On this week’s episode of For the Love of Zion, Joe Roberts and Shahaf Feinkuchen sit down with renowned Middle East analyst and educator Avi Melamed. With over 40 years of professional experience and a deep understanding of the region, Avi provides a nuanced and apolitical analysis of the seismic shifts in the Middle East following October 7, 2023.

This thought-provoking conversation covers the state of the Middle East today, the challenges of Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the importance of education in navigating these complex realities. Avi also shares insights about his work with Inside the Middle East and his upcoming visit to Tulsa.

✅ The aftermath of October 7 and the disintegration of the Axis of Resistance.

✅ The future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, including the relevance of the two-state solution.

✅ The role of Arab states and international players in shaping the region’s future.

✅ How education can combat polarization and misinformation about the Middle East.

✅ Insights into Avi’s North American tour and his mission to improve Middle East education.

💬 “To understand Israel and the conflict, you must understand the Middle East.” – Avi Malamed

💬 “Out-of-the-box thinking is the name of the game for progress in the region.” – Avi Malamed

💬 “Education is the scaffolding for constructive dialogue and understanding.” – Avi Malamed

📖 Avi Melamed’s latest book: Inside the Middle East: Making Sense of the Most Dangerous and Complicated Region on Earth – Buy on Amazon

🌐 Inside the Middle East (ITME) website and fellowship program – Learn More

📅 Register for Avi Melamed’s Tulsa Event (January 22–23) – Sign Up Here

1️⃣ Subscribe to For the Love of Zion wherever you get your podcasts.

2️⃣ Share this episode with your community to promote a better understanding of the Middle East.

3️⃣ Leave us a review to help others find the podcast and join the conversation.

This episode is proudly brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, dedicated to strengthening the connection between Israel and the Diaspora.

In this week’s episode of For the Love of Zion, we sit down with Representative Esther Panitch, the only Jewish legislator in Georgia’s House of Representatives. Esther shares her powerful journey as a public servant, advocate, and proud Zionist, delving into her work fighting antisemitism and fostering connections between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel.

This candid conversation covers her recent trip to Israel post-October 7, the challenges and triumphs of passing the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism in Georgia, and her personal connection to Zionism. Esther also discusses her role as a candidate for the Jewish Future Slate in the World Zionist Congress elections and the importance of strengthening Jewish unity in turbulent times.

✅ Insights from Esther’s trip to Israel with a diverse group of legislators post-October 7.

✅ The personal and community impact of antisemitism in the U.S. and Israel.

✅ The significance of adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its real-world impact.

✅ How Esther navigates rebuilding coalitions and educating others about Zionism.

✅ The importance of the World Zionist Congress and why it matters today.

💬 “We can’t take Israel for granted. It’s on all of us to ensure its survival and thriving.” – Esther Panitch

💬 “Antisemitism today is not just old stereotypes; it’s new narratives that pervert history and target Zionism.” – Esther Panitch

💬 “Zionism is about the right to Jewish self-determination in our indigenous homeland, nothing more, nothing less.” – Esther Panitch

📖 Learn more about the IHRA definition of antisemitism – Read Here

📅 Register to vote in the World Zionist Congress elections – Sign Up Here

🌐 More about the Jewish Future Slate and its mission – Learn More

If you enjoyed this episode:

1️⃣ Subscribe to For the Love of Zion on your favorite podcast platform.

2️⃣ Share this episode with your community to spark conversations about Zionism and combating antisemitism.

3️⃣ Leave us a review to help more listeners discover the podcast and join the movement.

Welcome to The Love of Zion, the podcast where bold ideas and inspiring voices come together to explore the heart of Zionism, Israel, and the Jewish future. In this trailer, get a glimpse of the conversations to come—discussions that will challenge, inspire, and deepen your connection to Israel and the Jewish people.

Starting in January, we’ll bring you weekly episodes featuring thought leaders, advocates, and visionaries tackling the most pressing issues facing Israel and global Jewry. From strengthening diaspora-Israel relations to combating delegitimization, The Love of Zion is your source for meaningful dialogue and unapologetic support for Israel.

Subscribe now and join us on this journey. Full episodes begin January!