The Israel Conversation

Students want to know why Israel is so often misjudged. When will people understand what's really happening here? Are we the crazy ones? Alan and Mike try to explain why so many people don't get it, and what we can do about it. JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman . Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests an...

When images in the media are making people angry at Israel, how do we explain things to them? How do we understand it ourselves? Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they try to sort through this week's news and its aftermath. (Sorry if the sound quality isn't up to par, we are learning to use new equipment. Please bear with us) JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman . L...

Alan and Mike record outside of the new US Embassy compound in Jerusalem. They analyse the history of the Iran Deal, and where things might go from here. And don't forget the "Freedom March" in Gaza, next week's embassy move, the status of Jerusalem, the beginning of Ramadan and more. Basically, a discussion within the eye of the storm. JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced b...

It turns out that diplomats can be really nice guys. Listen in to our interview of former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro. He tells us about his life and career. Then he helps us unpack Bibi's Iran speech, the moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem, and the Palestinian peace perspective. Listen for his clarity of thought and analysis, and hear how a mensch discusses complicated issues with nuan...

Our 75th episode is an important one. During the controversial student election campaign by Barnard students to support BDS, many pro-Israel activists rose to the challenge. Alan and Mike discuss the entire affair with student heroes Orit Gugenheim and Sylvie Sanders who fought the good fight. They weigh the successes and failures, and talk about what is to come. To see the letter from the Barnard...

After answering our question of the week, (from Lily Shams at Amit) about JStreet, Alan and Mike give Israel a check up. They use Israel's Declaration of Independence and evaluate his far the State has come to realising its goals, and where it still needs work. (spoiler alert, we've accomplished a lot) An honest and inspirational appreciation of the Jewish State at 70!!! Enjoy! Viewing link for Wh...

Nothing is ever boring here in Israel. With violence on both the northern and southern borders, Israel has its hands full. Was that Israel striking Syrian bases? What can we do about bad press from the Gaza "protests"? Alan and Mike try to make sense of it all, and show what these events have in common. We end with some thoughts for Yom HaShoah. JerusalemU's  The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is...

Its a pre-Passover news potpourri this week, as Alan & Mike analyse the headlines. Here's what's up: Bibi was hospitalised without a clear successor, pressure mounts on the Gaza border, Israel won't sanction Russia and the status of the asylum seekers remains in limbo. And Alan reminds us to keep our eye on the US embassy move. Here are the stories: Bibi Hospitalised Gaza Problems Russia Sanct...

How is Pesach different in Israel? What are the different foods that various Jews associate with the festival? How are food choices for Passover changing in our time? Why was that only three questions, or does this one make it four? Matt and Mike discuss these and other Paschal topics with the Pardes Institute's Catering Manager, David Berman. Pardes JerusalemU's  The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcas...

It looks like the Israeli government won't dissolve after all. Phew, I guess? But its still worth understanding how the Israeli government works, what a coalition crisis is, and what the fight is over the haredi draft law. Good thing Alan, Mike and Matt are here to explain it all. (at least after they figure it out) Enjoy this look behind the headlines in our 70th episode! (and we'll soon have 12,...

While the AIPAC Policy Conference meets in the USA, Alan and Mike discuss what it means to them. What is AIPAC? How does it impact United States Policy? How does it impact American Jewish life and culture? What would happen without it? Our American expats share thoughts on the current state of the US/Israel relationship, and why AIPAC really matters. Alan is bothered by Women's March Movement foun...

What is this new wrinkle in the Netanyahu scandal? What was just announced about the US embassy? And how will that play out? Alan, Mike and Matt bring you up to date. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

What just happened on the Gaza border? How should we read the news with a critical eye? Alan and Mike share their insight, and even recommend some reading. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

Want to understand the latest in the Bibi scandal? Want to understand what is happening with Iran on the northern border? Want to understand why these are really the same story? Alan and Mike are here to unpack these timely issues, and even make some predictions. Raoul Wootliff explains the Netanyahu cases in depth . (begins at minute 24) Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We...

Alan plays two roles (cohost and expert on Polish Jewish history) as Mike interviews him about the odd new Polish law limiting educator's speech. And of course, the controversy that it has stirred up in Israel. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

The Torah says, in Leviticus 19, "When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God." How does that apply to the current refugee crisis in Israel? Alan and Mike invite their colleague, Rabbi Tamara S...

Raoul Wootliff, journalist at the Times of Israel, chats with Alan and Mike about journalism and the role it plays in a healthy democracy. He also masterfully explains the Netanyahu corruption investigations. When we promise to give you a deeper understanding than the headlines, we don't mess around. Raoul in the Times of Israel Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy...

JerusalemU's President, Dina Rabhan, joins Alan & Mike to discuss the challenges of Israel Education for Millennials.   Hearts and Minds: Israel in North American Jewish Day Schools - The Avi Chai Study   Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

Alan & Mike meet with alumni from TVA, who explain what's really going on at today's college campuses. (Its probably better and worse than you're guessing) TVA Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

Alan & Mike sit down with Reuven Spero from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. After learning a bit about their program, these three seasoned professionals (read: old fogies) get into a deep discussion about the challenges of teaching Jewish history. How do you connect young Jews from the Diaspora to their homeland? Alexander Muss High School in Israel Listen to more episodes, and let u...

This week, Alan and Mike turn to Dr. Steve Klein to make some sense of the enduring Israeli Palestinian conflict. He has a PHD in in conflict management and negotiation from Bar-Ilan University, teaches at Tel-Aviv and Ben-Gurion Universities and is an editor at Haaretz. We think you'll agree that he observations are particularly insightful. Steven Klein Listen to more episodes, and let us know wh...

How do you teach the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in university? And what if that university is in Jerusalem, and your students are Jews and Arabs? Dr. Toby Greene of Hebrew University shares his experience and perspective. He gives us a lot to think about how we think about Israel. Toby Greene Website Book - Blair, Labour and Palestine Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We a...

Alan, Mike and Lior reflect on what has changed, and what hasn't, since the Trump Jerusalem declaration. Also, Mike sort of has a panic attack, and Lior and Alan try to talk him down. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

We know that Israel's capital city is Jerusalem. Why hasn't it been recognised before? Why is that changing now? What will that mean going forward? Alan and Mike sit down with Middle East journalist David Harris to discuss what it all means. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us

Benji's back! Is the US administration's new peace push anything new or the same old story? Alan, Mike and Benji look at the story and put it into context. Join us, and let us know what you think! On the American Team The 5 Stages of Middle East Grief Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website Facebook page Contact us