The Israel Conversation

How many anniversaries can 2017 have? Well, its 50 for UNSC Resolution 242 and 40 for Sadat's visit to Jerusalem. Alan, Mike and Matt discuss how these events are misunderstood, and also deeply related. Come for the banter, stay for the cogent analysis of why Israel holds the moral high ground in international law. Wikipedia on UN 242 When Sadat Visited Jerusalem Photo Essay   Listen to more episo...

The only constant in the Middle East is change. We turn to journalist David Harris for updates on Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kurdistan and what all this means for Israel. Its the safest way you can tour this tumultuous region, and David even gives us reasons for optimism!   Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website  http://j...

Alan and Mike wanted a really special episode for the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations vote that recognised the Jewish state. So they turned to Professor Gil Troy for insight and perspective, and he really came through. You won't want to miss this special episode! Gil Troy's Page http://www.giltroy.com/ Gil Troy's Amazon Page http://amzn.to/2yG3uSt Toldot Yisrael mini-documentary  http://bit...

Want to know the state of arts and culture in Israel? Want to know why you should? Join Alan and Mike as they explore these questions with Jessica Steinberg, who covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center for The Times of Israel. Follow Jessica's Writing https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/ Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are h...

What was the context for the Balfour Declaration? What is its relevance today? Alan, Matt and Mike review a century of implications for our 50th episode. Very informative site http://www.balfour100.com/ Excellent article https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/2017/06/the-forgotten-truth-about-the-balfour-declaration/ Cambon Letter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambon_letter Nahum Sokolow https://en.wiki...

How should we teach students in the diaspora about Israel? Alan and Mike think there is a pretty clear model to follow. It has implications beyond the world of education, and into the very identity of diaspora Jewry.   Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests.   Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.faceboo...

Welcome new team member, Matt Lipman! In 1937, the British recommended setting up two states in Palestine. That didn't go well. What are the lasting implications for today? And can you guess who gets into an argument about history? Mosaic Article http://bit.ly/2xYgKzY Map of Peel Proposal http://bit.ly/2ynSrwV Does this support Alan or Mike's argument? http://bit.ly/2yHZr3w Listen to more episodes...

After referring to current events and the Kurdish independence movement, Alan and Mike address the season's themes. How do members of a nation address wrongdoings in their nation past? Is there such a thing as national repentance? Elor Azaria's sentence was reduced after our recording: http://bit.ly/2fT6NKC Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic request...

How do we connect young Jews to Israel? How central is Israel to their Jewish identity? Join Lior, Alan and Mike as they discuss the issues and challenges that Jewish educators are wrestling with, and provide direction for further progress. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page...

With Gal Gadot breaking box office records, and Conan O'Brien filming here, its been an interesting summer for Israel in pop culture. What does that say about how how Israel is seen in the world? And what will it mean for the future? Conan in Israel http://bit.ly/2xaJghD Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusa...

This week we take a (an?) historical deep dive on the 120th anniversary of the first Zionist Congress in Basle, Switzerland. Joined by this week's special guest, Middle East journalist David Harris, Mike and Alan explain that momentous event. Then they all unpack the lasting results of this turning point in Jewish History. Wikipedia Page on first Congress http://bit.ly/2al0FKb Wikipedia Page on WZ...

Benji's back! In last week's episode Mike & Alan explained a Zionist theory of antisemitism. This week the guys discuss how this old hatred has manifested itself in recent years. Sometimes personal, sometimes reflective, they wonder what this means for the future. Reichstag Fire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_fire Huffpo http://bit.ly/2elOBXW EJP http://bit.ly/2xfkWZP ADL Audit http://bit...

Its unnerving when you see people express hatred towards you. Especially from strangers. What did I ever do to some tiki torch guy in Virginia? Alan and Mike try to explain the seemingly incomprehensible evil of antisemitism. Antisemitism crosses time and boundaries. Bigotry and racism can't and should never be justified. But can the particular anti-Jewish branch be explained? Let us know what you...

Lior questions about complicated cases of Israeli culture with Alan and Mike. With so many different mini-cultures in Israeli life, how do we share art that challenges political or traditional sensibilities? Articles about Miri Regev http://nyti.ms/2vUJiKR & http://bit.ly/2fx0n6s Article about beach concert http://bit.ly/2wOzAWK Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy...

This time... its personal! As teachers always trying to show the relevance of history to current events, Alan and Mike were perturbed to hear some of Jared Kushner's leaked comments. They feel that Kushner is accurately expressing a commonly held belief that smart people can solve political problems just by looking around and ahead, but not behind. They aren't really interested in the current admi...

After wrapping up the Jerusalem news from this week, Alan and Mike decide to broaden the context. Although many say that Jerusalem is a shared city, they explain its unique role to the Jews. These are fundamental understandings that are needed for understanding politics, history, or even one's own identity. Needless to say, we think that this is an important issue. Times of Israel update at postin...

Alan and Mike felt that the current simmering crisis warranted some analysis. They discuss why the Temple Mount is always such a source for tension, and where things might go moving forward. What should the Israelis do now? What should the Palestinians do, and why aren't they? There are no easy answers, but there is a lot to unpack. Supporting Alan's memory http://bit.ly/2uoWML9 Supporting Mike's...

Alan and Mike continue a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence. Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1B, and is continued from episode 36. Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_...

After a brief check in putting the latest political news into perspective, Alan and Mike begin a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence. Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1A, and will be con...

As the USA celebrates its 241 birthday, Lior, Alan and Mike reflect on what it shares in common with the 69 year old Israel. Unusually, both countries were invented to fulfill dreams. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Conta...

We welcome new regular member Lior Krinski, and Benji's back for a troubling topic. After the government rejected plans to implement agreed upon renovations of the pluralistic prayer space at the Kotel, the relationship between Israel and diaspora Jews has reached a tense crossroads. How did this happen, and where do we go from here? What is happening http://www.timesofisrael.com/there-is-already-...

First of all, Zeev is back! With the return of the Zen master of Israel articulation, we turn to lofty subjects like the future of Israel education, gap year studies, and educational technology. With special cameo appearances by an actual smart person for once, my wife Dara. (she tried to stayed bored on the sidelines and read a book, but she couldn't resist joining the conversation. That's a good...

Do you think that Hebrew Book Week shouldn't interest you? Let us convince you otherwise. Alan and Mike interview publicist Stuart Schnee about the role this event has played in the current Jewish renaissance. They discuss how and why we should all participate in it. There is so much going on in Israel that must not be missed! Join us as we begin to explore the cultural explosion being brought abo...

Ok, so enough about the 50th anniversary already. Alan and Mike zoom out to discuss the current turmoil in the Middle East and how it affects Israelis. While explaining their concept of the "Power Paradigm", Alan nominates Mike for President. Of something or other. We really like this episode a lot. Qatar - https://goo.gl/maps/SFR4FnCPaLp Matti Friedman on the entrenched narrative - http://www.tab...

Ever wonder what students ask their teachers? With Alan away, this episode takes place in the classroom instead of the teachers lounge. The exceptional young women of Midreshet Harova ask Mike the questions they want answered about being on campus next year. Maybe you have the same questions, or maybe you're curious about the concerns that Jewish gap year students have about life on campus. Either...