communal leaders like Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt have called for bringing in the National Guard. Jewish Currents editor-in-chief Arielle Angel spoke to three Jewish student organizers arrested at the original encampments—Izzy Lapidus, Sarah Borus, and Lea Salim—about their experiences over the past week and what Palestine solidarity organizing has looked like on their campuses since October 7th.Thanks to Jesse Brenneman for producing and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).” Further Reading:"Evidence of torture as nearly 400 bodies found in Gaza mass graves," Al Jazeera“Statement on Columbia’s Gaza Solidarity Protest Community Values,” Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD)“Republican Senators Demand Biden Use National Guard to Suppress Columbia Protests,” Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling StoneJonathan Greenblatt of the ADL calling for NYPD and the National Guard to be brought onto campus on XPassover seder at the Columbia encampment"NYPD Investigating 'Skunk' Chemical Attack at Columbia U," Johanna Alonso, Inside Higher Ed“Republicans Wanted a Crackdown on Israel’s Critics. Columbia Obliged,” Michelle Goldberg, The New York Times