Haaretz Podcast

Historian and journalist Joshua Leifer explores the profound shifts in Israeli society two years post-October 7, 2023. He highlights the dissonance between right-wing denial and the mainstream's complex grappling with the ongoing conflict. Leifer addresses the impact of protests on democracy and critiques Netanyahu's military rhetoric, discussing its implications for Israel's global standing. He also reflects on his decision to move to Israel, believing that true change requires direct engagement in the realities he's critiquing, amidst a culture wrestling with its identity.

Amir Tibon, a Haaretz columnist and expert on Israeli politics and security, provides a deep dive into Trump's new 20-point peace plan for Israel and Gaza. He highlights the plan’s lofty goals but criticizes its lack of detail and realistic implementation prospects. Tibon discusses the challenges Netanyahu faces from the hard-right coalition, Hamas's potential rejection, and the complicated role of the Palestinian Authority. He expresses skepticism about the feasibility of Trump’s strategy for quick peace, suggesting more pressure is needed for meaningful change.

Rabbi Adam Ferziger, a professor at Bar-Ilan University and author of 'Agents of Change,' explores the tensions and transformations within Israeli Judaism. He discusses the importance of humility during the High Holidays, especially amid current conflicts. Ferziger highlights the emergence of moderate Orthodox Judaism influenced by American Jews, stressing that religious belief should promote understanding rather than division. He also addresses the complex dynamics of political identities among observant Jews in Israel, emphasizing dialogue as a path forward.

Steffen Seibert, the German ambassador to Israel and former government spokesperson, shares insights on the evolving dynamics between Germany and Israel, particularly post-Gaza war. He expresses concerns over rising antisemitism across Europe and the mounting exhaustion in Israel's society. Seibert emphasizes Germany’s critical stance on war escalation while reiterating unwavering friendship towards Israel. He also discusses democratic principles, drawing contrasts between German and American approaches to free speech and the importance of democratic guardrails in turbulent times.

Lila Corwin-Berman, Paul and Sylvia Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History at NYU, warns about Trump's administration's influence on Jewish Studies. She argues that funding agreements are turning scholars into 'court Jews', compromising academic freedom. Corwin-Berman also addresses the heightened tensions and anti-Semitism on campuses following the Gaza conflict. Plus, insights on how recent cultural moments, like remarks from Hannah Einbinder, reflect shifting identities among young American Jews.

This special episode of the Haaretz Podcast features voices from the September 14 conference held in Toronto jointly sponsored by the New Israel Fund of Canada and JSpace Canada. The event brought together current and former Israeli and Canadian politicians, journalists, academics with Israeli and Palestinian peace advocates to assess the current troubling conflict in Gaza. Speakers also explore a roadmap for peace, Palestinian sovereignty, the crisis of democracy and growing authoritarianism in Israel and around the world.  Among those included in the podcast: MKs Ayman Odeh and Naama Lazimi; former Justice Minister Dan Meridor; and Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. In her remarks, Democrats MK Lazimi said the “profound humanitarian disaster” playing out in Gaza is “not only a Palestinian tragedy; it is also a moral stain and a security risk for Israel.”  Calling for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, Lazimi said that the only "alternative to terror and war are secure peace agreements.”  Meridor paired his harsh critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s autocratic direction with a call to fight the government’s assault on the Supreme Court and other gatekeepers of democracy.  All Israelis and those who care about the Jewish state, he said, “should ask himself, as I try to do every day, not only what's going to be the future, but what do I do today to stop it.”  Read more: Watch the full conference from Toronto on YouTube Haaretz conference in New York explores Israel's fractured democracy during Gaza war IDF says ground incursion into Gaza City has begun; Defense Chief: Gaza is burningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amos Harel, a senior security analyst at Haaretz specializing in Israeli military affairs, discusses the recent Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. He questions the logic behind this decision, suggesting it may stem from political survival rather than concern for hostages. Harel highlights the strained U.S.-Israel relationship, particularly noting Trump's irritation without direct confrontation. He warns of potential retaliation and the fragile position of hostages, emphasizing the intricate dynamics at play amid the ongoing conflict.

Ben Samuels, a Haaretz Washington correspondent, shares insights on U.S. foreign policy and the Gaza conflict under Trump. He discusses how the White House has issued a 'blank check' to Israel, allowing aggressive actions against Gaza with little oversight. The shifting political landscape, particularly among Republicans questioning aid to foreign wars, shapes the conversation. He also highlights increasing skepticism within the Democratic Party and addresses the complexities American Jews face amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.

Shlomo Ben-Ami, former Israeli Foreign Minister and a professor dedicated to the two-state solution, offers his candid views on the ongoing Gaza conflict and international responses. He critiques the push for Palestinian state recognition, calling it a sign of despair rather than a viable solution. Ben-Ami reflects on how the conflict has morphed from a 'legitimate war of self-defense' into 'merciless, cruel vengeance,' and explains why 'total victory' over Hamas is, in his eyes, unattainable.

Rabbi Yosef Blau, an 86-year-old Orthodox educator and former leader of Religious Zionists of America, finds himself at the center of controversy after authoring an open letter signed by 80 rabbis calling for action on Gaza's humanitarian crisis. He passionately discusses the shift in religious Zionism towards the extreme right and the moral imperative for compassion. Judy Maltz, a Haaretz correspondent, sheds light on the backlash faced by Blau and others who advocate for progressive stances, emphasizing the tension between traditional beliefs and social responsibility.