News and features from Israel
Since the October 7th attack and Iron Swords war, stickers bearing the faces and legacies of the fallen have appeared in public spaces throughout the country and abroad – serving as personal and collective memorials. The National Library of Israel has issued a call on the public to submit these commemorative stickers to its Bearing Witness project, an international initiative effort collecting documentary materials related to October 7th and its aftermath in Israel and abroad.Maya Gan-Zvi, manager of the Bearing Witness archive spoke with KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Youval Hai, Shai Sharabi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Art therapy is one of the tools used to heal the trauma following the atrocities of October 7th. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Debra Kalmanowitz , head of the Masters in Art Therapy program at Sderot's Sapir college. (Photo: courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nineteen deceased hostages remain in Gaza. Two deceased hostages returned overnight identfied as Inbar Haiman, the last female hostage, and Muhammad el-Atrash, a tracker in the Northern Brigade of the Gaza Division. Israel holds state memorials for fallen in October 7th attack and Iron Swords war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IVOW, the Israeli Victims of War charity, has been helping children of orphans and others affected by wars and terrorism for decades. It brings them to Canada for to spend a month at Jewish camp and create bonds to help them with their hardships. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with IVOW president Richard Dermer about the charity and how it’s been affected by the October 7th war. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hamas returns bodies of three deceased hostages, body of 4th is a Gazan. Families of recently released living hostages call for the return of all 21 remaining deceased hostages in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu's corruption trial resumesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The celebration of Simchat Tora and Shmeni Atzeret have been going on for thousands of years and they have evolved over time. Prof. Jeffery Woolf, a professor in the Talmud department in Bar Ilan University explained the evolution of the holiday to reporter Arieh O’Sullivan and spoke about the dichotomy of the celebration with the coincidence of the tragic events in Jewish history like the October 7th Hamas attack. (photo: Chaim Goldberg/flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hostage release and the freeing of Palestinian security prisoners by Israel is Phase 1 of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Phase 2 was kept deliberately vague and has more questions than answers. Is the Gaza ceasefire a victory for Israel? What will happen in Gaza? Who will take control? Is the growing influence of Qatar and Turkey a threat to Israel? These are some of the questions KAN's Mark Weiss put to Prof Danny Orbach, a military historian from the Hebrew University. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Report: Hamas ready to release living hostages early. Prime Minister's office says Israel ready and prepared to receive all the hostages. US President Trump to address Knesset during Israel visit on MondaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Yonatan Freeman, an expert on international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem speaks to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, and its implications. (Photo: Oren Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While news of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal drew scenes of celebrations in Israel and Gaza, Dr. Gadi Hitman, chair of the Middle Eastern and political science department of Ariel University told KAN reporter Naomi Segal many questions remain over what comes next. (Photo: Celebrations in Gaza. Associated Press)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin, President Emeritus of the Schechter Institutes Inc in Jerusalem, shared his thoughts on the significance of sitting in the Sukkah since October 7th, 2023. (Photo: Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marc Zell, the chairman of the Republicans Overseas Israel, said that President Trump’s impact has been felt across the Middle East and not just concerning the Hamas-Israel deal. He was in our studios a short while ago and told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that Trump certainly deserves the Nobel Peace Prize but would not likely get it. (photo: Avshalom Sassoni/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Agriculture Ministry has initiated a new system to monitor food imports to ensure food security in the country. The system will scan the horizon to protect against wars, pandemics, climate events and boycotts and also increase local production. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke about this with Yaakov Poleg, the deputy director general for foreign affairs and international cooperation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. (photo: Moshe Shai/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deal reached to free all hostages and end war in Gaza, 20 hostages expected to be returned on Monday, Trump says. Bat Yam beaches shut after shark spotted See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The culinary scene in the Judean Hills, the “shphela,” is growing in popularity and there are great opportunities to taste the unique dishes, many based on foraged produce. The scene features unique, regional food experiences, particularly highlighted by farm-to-table concepts and immersive culinary retreats with local chefs which blend Israeli traditions with indigenous ingredients and settings rooted in the region's serene beauty and rich food culture. Nurit “Nura” Hertz is a forager/chef/guide is one of the dozens that are hosting tours and dinners. Based in Moshav Mata, she spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan about the growing culinary scene in the Judean Hills. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Young Judaea alumni in Israel are setting up a network to offer support for those planning to make aliya and also help those already here. The Young Judaea alumni in Isarel are also planning a gathering later this month to reconnect with old friends and meet fellow Judaeans living in Israel. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Aaron Leitner, a Young Judaean alumni, who is on the steering committee helping plan the event.(photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week Acko is holding a special festival with street theater, food, artists and more during the holiday of Sukkot. dozens of performances are set to take place in stunning historic locations across the ancient walled, mixed Arab-Jewish port city. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke to Moni Yosef, the general director of the Acko Theatre Center, who invited the public to come and support the city and the performers. (photo: Arieh O'Sullivan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US, Qatari officials join ceasefire, hostage release talks. Family of hostage to release footage recovered by IDF. Israel Navy intercepts Gaza-bound flotilla. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special report marking the 2 year anniversary of the October 7th, 2023 Hamas-led attack, reporter Mark Weiss visited the Gaza periphery, speaking with families whose loved ones were murdered in the massacre, and families lobbying for the return of their loved ones still held captive in the Gaza Strip. (Photo: Associated Press)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Indirect talks on Trump plan to end Gaza war, release all hostages to being Monday in Egypt. Ahead of talks, Israel's coordinator on hostages and missing meets with head of Red Cross delegation. IAF intercepts missile launched at Israel from YemenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The holiday of Sukkot, when we leave our homes and dwell in the temporary structure of the sukkah, provides an opportunity to contemplate the question of what makes a home. This is especially true in these fragile times and as the holiday this year coincides with the second anniversary of the October 7th attack. Rabbi Dalia Marx, Professor of Liturgy and Midrash at Hebrew Union College Jerusalem and author of From Time to Time: Journeys in the Jewish Calendar spoke with reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Netanyahu returning to Israel after White House meeting with Trump, accepting US proposal. Hamas says it will review framework. Israel says documents link Gaza flotilla to Hamas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ride and Rock! The first motorcycle festival in Jerusalem! Is to be held next Thursday October 9th in the capital during the Hol Hamoed Sukkot holiday. It’ll be an experience for the whole family taking place at the Cinema City mall and will include breathtaking motorcycle displays, creative workshops, Country music and rock and roll. It’s sponsored by the Jerusalem municipality’s Sports Department and Cinema City and Custom Life, a motorcycle club that aids abused youth. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with co-producer Tracey Shipley about the event. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before Monday's White House meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in New York with a delegation from the Yesha settlers' Council. Netanyahu promised them that he "will raise the sovereignty issue" in his meeting with President Donald Trump but emphasized that "we must navigate a complex reality." Netanyahu told them: "We have a friendly president, remember the Obama era when he said we wouldn't build even a single brick." Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, who attended the meeting , said the meeting "was very long, and we are very concerned." KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Yigal Dilmoni, the founder of American Friends of Judea and Samaria and a former CEO of the Yesha Settlers' Council. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the questions concerning the Gaza ceasefire framework is the possible role for the Palestinian Authority in a post-war Gaza. All countries agree that the Palestinian Authority (PA) must be reformed, but none have defined what reform is. Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) has authored a Roadmap for Palestinian Authority reform – 10 essential and quantifiable steps that define necessary changes and the ways to implement them. According to PMW, without reform in each of the 10 categories, the PA will remain a terror-supporting entity. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Itamar Marcus, the director of PMW.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sweeping UN economic and military sanctions have been reimposed on Iran - 10 years after they were lifted in a landmark international deal over its nuclear program. The new measures took effect as the three European partners to the deal - the UK, France and Germany - activated the so-called "snapback" mechanism, accusing Iran of "continued nuclear escalation" and lack of co-operation. Iran suspended inspections of its nuclear facilities - a legal obligation under the terms of the 2015 deal - after Israel and the US bombed several of its nuclear sites and military bases in June. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Avi Davidi, a senior Iran expert at the JISS, the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The European Broadcasting Union will vote in November on whether Israel can compete in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Under a new rule, if more than 50% of members vote to exclude Israel, next year's contest will take place without Israel. And the vote, expected in December has now been brought forward to November. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Alon Amir, an expert and lecturer on the Eurovision and politics and a former spokesperson for Israel's Eurovision delegation. (Photo: Kan)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the source of the emotional and spiritual power of Yom Kippur, especially in these complex times? Rabbi Dalia Marx, Professor of Liturgy and Midrash at Hebrew Union College-JIR in Jerusalem and author of From Time to Time: Journeys in the Jewish Calendar, shares her thoughts in this interview with KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Illustrative. Mendy Hechtman/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Knesset committee on Sunday voted to advance for a first plenum reading a controversial bill to impose the death penalty on terrorists. The move was taken over objections from the committee legal adviser that the proceedings were invalid; and warnings from the government liaison on hostages that dealing with the matter now could endanger those still held in Gaza and efforts to release them. Ahead of the discussion, the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel submitted a position paper opposing the death penalty bill. Attorney Tal Steiner, Executive Director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hamas says it did not receive any new ceasefire proposal after details emerge of Trump 21-point plan. Knesset committee advances for first reading terrorist death penalty bill. Israel hails reimposition UN sanctions on IranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Jewish People Policy Institute has issued a report warning of declining Jewish well-being worldwide, citing weakened cohesion, resilience, and identity under war, record high antisemitism, and diplomatic pressures. The report, which serves as a central tool for policy-making by decision-makers, presents a comprehensive and updated picture of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide: geopolitical, social, demographic, and identity trends, alongside strategic recommendations for the coming years. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with JPPI President Prof. Yedidia Stern on the report and recommendations. (photo: Yoav Ari Dudkevitch/flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Funerals held for two IDF soldiers killed in Gaza over holiday. Prime Minister Netanyahu departs for US to address UN General Assembly, meet President Trump. Dual Israel-American citizen suspected of spying for IranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The Last Jewish Frontier: A future trek to a land without a nation.” A new bestselling Hebrew book reimagines Israel-its people, its geography and its future. Author Amotz Asa-el, whose book The Jewish March of Folly, became a huge bestseller in Israel a few years ago, discusses his new book with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan and examines where Israel is heading, not just now but far into the future and how Israel will survive to 2098 for its 150th anniversary of the Jewish state. (photo: courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Marmur is a Reform Rabbi based in Jerusalem, where he is a Professor of Jewish Theology at the Hebrew Union College. In conversation with KAN's Mark Weiss he discussed his latest book "Living the Letters: An Alphabet of Emerging Jewish Thought." And he also provides a message for the Jewish New Year. (Photo: Courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly 10,000 Israelis have signed a petition supporting the call to recognize a Palestinian state ahead of the upcoming meeting co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN General Assembly in New York. The petition, entitled "No to war - yes to recognition" was organized by the Israeli grassroots group Zazim. Zazim executive director Raluca Ganea spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The annual Holocaust remembrance of the Romanian Jewish community in Israel (AMIR) held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem earlier this month centered on the tragedy of Romanian Jews deported to Transnistria during the Second World War. Ahead of the September 17 event, Romania's ambassador to Israel, Dr. Radu Ioanid, a Holocaust scholar formerly with the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, spoke with KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two rockets fired from Gaza toward Israel, no injuries. Britain expected to announced recognition of Palestinian statehood. Cabinet approved appointment of prime minister's chief of staff Braverman as Israel's ambassador to LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From an early age, Noam Avramovich, an IDF observer who fell at the Nahal Oz base in the October 7 attack, had a strong sense of public service which accompanied her throughout life. From her character and legacy was born the initiative, "B'Darchei Noam", a new social-educational center established in partnership between the Avramovich family and the non-profit organization Tashtit, with the aim of cultivating a new generation of dedicated public servants and restoring the value of public service in the eyes of young people in Israel. Netanel Rubinstein of Tashtit spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the initiative, which is currently running a crowdfunding campaign. (Photo: Courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A special event was held to commemorate a very strategic victory by the British and Commonwealth forces against the Turks and Germans in World War One in Palestine 107 years ago; the battle of Semakh on the southern shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was probably the last cavalry charge in history. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with historian Joe Sofair about the event and its importance today. (photo: Hadas Parush/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Missile launched from Yemen at Israel falls outside of country's borders. Palestinian report communications lines down as IDF continues offensive in Gaza City. Prime Minister Netanyahu says Trump to host him later this monthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A delegation of some 250 US state legislators is currently visiting Israel, the largest ever bipartisan group of US lawmakers to visit the Jewish state. Here for just five days, the legislators – five from each state – are seeing for themselves the conflict as well as Israel’s prowess and are meeting with top leaders. Foreign Ministry officials hope they will be imbued with an better understanding of US-Israel relations that will be manifested in their support as they continue in their political careers. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke about the delegation with Nadav Zysblat, the director for consulates in the US Division of the Foreign Ministry. (photo: Yonatan Seindel/flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Prof. Eytan Gilboa, an expert on US-Israel relations at Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities, speaks to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit to Israel, regional reaction to the Israeli strike in Qatar, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's isolation remarks. (Photo: Haim Zach/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Netanyahu says hails US-Israel alliance as strongest ever. US Secretary of State Rubio says US focused on what happens next, after Israel's Qatar strike. IDF says forces prepared for Gaza City conquestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dan Feferman, an analyst on Middle Eastern Affairs, and co-editor-in-chief of Middle East 24, says that Arab countries have supported Israel’s war against Hamas, Hizbullah, Iran and the Houthis which are just as much a threat to them as they are to Israel. But Israel needed to better engage with Arab allies, like Saudi Arabia. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that Israel’s government needs to make clear it’s overall strategy to defeat Hamas and how rogue strikes being taken by Israel were helping this. (photo: Maayan Toaf/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Drone launched from Yemen at Israel intercepted. US Secretary of State Rubio arrives in Israel against backdrop of Doha strike, Gaza war. IDF warns Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of strike on buildingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two IDF soldiers lightly hurt in roadside blast in Tulkarm. Report: Qatar to hold emergency summit in Doha next week on Israeli strike. IAF intercepted Houthi missile launched from YemenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israeli doubt over Hamas leadership fatalities in Doha strike. Elizabeth Tsurkov expected at Sheba hospital after release from Iraq captivity. IDF topples another Gaza City tower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The annual Whisky Live exhibition is opening this week in Tel Aviv as Israelis are showing growing interest and demand in the distilled spirits. Most of the world’s leading distillers are on hand and the blossoming love of whiskey has also brought a number of local Israeli distilleries. One notable participant this year is English Whisky. Tagore Ramoutar, a founding member of the English Whisky Guild and adviser to English whisky distilleries, spoke with reporter Arieh O'Sullivan about the whisky scene. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There has been a dramatic rise in applications for gun licenses after yesterday’s terror attack in Jerusalem. Moshe Konikov teaches counter-terrorism and firearms shooting. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that more Israelis should be armed because many terrorists have been neutralized by civilians armed with personal weapons. (photo: Chaim Goldberg/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Funerals held for four IDF soldiers killed in Gaza on Monday. IDF warns Gaza City residents to evacuate south. Qatar reportedly pressuring Hamas to accept latest US framework for ceasefire, hostage release dealSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.