Military forces of Israel
POPULARITY
Today on Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're hitting a hot topic: America jumping into the Israel-Iran war. And I'm just going to say it—I don't think we should've gotten involved. I've supported Donald Trump for years, but I think he got this wrong.Israel just said they didn't need us. This was their fight. Then suddenly, we're bombing a nuclear site and opening doors that didn't need to be opened. And of course, anyone who questions it gets labeled a “panican.” But guess what? The “panicans” are starting to look more and more like prophets, because now, sleeper cells are stirring, and American churches are already under attack.We don't need to be scared, we need to be wise. The Bible calls us to test the spirits, stay watchful, and seek peace when we can. (1 John 4:1, Romans 12:18). So let's talk about it honestly. Because loving your country (and even loving your favorite president) doesn't mean checking your discernment at the door and always being a yes-man.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Top headlines for Wednesday, June 25, 2025In this episode, we dive into the international arena, where a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump has been accepted by both the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces, potentially marking a pivotal moment in regional peace efforts. Then, we shift our focus to a major development within the New Life Church community. Brady Boyd has been asked to resign after revelations surfaced that he lied about Robert Morris' abuse. 00:12 Israel accepts ceasefire, claims all objectives were achieved01:03 New Life Church asked Brady Boyd to resign01:53 Border Patrol finds drug-smuggling tunnel connecting Mexico to US02:50 Star gamer 'Ninja' says he's embracing faith, attending church03:41 Newsboys dropped by record label after Michael Tait allegations04:40 60 missing Florida children rescued in Operation Dragon Eye05:32 Cowboys rookie gets baptized: 'Thank you lord for this day'Subscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsIsrael accepts ceasefire, claims all objectives were achieved | WorldNew Life Church asked Brady Boyd to resign | Church & MinistriesBorder Patrol finds drug-smuggling tunnel connecting Mexico to US | PoliticsStar gamer 'Ninja' says he's embracing faith, attending church | EntertainmentNewsboys dropped by record label after Michael Tait allegations | Entertainment60 missing Florida children rescued in Operation Dragon Eye | U.S.Cowboys rookie gets baptized: 'Thank you lord for this day' | Sports
Kevin discusses the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, offers his insights and opinion on some of the questions being asked. Kevin talks about some of the details revealed by an invitation only group of retired generals and members of the Israel Defense Force. Kevin talks about Fred Smith, founder and executive chairman, FedEx Corp., who passed away over the weekend. S&P Global released the results of their Purchasing Managers Index from the Manufacturing sector and the Services sector; Kevin has the details. The National Association of Realtors released the May Existing Home Sales report; Kevin discusses the details, offers his insights and puts the data into perspective. Oil and gas prices reacts no oil supply disruption yet from the U.S. attack on Iran, rumors of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz supply route, a attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar and pressure from President Trump to oil producers to keep prices low
Today on Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're hitting a hot topic: America jumping into the Israel-Iran war. And I'm just going to say it—I don't think we should've gotten involved. I've supported Donald Trump for years, but I think he got this wrong.Israel just said they didn't need us. This was their fight. Then suddenly, we're bombing a nuclear site and opening doors that didn't need to be opened. And of course, anyone who questions it gets labeled a “panican.” But guess what? The “panicans” are starting to look more and more like prophets, because now, sleeper cells are stirring, and American churches are already under attack.We don't need to be scared, we need to be wise. The Bible calls us to test the spirits, stay watchful, and seek peace when we can. (1 John 4:1, Romans 12:18). So let's talk about it honestly. Because loving your country (and even loving your favorite president) doesn't mean checking your discernment at the door and always being a yes-man.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Israel has experience in attempting to stop a nuclear weapons program. Twice before striking Iran on June 13, 2025, Israel attempted to thwart two neighboring nations' nascent nuclear programs. This week on the Friday Focus, we’re talking about the covert surprise 1981 Operation Opera in Iraq and the 2007 Israeli airstrike on Syria, called Operation Outside the Box or Operation Orchard. Berman fills us in on the back story of both, and weighs in on how successful they were — of course, with an eye to the current Israel-Iran war and Israel’s goal to stop Iran from reaching a nuclear bomb. We learn how Operation Opera, also known as Operation Babylon, took place under prime minister Menachem Begin on June 7, 1981, at 16:00 when 14 fighter jets departed from Etzion (Efrat) Airport in Israel. At approximately 17:30, they struck and destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq, and within about 90 seconds of bombing, they successfully completed their mission. Berman speaks about the resultant "Begin Doctrine," which, since 1981, guides Israel in how it reacts to imminent threats of weapons of mass destruction. We then turn to the second preemptive strike that Israel carried out to stop the bomb in 2007, under prime minister Ehud Olmert. Ten Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-15 fighter jets, along with F-16 fighters and electronic-warfare aircraft, bombed a Syrian radar site and took over Syrian air defenses, feeding them a false picture of empty skies. We discuss the overriding themes of both operations and compare them with what is currently happening in the Israel-Iran war. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: The IDF pilots who participated in the Operation Opera bombing of Saddam Hussein's nuclear reactor at Osirak in 1981. (Israel Defense Force archive)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Israel Defense Forces launched an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, nuclear scientists and Iranian military commanders following months of failed nuclear negotiations. Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion' was launched in order to destroy Iran's ability to make nuclear weapons. Iran countered with a barrage of ballistic missiles launched into Israel. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), speaking from a bomb shelter in Jerusalem, who says the impressive surprise attack was fueled by various mis-directions. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Israel Defense Forces launched an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, nuclear scientists and Iranian military commanders following months of failed nuclear negotiations. Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion' was launched in order to destroy Iran's ability to make nuclear weapons. Iran countered with a barrage of ballistic missiles launched into Israel. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), speaking from a bomb shelter in Jerusalem, who says the impressive surprise attack was fueled by various mis-directions. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mordechai “Moti” Vaknin was born in 1984 in Haifa, Israel, as the only child of an Orthodox Moroccan Jewish family. Growing up in a vibrant cultural and spiritual environment, Moti developed a deep appreciation for his heritage. As a young adult, he pursued radio broadcasting and served in the Israel Defense Forces from 2003 to 2006, gaining valuable life experience and discipline.In 2007, Moti traveled to the United States to follow his dream of becoming a photographer. While taking classes at Photo Manhattan in New York City, he worked as a kosher supervisor on the Upper West Side. During this transformative time, he encountered Chosen People Ministries and was challenged to read the Bible independently and seek a personal relationship with God. Through prayer, study, and reflection, Moti came to the conviction that Jesus (Yeshua) is the promised Jewish Messiah.Moti returned to Israel in 2010. Over the years, Moti has developed a thriving service ministry, working with youth, soldiers, and students across Israel. He and his wide Orel are devoted to sharing the good news with their fellow Israelis, with a special focus on mentoring young believers and equipping them to grow in their faith.Today, Moti continues to inspire and guide the next generation, helping new believers embrace their Messiah and encouraging others to explore the transformative truths of the Bible.
The Israel Defense Forces launched an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, nuclear scientists and Iranian military commanders following months of failed nuclear negotiations. Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion' was launched in order to destroy Iran's ability to make nuclear weapons. Iran countered with a barrage of ballistic missiles launched into Israel. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), speaking from a bomb shelter in Jerusalem, who says the impressive surprise attack was fueled by various mis-directions. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel has launched a preemptive strike on Iran. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that the strikes hit military and nuclear targets in Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces says Iran has launched drones toward Israeli territory. It comes after Israel attacked Iranian military and nuclear targets earlier in the day.
Parashat B-ha'alot'kha [Numbers 8:1-12:16] has a number of different topics, including the story where Miriam and Aaron apparently malign Moses and Miriam is punished with tza'ra'at [commonly translated as leprosy] and Pesach Sheni, the provision for the observance of Passover a month later for those who were too far from Jerusalem or were ritually impure when the holiday was supposed to be observed in Nisan. Our focus was mostly on the little story between Hovav [Moses' father-in-law apparently] and Moses [Numbers 10:29-34], which has a parallel in Exodus 18. We continue to have in our hearts and minds the hostages, dead and alive, who continue to be held in Gaza, may they speedily be returned to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel in the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom.
Join me on Parsha and Prose for a dynamic conversation with Rabbi Shlomo Gemara, as we explore vital issues facing the Jewish people, Israel, and our community through the lens of Torah and literature. In this episode, we dive into the Torah portion Behalotcha, discussing the Haredi community's role in the Israel Defense Forces, with Rabbi Gemara emphasizing the unity of all Jews in defending our people during challenging times. We also reflect on important issues within the parsha including: Miriam and Aaron's lashon hara (gossip) against Moshe;, exploring how guarding our speech fosters moral integrity. Rabbi Gemara illuminates the menorah as a symbol of Jewish light, alongside the trumpet and manna, weaving a tapestry of spiritual resilience and meaning. This action-packed episode is a call to pride and purpose—Am Yisrael Chai! Subscribe, comment, and join us in celebrating Jewish wisdom and our beautiful peoplehood.
Join me on Parsha and Prose for a dynamic conversation with Rabbi Shlomo Gemara, as we explore vital issues facing the Jewish people, Israel, and our community through the lens of Torah and literature. In this episode, we dive into the Torah portion Behalotcha, discussing the Haredi community's role in the Israel Defense Forces, with Rabbi Gemara emphasizing the unity of all Jews in defending our people during challenging times. We also reflect on important issues within the parsha including: Miriam and Aaron's lashon hara (gossip) against Moshe;, exploring how guarding our speech fosters moral integrity. Rabbi Gemara illuminates the menorah as a symbol of Jewish light, alongside the trumpet and manna, weaving a tapestry of spiritual resilience and meaning. This action-packed episode is a call to pride and purpose—Am Yisrael Chai! Subscribe, comment, and join us in celebrating Jewish wisdom and our beautiful peoplehood.
In a recent interview with podcast host Alan Skorski, investigative researcher Ryan Mauro of the Capital Research Center sounded the alarm on what he described as an increasingly dangerous coalition of extremist groups operating in the United States under the banner of pro-Palestinian activism. Mauro, who has spent years researching radical networks including Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), and the Marxist-linked Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), claims that nearly 500 groups across the country are united not only by hostility toward Israel, but by a broader agenda to undermine the United States. “Many of these extremist groups hate Israel because of America—not the other way around,” Mauro told Skorski, challenging what he says is a commonly held assumption about the motivations behind anti-Israel activism. Among the most concerning groups identified in his research is Unity of Fields (UoF), a Palestinian group that explicitly promotes militant protest tactics and has engaged in direct confrontations with U.S. police. Mauro said the group's stated mission is to “disrupt and dismantle Zionism and U.S. imperialism through direct militant actions.” The group frequently deploys slogans such as “No cops, no KKK, no Fascist USA!” and refers to the NYPD as “IOF-trained pigs,” a reference to the Israel Defense Forces. In a recent paper titled Marching Towards Violence, Mauro reports that anarchist groups are increasingly aiming to operate as an “anti-police wannabe insurgency.” He said that his research tracked 150 of the most active “pro-Palestinian” groups on social media in the 15 months before and after the October 7 Hamas-led terror attack in Israel. The findings showed a 186% increase in anti-American rhetoric and a more than 3,000% rise in posts calling for violence on U.S. soil. Mauro also warned of an unlikely alliance between far-left and far-right elements seeking to exploit civil unrest in the U.S. “They believe that once the system collapses, their ideology will rise to the top,” he said. “It's an accelerationist strategy.” Despite what he describes as a current moment of unity among radical groups, Mauro predicts internal fractures ahead. He believes Indian Hindus may become the next target of the radical coalition due to tensions between India and Pakistan. “Once these groups pivot to attacking Hindus, it will become clear they were never about Palestine,” Mauro said. “They jump from cause to cause to create chaos and insurgency in America.” Mauro also emphasized the threat posed by far-right antisemitism, pointing to conspiracy theories spread by figures such as Tucker Carlson and controversial statements from conservative commentator Candace Owens. “The far-left's antisemitism is dangerous, but the far-right can't be ignored,” Mauro said. “We're seeing toxic ideologies from both ends feeding into the same destructive current.” Mauro's research, including publications such as When Charities Betray America: How “Pro-Palestinian” Protest Groups Promote Anti-Americanism and Pro-Hamas Extremism Taking Root in America, forms part of an expanding body of work examining domestic extremism and its links to global terror movements. Credit: VIN News Alan Skorski Reports 11JUNE2025 - PODCAST
On today's Top News in 10, we cover: Greta Thunberg's Flotilla violates military territory and gets arrested by the Israel Defense Forces. Riots break out in response to Los Angeles ICE operations, which legacy media and Democrat officials falsely label “peaceful protests.” Trump enacts Title X and deploys 2000 National Guardsmen and 500 U.S. Marines. Subscribe to The Tony Kinnett Cast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tony-kinnett-cast/id1714879044 Don't forget our other shows: Virginia Allen's Problematic Women: https://www.dailysignal.com/problematic-women Bradley Devlin's The Signal Sitdown: https://www.dailysignal.com/the-signal-sitdown Follow The Daily Signal: X: https://x.com/DailySignal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/ Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DailySignal Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheDailySignal Thanks for making The Daily Signal Podcast your trusted source for the day's top news. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's Top News in 10, we cover: Greta Thunberg's Flotilla violates military territory and gets arrested by the Israel Defense Forces. Riots break out in response to Los Angeles ICE operations, which legacy media and Democrat officials falsely label “peaceful protests.” Trump enacts Title X and deploys 2000 National Guardsmen and 500 U.S. Marines. […]
Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound vessel led by Greta Thunberg; IDF recovers the body of Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta; The Israel Defense Forces seized the body of former Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar beneath the European Hospital and Israeli archaeologists unveil a rare 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus (decorated coffin!)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: I Remember You; Jo Davi - https://open.spotify.com/track/5zVOzBpsrCoile2IiJk4DK?si=4e5ab6e4b4c643d1
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. Four more soldiers were declared dead on Friday morning after a booby trapped building exploded in the southern Gaza Strip. The slain soldiers were Sgt. First Class Tom Rotstein, Staff Sgt. Uri Yhonatan Cohen, Sgt. Maj. (res.) Chen Gross and Staff Sgt. Yoav Raver. Fabian weighs in on the challenges facing troops on the ground as Operation Gideon's Chariots continues. The leader of a small Gaza terror group responsible for the October 7, 2023, abductions and eventual murders of several hostages -- including Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir -- was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza City on Saturday, the military said. Another senior member was killed in a separate strike in the city. Fabian explains what the Mujahideen Brigades group is and other hostages who were murdered by it. The body of slain hostage Nattapong Pinta, who Hamas-led terrorists abducted on October 7, 2023, was recovered in a joint Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet operation in the southern Gaza Strip, officials announced Saturday morning. This follows the recovery of two additional hostage bodies, Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein from the Khan Younis region. We learn how their whereabouts were determined. The Israeli Navy is expected to block a high-profile activist mission sailing to Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade, should the boat near Israel’s territorial waters in the coming days. Among the 12 activists on the ship are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, Irish “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham, and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member. With the world's gaze on Israel, Fabian describes how the Navy may block the boat from reaching the Gaza shore. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF names two other soldiers killed in booby-trapped Gaza building on Friday 4 IDF soldiers killed, 5 wounded after booby-trapped south Gaza building collapses Gaza aid group says Hamas threats to staff kept distribution hubs closed on Saturday Heads of terror group that abducted and murdered Bibas family killed by IDF Body of Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta recovered by IDF from south Gaza’s Rafah Activist aid ship carrying Greta Thunberg reaches Egypt’s coast as it heads for Gaza 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: Golani troops operate in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip in this June 3, 2025, handout image from the IDF. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For review:1. As of Sunday AM, the activist humanitarian aid vessel (Madleen) is roughly 160 nautical miles from Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Katz said Sunday that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to “prevent the ‘Madelaine' hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza.” 2. Israeli outlet Channel 12 reports that documents found during IDF operations in Gaza show a close effort between Qatar and Hamas to thwart US President Donald Trump's “deal of the century” peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians and efforts for Arab countries to normalize relations with the Jewish state. 3. The IDF and Shin Bet confirm that the body of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar was found in a tunnel that ran underneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza's Khan Younis. 4. Iran Claims "Treasure Trove" of Israeli Sensitive Documents. Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib said the documents were related to Israel's nuclear facilities and its relations with the United States, Europe, and other countries, and to its defensive capabilities. 5. Russian Ministry of Defense claims elements of the 90th Tank Division have reached the border of the town of Dnipropetrovsk (Donetsk Region). News outlet CNN is unable to verify the battlefield reports, and Ukraine has denied the Russian advance. 6. German Taurus Missiles to Ukraine? A statement from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 26 about long-range strikes inside Russia resurrected a long-held hope in Ukraine — that Berlin is finally about to send Kyiv its Taurus missiles. (There has so far been no confirmation of actual delivery of Taurus to Ukraine.)7. Taiwan on Friday condemned Beijing's “provocative” actions after it conducted a "combat readiness patrol" around the island. Taipei's defense ministry said it detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters and drones, of which 15 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.8. Chinese FC-31 Warplanes to Pakistan "Within Months". A Pakistani government source told Janes outlet, that the FC-31 aircraft “will begin arriving within months.” The source did not provide further acquisition details, but it was previously reported that China could supply 30 to 40 jets to Pakistan. 9. The USMC has received its final MQ-9A Reaper from General Atomics. The USMC currently have three air stations manning the drones, located in Arizona, Hawaii, and North Carolina.
Parashat Naso [Numbers 4:21-7:89] contains, among other things, the longest chapter in the Torah, Numbers 7 which describes in detail the gifts of each of the tribal chieftains to the Tabernacle. Each chieftain gives the exact same gift, which is faithfully recorded, accounting for the length of the chapter. There are other things of note, including the rite of the suspected adulteress [sotah], and the Nazir, the one who takes upon himself additional restrictions for a prescribed period of time. Our entire conversation focused on the six verses [Numbers 6:22-27] which include the priestly blessing. We hope you enjoy it! Over 600 days after October 7, 2023, we continue to keep in mind the hostages remaining in Gaza, both the living and the dead, and pray that they be returned speedily to their families. We also keep in mind those soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom.
President Donald Trump is hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Thursday to discuss a wide range of pressing issues, with the Ukraine war, defense spending, and transatlantic trade tensions topping the list. The meeting marks the chancellor's first visit to Washington since his election victory in May. Merz, the leader of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has established a personal rapport with Trump, according to German media. The meeting comes just 10 days ahead of the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, where both leaders are scheduled to attend.Trump and Chinese communist party leader Xi Jinping agree to send delegations for a meeting on trade. The two spoke by phone Thursday as tensions remain high over the ongoing US-China trade dispute.Israel has recovered the bodies of two Israeli American hostages taken in the Hamas terrorist organization's attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains of elderly married couple Judith Weinstein and Gad Haggai were recovered and returned to Israel in a special operation by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet internal security agency. Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel announced the deaths of Weinstein, 70, and Haggai, 72, both of whom had Israeli and U.S. citizenship, in December 2023. Weinstein was also a Canadian citizen.
In this solo podcast, MirYam Institute in-house analyst Yaakov Lappin explores why, as Israel approaches strategic decisive outcomes in Gaza, the propaganda war against it grows louder. He also looks at the highly dramatic impasse that nuclear talks with Iran have reached, and how President Trump might respond when he concludes that the art of the deal does not apply to the jihadist regime in Tehran. Yaakov examines why encouraging the collapse of the Iranian regime should be the real end goal, and why actions are more important than words when it comes to Syria.Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED
For review:1. Ukrainian negotiators said Russia had again rejected an "unconditional ceasefire - but the two committed to return the bodies of 12,000 Soldiers. The two sides agreed to exchange all sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war, as well those aged under 25.2. During talks in Istanbul, the Russian delegation handed Ukraine a "peace memorandum" with its proposals for a ceasefire, Russian-state media outlet TASS reported on June 2, publishing the alleged document.According to the document, among Russia key demands are the official recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea, as well as the annexation of Ukraine's Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts. Other demands include that Ukraine sticks to its neutral status, abandons its aspirations to join NATO, and an official end to Western arms supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.3. Iran Readies a "No" Response to US Talks Proposal. “Iran is drafting a negative response to the US proposal, which could be interpreted as a rejection of the US offer,” the senior diplomat, who is close to Iran's negotiating team, told Reuters.The US proposal for a new nuclear deal was presented to Iran on Saturday by Oman's Foreign Minister (Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi).4. The Israel Defense Forces said Monday it had expanded its ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza over the past day. Palestinian media reported overnight that Israeli ground forces were approaching southern Gaza's Khan Younis.5. UK to Increase Defense Spending to 2.5% GDP by 2027. The UK Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) said the increases represent “the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the end of the Cold War.” 6. The United States is urging Australia to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP.Australia already plans to raise its defense budget to 2.4% of GDP by 2033-34, up from the about 2% it spends now.7. The Navy awarded a $536 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Service to dismantle, recycle and dispose of the former aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN-65)- a four-year undertaking.
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. The IDF confirmed last night that an Israeli airstrike earlier this month killed top Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar while he was in a tunnel underneath a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. What information is the IDF basing the confirmation on? The IDF claims that Hamas’s hold is slipping, along with its stronghold on food supplies. However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation effort is being accused of wounding and even killing Gazans who are attempting to secure aid. Fabian weighs in on this increasingly murky endeavor. A 19-year-old Defense Ministry civilian contractor, David Libi, was killed by an explosive device Thursday during Israel Defense Forces operations in the northern Gaza Strip. We learn why the IDF is employing Israeli civilians in the Strip. The IDF carried out airstrikes on Friday near the coastal Syrian city of Latakia, saying its fighter jets targeted weapon depots used to store anti-ship missiles. It was Israel’s first reported strikes in Syria in nearly a month, but the IDF is not being forthcoming as to which terror group -- or state -- was the owner of the missiles. Finally, we learned recently that the Israeli Air Force intercepted 35 drones launched by the Hezbollah terror group using a new laser interception system. The new system used during the fighting is a lower-powered version of the Iron Beam laser interceptor, which is set to be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces later this year. We hear about the IDF's beta-testing of the new system. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Following Netanyahu, IDF confirms Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar killed in May 13 strike Israel claims Hamas losing control over Gaza civilians as GHF ramps up aid operations IDF chief said to tell communities near Gaza he will ‘not let war drag on indefinitely’ Defense Ministry civilian contractor killed during IDF operations in northern Gaza IDF says it targeted anti-ship missile depots near Syria’s Latakia; one said killed IDF reveals it used laser system to intercept dozens of Hezbollah drones last year 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: A laser interception system deployed to northern Israel, in an undated photo published by the Defense Ministry on May 28, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parashat B'midbar [Numbers 1:1-4:20] is the first parashah of the Book of Numbers. As befitting a book called Numbers, the parashah is filled with numbers, in particular, the number of men of fighting age in each tribe. An additional feature of the parashah is the tribal names of each of the tribes, which can provide interesting information for those who enjoy studying such things. Censuses, for many, are mind-numbing. We spent the first half of our conversation talking about the social structure revealed by the organization of the Israelite camp. The second half of our conversation was devoted to Shavuot, which begins Sunday evening, June 1. We hope you find something worthwhile for your deeper understanding of the parashah, and for the holiday which the rabbis identify as the Time of the Giving of the Torah. As the hostage crisis passes 600 days, we continue to be mindful of those still in Gaza, both the living and the dead, and continue to pray fervently that they be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind those defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sa'me'ah.
Hey Angels! Feeling trapped in the endless pursuit of more? In this powerful episode of Quality Queen Control, Asha Christina sits down with Keren Eldad, author of Gilded, to explore her incredible journey from the Israel Defense Forces to a top C-suite coach. Keren shares raw insights on why external success can leave you empty and how to break free from the relentless chase for more. Ready to find true fulfillment and live authentically? Tune in for faith-fueled wisdom and practical tips to redefine success on YOUR terms!What You'll Learn: How to stop chasing hollow victories, embrace authenticity, and find peace beyond external success.Join the A-Team: Rate, review, and follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Connect with Asha @ashachristinafoster on Instagram for more inspo.Keep up with @CoachKeren
Mission Brief: The Official Podcast of the Israel Defense Forces
In this episode of Mission Brief, Captain Masha sits down with Omri from the IDF History Department to explore the major milestones that shaped the Israel Defense Forces over 77 years. From the chaotic beginnings of 1948 to the bold rescue at Entebbe, and from the Six-Day War to modern-day humanitarian missions, this episode dives into the pivotal moments that built one of the most battle-tested militaries in the world.Hear how the IDF transformed from underground militias into a professional army, how wars like Yom Kippur and Lebanon shaped its doctrine, and how international operations and evolving roles—like female combat soldiers—reflect the changing face of Israeli society.Whether you're new to Israeli history or a seasoned listener, this deep dive offers rich context, stories, and insights into what made the IDF what it is today.#idf #history #israel #middleeast
Today in History: The day Samuel the Prophet died (according to tradition, see 1 Samuel 25:1). Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day): In 1967 during the Six Day War, Israel's paratroopers recaptured the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. ”This morning, the Israel Defense Forces liberated Jerusalem. We haveunited Jerusalem, the divided capital of Israel. We have returned to the holiest of our holy places, never to part from it again. To our Arab neighbors we extend, also at this hour… our hand in peace” (Defense Minister Moshe Dayan).Day 43 of the omerThis week's portion is called Bamidmar (In The Desert)TORAH PORTION: Numbers 1:20–54GOSPEL PORTION: John 1:19–34Think about: What Scripture spoke to you most today and why? Did you learn something about God, or something you need to do in your life?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from https://arielmedia.shopBUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to https://dailybreadmoms.comThe Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman
Today we recognize and honor the sacrifice of all those in uniform who gave their lives for our country. It is impossible to overstate the debt we owe those men and women. Without their willingness to serve and die, the rest of us surely would not be living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I would like on this occasion to thank as well the nearly 900 members of the Israel Defense Forces killed since October 23, 2023. They have perished in defense of their own country, of course. But they did so in fighting Sharia-supremacist enemies who explicitly seek the destruction of our nation, too. Their loss in advancing what we pray will be Israel's ultimate victory will help keep such foes from murdering Americans on foreign battlefields, or here at home. This is Frank Gaffney.
It's Friday, May 23rd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Nigerian Muslims killed 23 farmers and fishermen On May 15th, armed fighters from a terrorist group, called the Islamic State West Africa Province, killed 23 farmers and fishermen in Nigeria's Borno State, reports International Christian Concern. The victims, mostly bean farmers from Gwoza, had traveled to the area to work on land under insurgent control. Eighteen other people were abducted during the attack, and their whereabouts remain unknown. More German youth believe in personal God than their elders The Youth in Germany study shows that 31% of 14 to 29-year-olds believe in a personal God, compared to 25% of 30 to 49-year-olds, and 24% of 50 to 69-year-olds, reports Evangelical Focus. 2 Israeli Embassy officials murdered in Washington, D.C. Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. — a young couple on the verge of becoming engaged — were fatally shot Wednesday evening at 9:15pm while leaving a Young Diplomats Reception on humanitarian aid, hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum. Paige Siegel was an attendee that night. SIEGEL: “The event ends around nine o'clock, and at 9:07 I hear a first batch of gunshots go off, like, right outside. And this was an event that you had to register in advance for. You had to check in with your ID. You had to get wanded. There was security. The first round of gunshots go off. And I was like, those were gunshots.” Elias Rodriguez, age 31, of Chicago shouted “Free Palestine” as he was led away after his arrest, according to charging documents. According to the New York Post, Rodriguez posted “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” as well as praise for the health care CEO killer Luigi Mangione. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the tragedy. NETANYAHU: “Yaron had just bought an engagement ring for Sarah. He was planning to give it to her in Jerusalem next week. They were planning to start a new and happy life together. Well, that tragically did not happen. “Yaron and Sarah weren't the victims of a random crime. The terrorist who cruelly gunned them down did so for one reason and one reason alone. He wanted to kill Jews. And as he was taken away, he chanted, ‘Free, Palestine!' This is exactly the same chant we heard on October 7th. “On that day, thousands of terrorists stormed into Israel from Gaza. They beheaded men, they raped women, they burned babies alive, they butchered 1,200 innocent people, and took 251 innocent people hostage to the dungeons of Gaza. “A short time afterwards, Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz of Germany visited Israel, and after he saw the horrors, he said to me, ‘These Hamas terrorists are exactly like the Nazis!' He was right.” Yaron was not only eager to propose to Sarah next week, but was excited to return to Israel to be with his family for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Ron Prosor, a teacher at Israel's Reichman University, described Yaron this way. “He was a Christian, a true lover of Israel, served in the [Israel Defense Forces], and chose to dedicate his life to the State of Israel and the Zionist cause.” Siegel, one of the young Israelis at the event, expressed anxiety. SIEGEL: “I don't know how, how Jewish people can be protected in America right now. I mean, this is just crazy. There were security guards all over the building. What else can we do to protect ourselves?” Jeanine Pirro, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said, “Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero. Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital.” Department of Government Efficiency saved $170 billion The Department of Government Efficiency has saved the American people $170 billion by cutting waste, abuse, and fraud. That's a savings per taxpayer of $1,055.90. House DEFUNDED Planned Parenthood by a single vote And finally, just before 7:00am on Thursday, May 22nd, the House passed the budget bill with a 10-year ban on funding Planned Parenthood, 215-214, with one member voting present. Now this bill heads to the Senate, reports LifeNews.com. In light of the fact that Planned Parenthood killed 402,230 baby boys and girls last year with $792 million of taxpayer money, that's extraordinary! Leading up to that vote, the U.S. House Rules Committee convened a hearing, working tirelessly to finish negotiations on amendments to the budget bill. This hearing continued for more than 21 hours straight! High-ranking Democrats, who were not even on the committee, were paraded through the committee hearing, one by one, to propose amendments to the funding bill. Some of these members included Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat House Whip Katherine Clark, and even former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. One of the top issues Democrats pressed for hours was increasing welfare with no work requirements — and continued funding for Planned Parenthood, reports Liberty Council Action. Minority Leader Jeffries claimed that this was “the largest cut to health care in American history.” Newsflash — killing children is not “health care.” Isaiah 59:7 describes the Democrats' perspective on life in the womb to a “t.” “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.” This passage of the bill in the House is a huge victory! We must keep up the intensity to pass this bill in the Senate. Call your two Senators at 202-224-3121 today. This battle to defund Planned Parenthood has been lost previously in the Senate or in reconciliation the House and Senate versions afterwards. Sadly, the Senate has strong advocates for Planned Parenthood. On May 22nd, House Speaker Mike Johnson vowed, “We're going to get it [to Trump's desk] by Independence Day, July 4th!” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, May 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Parashat B'har-B'hukotai [Leviticus 25-27], a double parashah, the third in four weeks for those keeping score, is the concluding reading from ספר ויקרא [the Book of Leviticus]. Leviticus is the shortest book in the Torah, only 27 chapters, and with all the double parashiyot this year, is finished in only seven weeks. In his JPS Torah Commentary, Baruch Levine divides the reading into 3 sections: Principles of Land Tenure [25:1-26:2], Epilogue to the Holiness Code [26:3-46], more commonly known as the Tokhekhah [The Rebuke, with a parallel version in Deuteronomy 28], and Funding the Sanctuary [chapter 27]. Our discussion mostly focused on chapter 25, in particular the laws of sh'mittah [sabbatical year] and yovel [jubilee year]. On one hand it is hard to figure out how they worked in practice; on the other, it is hard to figure out how utopian legislation fits into a legal code. Is law supposed to be practical or aspirational? This week we were shocked by the murders of Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, may their mourners be comforted together with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. We continue to keep in mind the hostages who remain in Gaza, and pray fervently that they will be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom.
It's been a tumultuous week in diplomatic relations between Israel and Canada. The most shocking news, of course, has been the recent murder of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., who were gunned down on May 21 by a man calling for “Free Palestine”. Amid the international condemnations, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated and appalled” by the attack, calling it “a violent act of antisemitism.” But even before that incident, Carney was making news in Israel. Canada joined France and the United Kingdom in threatening sanctions against the Jewish State over the West Bank, and "actions" if it did not stop the renewed war in Gaza and begin allowing aid into Gaza. Carney's new minister of foreign affairs, Anita Anand, made similar condemnations. And while Israel did begin allowing aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, hours after the joint statement, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare press conference and openly promoted American president Donald Trump's plan to push Palestinians out of Gaza and take complete control of the strip. And in the midst of all this, members of the Israel Defense Forces fired warning shots near a group of foreign diplomats—including two Canadians—in the West Bank city of Jenin. As a result, Anand formally “summoned” Israel's ambassador to Canada for a meeting on May 21. If you can't keep all the chaos straight, we don't blame you. That's why The CJN Daily host Ellin Bessner wanted to sit down with Artur Wilczynski, a former Canadian ambassador and diplomat—and a veteran security and intelligence expert—to help make sense of what feels like one of the most dangerous political weeks in recent memory. Carney's new government has put its foot down against Israel, punching above its weight on the international stage. What should we make of this? What concerns should Canadian Jews have about Israel and Canada's longstanding friendship? Related links Hear Israel's ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed discuss the newly-strained relations between his country and Canada, on The CJN Daily from earlier this week. Read a timeline of Canada-Israel diplomatic relations, in The CJN. Why former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper became one of Israel's staunchest supporters, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) 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)
Mickey Bergman is a two time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, a fringe diplomat, CEO of Global Reach, a best selling Author, regular contributor to the NY Times, the Washington Post, Huff Post, The Boston Globe and numerous other well known publications. He is a gentleman, an outlier and an influencing force in some of the most well known hostage negotiations which you will hear about today. Mickey Bergman is the CEO of Global Reach, a non-governmental, non-profit organization that negotiates the release of political prisoners and hostages around the world. With over 18 years in various aspects of strategic diplomacy, Mickey coined the term Fringe Diplomacy to describe the new field he is forging, an innovative discipline exploring the space in international relations just beyond the boundaries of States and Governments' capacity and authority. He manages relationships and private diplomacy efforts in North Korea, Cuba, Myanmar, Russia, Iran, Gaza, Venezuela and Africa. Nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize (2019 & 2023) alongside former Governor Bill Richardson; Mickey has led his teams at Global Reach and the Richardson Center to facilitate the release of more political prisoners than any other organization. Prior to his work with Global Reach, Mickey was Vice President and Executive Director of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement; Executive Director of the Global Alliances Program at the Aspen Institute; is a professor at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, where he teaches about emotional intelligence in international relations, and was consultant to the Clinton Global Initiative. Mickey's book, IN THE SHADOWS; True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad, came out in June 2024. He has also published numerous articles and opinion pieces in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, Foreign Policy Online, and HuffPost.He was recently honored with the 2023 James W. Foley Legacy Foundation American Hostage Freedom Award and serves on the Center for Strategic and International Studies Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention. Mickey is a native of Tel Aviv and former combat officer in the Israel Defense Forces. He holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University.To know more about Mickey visit his socials:Instagram: @Mickey.BergmanX: @mickeybergman
In this episode of the show, Yaakov Lappin and I analyze the IDF's military buildup and operations inside the Gaza Strip, before we voice our very clear opinions on, and level our condemnation toward, recent statements made by former Deputy Chief Of Staff of the IDF and leader of the “HA-DEMOCRATIM” political party, Major General (Res.) Yair Golan. Golan made wholly unacceptable, baseless and false remarks against the members of the IDF in a tirade that would normally be the preserve of enemies of the State of Israel. We also analyze the recent address made by the current IDF Chief Of Staff; a man who thankfully exhibits none of the moral delirium of Yair Golan.Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED
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. A new round of negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel began in Qatar on Saturday after the Israeli military launched its new expanded offensive in the Gaza Strip, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots,” that will seek to “seize strategic areas” of the Hamas-run Strip. Fabian describes the slow rollout of the operation so far and how many more troops have entered Gaza as of Sunday morning. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis say they fired two ballistic missiles at Israel early Sunday morning. This comes after Israeli fighter jets carried out a wave of airstrikes in Yemen on Friday afternoon, targeting two Houthi-controlled ports in the west of the country, and threatened to kill the terror group’s leader. We discuss the growing realization that the terrorist group is undeterred by IAF strikes and whether Israel will take another tack soon. The Israel Defense Force said Saturday that it killed a Hezbollah commander in a drone strike in Lebanon. The operative, who was targeted on a road near Mazraat Jemjim — some 30 kilometers from the Israeli border — in the Tyre District, was the commander of Hezbollah’s forces in the Beaufort Castle area, the military said. Fabian updates us on who he was and what he was allegedly up to. To end the program, we discuss Israel's participation in last night's Eurovision final and Yuval Raphael's second-place finish. Israel's 2025 contestant, who survived the Nova festival massacre on October 7, 2023, won the popular vote, but was less warmly received by the jury. Fabian gives some reasons why. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF launches major new Gaza op, ‘seizing’ key areas; Palestinians: Dozens killed in strikes Israel, Hamas say Gaza talks renewed after IDF initiates major new offensive IDF pounds Houthi ports in Yemen, threatens to kill leader, after missile, drone attacks IDF says it killed Hezbollah commander in drone strike in southern Lebanon Israel’s Yuval Raphael tops Eurovision public vote, finishes in 2nd place as Austria wins Israel’s Yuval Raphael feels she’s ‘won at life’ after coming second at Eurovision 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: A Palestinian boy looks at a house destroyed in Israeli strikes in al-Saftawi area west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 18, 2025. (Bashar TALEB / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Republicans on Capitol Hill publicly squabble about how deeply to cut Medicaid to cover tax cuts; US and Chinese negotiators strike a 90-day pause on the steepest tariffs; the ceasefire between India and Pakistan; days after floating the idea of accepting a $400 million 747 jet from Qatar as a future Air Force One, President Trump visited the Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE where he struck deals and met with Syria's new leader, lifted sanctions, and delivered a message to Iran; Russian premier Vladimir Putin skips planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul meeting that would have been the first direct talks between the leaders in years; Taiwan reports five instances of undersea cable damage this year, compared with three in past years; and Israel Defense Force leaders worry Gaza may be sliding rapidly toward an even bigger humanitarian disaster as air strikes resume.
Parashat Acharei Mot-K'doshim [Leviticus 16-20] is another double parashah. Acharei Mot is mostly known because it is read on Yom Kippur, chapter 16 about Yom Kippur in the morning, and chapter 18, traditionally, about the forbidden sexual relationships in the afternoon. K'doshim is perhaps best known for what Rabbi Aqiva recognized as the great principle of the Torah, v-ahavta l-rei'akha kamocha, you should love your neighbor as yourself [Lev. 19:18]. We took note that this verse is paired with a later one [19:34], which commands love of the resident alien in our midst as well. It is hard to pass up the rich text of Leviticus 19, the beginning of the Holiness Code, and so we discussed some of the laws that spoke to us. We also discussed at some length the difference between Leviticus 19 and Exodus 20, which share many of the same laws but cast them in different lights. The Ten Commandments are addressed to the individual who belongs to a nation; chapter 19 is an exercise in community formation. While there is never enough time to discuss all that we want, there is always next week, and next year! We continue to keep in mind the hostages you remain in Gaza, and pray fervently that they will be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Emor [Leviticus 21:1-24:23] is perhaps best known for chapter 23, which describes the holidays and is the Torah reading on the 2nd day of Passover and the first 2 days of Sukkot. It is surrounded by laws related to the priesthood [including restrictions on contact with the dead and whom priests are permitted to marry] and a collection of laws which features one of the few narratives in Leviticus, the curious case of the blasphemer [24:10-22]. It is a spirited discussion; we hope you enjoy it! We are fortunate to take note of the release of Edan Alexander, and continue to pray and hope for the release of all the remaining captives in Gaza, both the dead and the living. We continue to keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom.
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. Released hostage Edan Alexander is back in his family's embrace in Israel and is recovering from his 584 days in Hamas captivity. We hear what we know so far about Alexander's health and the conditions in which he was kept. A few hours after the final living US-Israeli hostage was released by his Hamas captors, the IDF says that its forces carried out a “targeted attack” on “key” Hamas fighters who were operating a command center in the Nasser Hospital compound in Khan Younis. Among those reported killed is Palestinian journalist Hassan Eslaiah, who on October 7 was freelancing for the Associated Press and invaded Israel with the terrorists and photographed them entering Kibbutz Nir Oz, where dozens of civilians were massacred. Was he the target of the airstrike? Nour Bitawi, a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative who Israeli authorities say was planning imminent terror attacks, was killed by troops Friday in the West Bank city of Nablus. Fabian explains who Bitawi was and how significant this mission could be. The Mossad spy agency and the Israel Defense Forces recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Zvi Feldman, who went missing in the First Lebanon War’s battle of Sultan Yacoub in 1982. The battle, nearly 43 years ago, claimed the lives of 21 Israeli servicemen, and more than 30 were injured during it. Feldman, a tank soldier, went missing during the battle along with Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz and Sgt. First Class Zachary Baumel. Baumel’s remains were recovered and returned to Israel in 2019.Fabian describes how the body of Feldman was recently recovered from “the heart of Syria” in a special operation. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander freed from Hamas captivity, reunites with family IDF says it razed major tunnel in Rafah after Hamas operatives provided location IDF says terrorists near defeat in Rafah, fighting now limited to one neighborhood IDF says ‘most wanted West Bank terror operative’ killed in Nablus operation Body of soldier Zvi Feldman, missing for 43 years, recovered from Syria by Mossad, IDF 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: Released hostage soldier Staff Sgt. Edan Alexander, center, arrives at an IDF base near Re'im, May 12, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
DISCLAIMER: We graciously welcome guests and organizations who may have shared opposing viewpoints on a variety of topics, so as to not perpetuate an echo chamber environment. We recognize we will not align on every topic with every guest we invite. Bruchim does not endorse other stances and philosophies we have shared in various episodes of our podcast. We encourage respectful discourse, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed Eli.In part two of our Circumcision series, we are joined by a Jewish man! Rarely do we ever have a man on our podcast, but because this is a practice performed on men— and often times, Jewish men— we needed to hear Eli's takes directly from the source.Eli Ungar-Sargon is the Founding Executive Board member of the non-profit, Bruchim, and host of the Bruchim podcast. Eli grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family in Brookline, MA. At the age of 13, he and his family moved to Israel, where he later decided not to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. Instead, he chose to study medicine in the UK. Three years into his medical degree, Eliyahu shifted his focus to filmmaking. After earning two degrees from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he completed his first feature-length documentary, Cut: Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcision.Bruchim's mission is to advocate for non-circumcising Jews in Jewish life, and to educate about the rich diversity of Jewish perspectives on circumcision and its alternatives.We discuss:What was the pivotal moment that shaped Eli's opinion about circumcision?Can you still be considered Jewish if you are not circumcised?What's the alternative to a bris?How do Eli's personal views about circumcision compare to Bruchim's views as an organization?Is there a positive trend of Jewish families globally opting out of circumcision?How to be critical of circumcision without entering antisemitic territory?What are common antisemitic tropes about circumcision?How do you have tough conversations with other members of the tribe about circumcision?Check out Bruchim's resources hereListen to the Bruchim podcast hereWatch Eli's documentary hereUniversity Lecture on Circumcision led by Ryan McCallister, PhDSupport the showJOIN OUR NEW, PRIVATE COMMUNITY! DONATE (Thank you!!
Dr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company. Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge and is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society.
Israel has long been a leader in hi-tech warfare. In this episode, the Financial Times innovation editor John Thornhill explores the Israel Defense Forces' use of artificial intelligence targeting aids as part of its arsenal in the war against Hamas. Can AI reduce civilian casualties and prevent breaches of international humanitarian law or has the technology served only to accelerate the loss of life? And what can Israel's defence tech ecosystem tell us about the future of warfare?We hear from Nadim Nashif, executive director of the Palestinian digital rights group 7amleh, Tal Mimran, an Adjunct Lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hamutal Meridor, co-founder of Israeli defence tech start-up Kela, and Elke Schwarz, professor at Queen Mary University of London.Free to read from FT.com:‘This is what victory looks like': inside Israel's aggressive new security planDeepMind UK staff seek to unionise and challenge defence deals and Israel linksIsrael pledges to protect tech start-ups from effects of Hamas warTech Tonic is presented by John Thornhill. The producers are Josh Gabert-Doyon and Persis Love. The senior producer is Edwin Lane and the executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“I think in interim period Israel will apply a military occupation of it and rule Gaza to make sure that Hamas is indeed defeated, that there is no pockets of resistance and terrorism and guerrilla, etc.,” Conricus, the former International spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, told The Daily Signal at the Jewish News Syndicate International Policy Summit in Jerusalem. Once Hamas and its sympathizers are completely defeated in Gaza, “Israel will move out and then it will transition,” Conricus, who is also a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said. “It has to transition to local self-governance by Palestinians, not by Hamas, and not by corrupt Palestinian authority officials, but by local, vetted, non-terror-aligned Palestinians that have local standing in Gaza and that show that their trajectory, what they value, is the present and the future and that they want to build a different Gaza.” This plan will require patience, according to the former IDF spokesman, adding, “I don't think that we have any other options.” Conricus estimates it will take about five years to see positive change in Gaza, providing a “good plan” is in place with proper funding. “To think that this is a quick fix that can be done quickly would be naïve and misleading. That is not the situation,” he said. “There is a very bad situation that has been going on for many years and as such it will take many years to undo.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I think in interim period Israel will apply a military occupation of it and rule Gaza to make sure that Hamas is indeed defeated, that there is no pockets of resistance and terrorism and guerrilla, etc.,” Conricus, the former International spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, told The Daily Signal at the Jewish News Syndicate […]
Recorded on Yom Hashoa, Yaakov Lappin and I discuss the significance of this solemn day, the clear Jew-Hatred exhibited by too many new-media "influencers" and the status of the IDF's operations inside the Gaza Strip, before assessing the implications of the Trump administration's outreach to Iran and whether or not all involved in those negotiations would do well to stop courting the press. Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED
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 Israel Defense Forces announced the dismissal of the deputy commander of the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit over the March 23 incident in which 15 medics were killed after his forces opened fire on a convoy of ambulances and emergency vehicles in southern Gaza’s Rafah. Fabian explains the findings of a high-level IDF probe. The Lebanese army announced Sunday that it had foiled a planned rocket attack from Lebanon at Israel for the first time since a November ceasefire cut short a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. We learn about what steps the Lebanese Armed Forces are currently taking to fulfill the terms of the ceasefire. On Saturday, for the first time since the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Strip on March 18, a soldier was killed inside the Strip. The deadly incident took place during work to clear the area close to the border of Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels, as part of efforts to expand Israel’s buffer zone — which now comprises over 30 percent of the Strip. Fabian discusses the IDF's recent activities ahead of his IDF embed to the Morag Corridor today. We learn about the IDF's Bedouin tracker units and hear about an attempt from several Israeli civilians to enter the Gaza Strip on Sunday. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates. For further reading: Admitting ‘errors,’ IDF fires officer over killing of 15 rescue workers in Gaza’s Rafah In first since ceasefire, Lebanese army says it foiled rocket attack on Israel Israeli soldier killed in Hamas attack, in first since collapse of Gaza ceasefire 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: Mourners gather around the bodies of 8 Red Crescent emergency responders, recovered in Rafah a week after an Israeli attack, as they are transported for burial from a hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana,File) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.