Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

Donniel Hartman, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, and Yossi Klein Halevi, author and identity scholar, delve into the complex identity crisis faced by diaspora Jews today. They discuss the impact of recent violence on community awareness and the historical roots of Australian Jewry. The hosts express their anger at the vilification of Israel, examining how rhetoric can lead to real-world consequences. They confront whether Jews should stay or consider emigration, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining vibrant Jewish life globally.

Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, discusses the devastating impact of the Bondi Beach attack on the Jewish community. Nomi Kaltmann provides on-the-ground insights into the accompanying shock and grief, emphasizing the unique context of such violence in Australia. Nadav Eyal reveals alleged global campaigns aimed at intensifying antisemitism, linking foreign influence to the rise in hostility. Together, they delve into the community's plea for support from Israel while critiquing the Australian government's response.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tal Becker, a legal scholar and Israeli policy advisor, sheds light on pressing issues facing Israel today. He deftly navigates the complex question of whether Israel has truly 'won' against Hamas, emphasizing that military success must also account for narrative victories. Tal discusses the internal divisions plaguing Israel, advocating for Jewish education as a means to combat polarization. He also provocatively addresses the labeling of settler violence and the importance of connecting Jewish identity to something broader than politics.

In this insightful discussion, Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel since 2021, shares his vision for unity in a divided nation. He delves into the role of the presidency as a national unifier and reflects on the profound trauma following the October 7th attacks. Herzog also tackles the complexities of Netanyahu's pardon request and emphasizes the responsibility of public office. He warns against rising anti-Semitism and discusses his initiatives to cultivate future Jewish leadership, all while addressing the importance of compassion and dialogue.

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.