Podcast appearances and mentions of steven shalowitz

In this inspiring episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center (GMC), to discuss the groundbreaking innovations and unwavering resilience of Israel's northernmost hospital. Broadcasting from just five miles south of the Lebanese border, Dr. Sheleg reveals how GMC transformed wartime challenges into opportunities for technological and humanitarian leadership. Dr. Sheleg—an accomplished ophthalmologist, medical administrator, and decorated Israel Defense Forces officer—shares how GMC's underground, missile-proof facilities enabled continuous care during recent conflicts. He also spotlights the hospital's innovation hub, “GMC Playground,” which has launched dozens of health-tech collaborations and startups, with support from Microsoft and Viz.ai. A vocal champion of diversity, Dr. Sheleg describes how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians work side-by-side at GMC, treating soldiers and civilians alike—including over 3,000 wounded Syrians during their civil war. His call to action is clear: support Israel's Galilee, where health-tech meets heart, and where healing transcends borders.   Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, MD, MBA, serves as Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center, overseeing emergency preparedness and founding the hospital's renowned Innovation Program. An ophthalmologist by training, he continues to perform cataract surgeries and was recognized for his leadership as COVID-19 project manager. A decorated IDF officer, Dr. Sheleg serves as medical director of the IDF Field Hospital and has led humanitarian missions to Haiti, Nepal, and Turkey. He earned his medical degree from Ben-Gurion University and an executive MBA from Tel Aviv University. Born in Tel Aviv, he lives in Mitzpe Hila with his wife and two children.

In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Amotz Eyal, founder and CEO of TPS-IL recounts how his early life under fire in the Israeli town of Psagot—and even his time as an entrepreneurial pizza delivery man—shaped his resolve to bring a new, innovative approach to how global media outlets cover Israel.

In this gripping episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz is joined by Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, for an unflinching look at Israel's operations against the Iranian regime. Roman, a seasoned geopolitical strategist and former adviser in Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense, offers an insider's breakdown of Israel's military campaign against Iran's nuclear and proxy threats. From covert Mossad operations and drone manufacturing hubs inside Iran to the cyber and psychological warfare unfolding behind the scenes, Roman reveals the staggering scale and sophistication of Israel's strategy. The episode also delves into global reactions—from European equivocation to Arab states' quiet approval—and what the path to regime change might look like. Packed with real-time analysis and sobering reflections on global security, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity on one of the most consequential conflicts of our time.

In this gripping episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Jonathan Harounoff, Israel's international spokesperson to the UN and acclaimed journalist. Harounoff reflected on the challenges Israel faces in the hostile halls of the United Nations, where his mission is to be a “light in a den of darkness.” He shared how first-hand testimonies from former hostages and their families have transformed global discourse on Israel's war against Hamas. A Harvard, Cambridge, and Columbia graduate, Harounoff also unpacks the alarming rise of antisemitism on elite college campuses and discusses his upcoming book, Unveiled: Inside Iran's #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt, which chronicles the courage of Iranian women fighting for freedom. From the UN's double standards to Iran's regional ambitions, Harounoff brings clarity, candor, and hope. His parting message? Israel must remain at the table—despite adversity—to shine light, share truth, and secure justice.

Award-winning journalist Yardena Schwartz joins host Steven Shalowitz to discuss her groundbreaking book, Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict. In this gripping conversation, Schwartz unveils the forgotten story of the Hebron Massacre—where 67 Jews were brutally murdered by their neighbors—and traces how disinformation, denial, and extremism set the stage for a century of conflict, culminating in the horrors of October 7, 2023. Drawing chilling parallels between past and present, this episode offers a sobering look at the Mufti of Jerusalem's Nazi ties, the roots of Palestinian incitement, and why history, if ignored, is doomed to repeat itself.

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

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

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

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

Born and raised on the West Coast of the US, Lucas Peters now makes Tangier his home. He's a travel writer and photographer and the author of the Moon Guide Book for Morocco. Together with his very accomplished wife, Amina, they own and operate Journey Beyond Travel, one of Morocco's most successful, sustainable tour companies.  Lucas' expertise isn't limited to Morocco though. He also wrote Moon Guide Book's Grand European Journeys: 40 Unforgettable Trips by Road, Rail, Sea & More. In November 2024, Lucas is releasing the Moon Guide Book for Sevilla, Granada and Andalusia. When he's not writing or planning remarkable journeys for his clients, Lucas, together with Amina and their two kids, spends time traveling around Morocco, exploring the small towns dotting the national roads, difficult-to-access mountain villages and crumbling kasbahs of the Sahara. On this episode, Lucas shares that in 2009, he bought a one way ticket to Morocco and never left – so he's truly on a one way ticket journey! Also in the conversation, Lucas and Host, Steven Shalowitz, touch on each of the destinations Steven visited on his recent four and a half week journey through Morocco which Lucas orchestrated. They included: Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, Erfoud, the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Marrakech and Casablanca.  Plus, the two highlight everything from riads to hammams, Morocco's rich Jewish heritage to Moroccan cuisine, the method to Moroccan aesthetic madness to the proliferation of cats throughout the country, and more. For further information on Lucas, visit: http://lucasmpeters.com. And for curated, bespoke visits to Morocco, Andalusia and select other destinations, visit: http://journeybeyondtravel.com   

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

It is more important than ever to find reliable news sources who can report the facts accurately. Since 2010, Tazpit Press Service (TPS) has been the only Israeli newswire agencies, now reaching over 10 million people worldwide and distributing over 5,000 articles per year. On this week's episode, host Steven Shalowitz speaks once again to Amotz Eyal, Founder and CEO of TPS, this time in the agency's Jerusalem office, to discuss TPS' news operations, media bias from other newswires, and his memories of October 7.

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

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

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On this episode of Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley welcomes Steven Shalowitz, an experienced international traveler and host of the One Way Ticket podcast. Over the past ten years, he's been interviewing thought leaders in business, travel, art and entertainment around one question: “If I gave you a one-way ticket, where would you go?” The conversation kicks off with a discussion of Steven's experiences before starting One Way Ticket, and then moves into his intrepid travels to Syria and Iraq, as Steven shares his insights into the culture and people of these regions, as well as his thoughts on the importance of understanding the complexity of international perceptions and their impact on local communities. Melissa and Steven also touch on the importance of respectful behavior as a traveler, and strategies for sorting through travel photos, and the interview concludes with a discussion of dream destinations, as Melissa ponders what her answer might be when she joins Steven on his show.On this week's Travel Hacks, Melissa pulls from her many trips to highlight the benefits of airport meet & greets and how and when to use this service. For more on Steven's travels and his podcast, visit his website. Follow Melissa on InstagramLearn more about Indagare Travel

As global needs shift and a greater importance has been placed on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), the global workforce has not yet caught up to meet these needs. Even in Israel, the startup nation, there is a shortage of people with crucial engineering and science experience. Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering is working on fixing this through recruiting and educating students in these much-needed fields. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with host Steven Shalowitz talk to Ami Moyal, the President of Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering, on the importance of STEM education, his and the college's research on speech recognition, and how to adjust education based on the current generation of students. Prof. Ami Moyal has served as President of Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering since 2014. Under his leadership, Afeka's student body has grown at an average rate of 9% per year, and today the college's graduates contribute $2.25 billion annually to Israel's GDP. Before joining Afeka, Moyal was active in the speech processing high-tech industry for 15 years, and held positions as VP Technology Dev., VP Business Dev., and CEO of Natural Speech Communication Ltd. Moyal has been published in The Jerusalem Post, Forbes, and Boston Business Journal.

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

Jewish National Fund-USA ensures that no member of Israeli society is left behind, from its state-of-the-art rehabilitative facility in the Negev to Special in Uniform, which integrates teens with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. In recognition of Jewish Disability, Acceptance, Awareness, and Inclusion month, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Yossi Kahana, the director of JNF-USA's Task Force on Disabilities, to talk about JNF-USA's work supporting people with disabilities, what he's learned in his 20+ years of experiences working with disabled Israelis, and the importance of making sure nobody gets left behind.

Steven Shalowitz, host of The One Way Ticket Show, went vegan in Saudi Arabia, went further in Israel, and helped a friend escape Kabul. And Sunny Satva spends most of her time in Kenya as director of the Vegan Africa Fund.

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

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

For Jews living in the Soviet Union, identity was a complicated and sensitive issue. Though many Jews assimilated into Soviet culture, they still forged their Jewish identity through shared cultural interests, get-togethers, and the necessity to stand together in the face of anti-Semitism. In this episode, host Steven Shalowitz sits with Izabella Tabarovsky, Program Associate to the Kennan Institute, Contributing Writer at Tablet Magazine, and expert on Soviet Jewry, who talks about her experience growing up in the Soviet Union, what Americans can learn from the modern Refusenik movement, the importance of Russian-speaking Jews in the Zionist movement, and what Israel means to her personally.   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We talk about Nan Whaley's announcement and Steve Stivers' decision, Bob Evans' employees in Canton showing support for slain co-worker Rebecca Rogers and we interview "The One Way Ticket Show" podcast host Steven Shalowitz. Thanks for listening to the podcast. Help us out by sharing the episode, subscribing to the podcast, supporting our sponsors and joining our listener support program. You can also leave a voice mail for our show here. Check out past episodes and enter to win contests on our show page here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chris-pugh6/message

Steven Shalowitz talks about his "The One Way Ticket Show" podcast and his travels to China. Thanks for listening to the podcast. Help us out by sharing the episode, subscribing to the podcast, supporting our sponsors and joining our listener support program. You can also leave a voice mail for our show here. Check out past episodes and enter to win contests on our show page here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chris-pugh6/message

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

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

Our world has changed, yet, Jewish National Fund-USA has also changed the worlds of so many Israelis in many meaningful ways. The positive and inspiring stories that have come out of these difficult times have been endless. Join JNF-USA CEO, Russell Robinson, and host, Steven Shalowitz, as they discuss the superhero work of JNF-USA and its partners, and why Russell is so optimistic about the future of Israel.

Our world has changed, yet, Jewish National Fund-USA has also changed the worlds of so many Israelis in many meaningful ways. The positive and inspiring stories that have come out of these difficult times have been endless. Join JNF-USA CEO, Russell Robinson, and host, Steven Shalowitz, as they discuss the superhero work of JNF-USA and its partners, and why Russell is so optimistic about the future of Israel. 

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

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

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

What a week! As we conclude our IsraelCast Abraham Accord series, second-time guest Arsen Ostrovsky continues an ongoing theme of the week: that it is up to everyday people to make the relationships across the Middle East flourish. Tune in as host, Steven Shalowitz, speaks with Arsen about his role on the board of Sharaka, an organization that helps strengthen the bond between the people of the Gulf & Israel, as well as the love of coffee and food shared between the two cultures.

How do you bring peace and solidarity between countries? Easy…chess! Twenty years ago, Lior Aizenberg found Chess4All for Israelis of all ages to play chess. However, now that we live in an internet world with no “boundaries”, Aizerberg has started to host tournaments with other countries, including Iran, Syria, Iraq, Morocco, and many more. Lior joins host, Steven Shalowitz, for a conversation on the important lessons chess teaches children and the rapid growth of chess around the world.

It all started with the swap of a basket of dates and a homemade challah, which turned out to be the perfect symbolic cultural exchange for May Al Badi & Elli Kriel. May & Elli are developing a set of 50 recipes to join Jewish & Emirati traditions that they plan to publish in a cookbook: Kosherati. For this episode of our IsraelCast Abraham Accords series, May joins Steven Shalowitz to discuss the similarities of Israeli & UAE cuisines, her favorite Jewish foods, & her emotional experience at her first Shabbat.

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

Known for the photo that became the face of the historic Abraham Accords peace agreement, Norah Alawadhi is an Emirati pro-peace activist. On this episode of our IsraelCast Abraham Accords series, Norah talks to host Steven Shalowitz about her excitement meeting Israelis for the first time, the misconceptions of women in the UAE, and her desire to try Israeli coffee.

"Our system of government is based on our religion and this is what our people want. Should they seek alternatives, we are ready to listen to them. We are all in the same boat, and they are both captain and crew." The founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed, encouraged the involvement of people of all ages, nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds - which has helped Rabbi Levi Duchman establish a strong Jewish community in the UAE. Listen to Steven Shalowitz speak with Rabbi Duchman on the coexistence of different religions in the region and the process of practicing Judaism.