Three Jews, Four Opinions

This week the Three Jews discuss Walter Russell Mead's important new book “The Arc of a Covenant: The United States, Israel, and the Fate of the Jewish People”; while two cases of anti-Zionism – in Germany and the U.S. – prompt discussions on when criticism of Israel crosses the line into antisemitism, and whether Zionism constitutes a national identity for American Jews. There's also Gabi's latest update from Poland, Abe's renaming of a Picasso masterpiece, and Paul's “One Opinion” on the revelations in Jared Kushner's tell-all White House memoir. The podcast will be on a break for a few weeks. Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast provider to make sure you don't miss the next episode! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Why Does America Support Israel? Documenta to Remove Work Accused of Anti-Semitism Can the Palestinian Belong to a Universal History? USC Faces Investigation Over Alleged Student Harassment Kushner: Trump weighed endorsing Gantz after ‘fuming' at Netanyahu's annexation plan

This week the Three Jews discuss Biden's Middle East trip, why Utah might well be secular Israel's new favorite American state, and just who are “The New Puritans” of Noah Rothman's new book. There are also digressions aplenty, including same-sex marriage and a joke that Paul hopes his wife won't hear, and the (by now seemingly obligatory) multiple references to Andrew Sullivan. Gabi recommends a rival podcast, and Abe does a deep-dive into the left side of Israeli politics in his “One Opinion” segment. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross *And a special request: please help us grow our listener base by posting links to the podcast on your social media pages, and by rating and reviewing us wherever you get your podcast. Articles referred to can be found here: Biden Can Unite Israel and Saudi Arabia to Meet Iran Threat Why the pro-Palestinian Left Doesn't Want to Be Part of the 'Circle of Peace' Biden's Visit Bodes Ill for Israel Court rules online civil marriages valid, upending Israel's religious status quo Utah marriage ruling isn't civil marriage in Israel, but it's progress The New Puritans Latest Drama in the Elon Musk vs. Twitter Fight, with The Fifth Column Hosts (YouTube clip) The Effects of the Decline in Trust in Institutions, with the Red Scare Podcast Hosts (YouTube clip) Welcome to "Eyes on the Right" (Damon Linker's new substack)

If you thought it was only debates around Israeli and American politics that caused paroxysms of outrage among the Three Jews, think again. Boris Johnson's resignation as British prime minister is debated in a manner more akin to a soccer game brawl than an English tea party. Enjoy! Israel and the U.S. are also discussed of course; with intra-Jewish fighting over the egalitarian section of the Western Wall, and accusations of racism against Justice Clarence Thomas also on the menu. This week's ‘One Opinion' is Gabi's lauding of an anthropology professor's voluntary resignation from UCLA, over the woke persecution of one of his colleagues. And don't miss our shout-out to the wonderfully named Joey Chestnut, for his extraordinary hot-dog-eating talents! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Harassment at a Western Wall bar mitzvah renews the fight over prayer spaces in Israel Boris Johnson plumbed the depths of degeneracy in his shabby carnival of misrule Why Bibi won't do a Boris (Paul's recent blog in the Times of Israel) What the reactions to Clarence Thomas post-Roe reveal about white liberals Why I'm Giving Up Tenure at UCLA

Israel has a new Prime Minister (for now), anti-Zionist Twitter has a new troll, and lovers of post-racial America have a new favorite movie (according to Gabi - and Michael Anton). The Three Jews argue over Yair Lapid's merits; debate the curious case of an Israel-bashing Jewish convert, and ponder what Top Gun: Maverick has to teach us about race in America. There's also a surprisingly long conversation about meat-based sandwiches, and a shout-out to the Pinsker Centre (yes, it is spelled that way, it's British!) Happy 4th July to all our American listeners! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Lapid has a chance to be what Israel needs in his turn as PM Only the center can hold: Democracy and the battle of ideas Avodah denies pressure caused it to fire anti-Zionist activist ‘Top Gun: Maverick'— A Boomer Fantasy

The collapse of Israel's governing coalition is the first news story covered by the Three Jews this week, and there's more on the still-unsolved mystery: “Who shot Shireen Abu Akleh”. Finally, a debate about Gabi's friends, the National Conservatives; their official stated principles, and a possible liberal response to them in Francis Fukuyama's new book – or perhaps in an old essay of Paul's, once cited (he won't tire of telling you) by Israel's new prime minister Yair Lapid. And don't miss Abe's unforgettable contributions to both the episode's intro (trigger-warning required for astronauts), and conclusion. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Why the Israeli government failed but isn't a failure The Workings of the Palestinian Propaganda Machine Why Israel's 'Hasbara Queen' Failed Miserably to Explain Shireen Abu Akleh's Killing (Abe's recent Haaretz article) National Conservatism: A Statement of Principles Authoritarianism is surging. Can liberal democracy fight back? The Case for Liberal Nationalism (Paul's 2020 essay for The American Interest)

In this week's episode, an Israeli government minister, the 45th President of the United States, and the contemporary American Jewish man, all go under the Three Jews' microscope. You'll hear the most understated criticism ever of the Second Intifada, and wildly differing views on Joshua Cohen's novel The Netanyahus. You'll also learn why Gabi and Paul don't discuss Donald Trump when they want to meet for a friendly drink. Finally, a sneak peek into what Gabi's been up to in Budapest. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Only Abbas Got Kahana Right What History Teaches Us About January 6th American Jewry's Stunted Sons Woman in Dark Times: Free as a Jew is a Memoir for Our Polarized Age (Gabi's 2021 review of Ruth Wisse's memoir)

In this week's episode, Abe leads the Three Jews in a tribute to the recently passed A. B. Yehoshua, one of Israel's greatest novelists - and a controversial contributor to the Israel-Diaspora debate. And speaking of controversy... Gabi lets us all know where he stands in the 'gender' culture war (as if we didn't know) with a full-throated recommendation of Matt Walsh's documentary "What is a Woman". Meanwhile Paul's discussion of Israel's dysfunctional politics somehow leads into an argument about primaries in the United States... go figure! And as usual, there's badinage aplenty. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Meretz activists protest outside rebel MK's home, call for her resignation Yesha leader faces rebellion for backing coalition bill crucial to settlers A.B. Yehoshua, Politically Engaged Israeli Writer, Dies at 85 Courage & ‘What Is A Woman?' Transgenderism And The Therapeutic Attitude

This week the three Jews debate two conflicts – of somewhat different historical proportions: Russia vs. Ukraine, and Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard. Does Russia need to be comprehensively defeated? How should the global south – and Israel! - be judged for refusing to go along with sanctions on Russia? What has Gabi got against Anne Applebaum? And how seriously can three people talk about a news story none of them were interested in? The answers to these questions and more in this week's episode! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: The War Won't End Until Putin Loses Don't romanticise the global south It's Amber Heard HERSELF who has proved a setback for women

It's the tenth episode of the podcast, so the Three Jews celebrate by... arguing of course! On today's over-heated menu is guns, Trump, and the (alleged) woke assault on academic freedom. There's also time for a digression into the topic of gay marriage (no scope for furious disagreement there!), and Gabi's nomination of Abe as the Democratic candidate for President in 2024. And for those wanting a little bit of Israel, Paul's 'Three Jews, One Opinion' is on the controversies of the Jerusalem Day celebrations. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: After El Paso shooting, Trump pushed again on gun control. His aides talked him out of it. Can A Cult Become A Movement? The Disgraceful Firing of Joshua T. Katz You can also read Abe's most recent article for Haaretz here: Why Israel's 'Hasbara Queen' Failed Miserably to Explain Shireen Abu Akleh's Killing

Israel is the focus for the Three Jews this episode, as they discuss the tragic shooting of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, opposition politics in the Knesset, and President Biden's planned visit to the Jewish State. As you might expect of an agenda featuring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the state of the Democratic Party, things get just a little heated... Stay tuned until the end for our 'Three Jews, One Opinion' segment: a heartfelt tribute from Gabi to the recently departed Midge Decter. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Abu Akleh's death is a stress test for the Abraham Accords Defying Netanyahu, Likud MKs want to back coalition bill on funding for IDF vets Now is a bad time for Biden to visit Israel

Having focused last week on Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism, this week sees the opinionated Jews tackle another big A - Abortion! WIth predictable results, as Gabi vs. Abe becomes the most heated debate since... well... Roe vs. Wade. And Abe still has enough in the tank to defend the Democrats' drift towards J-Street positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as Paul raises concerns at the direction of travel signaled by Congressman Andy Levin's failed 'Two-State Solution Bill'. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: The Cult of Abortion Roe Inspired Activists Worldwide, Who May Be Rethinking Strategy The Dishonesty of the Abortion Debate Andy Levin's ‘Two-State Bill' Won't Support Middle East Peace

As befitting an episode recorded the day before Israel's Independence Day, there is a heavy focus on Zionism - and anti-Zionism. Harvard, New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg, and the pro-Nazi Mufti of Jerusalem, are all in the sights of the Three Jews (well, Michelle Goldberg is really only in Gabi's sights... but as you'll hear, he gets in several shots). Abe meanwhile makes sure that the big story in American politics gets a mention, as he uses his "One Opinion" segment to sound off about THAT leaked draft majority opinion from the Supreme Court. We hope you'll follow us on Twitter and continue the debate: @3Jews4Opinions @abesilb @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: In Support of Boycott, Divest, Sanctions and a Free Palestine Antisemitism Increased Under Trump. Then It Got Even Worse. The Crisis of Anti-Semitic Violence (Michelle Goldberg's piece from 2021) ‘Israel's Moment' Review: The Hard Work of Getting Started Jeffrey Herf's recent conversation with Paul on YouTube can be seen here: https://youtu.be/vodyor4Iy18

The three Jews are back after the Passover break, all opinions blazing. This week Paul rages at the world's tolerance for Palestinian intolerance on the question of Jews praying on Har Habayit - the Temple Mount; Abe looks to inject some realism into the Russia debate; and Gabi fervently defends the recently outed creator of 'Libs of TikTok'. Sparks fly as usual, but there's plenty of light as well as heat. Enjoy! And please follow - and argue with - us on Twitter: @3Jews4Opinions @abesilb @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: ‘Non-Muslims only visit': Lapid insists Israel committed to Temple Mount status quo Opinion: The only plausible path to keep the pressure on Russia Why Biden Saying ‘Genocide' Doesn't Matter Influencer who shares name with ‘Libs of TikTok' creator blames Taylor Lorenz for cyberbullying Abe's recent book review for the Times Literary Supplement can be read here: Box Office Politics

This week, a veritable feast of facts, friction and feuding. Our intrepid Jewish opinionistas get into the recent dramatic developments in Israeli politics (turns out Gabi wants Bibi back, Abe and Paul really don't); a declared 'anti-Zionist' synagogue in Chicago (is Rabbi Brant Rosen an attention-seeking irrelevance, a self-hating creep, an apologist for genocidal antisemites, or all of the above?); and the controversy over accusations of "grooming" in Florida schools (it would be fair to say this prompted the airing of somewhat divergent views). You'll also hear about Gabi's burgeoning Israeli football fandom… which may well see him change teams next week after he makes the connection between Hapoel Tel Aviv and the Israeli left. Articles referred to can be found here: Bennett's coalition has lost its majority. Could Netanyahu's Likud now regain power? 'Anti-Zionist' congregation stirs emotion in Chicago's Jewish community 'Groomer' debate inflames GOP over Florida law Paul's recent piece in The Times of Israel can be read here: Why Orban matters And finally... Abe, Gabi and Paul wish all our Jewish listeners a Chag Pesach Sameach!

It's a Middle East-centric episode, with discussion on the JCPOA nuclear deal with Iran; the Negev Summit of Israeli, Arab, and American leaders; and the Israeli Arab question during this time of terror attacks in Israel. There's a lot of argument on the first topic, and unusual consensus on the other two. As always, there's plenty of great analysis, useful info on how to pronounce Abe's last name, plus an absolute gem of a recommendation from Abe in this week's 'Three Jews, One Opinion' segment. Articles referred to this week: Israel Must Publicly Protest America's Policy of Appeasing Iran The Realignment Israel's Negev Summit Was a Good Thing, but Don't Call It 'Historic' 'Terrorism doesn't discriminate between Israeli Jews, Arabs' - Yoseph Haddad Follow us on Twitter: @3Jews4Opinions @abesilb @Brahmski @pauldgross

It's the long-lost first episode of Three Jews, Four Opinions - with all the rawness of an untested experiment, including over-long intros and Paul's laptop mic making him sound like he's speaking from inside an empty warehouse. But there's still some great discussions about the ethics of philanthropy - with disgraced oligarch Roman Abramovich, and anti-Israel Israel Studies Director Liora Halperin the subject of heated debate - as well as the question of whether there's still a Pax Americana and what that might mean for Ukraine. Articles referred to can be read here: Our Oligarch Donor pulls endowment at U of Washington over professor's Israel criticism The Post-Pax-Americana World Follow us on Twitter: @3Jews4Opinions @abesilb @Brahmski @pauldgross

In this episode of 'Three Jews, Four Opinions', sparks fly as Abe, Paul and Gabi debate the extent of global support for Ukraine - and global support for sanctions on Russia; AIPAC's decision to endorse GOP lawmakers who refused to recognize Biden's 2020 election victory; and US Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson's response to being asked to define "a woman". There's a lot of disagreement, a lot of strong views, one short profanity (you've been warned), and you'll even get to hear what Gabi thinks of Harry Potter. Articles referred to: "The West is rash to assume the world is on its side over Ukraine" "In letter to members, AIPAC defends recent endorsements" "Judge Jackson declines to define 'woman,' says she's 'not a biologist'" Also: Paul's new article in Persuasion: "Israel's Change Coalition is a Template to Fight Populism" and Gabi's recent article with Orian Morris in Telos: "The Devil You Know: What is Vladimir Putin" Follow the podcast as well as Abe, Gabi and Paul on Twitter: @3Jews4Opinions, @abesilbe, @Brahmski, @pauldgross

"Three Jews, Four Opinions" where three friends talk Israel, Jews and politics from Left, Right and Center - and where the fourth opinion is yours, the listener! This week Abe, Gabi and Paul discuss whether the realization of the threat posed by an irrational, autocratic Russia might help Europe better understand Israel's predicament against its own irrational, autocratic enemies; just what to make of Israel's policy concerning Ukrainian refugees; and how the New York Times has pleasantly surprised Gabi - and disappointed Abe - by seeming to accept the conservative narrative on cancel culture. Articles referred to can be seen here: "‘We told you so!' How the West didn't listen to the countries that know Russia best" "Israel Is Closing the Gates to Ukrainian Refugees to Spite the Left" "America Has a Free Speech Problem" Also, Gabi's article with Orian Morris can be found here: "The Devil You Know: What Is Vladimir Putin?"