Shoulder to Shoulder

As war rages in Israel and antisemitic rhetoric spreads in the media, Pastor Doug and Pesach issue a challenge to people of faith: will we stay silent, or will we speak truth in love — even when it's uncomfortable? This episode confronts the disturbing trend of Christian influencers embracing anti-Jewish narratives, and looks to Shavuot and Pentecost for guidance, unity, and spiritual strength.

In this episode, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach speak with national security expert Dave Reaboi about Qatar's extensive and troubling influence on American policy. While many conservatives remain strong supporters of Donald Trump, Reaboi lays out how Qatari lobbying reached deep into his administration—with serious consequences for Israel. We explore how a hostile regime has used money, media, and access to undermine American interests and isolate Israel. This conversation is a wake-up call for those who care about faith, freedom, and the future of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

In this special episode, we're joined by Father Frank Pavone for an in-depth conversation about the newly elected Pope Leo and what his leadership might signal for the global Catholic Church. We explore the early signs of his priorities, his potential impact on moral and social issues, and the spiritual tone he may set for a new generation of believers. The conversation also turns to the issue of abortion, with Father Pavone offering insight into the rising pro-life sentiment among younger generations and what this cultural shift means for people of faith. Whether you're Catholic or not, this episode invites thoughtful reflection on leadership, life, and the values shaping our future.

In this week's episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug and Pesach reconnect while Doug is in the heart of Washington, D.C. for a jam-packed week of advocacy and prayer. Doug shares his firsthand reflections from the National Day of Prayer events, the Israel Embassy gathering, and Israel Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. But that's just the beginning. The conversation shifts to the pressing situation in Gaza, where Doug and Pesach tackle the question few are willing to ask: What is the endgame? With Israel gaining confidence in not just defending itself by conquering and occupying Gaza.  Is the world ready for an Israel that no longer plays defense? Should Israel become more comfortable with a permanent presence in Gaza? Doug and Pesach don't hold back as they explore the deeper implications of a shifting Middle East and what it means for Jews, Christians, and freedom-loving people everywhere. This episode is a powerful blend of current events, theological insight, and bold questions. You won't want to miss it.

In this provocative episode, Doug and Pesach sit down with Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and a prominent voice on radical Islam and its impact on the West. Spencer shares the history of the caliphate, and explains how the current map of the Middle East is a direct result of a specific historical event, and has little do to with ethnicity or even logic. He shares his views on the theological and political dimensions of the Muslim Brotherhood, the role of ideology in contemporary conflicts, where Iran and Qatar fit into this belief system, why Americans need to care about fundamentalism in the Middle East, and the challenges Israel - and all liberal democracies - face in responding to religious extremism.

In this powerful episode, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed speak with Colonel John Spencer—Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point and a globally recognized expert on modern combat—to unpack the complexities of Israel's war against Hamas. Colonel Spencer offers a clear-eyed analysis of urban warfare, the ethical challenges faced by democratic militaries, and the rigorous standards of international law. Together, they address the widespread misinformation fueling anti-Israel sentiment and explain why much of the global criticism ignores the realities of combat and the legal obligations Israel upholds on the battlefield.

Doug and Pesach explore a major Jewish Holiday journeying through the Seder meal, symbolism, traditions, and the personal nature of Passover. Doug asks questions and shared his experience of hosting a “Christian” Seder dinner at his church while Pesach responds to this idea.

In this fascinating episode, Pesach and Doug sit down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author Mark Gerson. Mark is the co-founder and chairman of United Hatzalah of Israel, a revolutionary volunteer emergency medical service saving lives every day. He also co-founded African Mission Healthcare, a groundbreaking organization that supports Christian medical missionaries serving the poorest communities in Africa. We discuss Mark's best-selling book The Telling: How Judaism's Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of Life — an insightful guide to the Pesach Haggadah that has inspired readers of all backgrounds. Then, Mark gives us a preview of his soon-to-be-released book God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah is True. We explore powerful examples from the book — from the biblical wisdom about marriage and clothing to modern scientific studies that now confirm the Torah's ancient truth. This is a rich and inspiring conversation about faith, generosity, entrepreneurship, and the enduring wisdom of the Bible.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pesach and Doug sit down with Barak Swarttz—elite basketball trainer, social media influencer, and passionate Israel advocate. Barak shares his journey from spending two formative years in Jerusalem as a child to training over 20 NBA players and using basketball as a bridge for meaningful conversations about Israel. Tune in as we explore his faith, career, and how he's leveraging his platform to stand up for Israel on and off the court.

Doug and Pesach sit down with Pastor Stephen Martin of Vintage Church, a fast-growing multi-campus in Texas. Stephen shares about his connection to Israel, his bold approach to politics and faith, and most of all, his monumental decision to start a full K through 12 school out of his church. In a world where secular ideologies dominate education, Christian schools have a unique opportunity to shape the next generation with a foundation of faith, truth, and moral clarity. By reclaiming education as a battleground for biblical values, we can equip young minds to stand firm in their beliefs and transform the culture around them. You won't want to miss this powerful conversation.

Pesach flies solo and welcomes Sara Lamm, author of Into The Fire: Stories of Heroism from October 7th, published by Israel365. And Pesach also shares his thoughts on the US attacks on the Houthis, and some controversy surrounding the ongoing elections for the World Zionist Congress.

In this episode, Pesach and Doug sit down with Member of Knesset Ohad Tal to discuss the critical issues facing Israel today—from the ongoing threats of Hamas and Syria to a groundbreaking new bill in the Israeli parliament seeking to extend Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. Whether he's defending Israel against its enemies or reclaiming the land God promised in the Bible, MK Tal is taking bold steps to remind Israel of its identity and destiny. Surprisingly, he has found encouragement from an unexpected source: Evangelical Christians. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on faith, sovereignty, and the future of Israel.

Israel support among Christians is aging—but can the next generation carry the torch? In this episode, Doug and Pesach sit down with Dimas Guaico of Generation Zion to explore how his movement is mobilizing Gen Z and Gen Alpha to stand with Israel on college campuses across the U.S. We discuss the shifting demographics of Christian Zionism, the challenges of engaging young believers, and why physically showing up is more important than ever. Don't miss this crucial conversation on the future of Israel advocacy.

Doug and Pesach welcome back IDF Reserve Major Elliot Chodoff to discuss the current ceasefire - what Elliot calls "Halftime" - and what is likely to happen next. Together they delve into the complex and controversial hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, analyzing the potential long-term implications of releasing 1,700 Hamas terrorists and questioning whether such terms might hinder Israel's objective to dismantle Hamas - while also acknowledging that Israel has a responsibility to bring the hostages home from captivity. They also talk about the positive changes associated with the Trump administration, and how this is likely to affect the war moving forward. Elliot also provides a comprehensive update on the various war fronts, including Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran.  This conversation will provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges Israel faces in ensuring its national security amidst complex geopolitical tensions.

In this thought-provoking episode, Pesach and Doug sit down with psychologist Dr. Daniel Schonbuch for a deep dive into the world of psychology, therapy, and the wisdom of Viktor Frankl. They explore why people of faith sometimes hesitate to seek counseling, the misconceptions surrounding therapy, and how a purpose-driven mindset can transform lives. One of the most powerful takeaways from the conversation? A profound shift in perspective: “It's not about what I need, but what I'm needed for.” Don't miss this insightful discussion on meaning, faith, and mental well-being!

After celebrating the Super Bowl win of Doug's beloved Eagles, Pesach and Doug are joined by former Isrseli Ambassador and veteran Middle East expert Yoram Ettinger for a deep dive into the current state of the Middle East. Yoram cautions President Trump to not fall prey to the mistaken assumptions that have failed previous Western leaders. You don't want to miss this FASCINATING conversation.

Doug and Pesach sit down with investigative journalist Daniel Greenfield of the Frontpage Magazine and The Horowitz Freedom Center. Daniel shares his wealth of knowledge and expert analysis on the topic of the Left in America and around the world. Although the Progressive Left movement appears fairly new, in truth, he demonstrates that the principles that animate this movement have been around for millennia. Modern Leftism is nothing more than a repackaged neo-Paganism that believes in power, and is bent on erasing God and tradition.

Pesach and Doug sit down with Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder and director of Israel365, to discuss how he started working in Jewish Christian relations as a rabbi of a synagogue in Columbus, Ohio. This led him to launch Israel365, an organization that focuses on what God focuses on every day: the Land of Israel. Learn about Israel365's newest initiatives for both Jews and Christians, and the way that it is helping to create the bonds that bring Bible believing Christians and Jews together.

Doug and Pesach discuss the complex and controversial ceasefire-hostage deal recently signed between Israel and Hamas. Is the release of 1700 Hamas terrorists going to cost more Israeli lives in the future than those being released in this deal? Do the terms of the deal tie Israel's hands, making the goal of destroying Hamas unreachable? Will Netanyahu's governing coalition survive if the deal falls apart (or if it succeeds)? And what can we expect from the Trump administration going forward if the deal falls apart? All these questions hang over this tense situation even as we rejoice for those who are being rescued.

Pesach and Doug dive into a gut-wrenching conversation with Christian Post opinion writer and social commentator Brandon Showalter regarding his latest article, "No, gender doctors, kids don't have 'autonomy' to self-sterilize." Make no mistake, the fight is on for the next generation, and there is lots of money and a whole system determined to take our children away from us. Whether we realize it or not, this problem is widespread in western cultures. When this system is at its strength, it encourages kids as young as 12 and 13 to have their genitals or breasts removed and to take hormone drugs, thereby confusing a whole generation. The rapid acceptance of this new cultural reality is affecting thousands of families directly, as well as millions of people who have begun to question things that they assumed were true. This episode is mandatory listening for anyone who sees the danger and wants to fight back.

Pesach and Doug sit down with David Lange of Isreally Cool to discuss a crazy year of antisemitism. They spend a good deal of time discussing Candace Owens's antisemitism, and then a few more lesser known people on the political right who exposed themselves this year as antisemites, from an MMA fighter to others.

Everyone has seen the destructive powers of wokeness on the left, but does a parallel and dangerous brand of wokeness exist on the right, as well? Karys Rhea, editor of Epoch Times, argues that it does in her important article, "'America First' Divided: Why Trump and his men must guard against woke Right that mimics woke Left."  Pesach and Doug sit down with Karys in order to look at the Trump movement's big tent that, while including new faces and names, has invited some factions into their midst that have brought fringe ideas into the mix. Strict isolations like Tucker Carlson and antisemites like Candace Owens have joined the Trump movement, and seem to have the ear of the president. What should we do?

In this episode, Pesach and Doug dive into a thought-provoking article from The Free Press written by an atheist mother who now regrets stripping her family's holiday celebrations of their religious roots. Can a holiday still hold deep meaning when its spiritual essence is removed? The discussion explores whether it's possible to celebrate religious holidays without religion, while still experiencing their transformative power. As Doug and Pesach navigate themes of obligation, obedience, and tradition, the conversation takes a fascinating turn: have modern, secular interpretations of holidays like Christmas caused us to lose sight of God? And even among those who emphasize the divine core of religion, do we sometimes make religion serve its people rather than helping people serve God? Join Pesach and Doug as they wrestle with how faith—or the lack of it—shapes the way we find meaning in celebration.

Pesach and Doug speak to Andrew Fox, the lead researcher on a groundbreaking report released by the Henry Jackson Society, that highlights the casualty numbers coming out of Gaza since October 7, 2023. The report separates facts from fiction, and is particularly powerful in that it uses Hamas's own data, thus avoiding random speculation. Listen and see for yourself, as the numbers don't lie.

Pesach and Doug try to make sense of the chaos in Syria. After Pesach interviews mideast expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Elliot Chodoff weighs in with his usual in-depth and wide-ranging analysis of the complex situation caused by the greatest geopolitical crisis the Middle East has seen in decades.

Pesach flies solo (with Doug unavailable due to a massive snowstorm) and has a conversation with Jonathan Benhamou, a commander in the IDF combat engineer corps who lost his leg in Gaza. Jonathan's story of courage and perseverance is a reminder that there are thousands of injured heroes who need our support. Also, DON'T MISS, Pesach's deep dive explanation of the current state of play between Israel, the US, Hezbollah, and Iran.

While Israel is at war with the Iranian axis, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, the Biden administration insists that a peaceful Middle East requires Israel to engage with a reformed Palestinian Authority. But how different is the PA from other terrorist organizations? Is there a realistic chance that it can serve as a viable peace partner, or is this nothing but extreme wishful thinking? Why does Prime Minister Netanyahu distrust the PA, and are his concerns based in fact? Palestinian Media Watch Founder and Director Itamar Marcus, whom the Algemeiner Journal called one of the "top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life or the State of Israel" (and who was called "the Goebbels of the 21st Century" by PA legislator Jibril Rajoub), joins Pesach and Doug to answer questions about the real character of the Palestinian Authority, and what is needed to ensure a peaceful future for Jews and Palestinians alike.

IDF Reserve Major and military and Mideast expert Elliot Chodoff joins Doug and Pesach for a comprehensive update on the progress of Israel's war with Hamas and Hezbollah. With the Biden administration winding down and Iran's proxies scrambling to survive, the Middle East is as fragile as ever. Elliot, Doug, and Pesach clear the fog and make sense of it all.

Pesach and Doug sit down with former Israelil Ambassador to the United States Danny Ayalon to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. The ambassador takes us into the room and behind the scenes in Oslo, Norway as he was part of the peace negotiations in 1993 with Yassar Arafat, Yitzak Rabin, and Bill Clinton. He also played a role in the decision in 2005 to pull out of Gaza. We then dive into the Trump Effect in the Middle East, and what can be expected in the future. Is Trump the one to bring peace to the Middle East? Will there be an end to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? Be sure to catch this fascinating conversation.

Pesach and Doug dive into a special election episode the day after Donald Trump won the presidency for the 2nd time. Despite all the odds, the mainstream media, Democrats swapping candidates, legal action against him, and assasination attempts, he won both the electoral college and the popular vote. Pesach and Doug examine the data and what they see and anticipate from the Christian and Jewish communities. This election represents a seismic shift in the American political landscape and has ramifications far and wide; don't miss Doug and Pesach's unique take on what it means for people of faith across America.

Pesach and Doug have the honor of speaking with Sami Steigmann, a survivor of the Holocaust. Sami's journey is quite unlike many other survivor stories; he was an infant during World War II, and has no direct memories of his time in the concentration camp. He recounts the personal history that he has been able to piece together over the years, shares his opinions on the state of the world today, and outlines the lessons that he has learned and which he tries to impart to a world that is too eager to forget.

Pesach and Doug sit down with Middle East Analyst Dr. David Wurmser, who served as a senior advisor in both the Bush and Trump administrations, to discuss Israel, Iran, the USA, the Abraham Accords, and the future of the Middle East.

Listen to this conversation as Doug, his wife (Sam), his mom (Sueann), and his 4 children (Charlotte, Graham, Benjamin, and Abraham) unpack their Israel experience on their last night in Israel. Sitting around the table in the air BnB in Tel Aviv they discuss some of their favorite moments, favorite foods, as well as answer some questions like, did you feel safe? What was up with all the cats? How were your baptisms? And will you be coming back to Israel again?

Pesach and Doug sit down with Stephen & Veronica Jenks in person in Jerusalem. Stephen and Veronica recount the Jewish-Christian relationship from their vantage point with Eagles Wings, and the dynamic shift that has taken since October 7th. Veronica toured the carnage and results of the terrorist attack a year later at a kibbutz, the nova festival, as well as the burnt out cars on the sides of the road. She gives first hand account of her time there on this trip to Israel. And the four discuss the theological implications of this trip, and the ways that the Jewish-Christian story may be entering a new era.

After Doug gets the inside scoop on Pesach's recent tour of the U.S., Elliot Chodoff joins us to break down everything happening in Israel's war against Hezbollah. The situation is fluid and there is a huge amount of disinformation; this is an opportunity to get authentic information and deep analysis from a true Israeli military expert. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

Doug sits down with his wife and kids as they are two weeks away from joining almost 100 pilgrims for Eagles Wings Solidarity Tour to Israel. This is the kids' first big international trip and comes at a crucial time in Israel's history. Doug asks them a series of questions and they answer honestly around the dining room table. Listen in and find out if they are excited or nervous, what they are hoping to see, what they're planning to eat, and what they're looking forward to doing in the Holy Land. It's a beautiful and loving conversation that you don't want to miss.

Pesach and Doug sit down with Asher Guedalia, as he shares the story of his brother Yosef's heroism on October 7th. Just hours after Hamas rockets were launched and terrorists began infiltrating Israel on that fateful day, Yosef responded like so many reservists by reporting to his unit. He and his fellow soldiers rushed to one of the kibbutzim along the Gazan border to eliminate the terrorists and defend the innocent civilians. It was there that he gave his life for his country. Join us as we honor this hero by listening to his story.

Pesach and Doug sit down with the former United States Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, and get his thoughts about Israel, the future of the Abraham accords, and the role of scripture in geopolitics. He also talks about his just-released book, One Jewish State: The Last, Best Hope to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and the importance of thinking outside our conventional boxes to find a solution to the seemingly endless Israel-Arab disputes. Crucially, Ambassador Friedman points out that these ideas are not novel or original, but actually are expressed by God in the Bible. Don't miss this conversation with a thinker whom Ben Shapiro called, "the single most important American-Jewish voice on Israel since Louis Brandeis."

Doug and Pesach host Rabbi Elie Mischel of Israel365, author of the new book "The War Against the Bible," where he explains that the current alliance between the atheist Left and Jihadist Islam is actually a fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. Who is Esau in the book of Obadiah? How does Daniel's vision describe what we see in the headlines? Rabbi Mischel has some potential answers.  ALSO: Elliot Chodoff joins us to break down the recent attempted attack on Israel by Hezbollah, which Israel pre-empted.

Pesach and Doug sit down with economic strategist and author David P. Goldman. David shares his inspiring religious journey from his days as a non-practicing Jew from a liberal family, to his life today as an observant Modern Orthodox scholar with a special expertise in the works of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. The conversation pivots to his articles, books, and deep observations about the world. This conversation is a must listen.

Whether you're Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, the end of all things revolves around Jerusalem. Perhaps different people have different reasons, but all eyes remain on Jerusalem. Just before Tisha B'Av, Pesach and Doug sat down with John Enarson of Cry for Zion to discuss the importance of the rebuilding of the Temple... for Christians, as well as Jews. They discussed the role that first century Temple worship played in the lives of Jesus and his disciples, and also analyzed the way that many Christians today have replaced the physical Temple with a spiritual one, and why that may be a theological mistake.

Doug and Pesach sit down with journalist, author, and activist Asra Nomani. Asra tells her story of growing up in a traditional Muslim family,  becoming a renowned journalist, and experiencing the horrors of extremist Islam up close when her dear friend Daniel Pearl was murdered. We also discussed Asra's fearless work exposing the people and organizations behind the "Red-Green Alliance" currently waging war on Western Civilization.

What happens when a commemoration of an event from thousands of years ago suddenly acquires new and immediate relevance? That was the experience of many Jews in Israel when they fasted last week on the 17th of Tammuz - the day that the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem about 1950 years ago. Of course, after October 7th, "breaching the walls" has more intense meaning than ever before. Join Pesach and Doug as they catch up on life and world events, but quickly turn to the three week period of mourning Jews are currently honoring, and the ways that it resonates for Jews - and for Christians - as never before.

With Pastor Doug unavailable this week, Pesach sits down with Maj Elliot Chodoff for an in-depth update on the progress of Israel's war for survival. Is Hamas almost gone? How much damage has Israel caused to Hezbollah? What are the implications of the current US political chaos? All this and more on this timely episode.

Pesach and Doug catch up on a busy news cycle as Pesach takes in the Republican Convention in Milwaukee. They begin with a discussion of the terrible assassination attempt on President Trump in Pennsylvania, and then offer their hot takes on Trump's selection for Vice President, Senator J.D. Vance. The conversation concludes with an in depth discussion of the GOP platform changes on Israel and abortion, which are potentially concerning to supporters of Israel and members of the pro-life camp.

Unfortunately, each of us is currently watching a very old story play out again in 2024: the worldwide rise in antisemitic propaganda, antisemitic beliefs, and antisemitic actions. Pesach and Doug sit down with Izabella Tabarovsky to discuss how the current wave has its origins as Soviet-backed antisemitism and Marxist-led antizionism. It's not enough to protest antisemitism; we also need to recognize its sources for what they are. 

Doug and Pesach sit down with Markus McFolling to hear his Israel journey. Markus speaks to hundreds of thousands of Gen Z'ers every year as he crisscrosses the nation from high schools to camps to conferences. Israel was never a part of his theology or vocabulary until a trip to Israel in 2022 with Eagles Wings. On that trip he was touched deeply at the Western Wall, Shabbat dinner, and the amazing people from across Israel.

Pesach and Doug sit down with Josh Hammer, Senior Editor at Large at Newsweek and host of the Josh Hammer Show to discuss his faith and journey. As the conversation takes shape Josh explains that it was a trip to Israel and his politics that ultimately lead him to be more religiously observant after being raised in a Reform Jewish home. His unique journey towards a deeper faith in God has affected his thinking on everything from parenting to education to separation of church and state, and more. You won't want to miss this fascinating discussion where - perhaps atypically - political beliefs led to faith rather than the other way around.

In this episode, Pesach flies solo and has a conversation  with one of America's leading academic theologians, Professor Gerald McDermott. The topic is the long-held Christian position that the church has replaced the Jewish people as God's covenant people. Prof. McDermott explains how this anti-Jewish theology began, why it is wrong, and how Christian thinking is changing regarding the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. You DON'T want to miss this important conversation. Plus: Pesach explains why Israelis, perhaps more than any other people outside the United States, should consider celebrating Thanskgiving.

Pesach and Doug deal with a busy news cycle, first discussing the heroic hostage rescue by the IDF, and then analyzing what that operation might mean for future hostage operations. Afterwards they pivot to Benny Gantz's withdrawal from the unity government. What are its ramifications? Will there be new elections anytime soon, and would that be good or bad for Israel? What will happen to the war effort? So tune in and continue to pray for Israel.

Doug and Pesach are joined by our good friend, military analyst and res. Maj. Elliot Chodoff. As always, Elliot brings us up to date with the progress of Israel's war against the Hamas. What is the meaning of what we've learned about Egypt's complicity in arming Hamas? What effect is US pressure having on the war? And what about the escalation of hostilities with Hezbollah in the north? All this and more on this week's war update.