Haaretz Podcast

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.

Dahlia Scheindlin, a political analyst and senior columnist at Haaretz, dives into Netanyahu's recent request for a pardon related to his corruption trial. She asserts the request is a blatant political threat, suggesting dire consequences if not granted. The discussion also touches on U.S. diplomatic dynamics, particularly Trump's influence, and the risks a pardon poses to legal accountability in Israel. Scheindlin emphasizes the need for the opposition to craft a strategic response to challenge Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections.

Ben Samuels, a Haaretz Washington correspondent, analyzes the GOP's realignment concerning Israel and highlights Marjorie Taylor Greene's departure as a warning signal. He discusses how MAGA-style isolationism is fracturing traditional support for Israel. Omer Benjakob, reporting on disinformation, reveals a multi-million dollar Israeli campaign targeting American evangelicals to counter rising antisemitism. Both guests emphasize the dangers of current online narratives and Israel's missteps in these turbulent political waters.

Amos Harel, a senior security analyst at Haaretz, dives deep into the volatile security landscape of Israel. He discusses the motivations behind intensified airstrikes against Hamas and how the Israeli leadership might use ongoing conflicts to their advantage. Harel examines the challenges of establishing an international stabilization force and critiques the lack of actionable plans from the U.S. He also addresses the uneasy ceasefire with Hezbollah, accountability for the October 7 attacks, and the societal impacts on the Israeli military.

Ayman Odeh, leader of the Hadash faction, passionately calls for Germany to recognize Palestinian statehood while addressing democracy and minority rights. Maya Soiref highlights the challenges faced by progressive organizations and the strain in German-Israeli relations post-Gaza war. Filmmaker Nadav Lapid advocates for cultural boycotts, critiquing the Israeli response to the conflict and emphasizing artists' responsibilities. Together, they explore the complexities of solidarity, political agendas, and the urgent need for honest dialogue.

Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher and former IDF military intelligence officer, dives into the rising threats posed by Iran. He discusses a foiled assassination plot targeting Israel's ambassador in Mexico, revealing Iran's deepening ties in Latin America, particularly through Venezuela. Citrinowicz highlights the potential for an increasingly aggressive Iranian missile program and its implications for Israeli security. He also explores Iran's strategies amid domestic pressures, urging Israel to seek coordinated political solutions.