

Israel Story
Israel Story
Israel Story is an award-winning podcast that tells true stories you won't hear on the news. Hosted by Mishy Harman, the weekly show brings you extraordinary tales about ordinary Israelis. The show is produced in partnership with The Jerusalem Foundation and The Times of Israel. For Hebrew episodes, see סיפור ישראלי, or go to our website: israelstory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 44min
165: Sorry, Not Sorry
A never-aired Yom Kippur episode from before the war that asks what does it mean to be sorry?Our end song is Lu Yehi ("Let It Be") performed by HaGashash HaHiver.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2025 • 22min
164: Wartime Diaries - Pazit Noyberger and Radwan Abu Arara
In the messy tension of war, Pazit had to make a life-or-death decision for someone else.The end song is "Hymn to the Soul" by LAOR.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 23, 2025 • 16min
163: Iran to Israel, Tehran to Tel Aviv
In the middle of a war, we reached out to the other side. They answered.Note: The content in this episode was written by real people. To protect the anonymity of participants, some audio voices were produced by AI.Episode art credit: Reuters.The end song is Dror Yikra ("Proclaim Freedom") performed by Mike Rauss, Yael Dagon, and Ardavan Hatami.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 6min
Bonus: 90 Seconds
Just a moment to decide what's most important.The end song is Od Chozer HaNigun ("The Melody Returns") by Chava Alberstein.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 2025 • 12min
162: Israel to Iran, Tel Aviv to Tehran
Discover heartfelt messages from Israelis reaching out to Iranians, sharing daily life experiences amid conflict. The podcast delves into the universal yearning for understanding and peace, emphasizing the humanity that transcends political barriers. Listeners are encouraged to contribute their own voice notes, fostering a two-way conversation between ordinary individuals from both nations. Tune in for an intimate look at what people truly want to communicate in a time of discord.

6 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 34min
34: The Hasbara Hero
Payam Feli, a gay Iranian writer who sought asylum in Israel, shares his powerful journey from persecution to safety. He discusses the stark realities of navigating identity and belonging while grappling with mental health challenges as an asylum seeker. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador, emphasizes the importance of amplifying Payam's narrative for its Hasbara potential. Together, they explore the intersection of personal stories and geopolitical complexities, shedding light on hope amidst chaos.

Jun 13, 2025 • 17min
161: Wartime Diaries - Amir Ofer
An unlikely intergenerational friendship between two soldiers tasked with freeing civilian hostages.The end song is HaCholmim Achar Hashemesh ("Those Who Dream of the Sun") performed by David Lavi and Tamar Philosof.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 6, 2025 • 45min
40: “The Wall” Part I – Operation Hulda
In honour of the 58th anniversary of soldiers in war running to help, we bring you a story of twisting journeys and changing identities.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
35: Whither Thou Goest
Ruth the Moabite said she'd follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, anywhere. That blind devotion has since made her an enduring symbol of loyalty, faith and determination. And, just in time for Shavuot, we're playing a favourite episode of ours from the vault.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 21min
160: The Hebrew Hobbit - A Passover Special
In this captivating discussion, guests Jeff Peer, an American-born Israeli Air Force pilot and POW, Moti Babler, an IDF soldier who faced captivity, and Esther Eini, the wife of another captured soldier, share powerful experiences from the War of Attrition. They reflect on the themes of resilience and unity among POWs, the emotional turmoil of returning home, and the creative spirit ignited through translating 'The Hobbit.' The conversation poignantly intertwines the significance of Passover with their harrowing yet hopeful stories of survival and freedom.


