Podcasts about Old City

Israel bombs Syria, kills 3, wounds dozens "At least three people have been killed and 34 others wounded as Israel launched a wave of air strikes on the Syrian capital. Israel carried out strikes on the General Staff Complex and the Presidential Palace, known as Qasr al-Shaab, in Damascus. The Israeli army confirmed the air strikes and called the attack on the Presidential Palace a “warning strike.” Israeli fighter jets also staged several air strikes on the southwestern province of Daraa and Qatana city in the Damascus countryside." Israel kills scores in Gaza including aid-seeking Palestinians "Israel has killed at least 68 people in Gaza on Wednesday, including several starving Palestinians who suffocated from tear gas while waiting at US-backed, so-called aid sites in the hope of getting some food. The killings took place in Khan Younis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Jabalia, Deir al Balah and Netzarim Corridor." "Türkiye slams Israeli strikes on Damascus" Türkiye's Foreign Ministry has condemned recent Israeli air strikes targeting central Damascus, calling them a deliberate attempt to undermine Syria's efforts toward peace, stability, and security. The ministry said the latest attack by Israel on Damascus, following its previous military interventions in southern Syria, constitutes an act of sabotage against Syria's attempts to restore peace and order. Ankara warned that such actions threaten to derail a rare opportunity for the war-torn country to move toward normalisation." Illegal Israeli settlers seize control of historic Ibrahimi Mosque "Israeli authorities have stripped the Palestinian-run Hebron municipality of administrative powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque and transferred them to a council of illegal Jewish settlers. Located in the Old City of Hebron, which is under Israeli occupation, the Ibrahimi Mosque is surrounded by approximately 400 illegal Israeli settlers protected by about 1,500 Israeli soldiers. The mosque complex is believed by Abrahamic religions to hold the remains of Prophet Abraham and his family." Türkiye's Fidan denounces Israel's genocide in Gaza " Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has condemned Israel's genocide in Gaza in strong terms during an address to the United Nations Security Council, saying the war has turned the Palestinian enclave into a ""concentration camp"" and accused Israel of systematically targeting civilians. Fidan said over 2 million people are enduring unspeakable suffering in Gaza. He also cited Israel's forced mass displacement, widespread destruction, and the deliberate blocking of humanitarian aid in the besieged enclave."

Are we unknowingly putting out the Spirit's fire?

Join us as we react live with Dr. Hutchins to the most unbelievable headlines of 2025: a paralyzed man speaking again through AI, malicious bots controlling a third of all web traffic, and a UFO orb slamming into a U.S. fighter jet. Watch us respond to AI blackmail attempts by Anthropic, Bob Lazar's classified Area 51 revelations, and the National Archives admitting they've hidden alien evidence. These clips will blow your mind—don't miss our real-time reactions!

As the battle rages in Rene, the aftershocks are felt far and wide, shaking Old City, New City, and beyond. Ready to review Something on the Wind Pt 2? Let's go, but first, a message to our Heroes of Edara! —--------------------- Want more 7th Valkyrie? Check out our Patreon to become a Hero of Edara, where you can shape the future of the series, decide on merch drops and incentives, get early access to new episodes, enjoy bonus features and content, and help us hit the major checkpoints on the Path of Heroes!  https://www.patreon.com/7thvalkyrie For 7th Valkyrie Gear and Apparel: https://store.7thvalkyrie.com/ For 7th Valkyrie Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/7thvalkyrie/  

Previously on the Seventh Valkyrie, the might of the Old City rises behind the Four Families, sweeping into the New City hungering for blood. But what challenges face those who remain in the city? Find out next, on the Seventh Valkyrie The Pit, The 21st Day of Winter, 2nd Hour of the Rene Conflict —--------------------- Want more 7th Valkyrie? Check out our Patreon to become a Hero of Edara, where you can shape the future of the series, decide on merch drops and incentives, get early access to new episodes, enjoy bonus features and content, and help us hit the major checkpoints on the Path of Heroes!  https://www.patreon.com/7thvalkyrie For 7th Valkyrie Gear and Apparel: https://store.7thvalkyrie.com/ For 7th Valkyrie Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/7thvalkyrie/  

This episode Mike travels to the City of Brotherly Love and Brave New Worlds, a comic shop that is smack dab in historic Old City! Only a few blocks from Mike's hotel, he took a leisurely stroll and walked past one historical site after another, from the Liberty Bell to the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin! Brave New Worlds is as charming as the area in which it resides. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing not one, but two managers, Brian and Cacey, and got a book recommendation from both. Cacey is also a cohost of the Tales From the Shortbox podcast. It comes out weekly and is hosted by Cacey Crawford, Adam Sheehan, Shaun Betit, and RJ Veit, who discuss the comics that were released the previous week. I have subscribed, and you should, too! The Brave New Worlds that Mike visited is one of two locations and has been around for over 35 years. They carry a wide variety of comics, game cards, graphic novels, children's books, action figures, back issues, t-shirts, posters, board/card games, and many collecting supplies. It was a blast to hang out with this very friendly and knowledgeable crew! Brave New Worlds is found at 55 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106. Follow the shop on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and check out their website https://stores.comichub.com/bravenewworldsphiladelphia. You can also email them at rob@bravenewworldscomics.com. You can hear more from the illustrious and enigmatic Captain Entropy on podcasts such as the Dark Horse Presents Aliens with Diablu Frank, Prof. Alan's Quarter Bin, the Fantastic Pour with Brett Young, JLUCast with Chris and Cindy Franklin, the Longbox Crusade, and the DC SpecialCast with Paul Kien. A big thanks to Brian and Cacey for taking time out of their busy day to tell me about Brave New Worlds and giving great book recommendations, and thanks to Captain Entropy for joining me in the adventure of reading Step by Bloody Step!

Two Bens. Two York City podcasts. One winner. Simon plays quizmaster in this summer special episode, Ben Aspinall and Ben Robinson are the quizzers, as we try to determine which podcast is the more knowledgeable about the good, the bad & the ugly of YCFC.Rounds include Thierry Chatty-Fairweather, Harrison Ground Hopper, Starting Eleven-t Yalcin and Where did you McCombe from, where did you Lowe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has the media distorted Israel's response to the October 7 Hamas attacks? In this powerful conversation from AJC Global Forum 2025, award-winning journalist and former AP correspondent Matti Friedman breaks down the media bias, misinformation, and double standards shaping global coverage of Israel. Moderated by AJC Chief Communications and Strategy Officer Belle Etra Yoeli, this episode explores how skewed narratives have taken hold in the media, in a climate of activist journalism. A must-listen for anyone concerned with truth in journalism, Israel advocacy, and combating disinformation in today's media landscape. Take Action: Take 15 seconds and urge your elected leaders to send a clear, united message: We stand with Israel. Take action now. Resources: Global Forum 2025 session with Matti Friedman:: Watch the full video. Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod:  Latest Episodes:  John Spencer's Key Takeaways After the 12-Day War: Air Supremacy, Intelligence, and Deterrence Iran's Secret Nuclear Program and What Comes Next in the Iranian Regime vs. Israel War Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran's Nuclear Program Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman: I've had the privilege of interviewing journalism colleague Matti Friedman: twice on this podcast. In 2022, Matti took listeners behind the scenes of Jerusalem's AP bureau where he had worked between 2006 and 2011 and shared some insight on what happens when news outlets try to oversimplify the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Then in 2023, I got to sit down with Matti in Jerusalem to talk about his latest book on Leonard Cohen and how the 1973 Yom Kippur War was a turning point both for the singer and for Israel.  Earlier this year, Matti came to New York for AJC Global Forum 2025, and sat down with Belle Yoeli, AJC Chief Strategy and Communications Officer. They rehashed some of what we discussed before, but against an entirely different backdrop: post-October 7. For this week's episode, we bring you a portion of that conversation.  Belle Yoeli:   Hi, everyone. Great to see all of you. Thank you so much for being here. Matti, thank you for being here.  Matti Friedman:   Thanks for having me.  Belle Yoeli:   As you can tell by zero empty seats in this room, you have a lot of fans, and unless you want to open with anything, I'm going to jump right in. Okay, great.  So for those of you who don't know, in September 2024 Matti wrote a piece in The Free Press that is a really great foundation for today's discussion. In When We Started to Lie, Matti, you reflect on two pieces that you had written in 2015 about issues of media coverage of Israel during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. And this piece basically talked about the conclusions you drew and how they've evolved since October 7. We're gonna get to those conclusions, but first, I'm hoping you can describe for everyone what were the issues of media coverage of Israel that you first identified based on the experience in 2014? Matti Friedman:   First of all, thanks so much for having me here, and thanks for all of the amazing work that you guys are doing. So it's a real honor for me. I was a reporter for the AP, between 2006 and the very end of 2011, in Jerusalem. I was a reporter and editor. The AP, of course, as you know, is the American news agency. It's the world's largest news organization, according to the AP, according to Reuters, it's Reuters. One of them is probably right, but it's a big deal in the news world.  And I had an inside view inside one of the biggest AP bureaus. In fact, the AP's biggest International Bureau, which was in Jerusalem. So I can try to sketch the problems that I saw as a reporter there. It would take me seven or eight hours, and apparently we only have four or five hours for this lunch, so I have to keep it short. But I would say there are two main problems. We often get very involved. When we talk about problems with coverage of Israel. We get involved with very micro issues like, you call it a settlement. I call it a neighborhood. Rockets, you know, the Nakba, issues of terminology. But in fact, there are two major problems that are much bigger, and because they're bigger, they're often harder to see. One of the things that I noticed at the Bureau was the scale of coverage of Israel. So at the time that I was at the AP, again, between 2006 and the very end of 2011 we had about 40 full time staffers covering Israel. That's print reporters like me, stills photographers, TV crews. Israel, as most of you probably know, is a very small country. As a percentage of the world's surface, Israel is 1/100 of 1% of the surface of the world, and as a percentage of the land mass of the Arab world, Israel is 1/5 of 1%. 0.2%.  And we had 40 people covering it.  And just as a point of comparison, that was dramatically more people than we had at the time covering China. There are about 10 million people today in Israel proper, in China, there are 1.3 billion. We had more people in Israel than we had in China. We had more people in Israel than we had in India, which is another country of about 1.3 billion people. We had more people in Israel than we had in all of the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. That's 50 something countries. So we had more people in Israel than we had in all of those countries combined. And sometimes I say that to Jews, I say we covered Israel more than we covered China, and people just stare at me blankly, because it's Israel. So of course, that makes perfect sense.  I happen to think Israel is the most important country in the world because I live there. But if the news is meant to be a rational analysis of events on planet Earth, you cannot cover Israel more than you cover the continent of Africa. It just doesn't make any sense. So one of the things that first jumped out at me– actually, that's making me sound smarter than I am. It didn't jump out at me at first. It took a couple of years. And I just started realizing that it was very strange that the world's largest organization had its largest international bureau in the State of Israel, which is a very small country, very small conflict in numeric terms. And yet there was this intense global focus on it that made people think that it was the most important story in the world. And it definitely occupies a place in the American political imagination that is not comparable to any other international conflict.  So that's one part of the problem. That was the scope, the other part was the context. And it took me a while to figure this out, but the coverage of Israel is framed as an Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflict is defined in those terms, the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and everyone in this room has heard it discussed in those terms. Sometimes we discuss it in those terms, and that is because the news folks have framed the conflict in those terms. So at the AP bureau in Jerusalem, every single day, we had to write a story that was called, in the jargon of the Bureau, Is-Pals, Israelis, Palestinians. And it was the daily wrap of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. So what Netanyahu said, what Abbas said, rockets, settlers, Hamas, you know, whatever, the problem is that there isn't an Israeli=Palestinian conflict. And I know that sounds crazy, because everyone thinks there is.  And of course, we're seeing conflicts play out in the most tragic way right now in Gaza. But most of Israel's wars have not been fought against Palestinians. Israel has unfortunately fought wars against Egyptians and Jordanians and Lebanese and Iraqis. And Israel's most important enemy at the moment, is Iran, right? The Iranians are not Palestinian. The Iranians are not Arab. They're Muslim, but they're not Arab. So clearly, there is a broader regional conflict that's going on that is not an Israeli Palestinian conflict, and we've seen it in the past year. If we had a satellite in space looking down and just following the paths of ballistic missiles and rockets fired at Israel. Like a photograph of these red trails of rockets fired at Israel. You'd see rockets being fired from Iraq and from Yemen and from Lebanon and from Gaza and from Iran. You'd see the contours of a regional conflict.  And if you understand it's a regional conflict, then you understand the way Israelis see it. There are in the Arab world, 300 million people, almost all of them Muslim. And in one corner of that world, there are 7 million Jews, who are Israelis. And if we zoom out even farther to the level of the Islamic world, we'll see that there are 2 billion people in the Islamic world. There's some argument about the numbers, but it's roughly a quarter of the world's population. And in one corner of that world there, there are 7 million Israeli Jews. The entire Jewish population on planet Earth is a lot smaller than the population of Cairo.  So the idea that this is an Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Israelis are the stronger side, where Israelis are the dominant actor, and where Israelis are, let's face it, the bad guy in the story, that's a fictional presentation of a story that actually works in a completely different way. So if you take a small story and make it seem big. If you take a complicated regional story and you make it seem like a very small local story involving only Israelis and Palestinians, then you get the highly simplified but very emotive narrative that everyone is being subjected to now. And you get this portrayal of a villainous country called Israel that really looms in the liberal imagination of the West as an embodiment of the worst possible qualities of the age. Belle Yoeli:   Wow. So already you were seeing these issues when you were reporter, earlier on. But like this, some of this was before and since, since productive edge. This is over 10 years ago, and here we are. So October 7 happens. You already know these issues exist. You've identified them. How would you describe because obviously we have a lot of feelings about this, but like, strictly as a journalist, how would you describe the coverage that you've seen since during October 7, in its aftermath? Is it just these issues? Have they? Have they expanded? Are there new issues in play? What's your analysis? Matti Friedman:   The coverage has been great. I really have very I have no criticism of it. I think it's very accurate. I think that I, in a way, I was lucky to have been through what I went through 10 or 15 years ago, and I wasn't blindsided on October 7, as many people were, many people, quite naturally, don't pay close attention to this. And even people who are sympathetic to Israel, I think, were not necessarily convinced that my argument about the press was right. And I think many people thought it was overstated.  And you can read those articles from 2014 one was in tablet and one was in the Atlantic, but it's basically the two chapters of the same argument. And unfortunately, I think that those the essays, they stand up. In fact, if you don't really look at the date of the essays, they kind of seem that they could have been written in the past year and a half. And I'm not happy about that. I think that's and I certainly wrote them in hopes that they would somehow make things better. But the issues that I saw in the press 15 years ago have only been exacerbated since then. And October seven didn't invent the wheel. The issues were pre existing, but it took everything that I saw and kind of supercharged it.  So if I talked about ideological conformity in the bureaus that has been that has become much more extreme. A guy like me, I was hired in 2006 at the AP. I'm an Israeli of center left political leanings. Hiring me was not a problem in 22,006 by the time I left the AP, at the end of 2011 I'm pretty sure someone like me would not have been hired because my views, which are again, very centrist Israeli views, were really beyond the pale by the time that I left the AP, and certainly, and certainly today, the thing has really moved what I saw happening at the AP. And I hate picking on the AP because they were just unfortunate enough to hire me. That was their only error, but what I'm saying about them is true of a whole new. Was heard. It's true of the Times and CNN and the BBC, the news industry really works kind of as a it has a herd mentality. What happened was that news decisions were increasingly being made by people who are not interested in explanatory journalism. They were activists. Activists had moved into the key positions in the Bureau, and they had a very different idea of what press coverage was supposed to do. I would say, and I tried to explain it in that article for the free press, when I approach a news story, when I approach the profession of journalism, the question that I'm asking is, what's going on? That's the question I think you're supposed to ask, what's going on? How can I explain it in a way that's as accurate as as possible? The question that was increasingly being asked was not what's going on. The question was, who does this serve? That's an activist question. So when you look at a story, you don't ask, is it true, or is it not true? You ask, who's it going to help? Is it going to help the good guys, or is it going to help the bad guys?  So if Israel in the story is the villain, then a story that makes Israel seem reasonable, reasonable or rational or sympathetic needs to be played down to the extent possible or made to disappear. And I can give you an example from my own experience.  At the very end of 2008 two reporters in my bureau, people who I know, learned of a very dramatic peace offer that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had made to the Palestinians. So Olmert, who was the prime minister at the time, had made a very far reaching offer that was supposed to see a Palestinian state in all of Gaza, most of the West Bank, with land swaps for territory that Israel was going to retain, and a very far reaching international consortium agreement to run the Old City of Jerusalem. Was a very dramatic. It was so far reaching, I think that Israelis probably wouldn't have supported it. But it was offered to the Palestinian side, and the Palestinians rejected it as insufficient. And two of our reporters knew about this, and they'd seen a map of the offer. And this was obviously a pretty big story for a bureau that had as the thrust of its coverage the peace process.  The two reporters who had the story were ordered to drop it, they were not allowed to cover the story. And there were different explanations. And they didn't, by the way, AP did not publish the story at the time, even though we were the first to have it. Eventually, it kind of came out and in other ways, through other news organizations. But we knew at first. Why were we not allowed to cover it? Because it would have made the Israelis who we were trying to villainize and demonize, it would have made Israel seem like it was trying to solve the conflict on kind of reasonable lines, which, of course, was true at that time. So that story would have upended the thrust of our news coverage. So it had to be made to go away, even though it was true, it would have helped the wrong people. And that question of who does this serve has destroyed, I want to say all, but much, of what used to be mainstream news coverage, and it's not just where Israel is concerned.  You can look at a story like the mental health of President Biden, right. Something's going on with Biden at the end of his term. It's a huge global news story, and the press, by and large, won't touch it, because why? I mean, it's true, right? We're all seeing that it's true, but why can't you touch it? Because it would help the wrong people. It would help the Republicans who in the press are the people who you are not supposed to help.  The origins of COVID, right? We heard one story about that. The true story seems to be a different story. And there are many other examples of stories that are reported because they help the right people, or not reported because they would help the wrong people. And I saw this thinking really come into action in Israel 10 or 15 years ago, and unfortunately, it's really spread to include the whole mainstream press scene and really kill it.  I mean, essentially, anyone interested in trying to get a solid sense of what's going on, we have very few options. There's not a lot, there's not a lot out there. So that's the broader conclusion that I drew from what I thought at the time was just a very small malfunction involving Israel coverage. But Israel coverage ends up being a symptom of something much bigger, as Jews often are the symptom of something much bigger that's going on.  So my problems in the AP bureau 15 years ago were really a kind of maybe a canary in the coal mine, or a whiff of something much bigger that we were all going to see happen, which is the transformation of the important liberal institutions of the west into kind of activist arms of a very radical ideology that has as its goal the transformation of the west into something else. And that's true of the press, and it's true of NGO world, places like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which were one thing 30 years ago and are something very different today. And it's also true of big parts of the academy. It's true of places like Columbia and places like Harvard, they still have the logo, they still have the name, but they serve a different purpose, and I just happen to be on the ground floor of it as a reporter. Belle Yoeli:   So obviously, this concept of who does this serve, and this activist journalism is deeply concerning, and you actually mentioned a couple other areas, academia, obviously we're in that a lot right now in terms of what's going on campus. So I guess a couple of questions on that. First of all, think about this very practically, tachlis, in the day to day.  I'm a journalist, and I go to write about what's happening in Gaza. What would you say is, if you had to throw out a percentage, are all of them aware of this activist journalist tendency? Or you think it's like, like intentional for many of them, or it's sort of they've been educated that way, and it's their worldview in such a way that they don't even know that they're not reporting the news in a very biased way. Does that make sense? Matti Friedman:   Totally. I think that many people in the journalism world today view their job as not as explaining a complicated situation, but as swaying people toward the correct political conclusion. Journalism is power, and the power has to be wielded in support of justice. Now, justice is very slippery, and, you know, choosing who's in the right is very, very slippery, and that's how journalism gets into a lot of trouble. Instead of just trying to explain what's going on and then leave, you're supposed to leave the politics and the activism to other people. Politics and activism are very important.  But unless everyone can agree on what is going on, it's impossible to choose the kind of act, the kind of activism that would be useful. So when the journalists become activists, then no one can understand what's what's going on, because the story itself is fake, and there are many, many examples of it. But you know, returning to what you asked about, about October 7, and reporting post October 7, you can really see it happen. The massacres of October 7 were very problematic for the ideological strain that now controls a lot of the press, because it's counterintuitive. You're not supposed to sympathize with Israelis.  And yet, there were a few weeks after October 7 when they were forced to because the nature of the atrocities were so heinous that they could not be ignored. So you had the press covering what happened on October 7, but you could feel it. As someone who knows that scene, you could feel there was a lot of discomfort. There was a lot of discomfort. It wasn't their comfort zone, and you knew that within a few weeks, maybe a month, it was gonna snap back at the first opportunity.  When did it snap back? In the story of the Al Ahli hospital strike. If you remember that a few weeks in, there's a massive global story that Israel has rocketed Hospital in Gaza and killed about 500 people and and then you can see the kind of the comfort the comfort zone return, because the story that the press is primed to cover is a story about villainous Israelis victimizing innocent Palestinians, and now, now we're back. Okay. Now Israel's rocketing hospital. The problem was that it hadn't happened, and it was that a lot of stories don't happen, and they're allowed to stand.  But this story was so far from the truth that even the people involved couldn't make it work, and it had to be retracted, but it was basically too late. And then as soon as the Israeli ground offensive got into swing in Gaza, then the story really becomes the same old story, which is a story of Israel victimizing Palestinians for no reason. And you'll never see Hamas militants in uniform in Gaza. You just see dead civilians, and you'll see the aftermath of a rocket strike when the, you know, when an Israeli F16 takes out the launcher, but you will never see the strike. Which is the way it's worked in Gaza since the very end of 2008 which is when the first really bad round of violence in Gaza happens, which is when I'm at the AP.  As far as I know, I was the first staffer to erase information from the story, because we were threatened by Hamas, which happened at the very end of 2008. We had a great reporter in Gaza, a Palestinian who had always been really an excellent reporter. We had a detail in a story. The detail was a crucial one. It was that Hamas fighters were dressed as civilians and were being counted as civilians in the death toll, an important thing to know, that went out in an AP story. The reporter called me a few hours later. It was clear that someone had spoken to him, and he told me, I was on the desk in Jerusalem, so I was kind of writing the story from the main bureau in Jerusalem. And he said, Matti, you have to take that detail out of the story. And it was clear that someone had threatened him. I took the detail out of the story. I suggested to our editors that we note in an Editor's Note that we were now complying with Hamas censorship. I was overruled, and from that point in time, the AP, like all of its sister organizations, collaborates with Hamas censorship in Gaza.  What does that mean? You'll see a lot of dead civilians, and you won't see dead militants. You won't have a clear idea of what the Hamas military strategy is. And this is the kicker, the center of the coverage will be a number, a casualty number, that is provided to the press by something called the Gaza health ministry, which is Hamas. And we've been doing that since 2008, and it's a way of basically settling the story before you get into any other information. Because when you put, you know, when you say 50 Palestinians were killed, and one Israeli on a given day, it doesn't matter what else you say. The numbers kind of tell their own story, and it's a way of settling the story with something that sounds like a concrete statistic. And the statistic is being, you know, given to us by one of the combatant sides. But because the reporters sympathize with that side, they're happy to play along. So since 2008, certainly since 2014 when we had another serious war in Gaza, the press has not been covering Gaza, the press has been essentially an amplifier for one of the most poisonous ideologies on Earth. Hamas has figured out how to make the press amplify its messaging rather than covering Hamas. There are no Western reporters in Gaza. All of the reporters in Gaza are Palestinians, and those people fall into three categories. Some of them identify with Hamas. Some of them are intimidated by Hamas and won't cross Hamas, which makes a lot of sense. I wouldn't want to cross Hamas either. So either. And the third category is people who actually belong to Hamas. That's where the information from Gaza is coming from. And if you're credulous, then of course, you're going to get a story that makes Israel look pretty bad. Belle Yoeli:   So this is very depressing. That's okay. It's very helpful, very depressing. But on that note, I would ask you so whether, because you spoke about this problem in terms, of, of course, the coverage of Israel, but that it's it's also more widespread you talk, you spoke about President Biden in your article, you name other examples of how this sort of activist journalism is affecting everything we read. So what should everyone in this room be reading, truly, from your opinion. This is Matti's opinion. But if you want to you want to get information from our news and not activist journalism, obviously The Free Press, perhaps. But are there other sites or outlets that you think are getting this more down the line, or at least better than some, some better than others?  Matti Friedman:   No, it's just The Free Press. No. I mean, it's a question that I also wrestle with. I haven't given up on everyone, and even in publications that have, I think, largely lost the plot, you'll still find good stuff on occasion. So I try to keep my eye on certain reporters whose name I know. I often ask not just on Israel, but on anything, does this reporter speak the language of the country that they're covering? You'd be shocked at how rare that is for Americans. A lot of the people covering Ukraine have no idea what language they speak in Ukraine, and just as someone who covers Israel, I'm aware of the low level of knowledge that many of the Western reporters have. You'll find really good stuff still in the Atlantic. The Atlantic has managed, against steep odds, to maintain its equilibrium amid all this. The New Yorker, unfortunately, less so, but you'll still see, on occasion, things that are good. And there are certain reporters who are, you know, you can trust. Isabel Kirchner, who writes for The New York Times, is an old colleague of mine from the Jerusalem report. She's excellent, and they're just people who are doing their job. But by and large, you have to be very, very suspicious of absolutely everything that you read and see. And I'm not saying that as someone who I'm not happy to say that, and I certainly don't identify with, you know, the term fake news, as it has been pushed by President Trump.  I think that fake news is, you know, for those guys, is an attempt to avoid scrutiny. They're trying to, you know, neuter the watchdog so that they can get away with whatever they want. I don't think that crowd is interested in good press coverage. Unfortunately, the term fake news sticks because it's true. That's why it has worked. And the press, instead of helping people navigate the blizzard of disinformation that we're all in, they've joined it. People who are confused about what's going on, should be able to open up the New York Times or go to the AP and figure out what's going on, but because, and I saw it happen, instead of covering the circus, the reporters became dancing bears in the circus. So no one can make heads or tails of anything. So we need to be very careful.  Most headlines that are out there are out there to generate outrage, because that's the most predictable generator of clicks, which is the, we're in a click economy. So I actually think that the less time you spend following headlines and daily news, the better off you'll be. Because you can follow the daily news for a year, and by the end of the year, you'll just be deranged. You'll just be crazy and very angry.  If you take that time and use it to read books about, you know, bitten by people who are knowledgeable, or read longer form essays that are, you know, that are obviously less likely to be very simplistic, although not, you know, it's not completely impossible that they will be. I think that's time, that's time better spent. Unfortunately, much of the industry is kind of gone. And we're in an interesting kind of interim moment where it's clear that the old news industry is basically dead and that something new has to happen. And those new things are happening. I mean, The Free Press is part of a new thing that's happening. It's not big enough to really move the needle in a dramatic way yet, but it might be, and I think we all have to hope that new institutions emerge to fill the vacuum.  The old institutions, and I say this with sorrow, and I think that this also might be true of a lot of the academic institutions. They can't be saved. They can't be saved. So if people think that writing an editor, a letter to the editor of the New York Times is going to help. It's not going to help. Sometimes people say, Why don't we just get the top people in the news industry and bring them to Israel and show them the truth? Doesn't help. It's not about knowing or not knowing. They define the profession differently.  So it's not about a lack of information. The institutions have changed, and it's kind of irrevocable at this point, and we need new institutions, and one of them is The Free Press, and it's a great model of what to do when faced with fading institutions. By the way, the greatest model of all time in that regard is Zionism. That's what Zionism is. There's a guy in Vienna in 1890 something, and his moment is incredibly contemporary. There's an amazing biography of Herzl called Herzl by Amos Elon. It's an amazing book. If you haven't read it, you should read it, because his moment in cosmopolitan Vienna sounds exactly like now. It's shockingly current. He's in this friendly city. He's a reporter for the New York Times, basically of the Austro Hungarian empire, and he's assimilated, and he's got a Christmas tree in his house, and his son isn't circumcised, and he thinks everything is basically great. And then the light changes.  He notices that something has changed in Vienna, and the discourse about Jews changes, and like in a Hollywood movie, the light changes. And he doesn't try to he doesn't start a campaign against antisemitism. He doesn't get on social media and kind of rail against unfair coverage. He sits down in a hotel room in Paris and he writes this pamphlet called the Jewish state, and I literally flew from that state yesterday. So there's a Zionist model where you look at a failing world and you think about radical solutions that involve creation. And I think we're there. And I think Herzl's model is a good one at a dark time you need real creativity. Belle Yoeli:   Thank God you found the inspiration there, because I was really, I was really starting to worry. No, in all seriousness, Matti, the saying that these institutions can't be saved. I mean the consequences of this, not just for us as pro-Israel, pro-Jewish advocates, but for our country, for the world, the countries that we come from are tremendous.  And the way we've been dealing with this issue and thinking about how, how can you change hearts and minds of individuals about Israel, about the Jewish people, if everything that they're reading is so damaging and most of what they're reading is so damaging and basically saying there's very little that we can do about that. So I am going to push you to dream big with us. We're an advocacy organization. AJC is an advocacy organization. So if you had unlimited resources, right, if you really wanted to make change in this area, to me, it sounds like you're saying we basically need 15 Free Presses or the new institutions to really take on this way. What would you do? What would you do to try to make it so that news media were more like the old days? Matti Friedman:   Anyone who wants unlimited resources should not go into journalism. I have found that my resources remain limited. I'll give you an answer that is probably not what you're expecting or not what you want here. I think that the fight can't be won. I think that antisemitism can't be defeated. And I think that resources that are poured into it are resources wasted. And of course, I think that people need legal protection, and they need, you know, lawyers who can protect people from discrimination and from defamation. That's very important. But I know that when people are presented with a problem like antisemitism, which is so disturbing and it's really rocking the world of everyone in this room, and certainly, you know, children and grandchildren, you have a problem and you want to address it, right? You have a really bad rash on your arm. You want the rash to go away, and you're willing to do almost anything to make it go away. This has always been with us. It's always been with us.  And you know, we recently celebrated the Seder, and we read in the Seder, in the Haggadah, l'chol dor vador, omdim aleinu l'chaloteinu. Which is, in every generation, they come at us to destroy us. And it's an incredibly depressing worldview. Okay, it's not the way I wanted to see the world when I grew up in Toronto in the 1990s. But in our tradition, we have this idea that this is always gonna be around. And the question is, what do you do? Do you let other people define you? Do you make your identity the fight against the people who hate you? And I think that's a dead end.  This crisis is hitting the Jewish people at a moment when many of us don't know who we are, and I think that's why it's hitting so hard. For my grandfather, who was a standard New York Jew, garment industry, Lower East Side, poor union guy. This would not have shaken him, because he just assumed that this was the world like this. The term Jewish identity was not one he ever heard, because it wasn't an issue or something that had to be taught. So if I had unlimited resources, what I would do is I would make sure that young Jewish people have access to the riches of Jewish civilization, I would, you know, institute a program that would allow any young Jewish person to be fluent in Hebrew by the time they finish college. Why is that so important? Why is that such an amazing key?  Because if you're fluent in Hebrew, you can open a Tanakh, or you can open a prayer book if you want. Or you can watch Fauda or you can get on a plane to Israel and hit on Israeli guys. Hebrew is the key to Jewish life, and if you have it, a whole world will open up. And it's not one that antisemites can interfere with. It does not depend on the goodwill of our neighbors. It's all about us and what we're doing with ourselves. And I think that if you're rooted in Jewish tradition, and I'm not saying becoming religious, I'm just saying, diving into the riches of Jewish tradition, whether it's history or gemara or Israel, or whatever, if you're if you're deep in there enough, then the other stuff doesn't go away, but it becomes less important.  It won't be solved because it can't be solved, but it will fade into the background. And if we make the center of identity the fight against antisemitism, they've won. Why should they be the center of our identity? For a young person who's looking for some way of living or some deep kind of guide to life, the fight against antisemitism is not going to do it, and philanthropy is not going to do it. We come from the wisest and one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and many of us don't know how to open the door to that civilization, and that's in our hands. And if we're not doing it, it's not the fault of the antisemites. It's our own fault. So if I had unlimited resources, which, again, it's not, it's not going to happen unless I make a career change, that's where I would be putting my effort. Internally and not externally.  Belle Yoeli:   You did find the inspiration, though, again, by pushing Jewish identity, and we appreciate that. It's come up a lot in this conversation, this question about how we fight antisemitism, investing in Jewish identity and who we are, and at the same time, what do we do about it? And I think all of you heard Ted in a different context last night, say, we can hold two things, two thoughts at the same time, right? Two things can be true at the same time. And I think for me, what I took out of this, in addition to your excellent insights, is that that's exactly what we have to be doing.  At AJC, we have to be engaging in this advocacy to stand up for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. But that's not the only piece of the puzzle. Of course, we have to be investing in Jewish identity. That's why we bring so many young people to this conference. Of course, we need to be investing in Jewish education. That's not necessarily what AJC is doing, the bulk of our work, but it's a lot of what the Jewish community is doing, and these pieces have to go together. And I want to thank you for raising that up for us, and again, for everything that you said. Thank you all so much for being here. Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman: If you missed last week's episode, be sure to tune in as John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, breaks down Israel's high-stakes strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure and the U.S. decision to enter the fight. 

This may be the most important conversation we've ever had about the Holy Spirit. In this interview, Pastor Alan DiDio sits down with evangelist and author David Diga Hernandez to discuss the truths that many believers have missed—or been misled about—concerning the Holy Spirit. Are you operating in power… or just going through the motions?

Amy Needle, CEO and President of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. discussed the summer activities planned for Franklin Square, the Betsy Ross House and throughout the Olde City historic district. The brainchild of former Mayor Ed Rendell, Historic Philadelphia was founded to package and promote the tourism impact of the many historic sites and the pivotal events that happened here. Today it oversees the Betsy Ross House, the home of Betsy, her three husbands and many children and her upholstery business, and the redeveloped and revitalized Franklin Square, one of William Penn’s original green spaces. It also offers ‘Once Upon a Nation,’ live interactive presentations by costumed reenactors throughout the historic district. We touched on the plans for this year, and ongoing partnerships with other district museums and sites in anticipation of 2026 celebrations. Once Upon A Nation will again offer its famous Storytelling Benches in Old City with new free programs for kids. For adults, they are introducing ‘Cocktails with Congress,’ a Thursday Happy Hour at Carpenters’ Hall. At Franklin Square the Chinese Lantern Festival, their major fundraiser, returns June 20 through August 31 with cultural offerings and vendors. The event is open to the public during the day and ticketed at night when the lanterns glow. The daily fountain shows in the Rendell Family Fountain, the carousel and Mini Golf and Square Burger restaurant are all open throughout the day and evening. During the day there will be exercise classes, yoga and other offerings at the park which serves as a green anchor for the residents and schools nearby. Amy discussed their annual July 2nd celebration, a parade winding from the National Constitution Center to the Museum of the American Revolution, followed by activities and entertainment at eight neighboring historic sites. Amy revealed that an expanded version of this will be the centerpiece for their 2026 plans as well as ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’ – markers celebrating famous firsts of Philadelphia, with one spotlighted every week. For more information about tours, Once Upon a Nation sites, tickets to the Chinese Lantern Festival and other historic events check the Historic Philadelphia Gazette at historicphiladelpia.org.

Recordings of ambience from Aṭ-Ṭūr (Mount of Olives) overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. The Al Aqsa temple-mount in the distance, the jewish graveyard close by, site of important historic and contemporary events. The recording is from April 2024, while the catastrophic war in Gaza was going on full speed.  This soundscape-composition is part of the HEYR project, presenting 3-dimensional soundscapes from special locations, connected to special events. Find out more by visiting https://www.heyr.no © Anders Vinjar, 2025 Recorded by Anders Vinjar. 

PREVIEW: Author Doron Spielman, "When the Stones Speak," describes the discovery of the City of David under a tiny parking lot outside the old city walls. More.

Start Your Transformation Now  In this powerful conversation, Jim sits down with Cathy Heller—author, speaker, spiritual teacher, and host of the “Abundant Ever After” podcast—to explore how abundance isn't something we chase; it's something we receive. Cathy opens up about her journey from emotional hardship and scarcity to spiritual clarity and profound wealth, and how Jewish mysticism, Kabbalah, and deep soul work have helped shape her reality. Together, they share wisdom on tuning into divine energy, healing past wounds, and becoming a vessel for true abundance.  Cathy shares deeply personal stories, including how a spontaneous trip to Jerusalem led her to a rabbi who helped rewire her understanding of purpose and abundance. They discuss the shame we carry around money, why spiritual fulfillment is the true foundation of prosperity, and how being unapologetically authentic can create a ripple effect of healing. If you've ever felt “too much” or struggled with your worthiness to receive, this episode offers a transformational perspective.  This conversation is both soulful and practical, reminding us that we're here not to “fit in,” but to stand out. You'll walk away feeling empowered to plug into your own divine outlet and reframe how you think about money, self-worth, and your soul's assignment.  What You'll Discover in This Episode:  (02:16) Why Cathy Held Back Her Truth at First Cathy explains why she was initially hesitant to talk openly about her beliefs and how leaning into her spiritual roots transformed her voice and work.  (10:00) Her Mystical Experience in Jerusalem That Changed Everything A spontaneous class in the Old City led to years of mentorship and soul expansion—and it completely reshaped Cathy's life and purpose.  (21:41) Why Abundance Isn't About Money—It's About Frequency Cathy shares the real reason she wrote Abundant Ever After and how to “tune” your inner receiver to align with divine abundance.  (34:06) Depression vs. Purpose—A Life-Changing Truth A deeply moving reflection on Cathy's mother's depression and what it taught her about how purpose—not happiness—is the antidote to despair.  (48:43) The “Breaker Panel” Metaphor for Receiving More in Life Learn why your nervous system might be short-circuiting your desires—and how to rewire your capacity to receive.  (55:28) What You Can Give, Even When You're Broke Cathy illustrates that abundance isn't measured in money—it's measured in presence, energy, and intention.  Listen, apply, and enjoy!  Transformational Takeaway  Your ability to receive is directly linked to your belief in your own worthiness. As Cathy reminds us, abundance isn't something “out there”—it's something you tune into by remembering that your soul is infinite, generous, and already enough. Whether it's a smile, a compliment, or a moment of true presence, you always have something of value to give—and the more you give, the more you open yourself up to receive. True wealth starts with recognizing the light within and letting it shine.  Mentioned Resources:

This is the 2nd hour of The Land of Make Believe with Old Man Ratchet that aired on Saturday June 7th, 2025 from 9 to 10 pm (est) on WOZO-LP 103.9 FM Knoxville, TN and streamed online at wozoradio.com. This hour played at the same time WOZO's 10th Anniversary fund raiser show was happening in the Old City, Knoxville. This hour was mixed using Serato Dj Pro software using a Pioneer DDJ Rev 5 controller. Additional editing, vocals and production was done with Audacity Freeware for noncommercial use. WOZO is a non-commercial, community radio station that relies on listener support. To help us stay on the air, please consider a donation through Venmo @wozofm Thank You!Track List Hour 2: Station IDPromo - WOZOfest 10th Anniversary Hour IntroSUNO AI - WOZO 10 Years StrongSublime - Garden GroveBlack Sabbath - Sweet Leaf Sublime and Notorious B.I.G - Juicy SanteriaThe Honeydrippers - Impeach the President YG - Whole Lotta FDT, Jack (LobsterDust Mash-up)Ledinsky - Donald Trump Makes Me Wanna Smoke CrackGrateful Dead - One More Saturday Night (Live in England, 1972)Butthole Surfers - Pepper (Clean)Don Caron - 50 Ways to Leave The WhitehouseR.E.M. - It's the End of The World As We Know ItLes Claypool's Duo De Twang - Stayin' AlivePrince - 1999Michael Jackson vs James Brown - Wanna Get Up And Start Being A Sex Machine Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo - Where Everybody Knows Your Name (Instrumental Remix) Show Outro

This is the 1st hour of The Land of Make Believe with Old Man Ratchet that aired on Saturday June 7th, 2025 from 8 to 9 pm (est) on WOZO-LP 103.9 FM Knoxville, TN and streamed online at wozoradio.com. This hour played the same time as WOZO's 10th Anniversary Benefit show ws happening at Barley's in The Old City of Knoxville. This hour was mixed using Serato Dj Pro software using a Pioneer DDJ Rev 5 controller. Additional editing, vocals and production was done with Audacity Freeware for noncommercial use. WOZO is a non-commercial, community radio station that relies on listener support. To help us stay on the air, please consider a donation through Venmo @wozofm Thank You!Track List:Station IDWOZO 10th Anniversary with Bluesy BackgroundShow IntroTwister Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It Quiet Riot - Cum On Feel The NoizeVan Halen - PanamaRage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart Fugazi - Waiting RoomNirvana - Come As You Are Iggy Pop - I Wanna Be Your DogBon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad NameRatt - Round And RoundOzzy Osbourne - Crazy TrainThe Clash - Rock the CasbahMetallica - For Whom The Bell TollsRage Against The Machine - Down Rodeo Hour Outro

I greet you in Jesus' precious name. It is Saturday morning, the 7th of June, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Isaiah 53:5:”And by His stripes we are healed.” Then we go to 1 Peter 2:24: “…by whose stripes you were healed.” Jesus Christ did not heal us sitting in His palace in Heaven. No, he came down to earth and was crucified for our sins on the tree, the Cross. He was severely beaten, humiliated, and thrashed with a whip that made His back look like a ploughed field, the Bible tells us, and by the blood that came out of His back, by the stripes that He received, you and I have received our healing. Now I want to share two testimonies with you. Now, the first happened in Bethesda in the Old City in Jerusalem, a couple of years ago when I took a large group of pilgrims to Israel. We were at the swirling pool where the man who was paralysed was healed by Jesus. Remember, he couldn't get into that pool because it only stirred up once a year. The angel would stir it up, and the first person that got into that pool of water was healed, but because he was paralysed, he couldn't get there, but Jesus healed him right in that position. He took up his bed and he walked. That is the power of the healing of Jesus Christ. Now, I was praying for the sick at that same place. There was a man who came forward for healing. He and his dear wife are farmers at the base of the mighty Drakensberg mountains. They had a coal stove. They had stoked the coal at night. They had gone to bed, and during the night, the chimney in the stove had fallen and jammed so that the smoke could not get out, and so what happened, the fumes, the carbon monoxide, the same sort of fumes that come out of a motorcar, went through the house and they were both unconscious and only found a long time afterwards. The gentleman was in a coma for a number of days. He did recover, as did his wife, but he had brain damage. He couldn't remember things and he had no balance. I want to tell you that he was healed at Bethesda, at the healing pool, when we prayed for him. The same thing happened to me on Easter Sunday of this very year, 2025. I prayed for a young man who had cancer of the brain. God healed him, but the amazing thing was that when I was praying for the sick, I myself was sick, and God has healed me as well. He is the Healer and He wants to heal you today. Jesus bless you and goodbye.

Nairobi is like many cities. It's vibrant but chaotic. Well-functioning here, showing cracks in its infrastructure there. In this episode we go behind writer Erika Page's reporting of a tale of two (satellite) cities outside of Kenya's capital, part of a growing constellation of such centers of life and commerce. And we talk about how a reporter keeps finding stories about people trying, at least, to do things better. Hosted by Clay Collins.

What if the myths of Atlantis, Mu, and ancient sunken cities weren't just bedtime stories—but forgotten history? In this episode of Truth Be Told, Tony Sweet plunges into the deep blue mystery of a 140,000-year-old city discovered at the bottom of the ocean near Indonesia. From fossilized Komodo dragons to fragments of a Homo erectus skull, this jaw-dropping find is more than a scientific curiosity—it could be the first physical evidence of a lost prehistoric civilization. Is this the real Sundaland? Did humanity rise—and fall—long before we ever imagined?

In this video with ‪@IsaiahSaldivar‬  we go DEEP into how you can identify and cast out any demon through the power of Jesus Christ

JUN. 3, 2025Take responsibility for your life."Do you want to get well?" Jn 5:6 NIVWhat an amazing question Jesus asked this paralyzed man: "Do you want to get well?" Who wouldn't? You might be surprised! Kay Arthur tells of passing a beggar one day on a street in the Old City of Jerusalem. As he sat begging, his trouser leg was pulled up to reveal his terrible sores. She writes: "My nurse's heart brought my feet to a halt. I wanted to bend down and shield the open wound from the dust...It should be washed, medicated, and dressed by someone who cared. My friend gently took me by my elbow and propelled me toward our destination. I was a tourist and did not know about these things. She then proceeded to tell me that this man did not wish to be made well. He made his living from his wound! As I looked back...l caught one last glimpse of someone who was less than what he could have been." The man lying helpless on a cot by the pool called Bethesda had been there for thirty-eight years. Question: How long does it take before a problem becomes a way of life? Jesus said to him, "Get up...and walk" (v. 8 NIV), the inference being that it's time to get up and go to work—to become a father to your children, a husband to your wife, a contributor to your community, a solution to someone else's problem-it's time to take responsibility for your life. Are you letting your past or present circumstances keep you stuck and stop you from moving forward? If Jesus asked you, "Do you want to get well emotionally, physically, and spiritually?" what would your answer be? Today let Jesus make you whole!Take responsibility for your life Today let Jesus make you whole!Share This DevotionalSend us a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

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

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: The Spice of Connection: A Shavuot Market Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-05-26-22-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: בשוק החיים והשוקק של ירושלים העתיקה, אביב הגיע והשוק מלא בריחות צבעוניים וססגוניים.En: In the bustling and vibrant market of Yerushalayim the Old City, spring has arrived, and the market is filled with colorful and vibrant aromas.He: הריחות ממלאים את האוויר עם תבלינים ועשבים רעננים, במיוחד בערב חג השבועות.En: The air is filled with scents of spices and fresh herbs, especially on the eve of Chag Shavuot.He: אווירת החג מורגשת בין התכונה של הקונים והסוחרים המציעים את מרכולתם בקולי קולות.En: The holiday atmosphere is felt among the buyers and sellers offering their goods aloud.He: אביטל, סוחרת מוכשרת ומתמחה בתבלינים ועשבים קדומים, מסתובבת בין הדוכנים, מחפשת רכיב נדיר למאכל מיוחד שתכין למשפחתה לכבוד חג השבועות.En: Avital, a talented merchant specializing in ancient spices and herbs, roams between the stalls, searching for a rare ingredient for a special dish she is preparing for her family in honor of Chag Shavuot.He: ליאור, ידיד ותיק ובעל דוכן לסחורות בשוק, מצטרף אליה ומציע לסייע לה.En: Lior, an old friend and stall owner in the market, joins her and offers to help.He: "אביטל, אני מכיר מישהו שיש לו את מה שאת מחפשת", הוא מתלחש באוזנה.En: "Avital, I know someone who has what you're looking for," he whispers in her ear.He: "אבל הוא לא קל במשא ומתן".En: "But he's not easy to negotiate with."He: אביטל יודעת את שיוויו של התבלין שהיא מחפשת, אך המשא ומתן הוא חלק מהאתגר.En: Avital knows the worth of the spice she seeks, but negotiation is part of the challenge.He: היא ניגשת לדוכן של הסוחר המפורסם, חיוך קל על פניה.En: She approaches the stall of the renowned merchant, a slight smile on her face.He: "שלום רב, אני מחפשת את התבלין הנדיר לכבוד חג השבועות", היא אומרת בנחישות.En: "Hello, I'm looking for the rare spice in honor of Chag Shavuot," she says determinedly.He: הסוחר מביט בה בעיניים מרוכזות.En: The merchant looks at her with focused eyes.He: "התבלין הזה מאד יקר.En: "This spice is very expensive.He: מה יש לך להציע בתמורה?En: What do you have to offer in return?"He: ", הוא שואל בקול מחושב.En: he asks in a calculated voice.He: אביטל מתלבטת.En: Avital hesitates.He: היא מבינה שעליה להציע משהו מיוחד.En: She understands she needs to offer something special.He: בתוך התרהבשקות הפנימי שלה היא נזכרת במגילת מתכון מיוחדת שירשה מהמשפחה.En: In her internal reflection, she remembers a special recipe scroll she inherited from her family.He: "הנה, יש לי מגילה מיוחדת של מתכונים עתיקים, עוברת מדור לדור במשפחתי", היא עונה ומגישה את המגילה נטכלפות בזהירות.En: "Here, I have a special scroll of ancient recipes, passed down from generation to generation in my family," she replies, carefully presenting the scroll.He: הסוחר מסוכך בעיניים מסוקרות את המגילה ומחייך.En: The merchant scrutinizes the scroll with curious eyes and smiles.He: "זה די מעניין", הוא מגמגם, "אני מסכים לעסקה".En: "This is quite interesting," he stammers, "I agree to the deal."He: אביטל משאירה את המגילה וקיבלה את התבלין הנדיר.En: Avital leaves the scroll and receives the rare spice.He: עם שימחת כהכרתודעה, היא ממהרת עם התבלין הנדיר, מוכנה להכין את המנה המיוחדת לחג.En: Filled with gratitude and joy, she hurries with the rare spice, ready to prepare the special dish for the holiday.He: בערב חג השבועות, המשפחה מתכנסת, והמנה המיוחדת של אביטל מגישה לשולחן.En: On the eve of Chag Shavuot, the family gathers, and Avital's special dish is served at the table.He: כולם מרכים על המאכל ומברכים את אביטל על התוצאה.En: Everyone praises the dish and blesses Avital for the outcome.He: היא לומדת באותו רגע שהקרבה לעיתים מביאה הזדמנויות חדשות וגם קשרים עמוקים יותר.En: She learns in that moment that closeness sometimes brings new opportunities and deeper connections.He: ליאור מחייך לעברה מהפינה בחדר, מרוצה שסייע לחברתו להגשים את מטרה בעודה אוחזת בתבלין הנדיר שלה.En: Lior smiles at her from the corner of the room, pleased to have helped his friend achieve her goal as she holds her rare spice. Vocabulary Words:bustling: שוקקvibrant: ססגוניaromas: ריחותherbs: עשביםeve: ערבdeterminedly: בנחישותmerchant: סוחרrenowned: מפורסםcalculated: מחושבscrutinizes: מסוכךhesitates: מתלבטתreflection: להתרשתscroll: מגילהcurious: מסוקרותstammers: מגמגםgratitude: כהכרתודהjoy: שימחתpraised: מרכיםbless: מברכיםcloseness: קרבהopportunities: הזדמנויותdeeper: עמוקיםconnections: קשריםachieve: להגשיםgoal: מטרהwhispers: מתלחשspice: תבליןtransaction: עסקהinherit: ירשהoffers: מגישBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

While all eyes are on Gaza, another war is being fought for control of Jerusalem. Hundreds of Israeli police officers mobilised Monday for Jerusalem Day, commemorating the city's total conquest by Israel in 1967. It's an opportunity for Israeli nationalists to reaffirm their hold on the city – and, increasingly, for scenes of violence against Palestinians in the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem.

In honour of Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Reunification Day) this morning we discuss the incredible archeological findings at Ir David (City of David, just east of Jerusalem's Old City) including the newest, spectacular finding, Pilgrims Road (also known a Stepped Street). Based on Daniel Gordis' interview with Doron Spielman, we learn not only what has been found but what it means for us today. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

In this follow-up to our previous lesson on the symbolism of John Chapter 2, we examine the rich cultural and spiritual backdrop of the Wedding at Cana. What did John mean when he said it was the “third day”? At first glance, this might seem like a small detail, but when viewed through the lens of Jewish wedding traditions, it opens up a powerful layer of meaning that brings the Cana scene to life. In this lesson, we'll explore: - The cultural significance of weddings on the third day of the week in ancient Jewish practice - How these traditions align beautifully with the wedding at Cana - The symbolism behind the miracle of water turned into wine. - Parallels to ancient Near Eastern beliefs—especially how miracles like this one were seen as signs of a god's presence, as in the case of the Greek god Dionysus Ultimately, we'll see how this first “sign” reveals God's transformative power through Jesus, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Previously on the Seventh Valkyrie, the united forces of the Old City, the Machine King, and the Four Families prepare to sweep into the Edaran New City. Is there anyone left who can stand in their way? Find out next, on the Seventh Valkyrie! The 21st Day of Winter, Past Midnight —--------------------- Want more 7th Valkyrie? Check out our Patreon to become a Hero of Edara, where you can shape the future of the series, decide on merch drops and incentives, get early access to new episodes, enjoy bonus features and content, and help us hit the major checkpoints on the Path of Heroes!  https://www.patreon.com/7thvalkyrie For 7th Valkyrie Gear and Apparel: https://store.7thvalkyrie.com/ For 7th Valkyrie Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/7thvalkyrie/  

Philly is seeing something of a boom in boutique hotels as we brace for what's expected to be a massive tourism year in 2026. After the city started regulating and placing restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, a crop of new, small – and Instagramable – hotels have popped up around town. Five opened last year alone. To see what's going on with the boutique hotel scene, we visited the Gas Lamp Hotel in Old City and hung out with co-owners Scott Yesner and Wendell Holland. Other boutique hotels in the city include Yowie and Society Hill Hotel in Queen Village, The Dwight D Hotel and The Franklin in Rittenhouse, Hotel Anna & Bel in Fishtown, Riversuites on the Delaware River, Guild House Hotel in the Gayborhood, Morris House Hotel by Washington Square Park and Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns in University City. Where should our visitors be staying? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly Learn more about the sponsors of this May 6th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Fitler Club Art Star Cozy Earth - Use code COZYPHILLY for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries in Jewish history: two tiny silver scrolls unearthed in Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem's Old City. Dated to the First Temple period—centuries older than the Dead Sea Scrolls—these amulets contain the earliest known inscription of a Biblical verse: the Birkat Kohanim, or priestly blessing. Yael shares how a 13-year-old boy accidentally uncovered a hidden burial chamber packed with ancient treasure, including the scrolls, and how scholars painstakingly unrolled and deciphered them using cutting-edge techniques. Click here to see images of the Ketef Hinnom amulets and archeological site. Click here for facts and sources referenced in the episode. Click here for a vocabulary list from the episode. Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on ⁠youtube⁠. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: ⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠ ⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠ ⁠Unpacking Israeli History⁠ ⁠Wondering Jews

FOLLOW RICHARD  Website: https://www.strangeplanet.ca YouTube: @strangeplanetradio  Instagram: @richardsyrettstrangeplanet TikTok: @syrettstrangeplanet SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! HIMS - Making Healthy and Happy Easy to Achieve Sexual Health, Hair Loss, Mental Health, Weight Management START YOUR FREE ONLINE VISIT TODAY - HIMS dot com slash STRANGE https://www.HIMS.com/strange RingBoost The largest provider of custom phone numbers since 2003 https://www.ringboost.com If you're ready to sound like the business people want to call, head over to https://www.ringboost.com and use promo code STRANGE for an exclusive discount. That's RingBoost.com, promo code STRANGE. BECOME A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!!! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Three monthly subscriptions to choose from. Commercial Free Listening, Bonus Episodes and a Subscription to my monthly newsletter, InnerSanctum. Visit https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Use the discount code "Planet" to receive one month off the first subscription. We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 1194 Pyramids Unlocked: A 38,000-Year-Old City Beneath Giza Revealed!   Beneath Egypt's Giza pyramids, a hidden underground city—detected by cutting-edge radar—may prove a civilization thrived 38,000 years ago, only to vanish in a cataclysmic flood. Is this the key to a lost advanced world, or a scientific mirage?  Richard speaks with visionary researcher Jason Shurka to unravel this explosive discovery, decode the pyramids' secrets, and challenge history's timeline. From sacred geometry to suppressed truths, this episode dives deep into the mysteries that could rewrite humanity's past. Buckle up for a mind-bending journey into the unknown!   GUEST: Jason Shurka, author of The Pyramid Code and founder of UNIFYD TV, is a globally recognized alternative researcher and advocate for hidden truths. His work explores the esoteric wisdom, forbidden archaeology, and advanced technologies of ancient civilizations, focusing on Egypt's Giza pyramids. Through UNIFYD TV and UNIFYD Healing, Shurka bridges science, spirituality, and history, challenging mainstream narratives with evidence from years of research and insider accounts. A sought-after speaker, he seeks to awaken humanity to its forgotten past and untapped potential.   WEBSITES: https://www.jasonshurka.com https://unifyd.tv https://www.unifydhealing.com   BOOK: Accessing Awareness The Language of Energy Rays of Knowledge Forming the Formless The Pyramid Code Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/

Delicious City welcomes a guest co-host for this episode: Rebecca Foxman, aka Mrs. Feeding Time TV. As Dave's wife she has a front row seat to all of his eating adventures, and she's got plenty of her own to share with us, too. She's the creator of Fox and Son Fair Foods, a must-visit in Reading Terminal Market, and you can find her all over the Philly food scene collaborating, educating, and of course, cooking.  04:24 Delicious City Tailgate on May 27th: Get tickets now 07:18 Becca tells us how Fox and Son came to be and what's on the horizon 21:32 The Newlywed Game: How well do Dave and Becca know each other? 29:31 Seth Kligerman and Jack Smith tell us about Percy, an exciting new concept in Fishtown 43:44 Listener Survey: We want to hear from you! Take the survey and get entered to win a $100 gift card to Franklin Fountain in Old City 44:57 Whatcha Been Eatin': A vegan dish, mouthwatering Mediterranean, a re-opening in Center City 48:30 The Sauce: Restaurant and Chef News in Philly And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are: If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.  

Fresh off of our glimpse at the Edaran military, the Four Families reveal the full force of the Old City, as tensions rise on the water and bring this confrontation to a head. Ready to break down the episode? —--------------------- Want more 7th Valkyrie? Check out our Patreon to become a Hero of Edara, where you can shape the future of the series, decide on merch drops and incentives, get early access to new episodes, enjoy bonus features and content, and help us hit the major checkpoints on the Path of Heroes!  https://www.patreon.com/7thvalkyrie For 7th Valkyrie Gear and Apparel: https://store.7thvalkyrie.com/ For 7th Valkyrie Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/7thvalkyrie/  

Previously on the Seventh Valkyrie, the horns cry out for war, and Meridia's growing legend inspires the men of the New City into a conquering frenzy. But the Old City has stood for centuries, and their forces assemble to respond, next on the Seventh Valkyrie! Meridia, The 21st Day of Winter, Close to Midnight —--------------------- Want more 7th Valkyrie? Check out our Patreon to become a Hero of Edara, where you can shape the future of the series, decide on merch drops and incentives, get early access to new episodes, enjoy bonus features and content, and help us hit the major checkpoints on the Path of Heroes!  https://www.patreon.com/7thvalkyrie For 7th Valkyrie Gear and Apparel: https://store.7thvalkyrie.com/ For 7th Valkyrie Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/7thvalkyrie/  

Old City's Carpenters' Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress back in 1774, is considered the “acorn” of American democracy. Today, it's where host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz throw back a couple of whiskeys in the closed-to-the-public second floor library and learn how stories from the founding of this country are relevant to its present. Every Tuesday and Thursday through May, Carpenters' Hall stays open late for small group tours and a whiskey tasting on its second floor.  Sign up for a tour & tasting here.  Find out more places to learn about Philly (and drink) in our daily newsletter: Hey Philly Got another historical site for us to check out? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYPHILLY for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we record on Easter Sunday inside the Old City of Jerusalem from the Austrian Hostel. The Austrian Hostel is situated on  the "Via Dolorosa" (the Way of Suffering), and from its roof, we hear the church bells ringing out and get a birds eye view of the places where Jesus walked the last seven days of his life on earth and the place of the Resurrection.

Previously on the Seventh Valkyrie, the Edaran ultimatum spreads in the aftermath of their attack on the festival. The terms? They'll accept the surrender of the Old City peacefully, or claim it by force.  What do the Four Families have to say about that? Find out now! Meridia, The 21st Day of Winter, Nightfall —--------------------- Want more 7th Valkyrie? Check out our Patreon to become a Hero of Edara, where you can shape the future of the series, decide on merch drops and incentives, get early access to new episodes, enjoy bonus features and content, and help us hit the major checkpoints on the Path of Heroes!  https://www.patreon.com/7thvalkyrie For 7th Valkyrie Gear and Apparel: https://store.7thvalkyrie.com/ For 7th Valkyrie Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/7thvalkyrie/  

Season 10 Ep. 48: On A Quick Note: I cannot believe that the 150-year old University of the Arts in Philadelphia is closed. Here am I referring a young mentee to the college and when I checked, it's closed.Such a staple university focusing on the arts closed abruptly in June 2024 and filed bankruptcy in September 2024. The university closed because its leaders lacked the vision and the passion that would create innovative strategies to sustain the school.First of all no one knows about the school, that's why they suffered from low enrollment, and they were not profitable because they lack the Innovation to create new programs by working with the local niche communities and businesses in Northern liberties Philadelphia that were becoming the fashion and arts capital of the Eastcoast; with young professional New Yorkers moving to Old City and Northern Liberties.Now The Eagles are are dominant team and the Sixers are contemplating building a huge new stadium in Center city. The university could've taken advantage of these opportunities. Their prowess in the arts would have been ideal in helping to:1. develop the area utilizing the school's artists and professors and2. developing programs with the city and the stadium developers that serve to develop artists and designers who'd contribute to the stadium and the transformation of the city into the 21st century.Re-open the school @PhiladelphiaGovAnd return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the US. We can't pay El Salvador 6 million dollars to hold him for us then say due to international policies we cannot interfere in El Salvador and if they want to release they should. We are paying them for God sake! Listen to the quick commentary with Renaldo McKenzie, flanked by Donte Nelson, Co- Host and Producer.Renaldo Mckenzie is the Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance and President of The Neoliberal Corporation. Renaldo is at Georgetown University in the Department of Liberal Studies.Call us 1-445-260-9198Email: renaldocmckenzie@gmail.com or info@theneoliberal.comVisit us: https://theneoliberal.com and https://renaldocmckenzie.Check out our store: https://store.theneoliberal.com and https://antzbusinesssolutions.comSupport us at: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=USSJLFU2HRVAQ

Receive our FREE newsletters at 18forty.org/join.Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.This episode is sponsored by an anonymous friend who supports our mission.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Judah, Naomi, and Aharon Akiva Dardik—an olim family whose son went to military jail for refusing to follow to IDF orders and has since become a ceasefire activist at Columbia University—about sticking together as a family despite their fundamental differences. On Aharon's 14th birthday, the Dardiks moved from America to the Neve Daniel in the West Bank/Judea and Samaria. Since then, their relationships to Israel have diverged but they have refused to be divided. In this episode we discuss:Why did Aharon initially choose to stay anonymous to protect his parents from public pushback?How can we identify positive qualities in people we viscerally disagree with? Do differences over Israel and Zionism need to tear families apart? Tune in to hear a conversation about how the Jewish People can learn to think less institutionally and more familially. Interview begins at 19:08.Rabbi Judah Dardik is an Assistant Dean and full-time Ramm at Yeshivat Orayta in the Old City of Jerusalem, where he teaches and oversees student welfare. He is also the Dean of the Orayta Center for Jewish Leadership and Engagement. Before making Aliyah, he completed 13 years as the spiritual and community leader of Beth Jacob Congregation, in Oakland, California.Naomi Dardik, with her husband, Judah, served the Beth Jacob community in Oakland for thirteen years. Now, she leads the team of Relationship Experts at "OurRitual," a young company based in Tel Aviv that is building new ways to help couples access relationship support. She earned her BA in psychology from Barnard College and her MSW from UC Berkeley.Aharon Akiva Dardik is a philosophy and political science double major at Columbia University. His activism in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza was noted in The New York Times. He formerly lived in Neve Daniel with his family. References:“Forgive Me, My King I Did Not Know You Were Also a Father” by David BashevkinBeit Yishai by Rabbi Shlomo Fisher“It Can Be Lonely to Have a Middle-of-the Road Opinion on the Middle East” Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. RosenbergBeing Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter BeinartThe Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne BrysonMistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson“Family Ties” by David Bashevkin“Spending the Seder Alone” by David BashevkinBaderech by Rabbi Judah Mischel“Pesach Letter to My Child” by Rabbi Ahron LopianskyFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Pastors Alan DiDio and Larry Huch discuss recent prophetic events concerning Israel, and his powerful testimony of going from "Junkie to Jerusalem".

Send us a textOriginally from Monsey NY, Rav Luger completed high school in Yeshiva Shaarei Torah and then continued to learn in the prestigious Yeshiva of Toras Simcha and Yeshiva Gedola Matisyahu. Afterward, he continued his learning in Sh'or Yoshuv while completing his degree in Business Administration. After making aliyah, Rav Luger joined Kollel Tzeiri Haleviim, a semicha Kollel under the auspices of HaRav Hagaon Avigdor Nevenzahl, Shlita. He then became a Rebbe in Fisher's Yeshiva on Moshav Matityahu, ultimately opening and leading the Old City branch. He also gives an exciting and engaging weekly hashkafa shiur at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh and has led many groups and chaburos on mindfulness and 12 step programs. Additionally, Rav Luger has served as a chinuch consultant and mental health askan.With a keen understanding of today's challenges, Rav Luger has an unparalleled ability to connect to each talmid and help them find their own path within the Torah world. Currently, he resides in the French Hill neighborhood of Yerushalayim with his wife and children.For more Brainstorm go to...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aPCiuzsIoNKYt5jjv7RFT?si=67dfa56d4e764ee0Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brainstorm-with-sony-perlman/id1596925257Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brainstormwithsonyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainstormwithsony

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the eerie tales surrounding Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia, located in the heart of Old City. Guests and staff alike have reported strange occurrences, from cold spots to mysterious doors opening and closing on their own. Could these phenomena be tied to the building's long history as a former bank, or is something more supernatural at play?  Tony uncovers the stories of those who have experienced the unsettling events firsthand and delves into theories about what might be causing the paranormal activity. Are the spirits of past tenants haunting the hotel, or is it the environment itself playing tricks on those who walk through its doors?

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the eerie tales surrounding Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia, located in the heart of Old City. Guests and staff alike have reported strange occurrences, from cold spots to mysterious doors opening and closing on their own. Could these phenomena be tied to the building's long history as a former bank, or is something more supernatural at play?  Tony uncovers the stories of those who have experienced the unsettling events firsthand and delves into theories about what might be causing the paranormal activity. Are the spirits of past tenants haunting the hotel, or is it the environment itself playing tricks on those who walk through its doors?

In late 2024, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing the Irish government of extreme anti-Israel policies, antisemitic rhetoric, and double standards. Meanwhile, the small Jewish community in Ireland, numbering nearly 3,000, has faced antisemitism in the streets. AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker, joins us to discuss his recent meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, examples of antisemitic activity in Ireland, including Holocaust inversion and the chilling impact of widespread anti-Israel sentiment on Irish Jews. He also shares insights on Ireland's adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and the future of Holocaust remembrance in the country. ___ Resources: AJC Directly Addresses Antisemitism and Vilification of Israel in Ireland with the Prime Minister Listen – AJC Podcasts: -The Forgotten Exodus: with Hen Mazzig, Einat Admony, and more. -People of the Pod:  U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Gaza Reconstruction, Israeli Security, and the Future of Middle East Diplomacy Why Germany's Antisemitic Far-Right Party is Thriving Instead of Disappearing Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. __ Transcript of Conversation with Andrew Baker: Manya Brachear Pashman:   In December, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing the Irish government of extreme anti-Israel policies, antisemitic rhetoric, and double standards. Meanwhile, the small Jewish community in Ireland, numbering nearly 3000 has faced antisemitism in the streets. With us now to discuss the situation in Ireland, and his meeting with the Irish Prime Minister last week, is AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker, who also serves as the personal representative on combating antisemitism in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Andy, welcome to People of the Pod.  Andrew Baker:   Great to be here, Manya. Manya Brachear Pashman:   This situation did not develop overnight. Can you take our listeners back to the first clues that the relationship between Israel and Ireland was deteriorating? Andrew Baker:   Ireland has a small Jewish community, perhaps about 3000 people. And a significant number of them, maybe upwards toward 1000, also people with Israeli citizenship who moved to Ireland to work there with a number of the social media tech companies based in Ireland. Over the years, and certainly even predating October 7, in Ireland there's been a fairly high degree of anti-Israel animus. It's not dissimilar to what we may find in a number of other northern European countries. They view the political scene in the Middle East through a certain prism that creates and maybe amplifies this form of animus.  But that said, there have also been, I think, issues between this community and government policy, even as it's reflected in ceremonies marking Holocaust remembrance in Ireland. In many cases, the particular focus in that history of what happened to the Jewish people in Europe during World War II, the genocide of the Holocaust. While there may be commemoration events, in principle to market, they've really, in many ways, washed out the Jewish nature of that.  In 2016 I was an invited speaker to the official Holocaust Commemoration Day in Ireland. Almost the entire focus was on the refugees, at the time coming in from North Africa and the Middle East. I was actually the only person who spoke the word antisemitism at that event. You also had an effort through legislation to really separate out Israel, the occupied territories, as they understood it, and the name of this bill that was passed by the legislature was called the Occupied Territories Bill. Which sought to separate Israel, at least the territories commercially from Ireland, but it would have a very onerous impact, frankly, on any anyone, certainly members of the Jewish community, who would choose to visit Israel. If they purchased a kippa in The Old City of Jerusalem, brought it back with them to Ireland, under this law, if it were enacted, they could literally be arrested for that action.  So I think also at the time I made a visit there in 2019 in my OSC role, Israel was preparing to host the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, and there was a very public campaign in Ireland to boycott the Eurovision contest. Advertisements calling for this on the side of buses, people in the state media already indicating that they were going to refuse to attend. So you had this sort of environment in Ireland, again, a good number of years before what happened on October 7, which really changed everything throughout Europe. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And now there has been a more moderate government recently elected in Ireland. Prime Minister Micheál Martin was in the United States last week in Washington, DC, and you actually met with him when he was here, correct?  Andrew Baker:   That's correct.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Did you share some of these concerns? Did you address, for example, the Occupied Territories Bill with him? Andrew Baker:   Yes, we spent a bit over an hour together. I was joined also by Marina Rosenberg from the ADL. Our two organizations met. There were some initial plans that other organizations would also participate, but in the end, it was the two of us. One of the most significant issues that has arisen, it's partly why Israel closed its embassy, was the fact that Ireland has joined with South Africa in the charges brought before the ICJ, the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide. So our goal at this meeting was to raise a number of these issues, including that, including the status of the Occupied Territories bill.  But also, really to impress on him that the community itself was feeling, sieged, if you will, by these developments. And so we wanted him to understand that the anti-Israel animus, which at times, crosses over to a form of antisemitism, has had a direct impact on the Jews in Ireland.  It also was brought to the fore only this past January at this year's International Holocaust Remembrance event, Michael Higgins, the Irish president, spoke, even though the Jewish community had actually urged that he not be given a platform. He used the opportunity to focus on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. And again, by that, drawing an analogy between Israel, between the Jewish experience during the Holocaust and somehow Israel's treatment of Palestinians today. So this, too, was an issue we brought up with the Prime Minister. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But this prime minister has made some overtures to address antisemitism, right? I mean, his administration, for example, just announced it was adopting the working definition. Andrew Baker:   Yes, in fact, several weeks before coming to Washington, the prime minister did announce that Ireland would accept the international Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. And we also have a set of global guidelines that some, I think, over over 30 countries now have adopted, that lay out measures that government should take. So we did, of course, discuss this with the prime minister. He indicated to us that he was in the process of appointing a national coordinator, someone who could sort of oversee the development of national strategy to combat anti semitism. This is a very important step, by the way, it's one that almost all, with only a couple of exceptions, EU Member States, have already done. So. It is good that Ireland is doing this. Of course, it comes quite late to the game in this the IHRA definition is very important, because it offers old and new examples of antisemitism, and to digress only for a moment, this IHRA definition began as the definition endorsed presented by the European monitoring center on racism and xenophobia, already 20 years ago. And in my AJC role at that time, I worked closely with the EUMC in the drafting and the adoption of that definition. And notably, it speaks about antisemitism related to Israel. Frankly, if one had that definition in front of him or her, you would be able to look at some of the actions, even by members of government, and certainly the President's own remarks in January, and say, well, this could constitute a form of antisemitism itself. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And did he address the bill legislation that is so troublesome? Andrew Baker:   Yes, he did. He indicated to us that the Occupied Territories Bill as drafted is probably unconstitutional, since it really concerns international trade and economics. This is the purview of Brussels for all EU member states. So in that regard, they're really not expected or permitted to have their own economic international policy. He also said it was probably unenforceable.  Now I asked him to simply dispel with this bill altogether. That was not something that he could agree to, but he did inform me that it would be, at least for now, off the legislative calendar. So we know there are others in Ireland who are pushing for that law to be redrafted and enacted. So this was somewhat reassuring to be told that no, at least this will not happen this year. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Though he adopted the IRA working definition, I know that he also received some pressure from activists to dispense of that, to not adopt it and to reject it. And he assured them that it was not legally binding.  Was that discouraging to hear? Or did he seem to be willing to implement it in training of law enforcement and education of students?  Andrew Baker:   Look, these are the very elements that we speak of when we speak about employing the IHRA definition. And as you said, it's identified as a non legally binding definition, but it ought to be used to advise, to inform law enforcement, the judiciary, if and when they address incidents of antisemitism. Again, he made the decision to adopt the definition, to accept the global guidelines only, only a few weeks ago, really. So how it will be used to what extent remains to be seen. I have to say we, and my ADL colleague indicated we're certainly prepared to work with the government to offer advice on how these things can be employed. We hope that they'll consider and take up our offer, but at this point, we have to see what happens. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You mentioned that the small Jewish community there is largely Israeli expats doing business. And they were certainly uncomfortable at Holocaust Remembrance event. Are there other examples of harassment or antisemitic behavior, assaults, protests. What are they seeing on a day to day basis? Andrew Baker:   Yes, first, I mean, the majority of the community are not Israelis, but there's a significant number who are. And I think what they're finding is, it's not unique, but it's intensive for them, that in schools, in the workplace, there's a high level of discomfort. And a result of this, where people may have the choice they will try not to identify publicly in some way that would signal to others that they're Jewish. There are incidents. There haven't really been violent attacks but clearly kids in school have been harassed and made to feel uncomfortable. Because they're Jewish because of this sort of strong anti-Israel animus.  There was, only shortly after we had our meeting, an incident in one of the resort towns in Ireland where Israeli tourists in a restaurant were harassed by other patrons. They were cursed. They were spit at. It was the sort of thing, and the local council did issue a kind of apology. But I think it illustrates that when you have such a high level of anti-Israel animus, which at times can be just a harshly critical view of Israel or Israel's government, but it can spill over and create a sense that there is, as we've termed it, a kind of ambient antisemitism. It is sort of in the atmosphere, and so it does have an impact on this small Jewish community. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Last year, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin. It closed its embassy in December, but in May, it actually recalled its ambassador, after Ireland announced, along with other countries, Norway, Spain, Slovenia, that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And I'm curious if there's something about Ireland's history that informs this approach? Andrew Baker:   I think that's partly true. Look, first of all, Ireland had a somewhat checkered role, even during the Holocaust. You know, the Irish Ambassador government signed a condolence book when Adolf Hitler died. And it accepted German refugees after the war, but it was really quite reluctant to accept even some small number of Jewish refugees. And I think over time, Ireland in its own fight for independence with Great Britain, maybe drew the same analogy to Palestinians. This notion of being a colonialist subject. Perhaps there are those connections that people make as well.  But in the case with the Israeli ambassador first being withdrawn, and then the embassy closed, unfortunately, much of the normal diplomatic relations that an ambassador wants to do, is expected to do, were really precluded from Israeli Ambassador Erlich. Gatherings of political parties where diplomats as a kind of standard rule, invited to attend, she was not invited. Other events the same was true. So there was also a frustration to be ambassador in what ought to be a friendly country, a fellow democracy, a member of the European Union, and yet to be made a kind of de facto persona non grata was a quite troubling experience. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So whether there was an ambassador or an embassy there didn't seem to matter. They were still being excluded from diplomatic events already. Andrew Baker:   The Israeli government made the decision that they needed to do something dramatic to express the state of affairs and this discomfort, and that was first through recalling the ambassador, but ultimately, As you pointed out, essentially closing the embassy, that's a dramatic step, and some might disagree, particularly if you have Israeli citizens that would otherwise want the services of an embassy in that country, but they believe this was one way of sending a message, and I think it was a message that was received.  I would point out that following our meeting with the Prime Minister, it drew significant attention in the Irish press. Perhaps one of the most prominent read newspapers in Ireland, The Independent, this past Sunday, had an editorial that spoke about our meeting with the Prime Minister and really called on the government to reassess its relationship with Israel. In other words, to try and repair that relationship. So if it leads to that, then I think we will feel it was well worth it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Going back to the Holocaust Remembrance events that seem to be a continuing issue. Did you speak with the Prime Minister about the Jewish community perhaps having a role in organizing those commemorations from now on? Andrew Baker:   We did. The fact is, there has been a Holocaust Educational Trust organization that had some government support, but it's separate from the Jewish community that has been responsible for organizing these events. As I noted when I was invited in 2016, this was the organization that organized it, but it has sort of fallen out of favor with the Jewish community. There have been internal tensions, and again, as a result of this last event in January, the Jewish community has asked the government to really be given the authority to to organize these events.  I have to point out that it does have, typically, the participation of senior figures in the government. When I was there, the prime minister at the time spoke, and members of the High Court participated, the Mayor of Dublin. So I think that level of participation is important and should continue. But I think the problem we're seeing is that even that history is being instrumentalized, so we need to be certain that doesn't continue. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Andy, a number of Jewish leaders declined to meet with Prime Minister Martin, given the tension and animosity Jews in Ireland have been facing. Why did you meet with him?  Andrew Baker:   AJC values, sees itself as playing an important diplomatic role, not simply with Ireland, but with various countries. And while some other organizations felt in the end, they should not participate, because by not talking to the Irish Prime Minister that was sending a message, our approach is rather quite the opposite. It's important to talk. I'm not sure that it's always the easiest conversations, and the results may not always be all that we would hope them to be, but I want to say we're in this for the long haul. We've been back and forth to Ireland, with other countries, of course, as well over the years. We hope that those visits and these meetings will continue. Frankly, it's only by this kind of ongoing engagement, I believe that we can really make a difference, and that's what we're all about. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well Andy, thank you so much for joining us.  Andrew Baker:  You're welcome, Manya.

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the eerie history of Old City Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas. This historic cemetery is steeped in the bloodshed and bravery of the Texas Revolution, but it's also home to ghostly legends that continue to intrigue both visitors and paranormal enthusiasts. Hear about the soldiers who fought for Texas independence and who may never have left the cemetery, as well as the chilling phenomena that have been reported throughout the years.   As Tony delves deeper into the haunting of Old City Cemetery, he uncovers stories of phantom footsteps, the mysterious "woman in white," and eerie encounters with ghostly soldiers. What's the truth behind these haunting tales, and are the spirits of the past still lingering on in this historic burial ground?

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the eerie history of Old City Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas. This historic cemetery is steeped in the bloodshed and bravery of the Texas Revolution, but it's also home to ghostly legends that continue to intrigue both visitors and paranormal enthusiasts. Hear about the soldiers who fought for Texas independence and who may never have left the cemetery, as well as the chilling phenomena that have been reported throughout the years.   As Tony delves deeper into the haunting of Old City Cemetery, he uncovers stories of phantom footsteps, the mysterious "woman in white," and eerie encounters with ghostly soldiers. What's the truth behind these haunting tales, and are the spirits of the past still lingering on in this historic burial ground?

Diane made a life-changing decision—she was done with suburban living and yearned to return to the energy of the city. She initially considered condos and co-ops in New York City, where her three adult children lived, but quickly realized the Big Apple was out of her financial reach. Declaring that she had “broken up with New York City,” Diane expanded her search to cities within a two-hour train ride of New York. Her journey led her to Philadelphia, where she found herself drawn to the charm of Old City—a neighborhood renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and affordable living. Diane purchased a one-bedroom condo in a renovated factory building for $306,000. To hear more about why Diane fell in love with the City of Brotherly Love, tune in to Episode 206 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Additionally, if you're interested in publishing a book, check out Diane's company, Rebel Books Press at https://rebelbookspress.com/ Diane has authored fiction and non-fiction books, including The Last Invention: The Day Death Died and How to Stop Project 2025 #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #oldcity #oldcityphilly #efrethsalley #philadelphia #philly #pennsylvania #visitphilly, #historicphilly #libertybell #phillygram #igers_philly #rebelbookpress

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