People of the Pod

As antisemitism persists on both political extremes, are moderate forces strong enough to steer us in the right direction? Can lawmakers actually reach across the aisle in today’s political climate? James Carville, Democratic strategist and political icon, and Leslie Sanchez, a Republican strategist and award-winning political commentator, joined AJC Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs Julie Fishman Rayman in a discussion about the state of U.S. politics today at AJC Global Forum 2022. The two explained how rising extremism in both parties affects critical issues like Israeli security and antisemitism. They also weighed in on the importance of talking to voters in their own language - as opposed to national talking points.  ___ Episode Lineup:  (0:40) The Forgotten Exodus Teaser Trailer (2:42) Julie Fishman Rayman, James Carville, Leslie Sanchez ___ Show Notes: Learn more about The Forgotten Exodus at AJC.org/ForgottenExodus Theme song credit: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI); Composer: Tiemur Zarobov (BMI), IPI#1098108837 Watch the AJC Global Forum 2022 session: Extremists or Moderates - Who’s Driving American Politics Today? - The Leonard Greenberg Forum for Domestic Policy Issues View additional highlights from AJC Global Forum 2022: AJC.org/GlobalForumNews Listen to our latest episode: How Can Governments Win the Fight Against Antisemitism? An AJC Global Forum 2022 Conversation Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.

U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt and European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life Katharina von Schnurbein discussed, in a conversation moderated by Managing Director of AJC Europe Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, how to fulfill their governments’ bold promises to fight antisemitism. When every day, it seems a new instance of antisemitism appears in the headlines, how are American and European leaders working to counter these global threats? Listen to this discussion, recorded at AJC Global Forum 2022, for answers to this pressing question and more.  ___ Episode Lineup:  (0:40) Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, Deborah Lipstadt, Katharina von Schnurbein ___ Show Notes: Watch the AJC Global Forum 2022 session: Can Governments Win the Fight Against Antisemitism? A Discussion With Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt and Katharina von Schnurbein - The Max Fisher Annual Program   View additional highlights from AJC Global Forum 2022: AJC.org/GlobalForumNews   Listen to our latest episode: Building on the Abraham Accords: President Biden’s Trip to the Middle East, and Its Implications for Israeli-Saudi Relations   Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod   You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org   If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.

This week, President Joe Biden is visiting the Middle East on a tour that includes Israel, the West Bank, and Saudi Arabia. Amid looming Iranian nuclear concerns, a shaky U.S.-Saudi relationship, and continued Israeli-Palestinian uncertainty, much work needs to be accomplished. How can President Biden strengthen the United States’ strategic presence in the region? What needs to be done to improve the United States’ connection to Saudi Arabia? How close are Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalization? Retired U.S. Ambassador Marc Sievers, Director of American Jewish Committee’s office in Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, joins us this week to discuss these matters.  ___ Episode Lineup:  (0:40) Marc Sievers ___ Show Notes: Photo by Israeli Government Press Office (GPO)/Handout Watch the AJC Global Forum 2022 session: Winds of Change: The New Middle East View additional highlights from AJC Global Forum 2022: AJC.org/GlobalForumNews Listen to Marc Sievers on People of the Pod: The Historic Israel-UAE Meeting Learn more on Global Voice: What to Draw From President Biden’s Middle East Visit Listen to our latest episode: Antisemitism in Latin America: The Lasting Impact of the AMIA Attack Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.

It is the deadliest antisemitic attack outside of Israel since the Holocaust: On July 18, 1994, Iranian-backed terrorists drove a bomb-laden truck into the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Center in Buenos Aires, killing 80 and wounding 300. 28 years later, how has the attack on AMIA impacted the continent, its Jewish population, and its approach to combating antisemitism? This week, Fernando Lottenberg, the first Organization of American States (OAS) Commissioner to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, and Dina Siegel Vann, Director of AJC's Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs, join us to discuss the progress that’s been made since the attack, and the work left to do in Latin America. Then, Manya Brachear Pashman reflects on the deadly shooting in Highland Park, IL over the 4th of July weekend. ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) Dina Siegel Vann and Fernando Lottenberg  (23:39) Manya Brachear Pashman ___ Show Notes:   A Bomb in Argentina: ‘The Jewish community is standing and fighting.'   Listen to our latest episode: Is the Golden Age of American Jewry Over? An AJC Global Forum Great Debate   Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod   You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org   If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.  

Today, American Jews have reached unparalleled levels of success in areas such as business, academia, and culture. But with rising antisemitism, Jewish demographic changes, and shifting norms, some are pessimistic about the future for American Jewry.  Tune into AJC’s signature AJC Global Forum 2022 session: The Great Debate: Is the Golden Age of American Jewry Over? The debate features guests Bret Stephens, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times, Editor-in-Chief, Sapir; and Pamela Nadell, Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women’s and Gender History; Director, Jewish Studies Program, American University, and is moderated by Laura Shaw Frank, AJC Director, William Petschek Contemporary Jewish Life.  We also hear from AJC Global Forum 2022 participants about meeting other young Jews and learning from featured panelists, while also reflecting on their connections to Judaism and Israel. ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) Manya on the Street (3:37) Pamela Nadell and Bret Stephens ___ Show Notes: Watch the full session: The Great Debate: Is the Golden Age of American Jewry Over? To view additional videos and highlights from AJC Global Forum 2022, go to AJC.org/GlobalForumNews Listen to our latest episode: What is the BDS Mapping Project and Why Should All Jews Be Concerned? Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.  

A map published online earlier this month by BDS activists claims to list organizations and institutions in the Boston area that they say are responsible for harm against Palestinians. In actuality, the project is targeting and threatening the Jewish community. AJC New England Director Rob Leikind joins us to explain what’s being done to raise awareness and counter the project, and why it’s not just the Jewish community that’s in danger. Then, Ian Kaplan, a student at Tufts University near Boston, and one of AJC’s 2022 Goldman Fellows, shares his perspective on the BDS Mapping Project, and his approach to navigating campus discourse on Israel, demonstrated by a recent conversation he had with a fellow student.  ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) Rob Leikind (14:31) Manya Brachear Pashman and Ian Kaplan ___ Show Notes: BDS Mapping Project: How can you help? Ensure Massachusetts Stands Against BDS  5 Reasons Why the BDS Mapping Project is Dangerous for Jews (and Everyone Else) Translate Hate Listen to our latest episode: Are Jews, Israel, and Progressive Spaces Compatible? Live from AJC Global Forum 2022 Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.

In America today we are faced with the rise of extremism at both ends of the political spectrum. This week, we examine the interplay between progressive groups and American Jews, who are being increasingly excluded and targeted by so-called progressives, especially over ties to Israel, the Middle East’s only liberal democracy. David Baddiel, Comedian, Author, Screenwriter, and Television Presenter; Rachel Fish, Co-Founder, Boundless; and Yair Rosenberg, Contributing Writer, The Atlantic, delve into this important topic in a thought-provoking conversation, recorded live at AJC Global Forum 2022. The episode opens with short interviews featuring AJC Global Forum 2022 participants about their top highlights. ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) Manya on the Street: Live from Global Forum 2022 (3:54) David Baddiel, Rachel Fish, Yair Rosenberg ___ Show Notes: AJC Global Forum 2022 Sessions referenced in the episode: Official Address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to AJC Global Forum 2022 AJC Presents Moral Courage Award to Masih Alinejad Introduced By Lisa Pruzan Winds of Change: The New Middle East Jews, Israel, and Progressive Spaces: Are They Compatible? - Full Video  To view additional videos and highlights from AJC Global Forum 2022, go to AJC.org/GlobalForumNews Urge the White House to Combat Domestic Antisemitism Listen to our latest episode: Bari Weiss on How Antisemitism Became Normalized; Gearing Up for AJC Global Forum 2022 Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.  

As we look ahead to AJC Global Forum 2022, the premier global Jewish advocacy gathering of the year (June 12-14 in New York City), we look back at some highlights from AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, including conversations with U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), on the launch of the Senate Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, columnists Bret Stephens and Bari Weiss discussing the mainstreaming of antisemitism, and crucial advice from two young activists on how to combat anti-Jewish hatred on campus and beyond.  ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) (8:37) Bret Stephens and Bari Weiss (14:41) Talia Rosenberg and Julia Jassey ___ Show Notes: Can't make it to AJC Global Forum 2022, June 12-14, in New York? We've got the next best thing! Sign up at AJC.org/webcast to receive email reminders for the four AJC Global Forum live webcasts, featuring world leaders, the Great Debate, AJC CEO David Harris, and more! Watch full sessions from Virtual Global Forum 2021: The Launch of the Senate Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations with U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism: How Should We Respond? With Bret Stephens, Bari Weiss, and Simone Rodan Benzaquen  The View from Campus with Talia Rosenberg and Julia Jassey Urge the White House to Combat Domestic Antisemitism Listen to our latest episode: Yossi Klein Halevi on the Convergence of Politics and Religion at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.  

Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Day, celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem in June 1967 at the end of the Six-Day War. This week, we hear from journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi on the triumph of that historic day, the current wave of terrorist attacks in Israel, the tensions on the Temple Mount, and the trauma that continues to shape Israel’s spiritual and political life. Also, as we wrap up #JewishandProud month, Halevi, along with some of our listeners, share what being Jewish means to them. ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) #JewishAndProud Listener Segment (2:32) Yossi Klein Halevi ___ Show Notes: Urge the White House to Combat Domestic Antisemitism Urge Congress to Stand with Israel Urge Congress to Counter Russian Aggression Listen to our latest episode: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming’s Antisemitism Failures; Buffalo Shooting and Great Replacement Theory Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs aim to foster belonging and unity among diverse workplaces and campus communities. However, in doing so, they often misunderstand who Jews are, view all Jews as privileged, and ignore or downplay blatant cases of antisemitism. AJC’s U.S. Director for Combating Antisemitism and guest host Holly Huffnagle sits down with Dr. Saba Soomekh, Associate Director of AJC Los Angeles, to break down the issues surrounding DEI, and what needs to change to properly address prejudice against Jews. Then, Holly Huffnagle reflects on the May 14th shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, and how the perpetrators behind this and other recent shootings, including those in Christchurch, Pittsburgh, and El Paso, cited the same white supremacist belief: the Great Replacement theory. ___ Episode Lineup: (0:40) #JewishAndProud Listener Segment (2:33) Saba Soomekh (26:13) Holly Huffnagle  ___ Show Notes: What does being Jewish mean to you? We want to know your answer. Call the People of the Pod hotline at 212-891-1336 and leave a message of a minute or less in our voicemail inbox. Don’t forget to include your name and city with your answer. You may hear your voice on a future episode! Translate Hate  Urge the White House to Combat Domestic Antisemitism Urge Congress to Stand with Israel  Urge Congress to Counter Russian Aggression Listen to our latest episode: X Troop: The Inspiring Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During WWII Don’t forget to subscribe to People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us.