Podcast appearances and mentions of Ben Gurion Airport

Popular Irish low-cost airline Ryanair has extended its suspension of flight services to Tel Aviv until July 31, following the Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport at the beginning of May. More chaos is expected for Israelis over the busy summer holiday period. Mark Feldman, CEO of Ziontours, told KAN's Mark Weiss that his travel agency will now only book flights on Israeli carriers for passengers flying to and from Israel. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Rocket Scientist Ari Sacher to help us understand the current threat of missiles fired into Israel by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Ari explains that the Houthis are an Iranian proxy, and so they have access to state of the art technology provided to them by Iran, including advanced long range missiles and firing systems. Israel has successfully taken out a vast majority of the missile barrages, using Israel's Arrow-3 missile defense system. However, a missile did hit the ground on Ben Gurion Airport, but no major damage or casualties were incurred. Ari believes that the Houthis, residents of neaerly unlivable third world conditions, are an enemy with nothing to lose, and so no matter how we hit them, they will keep coming. The key is to cut the Houthis off from acquiring weapons from their sources. Ultimately, Ari believes that the only solution to the threat of the Houthis is a political one. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

Journalist Dana Karni reports on the latest news from Israel including: the Israeli Cabinet's approval to expand the military operation in Gaza and a subsequent mobilisation of reservists; reactions to the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport and a US report that one of the remaining 24 hostages still alive could have been killed in captivity.

Israel bombed Yemen’s Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port within 24 hours, as tensions have been escalating in response to Israel's war on Gaza. On Sunday, the Houthis launched missiles that landed near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. What does it mean for Yemenis facing this escalation? In this episode: Maysaa Shuja al-Deen (@maysaashujaa), Yemeni writer and researcher Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarette and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

On Tuesday, May 6, President Trump declared that the United States would immediately halt its bombing of Houthi targets, bringing an end to months of intensified U.S. strikes across Yemen. The president linked the policy reversal to what he described as the Iran-backed Houthis' capitulation to U.S. demands, stating that the group had agreed to cease its assaults on U.S. and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The president's decision comes as U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations are expected to advance this weekend and follows Israeli air raids on Sanaa's airport earlier this week—retaliation for a Houthi missile attack on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Asher Grant-Sasson speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the CSIS Middle East Program, about the core drivers behind this policy shift and the implications it might bear on key regional files, such as the prospect for a renegotiated U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. 

The Houthis launched a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv this week, which landed near Ben Gurion Airport and wounded six people. In response, Israel struck Yemen's main airport and two other sites. Unlike the Houthis, Israel gave a warning before their attack to avoid civilian casualties, yet pro-terror activists demonize Israel's response and justify Houthi terrorism. Tune in to learn about the conflict.The CUFI Minute is another way to enjoy CUFI's online newsand analysis segment, the CUFI Weekly. Featuring host Kasim Hafeez, this microcast is a quick yet in-depth topical segment you can listen to while commuting to work or making your afternoon cup of coffee. We should stand in solidarity against terrorism including when it happens in Israel.In under 10 minutes a week, learn about the history behind many threats facing Israel, the significance of important holidays and anniversaries throughout the year, and what's happening in Israel and the broader Middle East.

On Tuesday's Mark Levin Show, 2 days after the Houthis struck near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport with a ballistic missile and 4 days before negotiations with Iran - the Houthis surrendered. This seems odd. Then afterward the Houthis say they will continue to attack Israel, even after the ceasefire with the U.S. What's going on? Have you noticed how much the fifth-column isolationists sound like Bernie Sanders, AOC, and the rest of the Squad? And not just on foreign policy and national security. They often use the same Marxist class warfare propaganda and the ACLU's extremist misinterpretation of our Constitution including the 1st amendment. Also, we know that Democrats goal to transform the population through immigration to undermine and dismantle the existing societal structure. The Constitution doesn't grant due process to everyone, and the Supreme Court lacks clarity on its meaning. Democrats want to extend full due process to 21 million illegal aliens, which is not possible due to limited courts and judges. This is a strategy to allow illegal aliens to come in, then keep them here by arguing due process. If they succeed the country is dead. Later, Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports are causing economic disruption in China, leading to protests as workers demand unpaid wages. This is positive but the Trump administration should hold off on negotiations right now, they should slow walk it. The tariffs are doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom Mark Regev—both former advisers at the Prime Minister's Office—examine Israel's two-day operation in Yemen in response to a direct ballistic missile strike near Ben-Gurion Airport. But beyond the immediate headlines, they examine what this strike means for Israel's long-range deterrence, Iran's nuclear threat and the shifting fault lines in U.S.-Israel relations.

Tensions escalate across the Middle East as Israel launches a new operation in Gaza, targets Syrian infrastructure, and responds forcefully to a Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport. Amir Tsarfati and Pastor Barry Stagner unpack the dramatic developments in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen—and how each fits into the larger prophetic picture. Plus, insights into Iran's nuclear ambitions, rising global deception, and the growing delusion gripping today's culture.Connect with us on social:Telegram: @beholdisraelchannelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amir.tsarfati/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beholdisrael/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/beholdisraelYouTube: https://youtube.com/@beholdisrael

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Horovitz discusses the Israeli Air Force missile attack on the Yemen port, in response to the Houthi missile that hit Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning, and the ongoing bafflement about how to handle the challenge presented by the Iran-backed Houthis, and one that isn't going to fade. He discusses the mood in the country as thousands of reservists are called up again to fight in Gaza, as polls show that two-thirds of Israelis would be prepared to stop fighting to bring the remaining hostages home. Horovitz notes that the language used by the government and army are subtle with an unclear plan in Gaza and an unpredictable US administration. Horovitz also offers a brief look at the latest regarding the cabinet decision against a state commission probing October 7, as the attorney general had suggested. He notes that there is domestic concern on the part of the public who want to be sure that a disaster of that scope will never happen again and the concern that Israel will be able to defend itself internationally with the proper scrutiny into what took place on that day. Finally, Horovitz comments on remarks made by US Mideast envoy Steve Witfkoff at an Israel Independence Day event at the US Embassy in Washington, DC, and his clear message that Israel needs to be united despite all the pressures from the outside and inside. IMAGE: An Israeli reservist kissing his wife and child goodbye as he leaves for reserve duty, in Jerusalem, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says the military will continue to stay put in Gaza; The cabinet has rejected an official state probe of the October 7 attacks & 20 Israeli fighter jets strike Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday night. We have an interview with a woman who saw the initial rocket from Yemen rocket fall into Ben Gurion Airport.Click that you heard about Hasod (gift boxes) from “a podcast” when you check out. https://www.hasodstore.com/shopsmallIsrael Daily News website: https://israeldailynews.orgIsrael Daily News Roundtable: https://www.patreon.com/shannafuldSupport our Wartime News Coverage: https://www.gofundme.com/f/independent-journalist-covering-israels-warLinks to all things IDN:⁠ https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews⁠Music: Lo Hakol Binary - Tiferet Cohen https://www.hopp.bio/tiferet-cohen

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Israel launches major airstrikes on Yemen after the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport; Trump administration resumes collections on federal student loans, affecting five million borrowers. FOCUS STORY: A Maryland high school student is barred from graduation after refusing to complete a health class with LGBTQ curriculum—here's why her family pushed back. MAIN THING: Prisha Mosley, a detransitioner, shares her powerful and painful journey to warn others about the dangers and realities often hidden in the public debate over transitioning. LAST THING: Psalm 121:7-8 — “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” SHOW LINKS Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES OF CHRISTMAS : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-the-prophecies-of-christmas/id1783607035 NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 DC DEBRIEF POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/d-c-debrief/id1691121630 CBN News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CBNnewsonline CBN News https://www2.cbn.com/news

The Iran-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning. The IDF said it tried to intercept the missile using Arrow and THAAD systems, but failed. A number of US and international airlines have since suspended flights in and out of Israel. This was the first time the Houthis had successfully […]

The Iran-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning. The IDF said it tried to intercept the missile using Arrow and THAAD systems, but failed. A number of US and international airlines have since suspended flights in and out of Israel. This was the first time the Houthis had successfully […]

The Iran-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning. The IDF said it tried to intercept the missile using Arrow and THAAD systems, but failed. A number of US and international airlines have since suspended flights in and out of Israel. This was the first time the Houthis had successfully […]

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Late last night, Israel approved a plan to significantly broaden the military offensive against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip. The plan provides for the “conquering of Gaza” and retaining the territory. One voice was heard above all in warning, that of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who reportedly warned ministers that this could endanger the hostages held there. Fabian debriefs us on what he knows about this plan and what else is happening on the ground in Gaza. Yesterday morning, a Houthi ballistic missile struck the Ben Gurion Airport compound. Fabian explains the initial conclusions about the failure and discusses Israel's anti-missile array, including a Patriot air-defense system that will be refurbished and sent to Ukraine. Finally, we learn conclusions from the IDF's probe into the October 7, 2023, battles at Zikim Beach and hear that a squad of Israeli soldiers stationed near the border with the Gaza Strip abandoned civilians sheltering on the beach as Hamas terrorists invaded the coast. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Israel okays ‘conquering Gaza, holding the territories,’ as IDF chief said to warn ‘we could lose’ the hostages IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion UN humanitarian agency rejects new Israeli plan for Gaza aid deliveries Netanyahu threatens Houthis, and Iran, as cabinet convenes after missile hits airport Patriot air-defense system based in Israel to be refurbished, sent to Ukraine – NYT Most foreign airlines halt flights to Tel Aviv after Houthi missile hits airport In ‘massive failure,’ troops abandoned civilians at Zikim Beach on Oct. 7, IDF probe finds Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Troops operating in the Gaza Strip in an undated photo released for publication on May 4, 2025 (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESCALATION: Israel Vows to Strike Iran after Ballistic Missile Hits Tel Aviv Airport BREAKING: BALLISTIC MISSILE Hits Ben Gurion Airport | Israel Vows to STRIKE Iran

Gaza's health system nears collapse as UNRWA issues urgent alarm Gaza's healthcare is on the brink, warns the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The agency says one-third of vital medical supplies are gone, with another third vanishing fast—blaming Israel's siege and relentless bombardment. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini grimly cautions that the blockade risks silently killing more women and children beyond the bombs. Israel's military invasion in Gaza has killed over fifty-two thousand four hundred Palestinians since October 2023, while Tel Aviv faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice. Yemeni Houthis target Tel Aviv airport with hypersonic missile strike Yemeni Houthis said they have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, warning international airlines of the airport's unsafe conditions. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the missile hit the target, and another struck Ashkelon. Israeli authorities suspended flights at the airport after a missile landed near Terminal 3, injuring six people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against the Houthis and their Iranian backers. In response, US warplanes conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. Romania's presidential election heads to a second round Romania will proceed to a second round of presidential elections on May 18, following the failure of any candidate to secure the required 50+1 percent majority in the first round. Far-right George Simion led with over 40.2 percent of the vote, based on results from over 98 percent of ballots. He was followed by Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, who garnered 20.8 percent, and Crin Antonescu of the Social Democratic Party, who earned nearly 20.5 percent. The first-round victory of pro-Russian candidate Calin Gorgescu was annulled in November 2024 following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. Simion emerged to replace Gorgescu after his ban from the new race. Fighting in eastern DRC escalates as rebels take key town M23 rebels and allies seized Lunyasenge, a strategic fishing town on Lake Edward's west coast in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after deadly clashes with the army that left 17 dead, including seven soldiers. The Congolese military condemned the assault as a blatant ceasefire violation. As rebels advance in North Kivu, Kinshasa warns of retaliation. Rwanda faces renewed accusations of backing M23, amid ongoing peace talks in Doha and Washington. Kigali denies any involvement. Trump imposes full tariff on non-US movies President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films, claiming Hollywood of being ""devastated"" as US filmmakers turn to other countries for production incentives. The decision, shared via Truth Social media platform, follows criticism of his aggressive trade policies. While the full impact on the movie industry remains unclear, Trump insists it's a matter of national security. Meanwhile, talks with China and other nations on trade deals continue, with potential agreements on the horizon.

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Israel blames Iran and the Houthis for a missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, while Trump announces plans to rebuild Alcatraz as America's toughest prison. Plus, thousands join Baptize California in a massive public show of faith. FOCUS STORY: A Michigan school reverses its decision after banning Christian music from a student talent show — here's why First Liberty says pushing back matters. MAIN THING: Aspen Group President Derek DeGroot joins Madison Seals to explain how designing church spaces can help believers draw closer to God and strengthen community. LAST THING: Colossians 4:2 — “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” SHOW LINKS Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES OF CHRISTMAS : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-the-prophecies-of-christmas/id1783607035 NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 DC DEBRIEF POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/d-c-debrief/id1691121630 CBN News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CBNnewsonline CBN News https://www2.cbn.com/news

In a rare failure of Israel's missile defence system, Yemen's Houthi forces have struck near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport with a missile, injuring at least eight people and causing damage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will retaliate with further strikes on Yemen, promising to send the Houthis' supporters in Iran a message.

About 200 Canadian students, their chaperones and nearly a dozen Holocaust survivors were going through airport security at Ben Gurion International when they heard the blast. It happened on Sunday May 4, as the group was returning from a March of the Living trip–which took them to Poland and Israel–when a Houthi missile launched by Islamic terrorists from Yemen evaded Israel's air defences and exploded on the airport's access road. The Canadian group, along with thousands of other travellers, were ordered to scramble into safe areas or bomb shelters inside the airport until authorities gave the all-clear about a half-hour later. While eight people were taken to hospitals in Israel, none of the Canadians was injured. Many international airlines have cancelled or suspended flights for coming days. The March of the Living group used charters to reach Warsaw, then boarded a LOT Dreamliner aircraft, which landed in Toronto on Sunday night. The Houthi attack came after a tumultuous trip for the group, who had experienced the country's biggest wildfire, which burned the forests between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem before Israel's Independence Day on May 1. On top of that, the Iran-backed forces in Yemen have been escalating their ballistic missile attacks. Sunday's hypersonic missile was the only one the IDF failed to intercept, leaving a significant crater in the airport roadway and damaging part of Terminal 3. On today's episode of The CJN Daily, we hear from anxious March of the Living parents Jasmine Albagli of Ottawa; Mark Diamond and his wife Sharon, also from Ottawa; and Adam Cohen of Toronto. Aviva Klompas also joins: the Toronto-born author and Israel advocate, also happened to be at Ben Gurion airport when the attack struck. What we talked about: Hear how anti-Israel protestors at Auschwitz tried to spoil the 2024 annual March of the Living while one Edmonton family showed resilience, on The CJN Daily. Read why fewer participants joined the 2024 March of the Living since it was the first after October. 7, and how the itinerary changed, in The CJN. Read about the 2023 March of the Living when the late Alex Buckman, a Vancouver Holocaust educator, accompanied the trip, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Marc Weisblott (editorial director) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

For review:1. Israeli PM Vows Retaliation Against Iran & Houthis for Airport Missile Strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to retaliate against the Houthis in Yemen and to act against “their patron” Iran, hours after the rebel group struck Ben Gurion Airport with a ballistic missile. 2. President Trump said in an interview aired Sunday that the aim of his administration's nuclear talks with Iran is to achieve “total dismantlement” of Tehran's nuclear program, but that he is open to letting the Islamic Republic pursue civilian nuclear energy.  A fourth round of talks between the US and Iran initially scheduled for Saturday, was postponed, mediator Oman said earlier this week, citing “logistical reasons.” 3. President Trump dismissed Mike Waltz as national security advisor and announced his nomination as the next US ambassador to the United Nations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named as his interim replacement.According to a Washington Post report. President Trump was angered by his hawkish position on Iran and focus on military options to destroy Tehran's nuclear program.4. Pres Zelenskyy to Delegations Visiting Moscow Parade: We cannot be held responsible for what happens (in) Russian Federation.  The Ukrainian President said his government could not guarantee the safety of foreign delegations visiting Moscow to attend the Victory Day Parade next Friday, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. 5.  During an interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow has the "strength and means" to bring the war with Ukraine to a "logical conclusion." "We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires." 6. US SECDEF orders US Army transformation.

Israel vows a forceful response after a Houthi missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, marking a dangerous escalation in the regional conflict. Japan slams new U.S. auto tariffs as "extremely regrettable," warning of serious fallout for its car industry and economy. Pakistan rushes food aid to border areas amid fears of Indian retaliation over a deadly attack in a tourist hotspot.

Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastSubscribe to Ark Media's new podcast ‘What's Your Number?': lnk.to/HJI2mXArk Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.orgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorToday's episode:The Iran-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning. The IDF said it tried to intercept the missile using Arrow and THAAD systems, but failed. A number of US and international airlines have since suspended flights in and out of Israel. This was the first time the Houthis had successfully hit Israel's national airport. To help us understand what happened and possible next steps, we are joined by Call Me Back regular Nadav Eyal for an emergency episode. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Earlier this morning, a Houthi ballistic missile struck inside the area of Ben Gurion Airport after the Israel Defense Forces failed to intercept it. Landings and takeoffs were halted before the projectile struck. Magen David Adom says six people were physically hurt in the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport. Berman explains how the biggest blow may have been to Israel's reputation. Two IDF soldiers -- Cpt. Noam Ravid, 23 from Sha’arei Tikva and Staff Sgt. Yaly Seror, 20, from Omer -- were killed and two were wounded in an explosion in a booby-trapped tunnel shaft in southern Gaza’s Rafah Saturday, the military announced. This terrible announcement comes after we heard last night that the military will resume mass call-ups of reserves for more intensive operations in Gaza. Berman weighs in on whether Israel is gearing up for "the" big operation in Gaza, or whether that will be on hold until after US President Donald Trump's visit to the region. The Israel Defense Forces said its fighter jets had carried out a wave of airstrikes in Syria late Friday, less than a day after Israel attacked near the presidential palace in Damascus, amid Israeli warnings to Syria’s new Islamist rulers not to harm their country’s Druze minority following deadly sectarian clashes. Also, on Saturday, the IDF said troops were “deployed to southern Syria and prepared to prevent hostile forces from entering the area and Druze villages.” This comes as an Israeli Air Force helicopter ferried humanitarian aid to the Sweida area of southern Syria and retrieved wounded Druze. Berman gives insight into Israel's activities. The Fire and Rescue Service said Thursday evening that firefighters had gained control of the conflagrations that had ravaged the Jerusalem hills for close to 30 hours. The announcement came hours after roads and train lines were reopened and evacuees from the area were permitted to return to their homes. Surkes describes the factors that led to this massive outbreak and why lessons definitely have yet to be learned. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Houthi missile hits grounds of Ben Gurion Airport after interception fails; 6 injured Two IDF soldiers killed, two wounded in blast in booby-trapped Rafah tunnel IDF calls up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of expanded Gaza offensive IDF strikes military targets across Syria, says troops deployed to protect Druze PM: Qatar ‘playing both sides’; Doha: He’s trying to justify crimes against civilians Israeli chopper ferried aid to Druze in southern Syria, 70 km from border — source Government accused of failing to take fire threat seriously despite years of warnings Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Israeli security forces at the site where a missile fired from Yemen hit an area of Ben Gurion Airport, May 4, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, the main international air hub in Israel.

Joop en Nausicaa spreken over de raket op Ben Gurion Airport, de alternatieve herdenking op 4 mei en hoe de Nederlandse media aan hersenspoeling werken, het herdenken van alle oorlogen van alle landen waaruit migranten komen op 4 mei en waarom dat niet deugt, de lafheid van comité 4/5 mei, de afslachting van Druzen in Syrië en de sympathie van EU voor deze terroristen en vele andere zaken.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, the family of Edan Alexander approved the publication of a Hamas propaganda video released Saturday, which showed signs of life from the US-Israeli hostage soldier who has been held by the terror group since he was kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Born in Tel Aviv, Alexander grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. He returned to Israel to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces after graduating from high school in 2022. Fabian fills us in and we hear a segment of the video. This morning, we learned that over 1,600 former IDF paratroopers and infantry soldiers signed a letter demanding the government reach a deal to bring the hostages home, even if it means ending the war. We discuss this latest appeal, which adds to a growing wave of public pressure to end the ongoing war following similar letters from IDF reservist doctors, the Talpiot program, former 8200 intelligence unit members, ex-Mossad members, navy reservists, and reservist air force personnel. We focus on the air force letter, which has brought the most media attention, and hear what steps -- if any -- the IDF is taking to stem this tide. The Israel Defense Forces announced at noon Saturday that it had completed the capture of the Morag Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip, cutting off the city of Rafah from Khan Younis. Fabian explains how this is part of a greater plan to widen the new border buffer zone. Yesterday, the Israeli military carried out an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza City, after telling staff and patients to evacuate ahead of the overnight attack, one of a series of strikes that Israel said were targeting Hamas operational centers. No casualties were reported in the hospital strike, with Israel issuing a warning to evacuate the facility before the attack. We learn where civilians are meant to go during such airstrikes, and in general. Air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Israel by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen early on Sunday evening. The Houthis claimed to have fired two missiles in the attack, one targeting the Sdot Micha Airbase — where, according to foreign reports, Israel holds nuclear-capable Jericho missiles — and the other aimed at Ben Gurion Airport. Fabian weighs in. On Friday, the IDF confirmed that it participated in a just-completed annual aerial exercise hosted by Greece, which this year included the participation of Qatar -- along with 11 other countries. We ask Fabian how significant this joint exercise is. Please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Why am I not home?’ Edan Alexander’s family okays publication of Hamas propaganda video Over 250 ex-Mossad members, 3 former chiefs urge hostage deal even if it ends war IAF to dismiss reservists who signed letter demanding prioritization of hostages over war IDF says it hit a Hamas command center embedded in Gaza City hospital IDF fully surrounds Rafah as Katz warns Gazans of ‘final moment to remove Hamas’ IDF says Houthi missile intercepted; shrapnel falls in West Bank In first, Israeli Air Force participates with Qatar in aerial exercises hosted by Greece Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Troops of the Givati Brigade operate in Gaza, in a handout photo issued on April 9, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Jew and Gentile Podcast.   Text the Jew and Gentile your comments, questions, concerns (OY!), and news at: 424-444-1948   Donate today:    MUG-ON-A-MUG With your gift of $10 or more to FOI Equip, you to can have your very own Mug-on-a-Mug. Your generous donation helps to expand the important work of teaching the Bible from a Jewish perspective while raising up new FOI volunteers and representatives serving Jewish communities all around the world.   Visit gofoi.org/mug to make your gift today and receive your own Jew and Gentile Podcast Mug-on-a-Mug.   Oy, look at Steve's punim! FROM THE SCRIPTURES Jewish objection to Jesus born out of wedlock.  Deut 23:2 “One of illegitimate birth shall not enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the Lord.  Why was he allowed to read scripture (Aliya) at the bema and spend time at the temple?   Other questions about various Old Testament law (Deuteronomy 22:8-12) “When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it. “You shall not sow your vineyard with different kinds of seed, lest the yield of the seed which you have sown and the fruit of your vineyard be defiled. “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. “You shall not wear a garment of different sorts, such as wool and linen mixed together. “You shall make tassels on the four corners of the clothing with which you cover yourself. FOI Equip Classes:   Survivor Story: George Rishfeld GEORGE RISHFELD APRIL 10   In this April's FOI Equip class, George Rishfeld will give his survivor story. George Rishfeld (b. 1939) is a child Holocaust survivor who was born in Warsaw, Poland. He was just six months old when World War II began, forcing his family to flee to Vilna, Lithuania. With George's safety in mind, his parents decided to give him to Catholic friends who promised to raise George as their own. After being reunited with his parents after the war, George and his family emigrated to the United States in 1949. George has dedicated his life to sharing his story, as he believes Holocaust education is invaluable for preventing further atrocities.   Register at foiequip.org   FOI Resources  Get a free one-year trial subscription to Israel My Glory https://israelmyglory.org/subscribe/ Get Involved with Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry https://www.foi.org/outreach   Chris Katulka's book: Israel Always foi.org/israelalways   Steve Herzig's book: Jewish Culture & Customs foi.org/jcc   Christmas is Jewish Finding Messiah in Passover messiahinpassover.org   Harbingers Daily https://harbingersdaily.com/ In the News: Israeli chutzpah and Japanese perfectionism: Sony Israel's success story https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/skjj3yqhkg   Houthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe' after renewed Gaza fighting https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847108?utm_source=jpost.app.apple&utm_medium=share   Pilot has Orthodox Jewish passenger arrested for hogging bathroom, comments on how 'Jews act' https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-847120?utm_source=jpost.app.apple&utm_medium=share   Christianity Was “Borderline Illegal” in Silicon Valley. Now It's the New Religion https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/christianity-was-borderline-illegal-in-silicon-valley-now-its-the-new-religion   Yiddish Word of the Day: Ikh hob dikh lib, Adon - I love you, Lord! 

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. This morning, the Israeli military said it has deployed troops along the coast of the far north of the Gaza Strip, as well as in the Netzarim Corridor and in the southern Gaza Strip. We discuss the ongoing airstrikes -- and how targets are chosen -- and the potential goals of the increased ground operation so far. Yemen’s Houthi rebels issued a statement claiming responsibility for the ballistic missile fired at Israel overnight, saying the Palestine-2 projectile targeted Ben Gurion Airport. Earlier, on Tuesday evening, the Houthis also launched a ballistic missile at Israel from Yemen Tuesday evening, which marked the first attack from the Iran-backed group since the ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip two months ago. What were the results of both missiles? On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces presented its probe into the battle at Kibbutz Alumim — the latest in its detailed investigations of some 40 battles that took place during Hamas’s October 7 attack, when some 5,600 terrorists stormed across the border, massacred some 1,200 people, and took 251 hostages to Gaza. In the second half of our program, we go in depth into the Alumim probe and address the IDF's devastating probe of Kibbutz Nir Oz, which was released last week. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF ground forces operating in Gaza; Katz warns of ‘total destruction’ unless hostages returned IDF downs Houthi missile as sirens send millions in central Israel to shelters at 4 a.m. Civil defense team stopped major Hamas invasion at Alumim, but dozens were murdered outside ‘Massive failure’: First troops reached Kibbutz Nir Oz 40 minutes after last terrorists left Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: IDF troops of the 252nd Division operate in northern Gaza, in a handout photo issued by the military on March 20, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Unexpected Heroes at Ben Gurion Airport: An Unforgettable Reunion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-03-11-22-34-00-he Story Transcript:He: שמש האביב נכנסה דרך חלונות ענקיים של נמל התעופה בן גוריון, מאירה את מסועי המזוודות בשמחה.En: The spring sun streamed through the giant windows of Ben Gurion Airport, joyfully illuminating the luggage carousels.He: האנרגיה בעיר התעופה היתה גבוהה, פני כולם מביעים תקווה או עייפות, ואוויר מלא בציפייה לחג הפורים המתקרב.En: The energy at the airport was high, faces expressing hope or fatigue, and the air filled with anticipation for the upcoming Purim holiday.He: ארי, גבר צעיר שחזר מנסיעת עסקים, עמד במתח בדרכו לאזור החזרת המזוודות.En: Ari, a young man returning from a business trip, stood tensely on his way to the baggage claim area.He: הוא רצה להחזיק בידיו את התיק האישי שלו כמה שיותר מהר כדי לחזור הביתה ולעשות שמחה עם משפחתו.En: He wanted to get his personal bag in his hands as quickly as possible to return home and celebrate with his family.He: בזמן שעמד שם, הסתכל מסביב ושם לב שמשהו לא בסדר.En: While standing there, he looked around and noticed something was amiss.He: מזוודה לא פתורה עמדה לבד, נטושה, ליד המסוע.En: An unclaimed suitcase stood alone, abandoned, near the carousel.He: טרמינל שלם היה בפאניקה שקטה, עיניים מסקרנות נשלחו לעבר המראה המוזר.En: The whole terminal was in quiet panic, curious eyes cast toward the strange sight.He: אנשים לחששו והתעסקו בטלפונים שלהם, מודאגים מהעיכוב האפשרי.En: People whispered and busied themselves with their phones, worried about a possible delay.He: תמר, מאבטחת רצינית וממוקדת, ניגשה לאריחים הרוטטים של המסוע והביטה על המזוודה בחשד.En: Tamar, a serious and focused security officer, approached the vibrating tiles of the carousel and eyed the suitcase suspiciously.He: היא שמה לב להססנות בעיניי הנוסעים שסביב ומיהרה להחליט.En: She noticed the hesitance in the eyes of the surrounding passengers and hurried to make a decision.He: היא הביטה על ארי, שעמד ליד המזוודות במבט עובר לעיתים קרובות בין המזוודה לשל המרננים.En: She looked at Ari, who stood near the luggage, his gaze flickering often between the suitcase and the murmuring crowd.He: "תסלח לי," קולה היה נחוש אך ידידותי, "ראית במקרה מי השאיר את המזוודה הזאת כאן?En: "Excuse me," her voice was determined yet friendly, "did you happen to see who left this suitcase here?"He: "ארי הכיר את המצבים האלה רק מהטלוויזיה, אך כעת, כשהיה במרכז הסיפור, הוא מצא את עצמו מהסס.En: Ari knew these situations only from television, but now, being at the center of the story, he found himself hesitating.He: מצד אחד, הוא רצה לעזור ולמנוע מצב מסוכן.En: On one hand, he wanted to help and prevent a dangerous situation.He: מצד אחר, עליו למהר הביתה.En: On the other hand, he needed to hurry home.He: בסופו של דבר, הוא החליט לעזור.En: Ultimately, he decided to help.He: "לא ראיתי בדיוק, אבל אני מוכן לעזור," אמר בהבנה כשחיוך חצי מתנונן מתפשט על עיניו.En: "I didn't see exactly, but I'm willing to help," he said understandingly as a half-smile spread in his eyes.He: ביחד, תמר וארי ניגשו אל המזוודה בזהירות.En: Together, Tamar and Ari carefully approached the suitcase.He: תמר התחילה לשאול אנשים בקרבת מקום שאלות, וארי עמד לצידה.En: Tamar began questioning nearby people, while Ari stood by her side.He: לפתע, נשמע קול בכי קטן מכיוון אחר של המסוע.En: Suddenly, a small cry was heard from another direction of the carousel.He: ילד קטן, מבולבל ומנותק ממשפחתו, בכה בפינת החדר.En: A small child, confused and separated from his family, was crying in the corner of the room.He: "תראה," אמר ארי והצביע לעבר הילד.En: "Look," said Ari and pointed toward the child.He: תמר הלכה בזריזות אל הילד וקראה לו.En: Tamar quickly went to the child and called to him.He: "זו המזוודה שלך?En: "Is this your suitcase?"He: " שאלה ברכות.En: she asked gently.He: הילד הנהן, עיניו עוד לחות מדמעות.En: The child nodded, his eyes still moist with tears.He: בשילוב חקירה ותמיכה, הם גילו שהמשפחה שלו המשיכה לאזור היציאה ללא לדעת שהילד נשאר מאחור.En: Through a combination of inquiry and support, they discovered that his family had proceeded to the exit area unaware that the child was left behind.He: תמר הרימה את הילד אל זרועותיה ויחד עם ארי, הם פנו לחפש את ההורים הדואגים.En: Tamar lifted the child into her arms, and together with Ari, they set out to find the worried parents.He: כאשר הם חזרו וביחד איחדו מחדש את המשפחה, ארי חש הקלה וסיפוק נובע מהעובדה שהסיפור נגמר בכי טוב.En: When they returned and reunited the family, Ari felt relief and satisfaction from the fact that the story ended well.He: "כמה טוב לעזור," הגה ארי בעדינות כלפי תמר, שהנהנה בחיוך חמים.En: "How good it is to help," muttered Ari gently towards Tamar, who nodded with a warm smile.He: הוא אולי פספס בתחנת הזמן מתושבה שלו, אך הניסיון הפך אותו לאדם קשוב ואסיר תודה לעבודתה המסורה של תמר ושל אחרים כמוה.En: He may have missed his transit, but the experience made him a more attentive person, grateful for the dedicated work of Tamar and others like her. Vocabulary Words:streamed: נכנסהilluminating: מאירהanticipation: ציפייהclaim: החזרהamiss: לא בסדרcarousel: מסועunclaimed: לא פתורהabandoned: נטושהterminal: טרמינלsuspiciously: בחשדhesitance: הססנותgaze: מבטflickering: עוברcurious: מסקרנותdetermined: נחושhesitating: מהססdangerous: מסוכןultimately: בסופו של דברsupport: תמיכהseparated: מנותקreunited: איחדו מחדשrelief: הקלהsatisfaction: סיפוקattentive: קשובgrateful: אסיר תודהdedicated: המסורהtransit: תחנת הזמןtiles: אריחיםmoist: לחותhalf-smile: חיוך חציBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Stranded at Ben Gurion: A Hanukkah in the Terminal Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2024-12-24-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: בחורף הקר, כאשר שלג עוטף את העולם בחוץ, נמל התעופה בן גוריון היה מלא באנשים ממהרים ומוטרדים.En: In the cold winter, when snow envelops the world outside, Ben Gurion Airport was filled with people hurrying and distressed.He: כולם מביטים בלוחות הזמנים המתארכים, בעוד סופת חורף עזה מרחפת בשמים ומאיימת על הטיסות.En: Everyone was looking at the lengthening schedules, as a fierce winter storm hovered in the skies, threatening the flights.He: בין כל אלה היה אריאל, איש מקצוע מסור, שמיהר לחזור הביתה לערב חג החנוכה.En: Among them was Ariel, a dedicated professional, rushing to get home for the Hanukkah evening celebration.He: אריאל פוסע בנמל, מרגיש את כובד האשמה על כך שהוא עלול לפספס את ערב החג עם משפחתו.En: Ariel walked through the airport, feeling the weight of guilt that he might miss the holiday evening with his family.He: הוא חשב על אלטרנטיבות - אולי רכבת?En: He contemplated alternatives - maybe a train?He: אולי אפילו נסיעה ברכב שכור?En: Maybe even a rental car journey?He: הזמן הולך ואוזל, והוא לא רוצה לאכזב את אלה הקרובים לו.En: Time was running out, and he didn't want to disappoint those close to him.He: ליד בו, צעדה רבקה.En: Beside him walked Rivka.He: היא הייתה אוהבת הרפתקאות, וממהרת לתפוס טיסה נוספת כדי להצטרף לחגיגה עם חבריה בחו"ל.En: She was an adventure lover, hurrying to catch another flight to join the celebration with her friends abroad.He: אך הנה, גם היא תקועה בנמל התעופה.En: Yet here she was, also stuck at the airport.He: בינתיים, חופשה החנוכה ממלאת את האוויר בהרבה אנרגיה חיובית.En: Meanwhile, the Hanukkah holiday filled the air with a lot of positive energy.He: רבקה גילתה שיש אזורים תרבותיים מיוחדים בנמל.En: Rivka discovered there were special cultural areas in the airport.He: היא החליטה לנצל את ההזדמנות ולחקור אותם, להאיר את מסלולם של כל האנשים סביב כשהיא חולקת חיוכים ומשתפת חוויות קטנות.En: She decided to seize the opportunity and explore them, illuminating the paths of all the people around her as she shared smiles and small experiences.He: בערב של אותו יום, אריאל ורבקה נפגשו במקרה.En: That evening, Ariel and Rivka met by chance.He: בין הצחוק והשיחה, רבקה הציעה לאריאל להתמקד ברגע ולהצטרף אליה להדליק נרות חנוכה כאן ועכשיו.En: Amid the laughter and conversation, Rivka suggested to Ariel to focus on the moment and join her in lighting the Hanukkah candles here and now.He: גם בשדה תעופה אפשר לחוש את הרוח החגיגית.En: Even in an airport, one can feel the festive spirit.He: יחד הם מצאו פינה שקטה, והאירו את הנרות באורם.En: Together they found a quiet corner and lit the candles with their glow.He: עם שוך הסערה, כמה שעות לאחר מכן, הוכרז שכל הטיסות יתחדשו, כולל הטיסה של אריאל.En: With the storm subsiding, a few hours later, it was announced that all flights would resume, including Ariel's flight.He: הוא הרגיש סוג של הקלה ושמחה, לא רק על האפשרות להגיע הביתה, אלא גם על הלב המלא מהמסע הבלתי צפוי והחבר החדש שרכש.En: He felt a sense of relief and joy, not only for the possibility of getting home but also for the heart full from the unexpected journey and the new friend he made.He: רבקה, מצידה, לא התחרטה כלל על שהייתה צריכה לשהות במקום קצת יותר.En: Rivka, for her part, did not regret having to stay a bit longer.He: החג הזה, הם למדו שיותר חשוב להיות נוכחים ולמצוא שמחה ברגעים הקטנים.En: This holiday, they learned that it is more important to be present and find joy in the small moments.He: סופו של יום, גם החוויות הבלתי צפויות ביותר, יכולות להיות המתנה הטובה ביותר.En: At the end of the day, even the most unexpected experiences can be the best gift. Vocabulary Words:envelops: עוטףfierce: עזהstorm: סופהhovered: מרחפתthreatening: מאיימתcontemplated: חשבalternatives: אלטרנטיבותrental: שכורdisappoint: לאכזבadventure: הרפתקאותabroad: חו"לilluminating: להאירpaths: מסלולםunexpected: בלתי צפויjoy: שמחהpositive: חיוביתexperiences: חוויותopportunity: הזדמנותfestive: חגיגיתrelief: הקלהsubside: שוךresume: יתחדשוregret: לא התחרטהpresent: נוכחיםcelebration: חגיגהguilt: אשמהjourney: מסעgathering: התקהלותcultural: תרבותייםglow: אורםBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Purchase products from Israel's Heartland: https://blessedbuyisrael.com/ Come to Israel on the Heartland Experience Tour: https://serveisrael.com/volunteer/heartland-experience/   With rockets continuing to rain into Israel's north, and even the Ben Gurion Airport being shut down for a few hours this week due to incoming missiles, one might think that Israel is no closer to winning this war with Hezbollah than they were several months ago. However, there are several key factors that play into the situation, which, if we pay attention to, might give us an indicator of how close Israel is to victory. Hint: my personal projection is that Israel is closer to victory than you might think. Let's get into all the details and an update on the war in Israel on today's episode.   Follow us on Telegram: https://t.me/theisraelguys Follow Us On Twitter: https://twitter.com/theisraelguys Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theisraelguys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theisraelguys   Purchase TIG Merch: Heartland Tumbler: https://theisraelguys.store/products/heartland-tumbler “Israel” Leather Patch Hat: https://theisraelguys.store/products/israel-1948-cap   Source Links: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/factbox-litani-river-at-the-heart-of-conflict-between-israel-hezbollah/3339901# https://jewishbreakingnews.com/report-israel-prepared-to-offer-hezbollah-ceasefire-as-gift-to-trump/ https://www.jns.org/idf-officer-kia-in-lebanon-bringing-military-death-toll-to-794/  https://www.israelnationalnews.com/tags/50034

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in ToI's Jerusalem office for today's episode. Yesterday, prosecutors announced that seven Israeli citizens were arrested last month on suspicion of spying for Iran for as long as two years, carrying out hundreds of tasks at the behest of the Islamic Republic. This morning, another Iranian espionage case was announced in which seven East Jerusalem residents have been arrested on suspicion of planning attacks in Israel, including the assassination of an Israeli nuclear scientist and a mayor in central Israel. Horovitz discusses these incidents and other similar Iranian efforts. The IDFs on Monday declassified intelligence on the Hezbollah terror group's finance hub, including a bunker hidden underneath a hospital in south Beirut that it said contains hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold. We observe the way this cynical use of a hospital played out in international media. The Israel Aviation Authority briefly halted and then resumed takeoffs at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport yesterday around the time in which the IDF said that helicopters and fighter jets intercepted and shot down five drones over the Mediterranean Sea, before they entered Israeli airspace. Horovitz speaks about Israel's increased isolation during this time of war. Almost a week after the elimination of Hamas head Yahya Sinwar, Horovitz weighs in on leaders' predictions that this is a turning point in the war. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Seven Jewish Israelis arrested for spying for Iran on security figures, IDF bases Air Force pounds Hezbollah's Beirut stronghold after civilians told to evacuate area IDF: Hezbollah hiding $500 million in gold, cash in bunker under Beirut hospital Ben Gurion briefly halts takeoffs as drones downed over sea; rocket lands near Tel Aviv British Airways suspends all Israel flights until March 2025 amid escalation fears Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. Illustrative image: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei listens to a speaker in a meeting in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's military has struck central Beirut for the first time since the conflict began nearly a year ago. It has also struck Yemen, targeting the Houthi rebel strongholds of Hodeidah and Ras Issa, in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. According to the IDF, some 210 rockets and some 20 drones were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel in Hezbollah's attack this morning. Some of the projectiles were intercepted, while others struck Israel, causing damage and injuries. But also according to the IDF, potentially thousands of launchers were preemptively struck. Fabian gives us a timeline of events. US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began his trip in Jordan and said he will also travel to Egypt and Israel in the coming days to hear the perspectives of military leaders. What does his presence in the region signal? Five soldiers were killed during fighting against the Hamas terror group in the central Gaza Strip over the weekend. We hear about the deadly incidents and also learn about a lengthy tunnel attributed to Palestinian Islamic Jihad that was recently uncovered. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF hits Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon to thwart major attack on central, north Israel IDF bracing for ‘significant week,' as Hezbollah strike expected within days Top US general makes surprise trip to Middle East as threatened Iranian attack looms Travel chaos as Ben Gurion Airport briefly shut, foreign airlines nix flights IDF says soldier killed in Gaza yesterday, raising toll of op to 339 3 reservists killed in central Gaza fighting, bringing IDF's weekend toll to 4 IDF reservist killed, others wounded by explosive device in Gaza City Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: In this combination of pictures created on August 25, 2024, photos taken from a position in northern Israel show Hezbollah UAVs being intercepted by the Israeli air force over northern Israel on August 25, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Jew and Gentile Podcast.   Text the Jew and Gentile your comments, questions, concerns (OY!), and news at: 424-444-1948   MUG-ON-A-MUG With your gift of $10 or more to FOI Equip, you to can have your very own Mug-on-a-Mug. Your generous donation helps to expand the important work of teaching the Bible from a Jewish perspective while raising up new FOI volunteers and representatives serving Jewish communities all around the world. Visit gofoi.org/mug to make your gift today and receive your own Jew and Gentile Podcast Mug-on-a-Mug.   Oy, look at Steve's punim! FROM THE SCRIPTURES The Common Thread: Future Israel https://www.foi.org/the-common-thread/   Your Free Will Whether you're 18 or 108, everyone should have a will in place. People use wills to choose who gets their property, name guardians for minor children, provide a plan for pets, and more.   Through a will, many people also choose to leave a part of their estate to The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and make an impact on the causes they love, for years to come.:  foi.org/yourfreewill   Ezekiel Muffin Recipe https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hMxU2nRZPTpOSRx9X5g6ZkKJMZXSYY0v/view?usp=sharing   FOI Equip Classes: In the Life of a Torah Scribe RABBI SHMUEL BOWMAN SEPTEMBER 5   Have you ever wondered if Jewish scribes are a relic of the past? Discover the vibrant and essential role they still play today! Join Rabbi Shmuel Bowman as he shares his journey and calling as a Jewish scribe. In this class, you'll delve into his daily routines, the meticulous methods he employs, and the profound significance of his work in preserving the Torah. Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain insight into a living tradition!   Register: foiequip.org FOI Resources  Get a free one-year trial subscription to Israel My Glory https://israelmyglory.org/subscribe/ Get Involved with Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry https://www.foi.org/outreach   Chris Katulka's book: Israel Always foi.org/israelalways   Steve Herzig's book: Jewish Culture & Customs foi.org/jcc From the news surrounding Israel and the Jewish People:   Anticipating attacks, Israeli hospitals go underground https://www.israel21c.org/anticipating-attacks-israeli-hospitals-go-underground/   New study links early childhood tablet use to anger outbursts https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/12/health/children-screens-tablets-social-media-wellness/index.html   Iran attack on Israel could see Ben-Gurion Airport moved to Eilat - analysis https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-814479?utm_source=jpost.app.apple&utm_medium=share Yiddish Word(s) of the Day Torah - Law!

Foreign airlines have continued to cancel flights to Israel. Low-cost carrier easyJet announced Tuesday it was extending the suspension of flights to and from Israel until March. However, Israeli airlines are adding additional flights, including from Athens and Larnaca, bringing home Israelis who were stuck there.   Delta Airlines announced it was extending its suspension of flights to Ben Gurion Airport through August 31.     American United Airlines also stopped its flights to Israel and has not yet announced when it will renew its flights to Ben Gurion Airport. El Al is now the only company currently operating direct flights between Israel and the United States.    Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis are stranded overseas as some foreign airlines, including the Lufthansa Group, cancelled flights. KAN's Mark Weiss asked Mark Feldman , CEO of Ziontours, how bad the situation is. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Police arrest protesters occupying Columbia University building. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel. He is pushing for a cease-fire and increasing aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier on Tuesday vowed to go ahead with a military operation in Rafah despite international concern over the fate of more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering there. Authorities across South and Southeast Asia are warning people of health risks as a life-threatening heat wave bears down across the region. A Polish soccer fan completed a 100-kilometre walk on Sunday to meet the goalkeeper of Radomiak Radom, honoring a pledge he made on social media.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 159 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning two people are wounded in a stabbing attack at the “tunnels” checkpoint near Gush Etzion on the West Bank's Route 60 highway, south of Jerusalem. Fabian gives updates. Israelis awoke to optimistic media chatter about the status of hostage release negotiations. Berman fills us in. Earlier in the week, the IDF struck central Gaza strike, targeting Hamas #3 Marwan Issa. We hear about the ongoing uncertainty whether the strike was successful. A ship taking almost 200 tons of food to the Gaza Strip left Cyprus early on Tuesday, according to the World Central Kitchen, in a pilot project to open a new sea route for aid to Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Also yesterday, the United Nations used a new land route to deliver food directly into northern Gaza from an IDF crossing near Kibbutz Be'eri for the first time. And again, on Tuesday, Morocco sent 40 tons of humanitarian supplies for Gaza via Ben Gurion Airport, in another bid to diversify aid routes into Gaza. We discuss the different routes and the IDF's role in securing them, as well as the diplomatic impact the need for aid to the Palestinians is having on Israel's "friendly" neighbors. We also hear about the status of UNRWA funding and which organizations Israel is willing to work with. Finally, Fabian gives us an update on the sharp uptick in the conflict in the north. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 13, 2024 Two lightly injured in stabbing at West Bank checkpoint, assailant shot dead Jammed hostage talks advancing as Hamas softens under Qatari pressure — diplomat IDF airs footage of strike on Hamas's No. 3, but says still unclear if he was killed UN and Morocco deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via land routes through Israel As first ship sails, Israel to inspect all aid from Cyprus; aid groups will distribute IDF strikes Hezbollah sites deep in Lebanon; 100 rockets fired at north THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Palestinians line up for a meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on March 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Today's Destination is: Tel Aviv, Israel Today's Misstep- Missing a smooth transfer from one transportation mode to another Travel Advice: Carry a pen   FAQ: One of our Facebook group members asked for locations where she could live for 3-9 months in 2025. She wants tips on renting her condo, renting abroad past the AirBNB. She says she is open to anywhere, walkability, airport nearby, public transportation, and pools for swimming are her priorities. Can I help her?   Yes. Those are some great questions. First, where could you live? Next, rent the condo and then rent something for yourself abroad.   Living-Pick the area you like based on your tastes. I'd select Southeast Asia now because it is reasonably priced and relatively safe, and many English-speaking people live there.    Renting your condo- Finding the right person could be a lot of work. So ask your friends first. Who needs space for up to a year? Work out an arrangement to be away for that period and make a contract, even if it's a friend. Tell as many people in advance as possible so they can spread the word.   Renting abroad- ideally, you could do a house swap. However, that may be difficult. You could also be a pet sitter or house sitter. Line up yourself for one of these options now if you can. You may look into sabbaticalhomes.com   https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com/pricing Today's destination: Israel (split into three parts, Jerusalem, Dead Sea/ Masada, and Tel Aviv. This is part 3 of three.   You will likely arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, which is very modern. It's easy to get around Tel Aviv by train, tram, or bus. I stayed in Jerusalem for my first 5 days in Israel and explored the coastal regions.   https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/     https://israelscaventures.com/2020/08/13/   The next day I went to Cesearia, on the water, a national park.   https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/caesarea-national-park/   https://www.padi.com/dive-center/israel/old-caesarea-diving-center/ https://shalomisraeltours.com/diving-caesarea-dive-youve/   Another outing in Tel Aviv was a peaceful protest in Pardes Hana that I attended with kids and dogs in front of the town's municipal building. Today's Misstep- Missing a smooth transfer from one transportation mode to another   https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jun/08/tel-avivs-central-bus-station-theres-a-society-inside-the-building Today's Travel Advice- Carry a pen   Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube In the news  

RR The Wire 2330Z October 17, 2023 PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE RRDTG: 233017Z OCT 23ICOD: 230017Z OCT 23CONTROLS: Public ReleaseQQQQBLUF: TENSIONS FLARE IN GAZA AFTER STRIKE ON HOSPITAL. UNREST SPREADS THROUGHOUT MIDDLE EAST.-----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: Developing information indicates the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza was struck with a large munition. The hospital had failed to be evacuated, and was filled to capacity with wounded from earlier strikes. Initial reports indicate the casualty count may be in the hundreds. Who conducted the strike is uncertain ATT. Palestinian authorities claim it was an Israeli airstrike, and Israel claims it was a failed HAMAS missile strike that missed its target.Immediately following the strike, demonstrations erupted throughout the Arab world. Many Arab nations have declared tomorrow to be a day of mourning for the victims of the strike. Extremely tense demonstrations are being reported throughout most of the Middle East. In Jordan, a riot broke out at the Israeli Embassy as demonstrators breached the compound and set it on fire. Clashes were also reported at the Israeli Embassy in Turkey. Kuwait has ordered its citizens to leave Lebanon. Israel orders citizens to leave Turkey, and citizens in Morocco to be on alert for attacks.Russia and UAE have requested an emergency meeting of the UNSC tomorrow morning.President Biden plans visit to the conflict zone as other European heads of state also head to the region.-HomeFront-USA: Biden reportedly plans to ask Congress for a $100 billion aid package for Ukraine. -Analyst Comments-Regardless of the culprit of the Gaza Hospital Strike, this incident has been yet another spark threatening to expand the Gaza conflagration into a substantial region-wide conflict. Many nation-states are recalling their citizens from adversarial nations as battle lines solidify. Extremely kinetic riots have broken out all over the Middle East, causing mass confusion.As foreign leaders pour into Israel for diplomatic talks, politicians who seek to travel to Israel for a simple photo op may find themselves in a truly kinetic situation that a small security team cannot handle. German Chancelor Scholz was involved in a combat engagement earlier today, as his plane came under fire at Ben Gurion Airport, causing him and his security detail to seek shelter from a rocket attack on the bare tarmac. Various other politicians have had similar close-calls since the start of this conflict.Tensions will remain high as world leaders attempt to solve the question of Palestinian refugees. Jordanian King Abdullah II has issued his “red line” that no Palestinians will be accepted into Jordan or Egypt.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst: S2AEND REPORTNNNN

This week on Unorthodox, we're sharing stories from Israel. We'll hear firsthand from those who have faced unspeakable tragedy, and acted with incredible bravery since the terror attack on Oct. 7. You'll hear from someone who escaped the NOVA music festival, friends donating supplies in Tel Aviv, and a report from the missing persons center near Ben Gurion Airport, where Israelis are coming in droves to look for information about their loved ones.  This episode features a rendition of “Avinu Malkeinu” performed by Regina Spektor, and “Eli, Eli” sung by from Jenny Penkin and J.Lamotta. Listen to the Testimonies Archive for more eyewitness audio accounts from the Hamas massacre in Israel, and read Tablet's coverage of the war here. Reach us at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave a voicemail at our listener line: (914) 570-4869.  Check out our Unorthodox tees, mugs, and hoodies at tabletstudios.com.  Find out about our upcoming events at tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. To book us for a live show or event, email Tanya Singer at tsinger@tabletmag.com. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram.  Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Today's Headlines: As the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies into its 5th day, President Biden delivered a strong condemnation of Hamas's actions, highlighting American casualties and hostages, while concerns surrounding intelligence failures and potential Iranian involvement in the attack came to the forefront. Concurrently, cyberattacks played a role in the conflict, targeting key institutions, including the Jerusalem Post, Ben Gurion Airport, and the RedAlert app. The Supreme Court's decision to maintain media defamation protections, as established in the New York Times vs. Sullivan case, underscored the legal landscape surrounding public figures and defamation claims. North Carolina passed sweeping electoral reforms, altering election board composition, redistricting, voter ID requirements, and early voting procedures, which raised concerns about their impact on accessibility and representation. Meanwhile, Representative George Santos faced a superseding indictment with 10 new felony charges, including identity theft, wire fraud, and making false statements. In a landmark move, California became the first state to outlaw four food and drink additives—red dye 3, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben—linked to various diseases, a decision aligned with similar bans in numerous countries worldwide. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Biden: 14 Americans killed in Israel, others held hostage by Hamas in Gaza NY Times: Iran's Supreme Leader Issues Tehran's Latest Denial of Involvement in Israel Attacks Axios: Hackers make their mark in Israel-Hamas conflict  Reuters: US Supreme Court turns away challenge to media defamation protections WA Post: North Carolina Republicans override governor's veto on key election law NY Times: Santos Faces New Charges Accusing Him of Lies and Credit Card Fraud  NPR: California becomes the first state to ban 4 food additives linked to disease Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig-Gur and Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren join host Anne Gordon for today's podcast. The holiday of Sukkot is often heralded as a time to celebrate all of the nations of the world -- Israel has parades and performances to that effect. It therefore seems fitting to discuss an important element of Israel's foreign affairs -- specifically, the possible defense pact between Israel and the United States. Both Israelis and Americans have mixed feelings about the potential treaty, and US involvement may now be complicated further, in light of US Rep. Keven McCarthy's departure from his position as speaker of the House of Representatives. Goren and Rettig Gur unpack what it all means. And a new development on the home front too -- Israel's political party, Yesh Atid, which is the party of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, will be holding primary elections -- and Lapid is being challenged for the leadership, at least officially. Goren and Rettig Gur consider why this shift in approach. Discussed articles include: Gallant to meet US counterpart in Washington, after Netanyahu's sit-down with Biden ‘Basic framework' in place for Israel-Saudi normalization, US says In first, Yesh Atid to hold leadership election; MK Ram Ben Barak to challenge Lapid Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.   IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant greets US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at Ben Gurion Airport, March 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joint host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set off last night for about a week in the US. We talk about what he hopes to accomplish, how was he greeted at Ben-Gurion Airport and his flammable response to protesters. Rioting continued along the Gaza border on Friday and Sunday and yesterday morning, a Palestinian was reportedly stabbed and wounded as groups of settler and Arab youths clashed in the West Bank city of Hebron overnight. Fabian updates on clashes with Palestinians over the long weekend. On Friday, the High Court of Justice pushed off a planned hearing on petitions against Justice Minister Yariv Levin's refusal to convene the Judicial Selections Committee by a month. Horovitz weighs in on the new timing of the hearing and gives background. On early Friday, an explosive device that was planted near a tree in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park went off. What do we know about who was behind this as well as the unrelated arson of the famous statue of prime minister David Ben-Gurion on early Saturday morning? Discussed articles include: TOI Webinar: No vote, no voice? Diaspora Jews' influence on Israel's judicial overhaul crisis Outcry after Netanyahu says anti-overhaul protesters joining forces with Iran, PLO Leaving for US, PM says protesters joining forces with PLO and Iran, defaming Israel Israel temporarily shutters Gaza pedestrian crossing following border rioting Palestinian said stabbed in brawl with settlers in Hebron High Court pushes off Tuesday hearing on Levin's refusal to convene judicial panel 2 suspects detained on central Israel highway after blast in Tel Aviv park Iconic Ben-Gurion headstand statue on Tel Aviv beach badly burned in attack Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Anti-judicial overhaul demonstrators protest against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul and against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, September 17, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, joins us to discuss how she's settled into her new role and shares insights on the development of the new U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, for which AJC has long advocated. Lipstadt, a renowned Holocaust historian and one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People of 2023, also delves into the ways in which the Abraham Accords have contributed to the fight against antisemitism in the Middle East. Additionally, she provides an insider's look into the challenges and progress associated with addressing antisemitism and how the National Strategy factors in.  *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  Episode Lineup:  (0:40) Deborah Lipstadt Show Notes: Go Deeper:  Test your knowledge of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism  Read: Everything You Need To Know About The U.S. National Strategy To Counter Antisemitism And AJC's Task Force Honoring International Antisemitism Envoys AJC David Harris Award Listen: People of the Pod: Hear from America's New Antisemitism Envoy Deborah Lipstadt Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us. __ Transcript of Interview with Deborah Lipstadt: Manya Brachear Pashman:   Deborah Lipstadt, US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism is a renowned Holocaust historian, recognized earlier this year as one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People of 2023. She has written eight books, and four years ago, advised the United Nations on its unprecedented report on global antisemitism. In fact, she joined us on this podcast shortly after the report's release. Since then, she has joined the US State Department in a role that for the first time carries the rank of Ambassador. She joins us again this time in our popup Tel Aviv studio. Ambassador, welcome to People of the Pod. Deborah Lipstadt: Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman:   America's National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism was adopted in May. Your job primarily deals with US Foreign policy to combat antisemitism. But how does this new domestic strategy affect your work? Deborah Lipstadt: Well, it affects our work and that certainly I was consulted and worked closely with the White House in the shaping of it, my team played a part in helping to shape it people to reach out to and things like that. And there are over 24 agencies involved including the State Department, we're now looking at all the other national strategies to see best practices, what America could possibly adopt. And of course, informally, I'm the administration's most knowledgeable person on antisemitism. So they turned to me quite often for advice, for ideas, etc. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Okay. All right. Well, so as I said, your role is more international. Do you need a domestic counterpart? Does the United States need a domestic antisemitism czar? Deborah Lipstadt: I'm not sure. It's a lot on–the strategy is really run out of the Domestic Policy Council, which until about a week ago, was headed by Ambassador Susan Rice, who was greatly responsible for seeing this thing come to fruition. And we'll see how it works. It's up to them to decide how they want to do it. But I think it's also good that each agency from the usual suspects, as I like to say, homeland security, education, FBI, law enforcement, are involved, but so are so many others. Small Business Administration, Veterans Affairs, Smithsonian, all looking at ways to counter antisemitism, make sure there aren't barriers that are there, whether because of antisemitism or just ignorance. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And second gentleman Doug Emhoff has been certainly-- Deborah Lipstadt: Even before I was sworn in, after I was confirmed, I was in Washington and he asked me if I would come in and visit with him. We had a wonderful visit. We're in touch all the time. And he really feels this very deeply. And I give him great credit because he could easily have said, Look, I'm the first Jew in this position. First second gentleman. We put up a mezuzah for the residence. We have a Hanukkah party. We have a Seder. We do other things. Don't ask me to take the lead on this. But he's taken the lead. He's traveled all over, he traveled with me to Poland and Germany, where I coordinated a meeting for him with other special envoys, just to give him a sense of what other countries were doing.  And I think when he and his staff and other people in the White House who were with us saw that, it sort of energized them to say, my God, other countries have taken this really seriously. They're way ahead of us. We have to do something serious as well. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You know, with that in mind, I mean, if you think about it, your predecessors in this position have kind of made it their business to monitor, sound the alarm about antisemitism in Europe, elsewhere around the world. AJC helped convene that group of envoys at the White House. And so in many ways, the table's turned a little bit in terms of, you know, instead of the United States monitoring and sounding the alarm, these envoys came and advised the United States. Has this kind of mutual mission actually improved the relationship with some of these countries?  Deborah Lipstadt: It's improved the relationship tremendously. We really work as a team, not as a team–each one has its own you know, position, certain things one can get involved in certain things. You know, I lurk and watch what's going on, but I'm not involved in it. But one of the first things I did in fact, it was the same day as last year's AJC Global Forum, which was in New York, I think, at Temple Emanuel. And I was on the stage with Katrina von Schnurbein, the amazing EU envoy on Countering Antisemitism and Enhancing Jewish Life. And then she and I left the meeting with Mr. Lottenberg, Fernando Lottenberg, who's the OAS Special Envoy, and we met with a group of us of special envoys met to talk about how we could work together.  And so we've been meeting and convening. Katrina convened something that the EU others have convened, and then we meet, you know, sometimes we'll meet through the auspices, let's say, we'll be meeting here because many have come for AJC. But it is a government to government when we meet, it's not, convened by someone else. But it's people who speak for their governments coming together, which is quite amazing.  I've had great predecessors in this job. They're all terrific. And were strong supporters of me taking the position, very excited about it from both sides of the aisle. And I'm very grateful for that. But there are differences. First of all, Congress elevated the position to an ambassador before I was in the picture.  So it wasn't for me. And that carries weight in the world of protocol. That means you speak for the President. I see what weight it carries. In fact, I was just in conversation with a Republican senator, around the time of the rollout, because I was briefing him about the national strategy.  And he had been one of those who had pushed for the elevation of it to be an ambassador. And I said, you know, when I first heard you were doing this, I said, Oh, doesn't really matter. I said, I was wrong, you were right. It really enhances the importance, and it shows how America takes this seriously. But my predecessors, certainly amongst the earlier ones, we were the first country to have a position like this. So when something happened in France, and Belgium and Germany, whatever, they would go, and they would say to the government, you know, we take this very seriously, and we think you should take it seriously. Or if they were taking it seriously, we take this very seriously, and what can we do to help you take it seriously, and say, you have a problem, we've got to address it. And now first of all, I go and I said, we have a problem, because we have acknowledged that exists in our country. And sometimes I don't have to go racing as they might have had to, because there's someone else there. There's a local person, there's a national person there, too. So the fight has become much more coordinated, enhanced, and really raised to a government level in a way that it hadn't been previously. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are there particular lessons that you can recall from any of your predecessors? Any of the envoys that you've taken to heart and realized. Deborah Lipstadt: I spoke to virtually all of them before I took the position. And they each had different advice, and I won't say one or the other, etc. But one the reasons–and I've only been in the job a year, but – building alliances in the State Department. And I'm worried a little bit not because of anything anybody tells me, just natural inclination to worry to be a pessimist so that we can be happily surprised when good things happen or the bad stuff doesn't happen.  But, would I find compatriots in the State Department, would people see me as you know, an add-on, a niche? Would I be operating off by myself? And that hasn't happened. And it's really been quite amazing. Partially thanks to the advice I've gotten, partially, I think, my own interpersonal connections, but I have built really strong alliances. And I'm not saying I have personally, but people in other offices with other portfolios, see this not as a niche issue. But as a central element of American foreign policy. Manya Brachear Pashman:   We hear a lot of statistics of incidents of hate crimes each month each year. And I'm curious if that's what matters most. In other words, does the perception of a community also matter whether it's a Jewish community or any other minority community, if that community perceives a rise in hatred against it? Is that enough to amplify our response? Deborah Lipstadt: The perception of a community is important, perception of an individual. Sometimes, any community, any individual can see things more dire than they are. But I think if anything, the Jewish community has become more aware of certain incidents and more aware of certain things. Give you an example, New York. I think there were a lot of Jews in New York who didn't take seriously some of the antisemitism encountered by Haredi, Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn, you know, who would walk down the street, get their hat knocked off, or get spat upon. And you could say, Okay, what's the big deal?  Well, if you're walking down the street, especially walking with your kids and your hat gets knocked off, suddenly you're looking at your father, or your mother gets a little nervous because she's in, you know, other people that she sees people come in and might be dangerous or whatever. And I think now they take that much more seriously. Have that been happening on the Upper West or East Side. We would have been quicker to respond. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Do you think that that is enough for a government, for example, to amplify a response? Deborah Lipstadt: Well, certainly a local government, this was happening in New York, but as it became more national, and there's something else in the strategy addresses this. That government can't really deal with, but it can call out. And that's the normalization of antisemitism. And the strategy speaks very directly in the beginning, when it's something I'm paraphrasing, when politicians, when actors, when rap stars, when sports figures engage in anti semitism and amplifies it in a way that it hasn't been before. Government can't stop them. We have that pesky thing called the First Amendment and we all treasure it.  Even though sometimes it can make us gnash our teeth, the good comes with the bad, or the bad comes with the good. But the normalization, so with the strategy. And when the strategy was rolled out, I spoke from the podium of the White House, one of the things I said: government can do a lot.  Congress is already doing a lot and is willing to do more. But it calls for an all hands on deck and it has to be a public, the broader society has to be involved in this fight, not just because of protecting fellow American Jews, fellow citizens, but because as I think as listeners to People of the Pod know well, antsemitism is a threat to democracy. I've been talking about it now someone even said to me, the cliche, and I realized that I had been the one to really popularize it, as the canary in the coal mine of democracy. But it's a warning, it's a warning. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You began your tenure with a tour of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, right? Deborah Lipstadt: And Dubai. The first stop was Riyadh. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Oh, right. Okay. And in fact, you were just in Abu Dhabi again just a few days ago. Deborah Lipstadt: I was for a second time, right. And where I encountered an AJC's delegation. But AJC has been present in Abu Dhabi in the Emirates for a very long time. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I want to talk a bit about those visits and the Abraham Accords, which is another circumstance that has changed. I mean, your immediate predecessor got to benefit a little bit from the Abraham Accords. But I'm curious if those Accords are removing barriers, helping foster relationships. And you know, that will only continue to improve the relationship between Israel and Muslim majority countries but also, their receptiveness to your message for combating antisemitism.  Deborah Lipstadt: The Abraham Accords are of prime importance. And they've been wholly embraced by the State Department, this administration, and not only embrace, but I've been encouraged to build on them, in part because we see them as a good thing in terms of fostering relations in the region between Israel and these other Muslim majority countries, but also because we see them as enhancing the Middle East enhancing the economy. I mean, it's a great thing when we all go into Ben Gurion Airport and we look up and there's the flight to Atlanta and right in front of it's a flight to Abu Dhabi, you know, or the flight to Detroit, Dubai , you know, it's some people say it's Mashiach, it's the time of the Messiah in that sense.  The Abraham house in Abu Dhabi, which is a mosque, a church and synagogue is magnificent, of course, that's not part of the Abraham accords. So that wasn't, that was generated in 2018, with a visit of Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi, who said, Let us build the church and a mosque, and it was the leadership of the Emirates that said, let's build a synagogue, to make it a complex of the Abraham House, of the Abrahamic faith. So and then of course, Morocco, which refers to its normalization because it's been doing this for quite a while, Morocco that expects 400,000 Israeli tourists this year. I think last year it had 225,000. And then it's just you know, everywhere. And all those things are good things. And then there are countries which are not yet and I've used not yet euphemistically, part of these things, but see them as working and see them as operating. And I think they're very important. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And do you do feel that they are perhaps more receptive to your message and to listening to what you have to say?  Deborah Lipstadt: Yes, of course, I mean, I think even you know, when I went to Riyadh, to Saudi Arabia, I had meetings with high ranking officials, now you can show up and you can meet with the Minister of, I don't know, keeping the paint dry or something like that. Or you can meet with higher level ministers and I met with high level ministers, very productive meetings. And one of my messages was, look, there is a geopolitical crisis in this region, we're well aware that, my country is well aware of it. I work for a government that has hundreds of people actively engaged in addressing this issue.  But that's something in many respects separate and apart from prejudice, and from hatred. And the example, I had this interesting encounter in either Riyadh and Jeddah with an older imam who knew what was meeting with me and he knew what my, what my status was on my remit, was my portfolio was and he said, If Israel solved the Palestinian crisis, there'd be no antisemitism.  So there was a part of me that thought, I think there was antisemitism before there was a Palestinian crisis, I think there was antisemitism, for those in Israel, I think there was antisemitism, Zionism, you need to go back and back and back. But I didn't think that was going to get me anywhere, you know, putting it on my professorial hat, my mortar board as we do at graduation and lecturing him on that. So instead, I said to him, after 9/11, in my country, there was a surge, not of Islamophobia, but Islamic hatred. And as you will remember, I'm sure, there was an attempt at one point to build a Muslim community center, opposite Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center had been.  And in fact that the group that was building it consulted with the Jewish community center of Manhattan, you know, how, what's your experience? What room? Did you build enough? Should we have a gym, swimming pool, you know, et cetera, et cetera. And whatever body whether it was the city council or whatever in New York. New York, the polyglot capital of the United States, refused permission, because they said to build the Muslim community center, adjacent to Ground Zero, when it was Muslims that had destroyed the buildings and murdered the people there, would be an insult. And many of us thought that was wrong. That was prejudice. And I said, why should Muslims in lower Manhattan, a woman who wants a good place for her children to learn about their tradition, or to have an Iftar or whatever it might be a man to go to pray or whatever?  Why should they be denied that right, because other Muslims had destroyed and attacked the buildings? And the man said to me, you're absolutely right. It was prejudice. I said, well, to say that antisemitism is solely dependent on what Israel does or doesn't is the same thing. And he got very quiet. I don't think I changed his mind. But he stopped arguing.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Do you see any progress toward people understanding it more as a territorial conflict? Deborah Lipstadt: I think so. I hope so. I think it's a continuing, it's not like you get to a point and then well, we're at this point. Now we get to the next point, you know, like I used to lift 20 pounds, I can lose 30 pounds, you know, it goes back and forth. It goes back and forth, depending on the situation. It's a volatile process. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Do you think that getting them to understand it as a territorial conflict would actually fulfill part of your role in terms of combating antisemitism? Deborah Lipstadt: Yes, absolutely. But I think it's also necessary not to do things that are going to aggravate or not to do things that are going to make it harder for some of these countries to follow through with the Abraham Accords, so it cuts both ways. Manya Brachear Pashman:   In May, you and Ambassador Hood attended the annual Lag Ba'omer Festival at the El Ghriba synagogue. Deborah Lipstadt: In Djerba, Tunisia. Manya Brachear Pashman:   The island of Djerba. Tunisia is one of dozens of Arab countries where Jews were forced out and displaced. And I'm curious if you could reflect a little on the situation of Jews in the Middle East and North African countries. Deborah Lipstadt: Tunisia is a different story than Morocco, different story than the Emirates, then Bahrain. In that it does have a very small Jewish community. I think there are 1300 Jews in Djerba, been there, hundreds, thousands you know, years. And it's much more a community in Tunis than in a number of other places. But this festival has been going on for quite a while. And it was really reasserting itself after COVID, after an attack about 20 years ago on the festival. And it was so promising. And when I heard that Ambassador Hood, our American ambassador in Tunis was going, I said, you want company, he said, I'd love it. So we went together.  We visited the school there that is funded by and supported by the Joint American Jewish joint distribution committee, the joint, the JDC, one of the little students showed them how to draw an aleph. It's was very poignant. And we had a wonderful time. And then we went to the festival that night. And it was joy. The night before the deputy minister from the government catered a kosher meal for us, a kosher feast for many of the foreign representatives who were there. And we went to the festival and it was just joyous and we just loved it. We were so happy and meeting people and seeing people and meeting old friends and etc.  And people are the American ambassadors here, which was very exciting. And we stood in a place and I noticed that our security guards were pretty tight security because of course Americans and back to two ambassadors and personnel from American Embassy in Tunis. We're getting nervous I said, it should relax. 24 hours later precisely in that same place, there was a shooting and two guards were killed. Two Jewish one French, Tunisian and once one Israeli Tunisian, were murdered. So it's very sober. Very, very sobering. And Tunisia was that in the beginning, what we say reluctant to acknowledge this as an anti semitic act they talked about as criminality, they talked about it as terrorism. So Ambassador Hood and I together, not together with, but also with president Macron, and the German Foreign Minister, all said this is antisemitism plain and simple. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And swayed them, turned? Deborah Lipstadt: Oh, well, I don't know if we swayed them, but we got them to, he met with the President and met with the chief rabbi. And they changed a little bit, but sometimes it's criminality. Sometimes someone gets mugged on the street, and doesn't matter what they are who they are. But when this guy shot, he was on guard at a naval base. He shot his fellow guard, took a car and drove half hour across the island, to the synagogue, to attack the synagogue. And he didn't say, Oh, they're a crowd of people. I mean, he knew where he was going. And he knew what he was doing. Manya Brachear Pashman:   My last question is, some listeners might not realize that there is actually a separate Special Envoy for Holocaust issues. Deborah Lipstadt: That's right, Ellen Germain. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Your colleague Ellen Germain. Given the rise of Holocaust distortion, trivialization, your candidate, the loss of survivors, how much of what you do now intersects with her work? Deborah Lipstadt: Well, we're very careful. I mean, she's really handling Holocaust reparations issues, property reparations, not that we get directly involved, but in urging countries to address these things. But there's not that much overlap. But there's a great deal of cooperation with us, you know, times traveling together, working together, the more the more. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are their priorities that you can see for implementing the National Strategy since we started talking about it. Deborah Lipstadt: I think there are so many things in there that can be done large and small. I urge people to download it. Maybe you can put the link on your website. It's downloadable. It's 60 pages, read the whole thing. thing. I have to tell you, I knew it as it was emerging. But at one point when I saw a draft of it, and they asked me to go over it, I was abroad doing it in another country. So complicated. But of course, as I began to read it without going into the specifics even have different issues. I was deeply moved.  Because I don't like to correct my boss, otherwise known as the President of the United States. But when he spoke about it at the White House, he called it the most momentous comprehensive plan the American government has ever addressed and he was wrong. It was the first comprehensive plan that the American government has ever addressed.  Of course, when there've been tragedies and presidents from both sides of the aisle, from all perspectives have condemned, have responded, America has responded. Law enforcement has responded. But this is the first time that the United States government is taking the bull by the horns and saying, What can we do to address this scourge?  And as I said, from the podium of the White House when it was rolled out, probably making history because it's the first time a mishna was quoted from the White House or talmud was quoted from the White House. I quoted from the verse from ethics of the elders, pirkei avot – lo aleicha hamlacha ligmor, v'lo ata ben chorin livatel mimenu. You're not obligated to complete the task, but you're not free from starting, from engaging in it. The United States government has now seriously engaged in it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, thank you so much, Ambassador. Deborah Lipstadt: Thank you. 

Buy products from Judea & Samaria: https://blessedbuyisrael.com Israel just passed the first reading of the Reasonableness Standard Bill in the Knesset, advancing the first stages of judicial reform. In response, the Biden administration called on Israel to “respect the right of peaceful assembly” after saying they are trying to keep Israel from going off the rails. Thousands of protesters also took to the streets to demonstrate. They blocked roads across Israel and demonstrated at the Ben-Gurion Airport and additional locations on Tuesday, calling it a "Day of Resistance" and “Disturbance”. In Herzliya, the protesters, or as some are calling them, anarchists, set up tents and burned tires in the middle of the HaSira junction. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of a court in Haifa and in Rehovot, around 2,500 protestors gathered at the Park junction. Additional protests were also planned throughout the day in dozens of other cities, towns, and junctions. These protesters claim they are protesting for democracy but the judicial reform is actually pushing democracy forward, so the question is, why are they protesting? Justin breaks it all down on today's show.