Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, a Jewish educator known for her insights on Jewish history and identity, joins to discuss the true meaning of Hanukkah. She explores the holiday's roots in resistance against oppression, the significance of the oil miracle, and what it reveals about contemporary Jewish identity. Rachel emphasizes the lessons of unity and resilience in a polarized world while reflecting on the importance of Jewish rituals like counting, celebrating how even small acts can impact society. Tune in for a rich conversation on heritage and hope!

Seth Siegel, an author and water-policy expert, dives into the critical role of water in Middle Eastern geopolitics. He explains why Iran’s water crisis worsens from political failures and how the country's rejection of Israeli assistance has aggravated the situation. Siegel also shares insights on Israel's successful water management strategies and innovative technologies, like using drones for irrigation. He raises concerns about the future, suggesting Iran's crisis could lead to societal changes, though solutions may take decades.

Ari Shavit, an acclaimed Israeli journalist and author of 'My Promised Land', joins to dissect the deep political divide in Israel epitomized by Benjamin Netanyahu. He explains the dynamics of the 'Only-Bibi' and 'Never-Bibi' camps, highlighting their demographics and historical roots. Shavit critiques how the fixation on Netanyahu has stifled political discourse and suggests that the oppositional strategy has inadvertently strengthened him. He proposes a vision for unity across the political spectrum to foster democratic values in a post-Netanyahu landscape.

Amit Segal is an investigative journalist with deep insights into Israeli politics, while Nadav Eyal focuses on national security dynamics. They dive into Netanyahu's contentious pardon request, exploring its political implications and lack of an apology. The duo discusses historical precedents for pardons in Israel, including the controversial Bus 300 case. With the political landscape shifting, they analyze how the timing of Netanyahu’s request could affect upcoming elections and societal divisions. Their engaging debate sheds light on the intricate relationship between law and politics.

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=insideGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/giftsCity Journal's college ranking: https://collegerankings.city-journal.org/The Wall St. Journal on rethinking higher ed: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/college-rankings-manhattan-institute-universities-free-speech-d9df60e2?mod=opinion_lead_pos1City Journal's announcement: https://www.city-journal.org/article/2025-college-rankingsSubscribe to Amit Segal’s newsletter ‘It’s Noon in Israel’:arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media’s other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: https://lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What’s Your Number?’: https://lnk.to/rfGlrAFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel: tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday’s episode: Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a deterioration within elite, higher education. From the explosion in antisemitism, to the entrenchment of wrongheaded DEI policies, many Americans have begun to doubt the real value of an elite college degree.Last month, the Manhattan Institute – a public policy thinktank in New York City – launched its inaugural college rankings list that takes into account various factors that other popular rankings lists often don’t, such as the rigor of a school’s curriculum as well as the ideological balance of the school’s student body and professors. To discuss this new rankings system, Dan was joined by Reihan Salam, president of the Manhattan Institute, and Kevin Wallstein, Professor of Political Science at California State University and an Adjunct Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at NYU Stern and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of masculinity and identity in this engaging conversation. He discusses the challenges young men face today, linking societal pressures to issues like male isolation and economic disparity. Galloway shares insights from his book 'Notes on Being a Man' and the importance of mentorship and friendship for boys. He also reflects on his Jewish identity, evolving in response to recent events, and proposes mandatory national service to foster purpose and community among youth.

In a thought-provoking discussion, guests Bari Weiss, a journalist and founder of The Free Press, and Ben Shapiro, co-founder of The Daily Wire, tackle urgent issues facing the Jewish community and the American political landscape. They delve into the rising threat of anti-Semitism, the allure of nihilism among youth, and the role of Jewish values in providing purpose. Weiss also shares her journey to CBS News and the need for honest journalism, while Shapiro critiques cultural shifts and advocates for a stronger Jewish educational foundation.

Amit Segal, an insightful Israeli journalist, and Nadav Eyal, a seasoned political commentator, dive deep into vital Middle East dynamics. They dissect the recent UN resolution to stabilize Gaza and its ties to Trump's peace plan. The duo debates the implications for Palestinian statehood, exploring whether this resolution is a step forward or merely symbolic. They also discuss Saudi Arabia's normalization efforts, Israel’s evolving leverage, and the complex reactions from Hamas. Their insights offer a captivating glimpse into regional interactions and future possibilities.

Micah Goodman, an Israeli public intellectual and bestselling author, joins the conversation to explore Israel's current geopolitical state following two years of conflict. He examines the failed multi-front assault by Hamas and how October 7th marked a pivotal moment in anti-Israel strategy. Micah highlights the surprising national unity among Israelis during the war, contrasting it with ongoing internal divisions. He discusses the need for normalization with regional states, emphasizing how it could transform military gains into lasting legitimacy for Israel.

Bianna Golodryga, a news anchor and global affairs analyst at CNN, and Yonit Levy, lead news anchor at Israel's Channel 12, dive into their co-authored YA novel, highlighting the urgent need to address antisemitism among teenagers. They share personal experiences that inspired the book and discuss how social media fuels hate. The authors emphasize resilience, the effect of October 7th on their narrative, and the importance of addressing these issues directly with young readers. Together, they explore the fragile connections between Israel and the diaspora.