For Heaven's Sake

Israel's political center faces a critical moment as elections approach. The discussion covers the historical collapse of the left and the emergence of centrist politics under Ariel Sharon. Key issues include the shift from moral discourse about Palestinians to concerns over demography and security. October 7 marked a turning point, intensifying the center’s reluctance to engage with moral responsibility. Current centrist figures and their challenges are examined, alongside the need for a renewed vision that balances Jewish identity with democratic values.

Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi delve into the evolution of Israel's right-wing politics. They dissect the influence of historical ideals from Jabotinsky and the challenges facing current leadership. The discussion highlights the divide between Netanyahu's followers and principled conservatives. They emphasize the need for the right to articulate positive policies and embrace both security and morality. Ultimately, they advocate for a responsible, credible right that can adapt to new realities while upholding democratic values.

In this engaging discussion, Yossi Klein Halevi, an Israeli-American author and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, explores the nuanced role of Arab parties in Israeli politics. He highlights the political journey of Mansour Abbas, the complexities of Palestinian-Israeli identity, and the implications of including Islamist parties in a Zionist coalition. Halevi advocates for practical steps to rebuild trust with Arab citizens, emphasizing the need for police reform and addressing public safety issues.

Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi dive into the complexities around Palestinian statehood. They discuss the implications of recent UN votes and how Trump’s policies shift Israeli politics. The hosts explore fears surrounding security and the effectiveness of a two-state solution. They contemplate whether regional allies like Gulf states could facilitate progress, while grappling with the risks of ignoring Palestinian aspirations. The conversation highlights the struggle between hope and past disappointments, emphasizing the unsustainability of the current status quo.

This discussion dives into the complex landscape of Jewish identity amid rising division. The hosts explore what it means when 30% of NYC Jews back a candidate seen as antisemitic, challenging notions of betrayal and belonging. They debate the boundaries of community, distinguishing between doctrinal and existential red lines while pondering the impacts of political choices. With a call for communal self-reckoning, they advocate for inclusion over exclusion, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining debate without banishment.

The hosts delve into how recent political events have transformed Israel's moral landscape. They discuss the scandal involving a former military lawyer and its implications for societal accountability. The conversation explores the dangers of politicization, the erosion of legitimacy, and the troubling shift in public discourse. They propose a call for unity amidst the chaos, emphasizing the opposition's role in preserving moral standards. This thought-provoking dialogue reflects the broader confusion about ethics in the pursuit of political ends.

The candidacy of Zohran Mamdani sparks a heated debate about Jewish identity and the concept of conditional acceptance in progressive spaces. The hosts reflect on the emotional toll of divisive politics and the risks of labeling within the Jewish community. They draw parallels to Jeremy Corbyn’s influence in Britain and warn about normalizing anti-Jewish sentiment. With a personal touch, the discussion highlights the erosion of trust in once-welcoming environments while urging a commitment to critique and connection.

How are Israelis processing the transition from 760+ days of war to a fragile peace?Nearly two weeks into the ceasefire with Gaza, Israeli society is grappling with hope, trauma, and unsettling questions about who actually won. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi unpack Hamas’ ceasefire violations, Trump's bear hug diplomacy, and why 48% of Israelis believe nobody emerged victorious from this conflict.  Watch the video version of our podcast on our Youtube channel. Past episodes of this show, and other podcasts from Ark Media can be found at arkmedia.org.For more ideas from the Shalom Hartman Institute, visit shalomhartman.org, or JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST.Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Hosts delve into the emotional aftermath of Israel's recent hostage return, highlighting its unifying effects on the nation. They discuss the significant role of soldiers in transforming feelings of helplessness and the essential themes of belonging and home in Zionism. The conversation turns to the critical debate of prioritizing lives over military goals and the public's yearning for healing and social cohesion. As they ponder the possibility of peace re-entering discourse, they emphasize the need for new leadership and innovative ideas to sustain unity.

Two years after a pivotal moment, a significant hostage-release deal brings a wave of relief across Israel. The hosts reflect on how diverse groups, from families to international players, united to make this breakthrough possible. They discuss Trump's unexpected role and its moral implications, while also highlighting Netanyahu's strategic shifts. The conversation touches on the impact of this deal on future Gaza policies and the broader regional dynamics, ultimately emphasizing resilience and hope for a renewed political landscape.