On the Nose

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

Exploring campus antisemitism narratives, dissecting media portrayals, critiquing conflation of Zionism with antisemitism, discussing challenges faced by Jewish and Palestinian students, navigating complexities of propacine movement, shaping discourse on Israel-Palestine relations, and exploring generational perspectives on anti-Semitism.

In The Ally—a new play at the Public Theater by Itamar Moses—an Israeli American adjunct professor is forced to confront the limits of his solidarity when his decision to support a Black student seeking justice for the police murder of a cousin becomes entangled with questions of Israel and Palestine. Though set before October 7th, the play is undoubtedly “ripped from the headlines,” taking up questions of campus antisemitism and liberal Jewish discomfort with left politics, and giving every “side” in the argument—hardline Zionists, Palestinians, young Jewish leftists, Black activists, and Jewish liberals—a chance to state its case. But does the play actually push liberal audiences beyond their preconceived biases, or does it allow them to remain in a state of comfortable ambivalence? In this episode, Jewish Currents editor-in-chief Arielle Angel, contributing writer Alisa Solomon, and artist-in-residence Fargo Nissim Tbakhi discuss what The Ally reveals about liberal America’s view of the left, and the opportunities and limitations of theater in spurring action.  Thanks to Jesse Brenneman for producing and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).” Plays Mentioned and Further Reading:The Ally by Itamar Moses at The Public TheaterDisgraced by Ayad Akhtar“Who Is Tom Stoppard’s “Jewish Play” For?,” On the Nose, Jewish Currents “Jewish Groups Condemn Black Lives Matter Platform for Accusing ‘Apartheid’ Israel of  ‘Genocide,’” Sam Kestenbaum, Haaretz

Exploring the impact of language on media representation of Israel/Palestine conflict, uncovering biases in mainstream newsrooms, navigating identity and activism in journalism, and challenging traditional journalism for justice and inclusivity.

Exploring the rise of Hindu Nationalism in India with the construction of the Ram temple, linking to political power and the BJP. Delving into the controversy surrounding the disputed religious site and its implications for India's future. Reflecting on solidarity movements and rising nationalism in India and Palestine, highlighting the need for global understanding.

Maya Rosen, Israel/Palestine fellow, speaks with activists from the religious left-wing group Smol HaEmuni. They discuss the experience of the religious left in Israel, their work in Hebron, and the movement's future. Topics include finding comfort in religious communities, navigating hyper nationalism, partnership and hope in Hebron, diversity in the Jewish tradition, and understanding the meaning of being Messianic.

Discussion of the recent interim ruling by the ICJ on South Africa's accusation of genocide in Gaza and its implications for justice. The role of lawyers, courts, and social movements in challenging power structures. The limitations of the two-state solution and the role of international law in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.