The Jewish People's Podcast

As Israel intensifies its operations on the ground in Gaza, we’re still left grappling with a critical question: what happens when the guns finally fall silent? Who will assume control—militarily and civically—over the Gaza Strip? In this episode, we’re joined by Lieutenant General Mark, a former Green Beret who completed six combat tours across the Middle East and South Central Asia, and conclude...

Join us for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Rabbi Yirmi Stavisky, former principal of Himmelfarb High School in Jerusalem. Rabbi Stavisky, who has lost ten of his students in the current Israel-Hamas war, joins us to share his reflections on Israel’s Memorial Day, Yom HaZikaron. Together, we’ll honor the fallen, explore the meaning of sacrifice, and hear firsthand what remembrance...

In this episode, JPPI Co-Chair, author, and veteran American diplomat Dennis Ross joins Yaakov Katz for a wide-ranging conversation on the mechanics of statecraft in the context of war and regime change, drawing on key historical analogies. The discussion also delves into the ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran over a potential nuclear agreement.

Dr. Shira Efron, Research Director at the Israel Policy Forum, joins Yaakov in this episode to hash out the politics, strategy, and symbolism behind Netanyahu’s trip to Washington. They take on big questions like whether this visit marks a turning point in U.S.-Israel relations and what comes next in the Gaza war.

In this episode, Yaakov Katz is joined by Dr. Einat Wilf, author of The War of Return , for an in-depth conversation on the Qatargate scandal, the role of UNRWA, and the Israeli government's failure—particularly under Prime Minister Netanyahu—to recognize and respond to the strategic threat posed by Qatar. The discussion also explores the broader implications for the ongoing war and the globa...

In this episode, author Yossi Klein Halevi delves into the deepening divisions within Israeli society, the government's deliberate stoking of those fractures to maintain political leverage, Netanyahu's role in exacerbating the schism, and a vision for the possibility of regional peace.

In this episode, Yaakov Katz speaks with Jason Greenblatt, former advisor on Israel and Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations under President Donald Trump. They discuss the Trump administration’s relationship with Israel, its policies regarding the ongoing war and hostage crisis, and the broader regional developments aimed at advancing the legacy of t...

As the war in Gaza resumes, the urgency surrounding the return of Israeli hostages has intensified the wave of protests across the country. Public frustration is mounting, not just over the prolonged captivity of those still held by Hamas, but also over the Israeli government's handling of the crisis. In this episode, our panel examines how the government's pursuit of divisive policies—a...

In this episode, we welcome Haaretz journalist and author Anshel Pfeffer for an in-depth discussion on Israel’s renewed war in Gaza and the escalating internal political crisis, the Netanyahu coalition and whether or not the resumption of the war is politically motivated. Anshel also dissects the strategic missteps of the Israeli government, examining how its approach to Hamas has faltered and wha...

A father's fight, a hostage son's survival. In this episode, JPPI's Yaakov Katz speaks with Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen about his family's relentless battle to bring his son Sugui home from Hamas captivity, the diplomatic and political struggles they've faced, and the role of international figures, including former President Trump, in efforts to secure his release.

Clashes in Syria spark questions about the new regime’s stability. Charles Lister, head of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, joins JPPI senior fellow Yaakov Katz to break it down—what’s happening, regional reactions, and what it means for Israel.

In a post-October 7 world, what does Jewish peoplehood mean for Israelis today? Naama Klar, Director of The Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood at ANU, joins us to explore how identity, resilience, and global connections can shape Israel’s future. With a background in policy, diplomacy, and social impact, Klar offers insights on how to foster unity in uncertain times.

In this episode, we speak with Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, about the World Zionist Congress – the global Jewish parliament founded by Theodor Herzl. He explains how it shapes Jewish priorities, allocates billions in funding, and why every Jew should vote to influence the Jewish future. Don’t miss this conversation on why your voice matters!

With the ceasefire deal at an impasse, Israel has suspended humanitarian aid into Gaza, and 24 living hostages remain in Hamas captivity. What happens next? In this episode, we’re joined by Michal Bar-Asher Siegal and Shmuel Rosner to break down the shifting dynamics on the ground, Israel’s military and political calculations, and the broader implications for the region.

In this episode, we sit down with Tal Schneider, senior diplomatic and political correspondent for the Times of Israel, to dissect the high-stakes drama unfolding in Israel. Will it move to a second stage of the hostage deal, and can Prime Minister Netanyahu navigate this delicate situation without shattering his fragile coalition?

This episode digs into the high-stakes negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a potential second stage of a hostage deal and its impact on Netanyahu’s government.  Gil Troy and Shmuel Rosner also analyze Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Russia and its implications for Israel and global stability. ​

In this episode, we’re joined by Yigal Carmon, founder and president of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), to break down the complexities of Qatar’s diplomatic game. From hosting world-class sports events to funding Hamas, Qatar has expertly crafted an image of moderation. But is this narrative just a mask?

In this episode Yaakov speaks with Shlomit Mali, CEO of AMI – ​ the National Alliance for Strengthening Israelis’ Connection to World Jewry. She argues that there is a vital need for Israelis to deepen their awareness of the significance of Diaspora Jewry, and explains why cultivating stronger connections between Israel and Jewish communities around the world is more important than ever post-Oct....

Jerusalem Post senior analyst Herb Keinon joins us today to break down the latest in Israel’s standoff with Hamas over the hostages, Trump’s Gaza plan, and what the future holds for PM Netanyahu. With decades of experience covering Israeli politics and diplomacy, Keinon offers sharp insights into the shifting regional dynamics, Washington’s role, and whether Netanyahu can weather the political sto...

The haunting images of Eli, Or, and Ohad — frail, emaciated, yet finally free — are a stark reminder of the brutality they endured in Hamas captivity. In this episode, we discuss the moral and strategic imperatives behind eliminating Hamas and securing the release of all remaining hostages. Joining us are Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal and Prof. Gil Troy, who offer historical, ethical, and politica...

In this episode, we discuss President Trump’s provocative remarks about transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East." ​ JPPI senior fellow's Shmuel Rosner and Sara Hirschhorn explore how Trump’s bold move disrupts decades of policy and challenges.

In this episode, Prof. Ran Kivetz of Columbia University challenges the narrative that Israel’s economy is on the brink. Hear why he believes Israel’s economy is not only resilient but poised for growth, particularly in the tech sector. We’ll also dive into the rise of anti-Israel protests on college campuses and what can be done to push back.

Dan Feferman, co-chair of Sharaka, discusses the shifting landscape of Jewish engagement since October 7. and how Israel can normalize ties with Saudi Arabia. He also shares insights from his recent JPPI report, “In Search of Authenticity”, which explores new trends in the American Jewish community. ​

Tamar Ish Shalom, one of Israel’s top journalists, joins us in today’s episode. She discusses her new podcast Jewish Crossroads, which explores how the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war are reshaping Jewish identity in the U.S. Tune in for her insights on the Israel-Diaspora relationship, the role of Israeli media in covering the war, and her experience living in the U.S. during these dramatic...