For Heaven's Sake

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.

The discussion dives into the challenges of finding hope in Israel post-October 7. With Trump's Gaza peace plan in the spotlight, the hosts dissect its potential to shift the narrative from despair to action. They explore the moral implications of defeating Hamas while envisioning a future for Palestinians. The conversation addresses whether this plan could inspire a societal transformation and whether Israelis can dare to hope again after deep trauma. The implications of failure and renewed conflict are analyzed, along with the potential for Arab-Israeli collaboration.

The hosts dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding unconditional love for Israel amid the prolonged Gaza conflict. They explore the complexity of maintaining moral integrity without compromising national loyalty. The discussion highlights the concept of the 'troubled committed'—those grappling with intense loyalty while voicing moral concerns. Key topics include the sacrifices of soldiers, the plight of civilians, and the implications of potential ceasefire decisions. They argue for the importance of candid dialogue and creating space for honest introspection.

Benjamin Netanyahu's vision of a 'super-Sparta' raises questions about Israel's future identity. The shift toward an isolationist strategy prompts debates on military ethics and national values. Polls reveal that many Israelis favor diplomacy over siege, signaling potential changes in collective identity. The podcast examines the tension between Israel's warrior culture and its aspirations for peace. Additionally, it critiques the ethical implications of reliance on arms production, reflecting on how contemporary leadership aligns or conflicts with public sentiment.