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For Heaven's Sake

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5 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 40min

What Do We Know?

Tensions rise as the U.S. strikes Iran's Fordo facility while political leaders in both Iran and Israel claim victory. The hosts unpack the emotional impact of the ongoing war and the status of hostages, blending humor with serious reflections. They analyze Israel's military successes and the potential long-term repercussions for regional stability. The discussion also dives into the complexities of U.S. military strategies in the Middle East and the political turbulence surrounding Netanyahu's leadership amid public uncertainty.
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Jun 22, 2025 • 32min

A New Era?

The hosts delve into the emotional impact of Israel's continuous conflicts, pondering whether we are witnessing the dawn of a transformative era. They reflect on the psychological weight of living under threat and the exhaustion felt by society. Discussing Iran's nuclear ambitions, they analyze divided American opinions on military interventions. There’s a call for optimism amidst global tensions, as they shift focus from military responses to potential political resolutions, embracing the idea of tikkun olam as a path to future peace.
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20 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 34min

The War is Real

As conflict intensifies, sentiments in Israel shift from surreal to painfully real. The speakers delve into the emotional toll of warfare, contrasting hope with grief. They explore historical parallels, examining how past crises shape current feelings of existential anxiety. Additionally, the discussion highlights the shifting perceptions of conflict and the psychological impacts on families, particularly in Jerusalem. The challenges within the Israeli government and the complexities of international relations related to Iran add further layers to this poignant conversation.
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Jun 13, 2025 • 42min

WAR WITH IRAN

The podcast delves into the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran in light of recent hostilities. It captures the emotional turmoil experienced by Israelis amid the conflict, highlighting the personal stakes involved. The discussion also reflects on the historical context and military strategies that have shaped Israel's approach to Iran, emphasizing the urgent need for negotiations. Furthermore, the speakers share poignant reflections on the experiences of returning home during crises and the potential for new partnerships to enhance understanding of these complex issues.
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Jun 12, 2025 • 33min

Israel at War – The Clocks Are Ticking

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, the Israeli political landscape is shifting drastically. Netanyahu's leadership faces mounting pressures as public support dwindles, spurred by the urgent need to address military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox community. The podcast dives into the growing rift within Israel's coalition government and the moral dilemmas it faces. While tensions rise, there's a glimmer of hope for unity among citizens, suggesting a potential reevaluation of values and governance in these tumultuous times.
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6 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 41min

Israel at War – The War Against the Jews

A chilling wave of anti-Semitism is reshaping the Jewish experience in North America, igniting concerns among communities. Recent discussions reveal how anti-Zionism can morph into outright antisemitism, particularly from the Left. The episode delves into the tension between legitimate criticism of Israel and harmful rhetoric. It further explores the nuances of Jewish identity and the responsibilities tied to power dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, alongside the complex bonds between Israel and the diaspora amid rising hostilities.
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May 28, 2025 • 40min

Israel at War — A Nation that Dwells Alone

One of the goals of Zionism is to reintegrate the Jewish people into the “community of nations,” recognizing Israel’s sovereignty and forging global partnerships built on mutual respect and shared values. But as the war in Gaza takes a new turn, France, the UK, and even Germany have amplified their criticism, and President Trump is considering ending continued military support. Israel may soon find itself, politically and economically, “a nation that dwells alone”. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore this theological axis in Judaism that is too often abused by the Israeli far-right. Is it a blessing? A curse? Or is it a call to action for Israelis and Jews around the world to rise to this moment? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.
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May 22, 2025 • 36min

Israel at War — Red Lines

What does it mean to fight a just war justly—and who decides when we’ve crossed a moral red line? What began as a just war of self-defense has evolved into something more morally ambiguous, raising questions about Israel's tactics, humanitarian concerns, and international standing. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi confront their differing "red lines" regarding Israel's conduct in Gaza and examine public discourse on this issue, including Yair Golan’s recent controversial statements about the war. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.
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May 7, 2025 • 34min

Israel at War – The New Plan

As Israel enters a perilous new stage of the Gaza war—authorizing indefinite occupation of captured territory—Netanyahu’s pledge of “complete victory” over Hamas is deepening societal rifts and threatening to further fracture Israeli unity, pitting nationalist agendas against calls for restraint. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi dissect the cascading consequences of occupation tactics, from escalating Gazan casualties to the erosion of soldiers’ morale, and as the conflict enters its 577th day, ask: Can a nation survive when its leaders weaponize survival itself? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.
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May 1, 2025 • 33min

Israel at War — Independence Day: Gratitude and Hope

This Yom Ha’atzmut carries an apt but concerning metaphor for the State of Israel: as a brushfire burns along Route 1, the annual Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony has been canceled and the connection between Israel’s cultural and ideological poles, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is literally blocked.   In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi test the limits of their gratitude to the Israeli government and look for avenues of hope in a deeply broken country this Independence Day.   JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

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