Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

Join journalist Yossi Klein Halevi and Rabbi Donniel Hartman, leaders at the Shalom Hartman Institute, as they explore the evolving narratives of Israel. They discuss the historical unifying commitments and the failures of Zionism to create a cohesive identity. Five competing stories—liberal democracy, security, and more—battle for dominance. They also dive into the decline of the Likud's mainstream role and the fading two-state debate. Tune in for insights on crafting a new national story and the hopeful signs emerging in Israeli society.

Donniel Hartman, Rabbi and president of the Hartman Institute, and Yossi Klein Halevi, author and journalist, dive into the implications of the Jewish vote for Zohran Mamdani in New York. They discuss the concept of the 'troubled committed,' exploring the conflict between American and Israeli Jewish perspectives. The conversation tackles the messy realities of war and how they affect support for Israel, the impact of U.S. politics on Jewish identity, and the growing need for dialogue to unify divergent views.

Nadav Eyal, an Israeli journalist and commentator known for his in-depth analysis of Israeli politics and society, joins to share his thoughts on a unique breakfast fundraiser for the Jewish Food Society. He humorously reacts to the challenge of matching last year’s fundraising total while highlighting the cultural significance of food. Nadav’s engaging personality and insights make breakfast with him a can’t-miss opportunity, promising a delightful blend of conversation and culinary experience for the lucky winners.

Yonatan Adiri, a health-tech entrepreneur and former advisor to Israeli president Shimon Peres, shares insights on the evolving dynamics of Hamas. He discusses the shift from military to diplomatic power for Hamas, dubbing this transformation 'neo-Hamas.' Adiri explores the implications of international support from Turkey and Qatar, the growing Israeli sentiment post-conflict, and regional balances of power. He highlights the challenges Israel faces with narrow diplomatic leverage while forecasting the reconstruction of Gaza amidst complex geopolitical relationships.

Jonah Goldberg, a conservative commentator and co-founder of The Dispatch, dives into the challenges facing Jewish communities in light of political shifts. He discusses the implications of Zoran Mamdani's election for New York Jews and contrasts his anti-Zionism with traditional political values. The conversation touches on the threat to liberalism, the rise of conspiratorial right-wing figures like Tucker Carlson, and the complexities within the GOP, exploring how these dynamics may impact Jewish communities. Goldberg highlights historical lessons on antisemitism within conservatism.

Reihan Salam, President of the Manhattan Institute and former executive editor of National Review, dives into the surprising rise of Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race. He analyzes how demographic shifts and the Gaza war galvanized support for Mamdani, linking younger voters' economic struggles to his anti-establishment message. Salam explores the implications of Mamdani's democratic socialist platform, the challenges of governing, and warns of rising antisemitism among young voters. It's a fascinating look at evolving political dynamics in a major city.

Mark Gerson, an investor and philanthropist, discusses his book, exploring the Torah as a practical self-help guide. He highlights its relevance in modern life, offering insights on finding the right spouse and overcoming loneliness through marriage. Gerson emphasizes embracing dignity over victimhood, while linking personal responsibility to communal success. Additionally, he reveals how dressing well can transform behavior, and underscores the importance of Israel in Jewish identity. An enlightening talk that merges ancient wisdom with contemporary issues!

Benjamin Birely, a classical historian and PhD candidate living in Naples, sheds light on the alarming rise of anti-Zionism and antisemitism in Italy. He recounts experiencing hostility at universities and daily life marked by anti-Israel sentiments. Birely attributes this phenomenon to historical roots, including a complex Catholic legacy and a hostile political climate. He discusses Italian Jews' varied responses to these challenges and reflects on how these experiences shape their identity and future considerations. A candid dive into a pressing issue!

Nadav Eyal, an Israeli journalist known for his insights on Israeli society, and Amit Segal, a political journalist and author, dive into pressing topics surrounding the October 7 war. They discuss the surprising resilience within Israel and the political dynamics post-conflict. Eyal and Segal debate the portrayal of Gaza in the media and critique the normalization of severe terms in global discourse. They also analyze the implications of hostage-related politics and the future of Gaza and Israeli leadership, offering a thought-provoking conversation.

Ronen Bergman, an investigative Israeli journalist, reveals explosive insights into Hamas' strategies surrounding the October 7 attacks. He discusses a recently uncovered memo by Yehia Sinwar, detailing premeditated horrific acts meant to instill terror. With 8200 recordings confirming orders for violence, Bergman highlights the strategic objectives behind the brutality, aiming to ignite conflict with Iran and provoke international outrage. He also examines Hamas' deceptive tactics and the intricate coordination between their political and military leaders.