Israel ReBound

Alan and Liz discuss the difficulties of managing our expectations for real-time updates and 24-hour news cycles - with the realities of war and the necessary military secrecy. We talk Rosh Hashanah amidst this murky backdrop and ideas to bring symbols of hope and renewal to our holiday tables.*Alan passed away shortly after recording this episode and we are heartbroken. He cared so deeply about Israel, the Jewish people, democracy, values, identity. And his voice - sharing those ideas and asking to hear the ideas of others - is already missed. We remember his concern and passion for others, and his certainty that the world CAN be better.

Alan asked Liz what is the mood of the country as October 7th is approaching soon. How will Rosh Hashanah feel this year? Liz looks back to Rosh Hashanah of 1948 while Israel was fighting for survival. 

In this episode Alan asks Liz about the tone in the country following the discovery of the murder of the six hostages discovered last week. Recognizing the strain on Israel and the support work to help others in Israel. Liz shared her observation of the funeral for Hersch Goldberg-Polin and the funerals. Also the cruelty of Hamas releasing the videos of the hostages before they were murdered. What does a protest of 500,000 people due for a country in pain. Alan closed with the success the Israeli Paralympic team had in Paris check out the link in the Times of Israel below.Times of Israel

The tragic news of these six hostages how were close to being rescued. 

For the past month Alan and Liz swapped homes. Alan moved into Liz's home in Jerusalem and Liz and her family moved into Alan's home. In this episode they share what it was like re-entering to their home countries and a few highlights from their experiences. Alan shared how much he appreciated the corner store-ha mokelt and Liz shares her joy of walking into a large grocery store.  Liz shares her experience on the plane and Alan discusses the challenge of flying home when he needed to be rerouted because of the threat of war. 

In this episode Liz asks Alan what it is like to be in Israel during this very tense time. He has always been the one to ask that question. One understands that there is view in Israel and a view outside of Israel during times like this. For those outside of Israel time sometimes stops for those inside Israel time has to go on. Half of the Jewish world lives in Israel and they aren't going any where. The threat of an attack from Iran and its proxies during Tisha B'av is interesting on many levels. More next week. 

In this episode Liz and Alan change places. Alan is in Israel and Liz is in America. Alan shares what he has been seeing in Israel from the National Library to the impact of Oct 7th in the south. Also, a challenging look at the massacre at Majdal Shams and Israel's retaliation from that attack. Alan also is paying attention to the threat by Iran to attack Israel. In light of the pending attack many airlines have canceled flight to and from Israel. But, being in Jerusalem seems fine.Here is a link to a story about the medals won by Israelis. Times of IsraelAlso the story of American Israeli Amit Elor wrestler who won gold and acknowledged the hostages.Other stories of Jews winning medals in Paris

In this episode Alan asks Liz how Israelis are responding to the assassination attempt on former President and current republican candidate Donald J. Trump. What the impact on the extending military service from 2.8 years to 3 years. Liz pointed out that if it passes it is a temporary change for five years.  What else is the Knesset working on before the 3 month recess. Enjoy.

In this episode Alan and Liz discuss the idea of resilience and day to day life in Israel and America during these challenging times. Alan discusses with Liz the recent issue of the journal Sapir and the theme Resilience see below for the link to the journal he also shared Noa Tishby's new book co-authored with Emanuel Echo, Uncomfortable conversations with a Jew. SapirUncomfortable Conversations with a Jew

In this episode Alan asks Liz how are people getting on with life after being at war for over 270 day and over 100 individuals are still being held in captivity. Liz shares insights into how she is experiencing this. Israel is still not able to act like "business as usual"

In this episode Liz dies a great job of covering many issues of the day in Israel with the main focus still on the release of the hostages and the war on all fronts. She even had a chance to highlight two festivals taking place now in Jerusalem: the book festival and the food truck festival--enjoy!

In this special edition Liz shares about how she and those in her community learned about he hostage rescue and what this means for the country. She also shares why the podcast is called IsraelRebound--plus cheesecake. 

As usual Liz does a great job of answering Alan's questions about current life in Israel while rockets are being launched at you. How are people observing Lag B'Omer and other insights. Thank you for listening. 

As usual there is a lot to discuss. Besides current issues the sale of the Israeli Postal services was a surprise. 

In this episode Liz and Alan cover many current events and topics of interest. Enjoy! 

Liz and Alan continue to discuss current events in Israel and the impact of the campus protests.

Liz and Alan discuss the current wave of protests on American college campuses and how they are being viewed from Israel.

Liz provides a snapshot of life in Jerusalem during the Passover break. 

In this episode co-host Liz Feldstern shares her experience from Saturday night's Iranian attack on Israel and the aftermath.

This episode makes up for the two weeks we were not able to record a podcast. Alan shared his recent visit to Israel volunteering and meeting with people. He also shared his stops at Hostage Square and the rally in support of the families and hostages. Prior to his trip he posted an opinion piece on his blog site at the Times of Israel.Israel from the Outside

Alan asked Liz if anyone observes St. Patrick's Day in Israel and she said probably not. What about the President of Israel? Doesn't he have Irish roots? Alan brought up Matisyahu's concerts that have been canceled in cities in America how is it being played out in Israel? Liz shared that he will be coming to perform in Israel in April. Alan also mentioned that Matisyahu had a chance to connect to wounded Israeli soldiers who were on a special program in Aspen. As for Purim, Liz mentioned a special project honoring the hostages being held in Gaza. "What are their favorite cookies?" check out Tasteslikehome.co.il

In this episode Liz updates on the Eurovision submission by Israel and also discusses why there seems to be more scrutiny on Israel no matter the event.  Liz asks Alan to share how the growth of antisemitism in America is being addressed. He shares several seminars and articles that are worth looking at.Franklin Foer's article in The Atlantic Streicker Center events on Antisemitism The Eye of Haman

This was a comprehensive  discussion around current issues that make up the unique nature  and character of Israel. Liz also shared the current challenge of Israel's submission to the Eurovision. See the links below:Recap on elections: LinkOutcome of the ultra-orthodox Link Eurovision Link

This was a dynamic conversation about the municipal elections in Israel--check out the resource below from The Jerusalem Post.  Alan shared with Liz the many articles and interviews he has been reading and listening to about how Israelis are lookin at antisemitism especially the recent interview Daniel Gordis did with Michal Cotter-Wunsh and Einat Wilf. Check them out. Liz also updated Alan on volunteering opportunities in Israel check out the resource Ruachtova.org.il. Links to articles and sites:The elections: https://jpost.com/israel-news/article-788422 Daniel Gordis Israel from the Inside Einat Wilf and Michal Cotler-WunshVolunteering in Israel

This was a lively episode. Liz went into details about a unique underground winery, she also discussed municipal elections in Israel, Liz also updated us on the story we discussed in 2023 about a  cable car system going from the first station to the old city--Alan brought up how antisemitism is impacting Jewish and Israeli presenters for example inspirational speaker Leah Goldstein being disinvited to speak in Canada because of a "Small but vocal group of protestors" or Matisyhu's concerts being canceled. Check our Dara Horn's article The Return of the big lieLeah Goldstein

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss the rescue of the two hostages who were taken with other members from their kibbutz on Oct. 7th. Alan shared with Liz the two commercials by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism during the Super Bowl. Liz was reporting from Moldova.Link to the Super Bowl CommercialLink to the rescue of the hostages

In this episode Liz breaks down more of the issues with UNRWA, Alan introduces the city of Chicago's controversial ceasefire resolution and he shares his experience at the Rancho Mirage Writers festival's session with Bret Stephens, Bari Weiss and Emma Blankstein on Fighting Antisemitism. The Jerusalem Post opinion piece on UNRWA that Liz mentioned: The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival 

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss the initial, preliminary ruling by the ICJ and that one of the 2 dissenting  judges, Judge Julia Sebutinde from Uganda was being criticized by the Uganda government for her decision. Alan brought up UNRWA and what is their ultimate goal as it doesn't seem to want to settle the Palestinians but to prolong their existence until....check out an article written by Dr. Einat Wilf from 2013 UNRWA: an obstacle to peace? Thank you for listening 

After a week off Liz and Alan discuss the mood in Israel after surpassing the 100 day mark. Also what will the ICJ ruling mean for Israel and a shift from dried fruit and nuts to fresh fruit for Tu B'shvat. 

In this episode Alan asks Liz how the country is approaching the 100 day mark of the hostages being held in captivity and the IDF at war with Hamas. Liz asks Alan about the increase of Antisemitism in America and how that is impacting the support for Israel.

In this update Liz and Alan try and look to the future of 2024. How the 150,000 plus evacuees and their next steps to rebuild. 

In this episode, Liz addresses the trauma Israelis are going through as the war with Hamas is entering the third month. TV commercials directing people to sources on PTSD and other mental health challenges. Alan shares data on who is listening to the podcast and what Liz and he are learning about the data. 

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss parallels of how the war in Israel as the longest war and no end in sight is effecting people both in America and Israel. 

In this episode, Liz and Alan continue discussing the daily challenges of living in Israel and the trauma everywhere.  Alan shares a new poll by the Pew Research Center on American's perceptions of the war.  65% say Hamas is responsible for the war and 35% say Israel is.  Here is the link to the Pew poll.Liz shares a recent Wall Street Journal independent poll of college students asking the question "which sea and which river" surprising responses they had trouble identifying which sea and which river. In addition, when presented with a map of the Middle East they couldn't point to Israel. 

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss the role the Red Cross should be playing in Gaza with checking on the hostages. This is not happening.  Also, Hamas' use of psychological warfare on the hostages' families and the people of Israel.

Liz and Alan continue to discuss the impact the war is having across the country with schools, business and families. 

In this episode Liz and Alan talk about the turn out in DC for the March for Israel. In comparing past marches in DC it turns Liz and Alan were both at the rally in 2002 showing support for Israel.Alan shared results from a new poll by NPR/PBSNewshour/Marist pollAlso, Liz highlighted a few new additions to Roladin's Chanukkah collection

As we continue to address the war now in day 33 Liz provides an update and Alan asks Liz if the concept and tradition of shloshim is being observed.

As the war with Hamas enters a fourth week Liz continues to share from her perspective what is happening on the ground in Israel. This is an informative episode. 

Liz continues to update on the current war from her perspective.

In this episode Liz shares her insights on the current issues around the war and life in Jerusalem.

In this episode Liz shares her view with Alan from her perspective living in Jerusalem.

This is a fun episode as Liz describes cultural events she and her family participated in during the holiday of Sukkot. She also described the "Mayor's" sukkah that holds 650 people--Alan tried to compare it to secular events with religious overtones to events at the White House. Alan shares insights to his sukkah. When asked about foods she ate during Sukkot she didn't have anything special to add--she did say she saw many bakeries selling sufganiot (donuts usually seen at Hanukah). 

In this episode Liz and Alan discuss Yom Kippur and specifically the disruption of the prayer gathering in Tel Aviv. Alan addresses the impact the Yom Kippur war had on him 50 years ago--They discuss the joys of Sukkot!

In this episode, Liz shares her experience traveling to Odessa and exploring Jewish life today. Alan was in Israel and as usual enjoyed a few cultural high lights. One in particular was a visit to the Litvak Gallery in Tel Aviv featuring an exhibit of the artist Sara Benninga. Alan enjoyed her work and style especially her use of color.Check out the Litvak Gallery and the curator Hadas Glazer click the link below.http://www.litvak.comAlan also asked for forgiveness of Liz and the listeners of the podcast if he as offended anyone this year. 

In the episode Liz and Alan step away from discussing political events and focus on snack foods and sports.  With kids going starting school in Israel this week the talk of food allergies is on many people's lips (pun intended). Bamba, a peanut based snack food has been a favorite of many people and recently allergist have discovered it can be used to help with peanut allergies--since neither of us are doctors we are not recommending if you have a peanut allergy to eat bambas. Liz shared a funny video of how foreign students at Tel Aviv university react to foods in Israel click on the link below. https://youtu.be/LxgvPvuRS_E

In this episode Liz shares her take on how the Knesset operates during the summer recess. She also explains to Alan the current conflicts with 18 members of the right wing coalition and their push to address conscription of Yeshiva students. And Liz closes with a quick look at the food truck festival. Alan shares a little about the recent hurricane in Southern California. 

In this episode Alan asks Liz if she had a nice vacation in the States and if she eat anything interesting. She reported back about what she ate at the county fair and other places. She also shared a new bus program that is taking place in Jerusalem  on Shabbat. A free bus service on Shabbat in Jerusalem and routes to the beach. For some people this is long overdue. Alan asked about the relief efforts saving Israelis and new immigrants from Ethiopia during the recent uprising in Gondar. 

Liz and Alan jump into the week's events and discuss the impact of the "Reasonableness Law" on the average Israeli. Alan mentions a poll that stated 28% of Israelis are thinking of leaving the country. Alan, referenced his own experience in the 80s of having to pay an exit tax when he left the country. The exit tax was supposed to be a deterrent from leaving the country. Alan also thanked Liz for referencing another podcast Unholy: Two Jews on the News. it is worth listening too after you listen to Israel ReBound.Liz wished everyone Happy Tu'Bav with a photo

We have been off for a few weeks and it was good to get back to discussing the current situation in Israel. We recorded this prior to the vote in the Knesset on Monday. Liz mentioned another podcast that she recommends Unholy: two Jews on the News. They interviewed Thomas Friedman after his visit with US President Joe Biden and his message to PM Netanyahu. 

In this episode Alan asks Liz about her thoughts on the military operation in Jenin. She gives a good overview from her perspective. Liz also shares a little about how the 4th of July is or isn't observed in Israel. Alan jumps in about Israel having a team of riders at the Tour d'France and how that came to be. He then tells Liz about Israel playing in the LaCrosse world championships. This is a great episode.