Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

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.

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.