Podcasts about israelcast

Episode 224 - Are U.S. tax dollars funding terrorism? Olga Deutsch, Vice President of NGO Monitor, returns to IsraelCast to join host Steven Shalowitz in an eye-opening conversation that connects the dots between human rights NGOs, international aid, and terror networks. From the halls of Brussels to the streets of Gaza, Deutsch breaks down how anti-Israel organizations exploit Western funding to wage political warfare and spread disinformation. With firsthand insight and razor-sharp clarity, she reveals how we can hold them accountable—and why it matters more than ever. Tune in for a riveting, no-holds-barred exploration of truth, terror, and transparency.

In this uplifting episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with professional basketball player Jared Armstrong, whose inspiring journey has taken him from Philadelphia to the southern Israeli city of Eilat. Jared shares how his love for basketball and deep sense of purpose led him to Israel, where he plays professionally and runs JAB Camp—an initiative that brings together youth from diverse backgrounds through basketball, education, and dialogue. As a Black Jewish athlete, Jared reflects on his unique identity, his advocacy work following October 7, and his efforts to bridge communities both in Israel and the U.S. through sport. Hear how he's using the game he loves to teach life skills, build connections, and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams with purpose and resilience.

Where are the Jewish people truly from? On this thought-provoking episode of IsraelCast, join host Steven Shalowitz as he welcomes back celebrated author, Holocaust scholar, and pioneering voice of the Modern Jewish Pride Movement, Ben M. Freeman. Ben introduces his groundbreaking new book, The Jews: An Indigenous People, unpacking the powerful and historically undeniable truth of Jewish indigeneity to the Land of Israel. With eloquence, warmth, and abounding intellectual curiosity, Ben explores how centuries of exile couldn't diminish the Jewish people's bond to their ancestral homeland—a bond now celebrated in a modern miracle, the State of Israel. Delving into history, language, culture, and even the nuances of identity, this illuminating conversation encourages listeners to rediscover Jewish pride and embrace a vibrant heritage that has withstood millennia. Tune in to hear why Jewish history isn't just about belief—it's about unshakable facts that empower our present and guide our future.

IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Simon Newton-Smith, Senior Vice President of the Americas for EL AL Israel Airlines, to discuss the airline's extraordinary role in keeping Israel connected amid unprecedented challenges. Simon shares insights into EL AL's resilience and operational strategies following October 7, detailing how the airline has continued flying at record levels despite a significant portion of its workforce serving in the IDF reserves. He also highlights the security measures, contingency planning, and logistical precision that have allowed El Al to remain Israel's lifeline to the world. And, an exciting announcement—IsraelCast is now available on all EL AL flights worldwide, bringing the voices of Israel to the skies!

How does the Israel Defense Forces conduct war? Despite the rhetoric from the United Nations and college protesters, the IDF has a clear track record of valuing and protecting life while still efficiently combatting terrorists in the region. Colonel Richard Kemp returns to IsraelCast to discuss his observations from his time spent in Israel and Gaza, from the efforts they have undergone to bring humanitarian aid to civilians and effectiveness at fighting Hamas to the ineffectiveness of the United Nations and importance of deradicalization.

Shai Davidai did not set out to become one of the leading faces in calling out Jew hatred and anti-Israel rhetoric on college campuses. He just wanted to focus on his career in academia and be with his family. Yet, when the pro-Hamas protests came to his Columbia University following the October 7 attacks and Davidai found himself in a maelstrom of hate and harassment, the mild-mannered professor dedicated himself to advocating for the Jewish homeland amidst a sea of antisemitism. On this special bonus episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Davidai to discuss his antisemitic experiences at Columbia, the shocking indifference from the university's administration, and how everyone can do their part in supporting Jewish communities under attack.

Ran Bar-Yehoshafat was set to speak at Berkeley about his experience as an IDF soldier and reservist, as well as his legal expertise as a former Knesset Legal Department member and the current deputy director of the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based, non-partisan think-tank dedicated to, among other things, promoting Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and defending its democracy. Unfortunately, the Berkeley faculty shut down his speech due to students rioting. Tune into the latest episode of IsraelCast to hear Bar-Yehoshafat discuss the Berkeley, his reaction to the October 7 massacre, and the lack of understanding in the west of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented wave of attacks on Israel Envelope communities, murdering men, women, and children with no remorse, taking hostages, and destroying the land that Israeli pioneers worked so hard to develop. Four months later, even as people still mourn their losses and pray for the safe return of loved ones, these communities are starting to rebuild. On this special IsraelCast episode, host Steven Shalowitz tours Kibbutz Be'eri, a small community located about five kilometers from Gaza, with longtime community member Rami Goldstein, who recounts his memories of October 7 and describes both the current environment of the Kibbutz and his community's rebuilding efforts.

On this special episode of The One Way Ticket Show, Host Steven Shalowitz sat down with Yahya Mahamid following the barbaric invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists on Saturday 7 October 2023. The interview is from Steven's conversation with Yahya on the Jewish National Fund USA podcast, IsraelCast. Yahya Mahamid is an Arab-Israeli speaker, educator, and activist. He serves as a mentor in various programs and works to empower and integrate youth from Israel's Arab minority. Mahamid was raised in the city of Um Al Fahm and grew up with a negative image of Israel and the Jewish people, but personal interactions with Israelis challenged and changed his perceptions. Notably, he volunteered as a combat infantry soldier in the Israel Defense Forces and has since dedicated his life to educating others about antisemitism and misinformation about Israel. During the conversation, Yahya shares his remarkable life's journey and debunks myths about Israel.

https://www.jnf.org/menu-3/news-media/israelcastAnd the Vulnerable People Project: www.TheGreatCampaign.org 

On this special episode of The One Way Ticket Show, Host Steven Shalowitz sat down with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, following the barbaric invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists on Saturday 7 October 2023. The interview is from Steven's conversation with her on the Jewish National Fund USA podcast, IsraelCast. Fleur serves as Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem in charge of foreign relations, international economic development, and tourism. She is a co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council, an association of Emirati and Israeli business and government leaders fostering bilateral trade, innovation, and cooperation. Fleur was born in London, grew up in Gibraltar, and immigrated to Israel in 2001. During the conversation, Fleur discusses the current environment in Jerusalem, organizing support from the international community, and the special resilience of the Jewish people. She also discusses how Hamas is ISIS and how this a clear battle between good and evil.

 On this special episode of The One Way Ticket Show, Host Steven Shalowitz sat down with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer to provide perspective on the barbaric invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists on Saturday 7 October 2023.   The interview is from Steven's conversation with Dr. Schanzer on the Jewish National Fund USA podcast, IsraelCast.   Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is senior vice president for research at FDD, where he oversees the work of the organization's experts and scholars. He is also on the leadership team of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power, a project on the use of financial and economic power as a tool of statecraft. Jonathan previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he played an integral role in the designation of numerous terrorist financiers. He has held previous think tank research positions at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the Middle East Forum.   Jonathan has written hundreds of articles on the Middle East, along with more than a dozen monographs and chapters for edited volumes. His new book, Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and Eleven Days of War (FDD Press 2021), challenges and corrects some of the wildly inaccurate news reported during the conflict. It is the first book published on the war. His three other books have made unique contributions to the field. State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State (Palgrave Macmillan 2013) argues the main roadblock to Palestinian statehood is the Palestinian Authority's political dysfunction and mismanagement. Hamas vs. Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine (Palgrave Macmillan 2008) is still the only book on the market that analyzes the ongoing Palestinian civil war. Al-Qaeda's Armies: Middle East Affiliate Groups and the Next Generation of Terror (Washington Institute for Near East Policy 2004) was the first to explore the al-Qaeda franchises of the Middle East.  Jonathan testifies often before Congress and publishes widely in the American and international media. He has appeared on American television channels such as Fox News and CNN, and Arabic language television channels such as Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera.   A sought-after public speaker, Jonathan has traveled widely throughout the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.   Jonathan has studied Middle East history in four countries. He earned his PhD from King's College London, where he wrote his dissertation on the U.S. Congress and its efforts to combat terrorism in the 20th century. He speaks Arabic and Hebrew.  

Israelcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/israelcast/id1234376424The One Way Ticket Show: https://theonewayticketshow.com/steven-shalowitz/Follow Jason on Locals: https://jasonjones.locals.com/and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/osu4491Visit Movie to Movement @ www.MovieToMovement.comAnd the Vulnerable People Project: www.TheGreatCampaign.org

As Jeremy Corbyn rose to power in Britain's Labour Party, the party grew increasingly antisemitic, isolating both Jews and those allies. Those allies include Rt. Hon Joan Ryan, a longtime member of Labour Friends of Israel who grew increasingly disillusioned at her party's turn towards Jew hatred. When she finally left the party, she cited antisemitism as the sole reason for her resignation. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ryan to discuss how she got involved in British politics, why she is such a strong supporter of the Jewish community, and why she doesn't regret speaking out against antisemitism despite the backlash against her.

For years, Jewish National Fund-USA has been transforming Israel's Negev and Galilee to attract new residents to the regions, by improving the quality of life, supporting tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, and so much more. On this week's episode of IsraelCast, JNF-USA's ever-energetic PR and Communications Manager in Israel, Yael Levontin, walks host Steven Shalowitz through JNF-USA's vision for the land and people of Israel, from its Blueprint Negev and Go North initiatives in the Negev and Galilee to its push to redefine the conversation on what it means to be a Zionist. She also reflects on her personal experience with JNF-USA and Israel, and how she balances work and raising five children.  

On this week's episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Shufutinsky to discuss his mixed-race heritage as a black Russian Jew, how his rap music is both an extension of his identity and a platform to discuss real-world issues, and the importance of minority communities not being defined by outsiders, instead forging and maintaining their own unique identity.

Jewish people have a right to self-determination in the land of Israel as one of the indigenous populations of that region. That's fact. Unfortunately, Jewish people around the world have seen this fact become forced open to interpretation by those that harbor antisemitic sentiments. On this week's episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Gil Troy, a leading Zionist activist and acclaimed American historian, to discuss the alarming increase in antisemitic and antizionist rhetoric from thought leaders in our society and how even the most local of leaders can start a negative chain reaction that ultimately affects global perspectives. Tune in to learn more about Troy lays out how Jews and their allies can combat the hate with the knowledge of history.

For decades, Israel has been a leader in the global emergency response efforts from both governmental and civilian perspectives. In this week's episode of IsraelCast, we're honored to highlight IsraAID, an Israeli NGO, and welcome its Global CEO, Yotam Polizer. Since 2001, IsraAID has worked in emergency and long-term development settings in 55 countries, collaborating with communities at the deepest level, regardless of politics, religion, and ethnicity, working together for as long as it takes to provide relief where it's needed. 

What if we told you that you never had to worry about curbing your sweet tooth ever again? Well, that may become reality sooner than you think thanks to DouxMatok's Incredo® Sugar—a sugar reduction solution that doesn't compromise the taste or the level of sweetness! On this week's episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz chats with CEO, DouxMatok Ari Melamud about how Incredo® Sugar is able to accomplish such a feat and what this means for the future of personal nutrition.

If you've been a young Jewish adult or have raised one in the last twenty two years, chances are that you've heard Birthright—a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey to the land of Israel. Since 1999, Birthright Israel Foundation has gifted more than 750,000 young Jewish adults from over 68 countries with this ten day trip to their ancestral homeland. This, in turn, has ensured a vibrant future of the Jewish people by strengthening their Jewish identities, communities and connections to Israel. According to a study at Brandeis University, Birthright alumni are 93% more likely to feel very connected to Israel than non-participants while 84% ultimately raised their children Jewish! Tune into this week's episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with the President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, Israel “Izzy” Tapoohi, to discuss the crucialness of gifting young Jewish adults with this trip to Israel and why it has such a positive, long-lasting impact on its participants.

Did you know that Jewish people have been in America since before the American Revolution? Meet Aryeh Green—a direct descendent of one of America's first Jewish families and of many prominent Jewish American figures in later years. Green grew up incredibly proud of both his American and Jewish identities, but had not really dived into his Zionist identity. This all changed when he moved to Israel for rabbinical school, immersed himself in the culture and realized how crucial Zionism was to Judaism as a whole. Green eventually made Aliyah and has been living in Israel for over three decades. Tune into this week's episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Aryeh Green to discuss the many aspects of his life in Israel, including his soul-healing trek on Israel's famed National Trail.

Anti-Semitism, Anti-Israel, Anti-Zionism…what's the difference? Is there a difference? This week on IsraelCast, author and educator Ben M. Freeman sits down with host Steven Shalowitz for an engaging conversation on Jewish pride. Tune in to hear about why Jewish people need to reject the shame of anti-Semitism imposed by the non-Jewish world and how to define your own Jewish identity through Jewish experiences, history, and values.

Yoseph Haddad is a defender of Israel – from his time defending Israel as a member of the Israel Defense Forces or more recently as the CEO of Together – Vouch For Each Other, an organization bridging the gap between the Arab sector of Israeli society with Israeli society as a whole. What surprises most people who hear him speak, though, is that this staunch supporter of Israel is not Jewish, but an Israeli-Arab himself. Tune into this week's IsraelCast episode as Yoseph sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz, for a fascinating conversation on growing up in Israel, how his life was shaped by a life-threatening injury when he served in the IDF, and about his ongoing work with integrating Israeli Arabs into Israeli society.

Steven is the Host of "The One Way Ticket Show" podcast, where he explores with his acclaimed guests where they would go if given a one-way ticket, no coming back. Their destinations may be in the past, present, future, real, imaginary, or state of mind. He also chats with his guests about their lives and work. Steven is also the Host of the "IsraelCast" podcast. He speaks with experts about their work in Israel in high tech, medicine, agriculture, water management, the culinary & visual arts, and more.   Born and raised in Chicago, Steven worked for Young & Rubicam Advertising in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and New York City.   While producing and hosting a radio show in Singapore, he conceived the idea for "The One Way Ticket Show," which he launched as a podcast after moving to New York.    An exhibited photographer with a penchant for travel to rogue nations, Steven's adventures have taken him to nearly 70 countries, including North Korea, Libya, Iran, Burundi, Sudan, Syria, Burkina Faso, and Saudi Arabia.   Steven earned his B.A. (Honors) in Chinese Language & Literature from Washington University in St. Louis and his M.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C.  

From long shots to Olympians, Team Israel baseball is currently on a remarkable Cinderella run. After much success during three qualification tournaments, Team Israel won the Africa / Europe 2020 Olympic Qualification tournament thus securing them as the first Israeli National Team since 1976 to qualify for an Olympic team competition. One man who has helped with the rise of popularity of baseball in Israel and Team Israel's recent accomplishments is Team Israel's General Manager, Peter Kurz. IsraelCast host, Steven Shalowitz, welcomes Peter to the show to discuss the players' stories and why they joined Team Israel, the pride of being associated with Team Israel, and how you can show your support as they head to Tokyo to compete for a gold medal.

Get an inside look at Israel and what it means to be Jewish through the eyes of David Kaufman, Architectural Digest's Digital Director and a juror for Jewish National Fund-USA's Envision Tomorrow's Israel Competition. A Jew of color who was introduced to religion by his black Baptist grandmother, David expounds on the diversity of the Jewish experience, the captivating architecture of Tel Aviv, and what it means to be a creative person. Tune into this week's IsraelCast episode as host Steven Shalowitz sits down with David, someone you may not know but will feel like a friend by the end of the conversation.

For people living on the Israeli border towns near Gaza, life is 99% heaven and 1% hell. We've heard the positive stories when it feels like heaven – the community, the agriculture, the beauty – but do we know the realities of life during the 1% of hell? Adele Raemer, mother, grandmother, and patriotic Zionist, joins Steven Shalowitz on IsraelCast this week to shed light on the stress and fear that pervades the region during times of conflict, and also to express the common humanity she and her community share with their Arab neighbors just a few miles away, across the border.

How is the conversation about Israel on college campuses unfolding today and how is virtual learning impacting the discourse? This week, IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz invites Asaf Romirowsky, PhD, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, to expound on the complexities of the campus environment for both students and faculty, how the “cancel culture” mentality suppresses dialogue, and how to effectively teach a rich history to kids who are living on 160 characters.

Love binge-watching shows on Netflix? Then this week’s IsraelCast episode is just for you, as yes Studios’ Managing Director, Danna Stern, sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz. They discuss the secrets of television production, what makes Fauda and Shtisel international sensations, and a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming new series.

“I feel a responsibility to talk about this as much as I can.” So recounts Stephen B. Jacobs, one of the last remaining survivors of the Holocaust. Sent to Buchenwald concentration camp at the age of 5, Stephen recalls his memories hiding in the TB ward where his father worked, being reunited with his family after liberation, and how he remembers “too much” while his brother remembers nothing, having blocked out his harrowing experiences. Fast forward to the present, with Stephen helping to memorialize the heroic acts of Albanians who risked their lives to save Jews during the war, and again to the future, as he takes a prominent role in enhancing the future of the Jewish people as a judge in Jewish National Fund-USA’s Envision Tomorrow’s Israel competition for their new world-class campus in Be’er Sheva, Israel. This week’s episode of IsraelCast reminds us not just to “never forget”, but also to build on the past for future generations.

“Be proud of who you are and be strong.” These simple words from a Holocaust survivor encouraged Michael Neuman to become a professional obstacle course racer and lead a non-profit that helps children with physical challenges through a Spartan race. Tune into IsraelCast this week as Michael sits down with host, Steven Shalowitz, to discuss the reasoning behind wearing a yarmulke during an obstacle course and the “Why?” of anti-Semitism.

On this episode of Jewanced, Dan & Benny sit down with Steven Shalowitz, real-life explorer and host of The One Way Ticket Show & JNF-USA's IsraelCast podcast to talk about podcasting, radio, the power of travel, Israel, NYC, and so much more.  “If I gave you a one-way ticket to anywhere, past, present, or future, where would you go?”  That's the question that Steven Shalowitz asks all of his guests at the start of his captivating podcast, The One Way Ticket Show where he hosts celebrities and luminaries from across a variety of fields, including: art & design, business, communications, entertainment, travel, and world affairs.  Born and raised in Chicago, Steven worked for a major international advertising agency in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and New York City. While producing and hosting a radio show in Singapore, he conceived the idea for The One Way Ticket Show which he launched after moving to New York. An exhibited photographer with a penchant for travel to rogue nations, Steven's adventures have taken him from North Korea to Libya, Iran to Burundi, and Syria to Burkina Faso. Steven earned his B.A. in Chinese Language & Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, and his M.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C.  He is also the producer and host of the IsraelCast podcast, which is powered by the Jewish National Fund USA, and the host of JNF's monthly reading series which features author interviews. Links:      The One Way Ticket Show https://theonewayticketshow.com/ (website)      Listen & Subscribe to The One Way Ticket Show on https://open.spotify.com/show/4v4yiixSAjFI41NjyhTUJO?si=8edUJQtPSBicm1ih80txfA (Spotify)         The One Way Ticket Show on Twitter https://twitter.com/towtshow (@towtshow)         The One Way Ticket Show on https://www.facebook.com/theonewayticketshow (Facebook)        The http://www.jnf.org/israelcast (website) of IsraelCast, JNF-USA's premier Israel podcast        Listen & Subscribe to IsraelCast on https://open.spotify.com/show/5ou1fDXkeNDjHn9F1EU34P?si=RkIQx1wQR1m8_KR6trkKJQ (Spotify)         Steven's Twitter, https://twitter.com/stevenshalowitz (@stevenshalowitz)        Steven's https://www.facebook.com/steven.shalowitz (Facebook)   As always, make sure to subscribe to Jewanced on https://open.spotify.com/show/6984NiP7H1ULW9lJeVt8Ie?si=6LouGFFLTsq7N2bKJhLXRw (Spotify), https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewanced/id1522195382 (Apple Podcasts), or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7r6xLC1K4Zf29i9ttxbNFg/ (channel). For more information, visit us at http://www.jewanced.com/ (http://www.jewanced.com)

For the past 73 years, children in Israel have grown up following in the footsteps of their grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends by enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). But for those with disabilities and special needs, the dream of joining the IDF was, for a long time, unattainable. Enter Special in Uniform, an organization close to the heart of Lihi Lapid, author, journalist, and special needs advocate. In this week’s episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz speaks to Lihi about how Special in Uniform deeply impacts youth with special needs by giving them a chance to join the IDF, as well as her life as a journalist and photographer.

When Riki Golan was born two months prematurely and didn't receive enough oxygen, the doctors diagnosed her with cerebral palsy and told her she would never be able to walk. Riki defied the odds and became a Major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In honor of Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM), host, Steven Shalowitz welcomes her on IsraelCast to discuss her journey through the IDF and the meaningful work of Special in Uniform, who helps integrate young Israelis with disabilities into the IDF and prepare them for life after the army.

When author, speaker, & researcher Dan Feferman, first visited Dubai, he felt that he had stepped 20 years into the future. Tune in as Steven Shalowitz welcomes Dan onto IsraelCast for our Abraham Accord series. Listen to their conversation on the differences of Israeli business culture vs. the UAE, the warm welcome both countries had for one another, and the doors that this peace agreement opens for the rest of the Middle East.

Jews across America have different views, different politics, and different levels of religious observance, but there is one organization that strives to act on the consensus of the Jewish people everywhere, and that organization is the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Whether you know about this organization already or it’s new to you, you’ll be fascinated by its work. Through addressing anti-Semitism to building relationships in the Middle East, the CoP is the unifier who brings the Jewish community together. Named by The Jerusalem Post as being among the fifty most influential Jews worldwide, William Daroff started off his political journey handing out pamphlets door to door; now, he is the CEO of the CoP. Daroff sits down with IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz to discuss the importance of elected officials, combatting “Jew Hatred” on social media, and the journey of becoming a vegan.

You’ve heard Israel called the “start-up nation” – now hear from its “guru”. Jon Medved, CEO of OurCrowd and often known as “the startup nation’s guru”, joins IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz this week to discuss the work of OurCrowd, the importance of the Abraham Accords to the tech industry, and Jon’s large Hawaiian shirt collection.

Veterans Day is not a memorial of the fallen; rather, it is a day of recognition of those who fought valiantly in service of their country, ideals, and values. On a very special Veterans Day edition of IsraelCast, host, Steven Shalowitz, sits down with Alon Wald, the son of Rami Wald, an Israel Defense Forces captain and war hero who fell at Ammunition Hill. Listen to Alon, who is currently Head of Operations at Ammunition Hill, speak on the impact of the Battle of Ammunition Hill and how it remains a staple for Israeli history and current day teachings.

Some countries protect its borders through tanks or checkpoints, but is it possible to do it through activism? By volunteering in local communities, participants at Kedma Student Villages are doing just that. Tune in as Tirael Cohen, Kedma’s founder and CEO, joins host Steven Shalowitz on this week’s episode of IsraelCast to discuss how the young generation of Israel has found meaning and belonging through volunteering on Israel’s borders.

September 15, 2020 was a historic day for Israel and United Arab Emirates - signing a peace treaty normalizing their relations. This week on IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz welcomed on Lior Haiat, the Israel Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, who was part of the official delegation that visited the UAE for this momentous event. Listen to Lior speak about the visit and what this means for the future of the Middle East.

Half a century ago, a 6-year-old Roni Raab visited his grandparents, who had made Aliyah, in Israel. On Sunday, Sept. 6, 1970, he, his mother, and 4 siblings boarded a TWA flight to return home to New York. A week later, Roni and his family finally deplaned after a tense, harrowing experience on an airplane that had been hijacked by the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine). Find out how Roni made it through this dangerous time and how it impacted the rest of his life on this week’s episode of IsraelCast with host Steven Shalowitz.

Ever since he was a little kid, Yonatan Winetraub wanted to go to Mars. Find out how he went from a kid with a dream to the co-founder of SpaceIL, running a robotic mission to the moon, on this week’s episode of IsraelCast. Host Steven Shalowitz talks to Winetraub about the importance of motivating students to be interested in science and engineering, not just being a YouTube star. Hear about the time capsule of hopes and dreams, Beresheet, left on the moon - including a small Bible, letters from communities around the world, and a picture painted by his grandmother.

Courage. Gratitude. Connection. These words are bantered around often enough, but it is rare to find someone with so many stories of simple acts, making connections, and saying thank you. Tune in to this week’s episode of IsraelCast as host Steven Shalowitz sits with Israel advocate and former diplomat Shahar Azani, who relays stories from Kenya, Israel, Yemen, and the United States – and who reminds us of the value and importance of finding commonalities with others and appreciating the simple things in life.

Elhanan Brown’s passion for Israel is contagious. Whether he is teaching in a classroom, touring the country with his students, or guiding groups online, his knowledge of history and love of country come through. This week on IsraelCast, join host Steven Shalowitz as he sits down with Elhanan, an Alexander Muss High School in Israel educator and licensed tour guide, to discuss archeology, if there was even a King David, and everything in between.

How do you build a house in the desert? How do you grow a community when there’s no pipe underground to get the water in for plumbing? Find out in this week’s episode of IsraelCast, when host Steven Shalowitz sits down with real estate exec Jeff Schwartz and JNF-USA’s Chief Development Officer Rick Krosnick, to talk about how they identified the challenges facing those who wanted to move to Israel’s periphery, and figured out how to solve it with the Housing Development Fund.

Is COVID-19 causing a re-envisioning of the world order? In this week’s episode of IsraelCast, we welcome back Ambassador Ido Aharoni, who tackles this question and others. What is the virus’ impact on international collaboration? Why are 100,000 people trying to move to Israel in the next 18 months? How is the travel industry impacted? Listen now to this fascinating conversation.

This week on IsraelCast, we travel to the Central Arava and visit with Hanni Arnon, the Executive Director at the Arava Institute Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT). Hanni discusses agriculture in the middle of the desert and the country-wide impact AICAT students have had during COVID-19.

This week on IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz has a conversation on survival, strength, and resilience with former Soviet Refusenik, Marina Furman. In this sit down, Marina speaks on her ten year struggle with the Soviet government and the “hell” she went through to immigrate to Israel. Listen to Marina elaborate on the importance of fighting for what you believe in and why Israel has a special place in her heart.

Did you know? The Arava Region produces more than 50% of Israel’s fresh vegetables. This week on IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz speaks with Noa Zer, the Central Arava Regional Council’s Director of Resource Development, from her home in the Central Arava. Listen to Noa address the challenges of growing produce in an area with no water and the impact that the Arava Region has worldwide.

What does the Torah have in common with ecology? This week on IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz sits down with Rabbi Yonatan Neril to discuss 18 essential Jewish lessons on the environment. Listen to Rabbi Neril examine the connection of the teachings of great rabbis and the practices of environmentalists today.