Haaretz Podcast

Arash Azizi, a lecturer and author specializing in Iranian politics, joins to analyze the latest wave of protests in Iran sparked by economic turmoil. He highlights the intense anger and desperation among protesters, noting a lack of unified political leadership. Azizi discusses the fractured opposition, including the role of Reza Pahlavi, and argues that change in Iran may not come from a classic revolution but rather through internal shifts. He also examines the implications of these protests for regional stability and global politics.

Esther Solomon, the Editor-in-chief of Haaretz English, dives into the significant role of independent media and the backlash surrounding the antisemitism conference in Jerusalem. Peter Beinart, a journalist and author, shares his evolving views on Israel post-Gaza war, expressing concern over moral dilemmas and the impact on Jewish identity. The conversation highlights global antisemitism and political shifts, while offering personal stories from affected communities, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue and response in a troubled year.

Amos Harel, a Senior Haaretz defense analyst, discusses the intense 12-day military exchange with Iran and assesses the IDF's performance during the crisis. Bar Peleg dives into the Qatargate scandal, revealing how political payments influenced perceptions while the Gaza war escalated. The conversation highlights the shocking realities of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the pressures faced by wartime leadership, and unexpected diplomacy from Trump that led to a ceasefire. Together, they provide a riveting overview of Israel's tumultuous year.

France’s ambassador to Israel Frédéric Journès said on the Haaretz Podcast that any postwar Gaza plan must acknowledge that completely disarming and ridding the Strip of Hamas militia members is not an achievable goal.  “You're not going to eliminate all of those people, so you basically need to find them a job in local police, find them a little job in society and de-radicalize them to the greatest extent possible,” he contended. This is possible, he said, because over the course of the war, Israel “got rid of the leadership." Journès, who has been France’s envoy to Israel since July 2023, sat down for a wide-ranging interview with host Allison Kaplan Sommer and Haaretz diplomatic correspondent Liza Rozovsky, discussing Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and antisemitism in France. The ambassador also explains why he believes the four countries strengthened by the past two years of war are Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt.  Pressed on the podcast as to whether he supports renewing strikes on Iran aimed at its ballistic missile program, which Israel reportedly desires, Journès replied, “I'm not saying that. I will see what will happen.” Read more: Opinion by Frédéric Journès | Declaring a Palestinian State Is a Blow to Terror Opinion by Frédéric Journès | Israel, Help Us Protect Our Seas and Oceans U.S. Leaning Toward Setting Up Palestinian-run Regime for Gaza Before International Forces Saudi, French and U.S. Officials Discuss Hezbollah Disarmament With Lebanese Army Chief France Demands Heightened Security Measures at French Consulate in Jerusalem After Israeli MKs Harass StafferSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan Engel, the longtime executive director of the 92nd Street Y, shares her insights on navigating cultural conversations post-October 7. She discusses the Y's journey of self-reflection regarding Jewish identity and the importance of civil discourse, even when opinions clash. Engel emphasizes the necessity of setting 'red lines' against hate speech while remaining open to diverse viewpoints. She also recounts the challenges and triumphs of expanding the Y's online presence and fostering intimate, meaningful dialogues on contentious issues.

Joshua Zeman, a documentary filmmaker known for his gripping true-crime stories, shares the harrowing tale behind his film, "Checkpoint Zoo." He details the rescue of nearly 5,000 zoo animals from Feldman EcoPark in war-torn Ukraine, led by a compassionate Jewish oligarch, Oleksandr Feldman. Zeman explores the bravery of volunteers who risked their lives to save these creatures amidst bombings and chaos. He also discusses the complex relationship between art and politics during wartime, making a poignant case for preserving humanity in crisis.

Lynda Ben-Menashe, President of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, shares the anger and shock felt by Australian Jews after the tragic Bondi Beach attack. Expressing frustration at governmental inaction over rising antisemitism, she emphasizes the need for laws against hate speech. Amos Harel, a senior defense analyst for Haaretz, details Israeli intelligence warnings about escalating threats in Australia, linking them to broader geopolitical tensions. Together, they delve into the urgent need for community safety and accountability.

Dahlia Lithwick, an award-winning journalist and senior editor at Slate, and Joshua Leifer, a Haaretz columnist and historian, delve into the complex relationship between American Jews and Israel. Lithwick emphasizes the urgent need to confront the dissonance of supporting Trump while fearing authoritarianism. They discuss how Israel has overestimated its power in global politics and the importance of adapting to a more transactional reality. Additionally, they urge American Jews to rethink their strategies in combating rising antisemitism and political ostracization.

In a powerful conversation, Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-born Israeli researcher and activist recently freed from captivity in Iraq, shares her harrowing experiences and insights. Despite torture, her commitment to human rights endures amid a changing Israeli landscape. She navigates politics in Iraq, denouncing militia control and corruption while reflecting on U.S. policy shifts and the aftermath of the Assad regime. Tsurkov discusses her recovery and future plans, emphasizing the importance of speaking out about human rights abuses.

Yuval Arieh Nevo, Head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Israel, discusses the organization's challenging role amid the Gaza War. He acknowledges the Israeli public's anger, as many feel the ICRC failed to ensure proper treatment for hostages. Nevo reflects on the complexities of humanitarian operations, emphasizing the importance of neutrality for effective engagement while admitting past mistakes. He highlights the ICRC's efforts in handling hostage releases and the need to rebuild trust with local communities.