Episodes

  • #355 - Ex-Brandeis Pres. on Campus Protests, Weizmann's Legacy and American Jewry (Jehuda Reinharz)

    #355 - Ex-Brandeis Pres. on Campus Protests, Weizmann's Legacy and American Jewry (Jehuda Reinharz)
    Jun 5 2024
    On a foggy morning in London, over a century ago, a visionary chemist met with one of Britain's most influential politicians. This wasn't just any meeting; it was a pivotal moment that would forever alter the course of Jewish history. Chaim Weizmann, a Russian immigrant and a passionate Zionist, found himself in the drawing room of Lord Arthur James Balfour. Armed with his sharp intellect and relentless drive, Weizmann presented his case for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. His argument was compelling, blending the urgent need for a safe haven for Jews with the potential benefits to the British Empire. This meeting, pivotal in its outcome, led to the historic Balfour Declaration of 1917, which proclaimed British support for the establishment of "a national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. Today, we delve into this extraordinary story with Professor Jehuda Reinharz, a distinguished historian and former President of Brandeis University. As co-author of the biography "Chaim Weizmann: A Biography," Professor Reinharz brings us closer to understanding the man behind the political triumph. Through his journey from the shtetls of Belarus to the highest echelons of global politics, Weizmann navigated the turbulent waters of early 20th-century geopolitics with a singular goal: the realization of a Jewish state. Professor Jehuda Reinharz is currently the Richard Koret Professor of Modern Jewish History at Brandeis University. He served as the President of Brandeis University from 1994 to 2010. Professor Reinharz is the recipient of the President of Israel Prize along with many other awards and accolades, far too long to list. We are thrilled to be joined on the podcast today by Professor Jehuda Reinharz to discuss the life and legacy of Chaim Weizmann, the current state of affairs for Zionism, and of course, as we have one of American academia's foremost scholars with us, the recent anti-Israel protests across US university campuses. Stay tuned, this episode is sure to be an interesting one. "Chaim Weizmann: A Biography" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chaim-Weizmann-Biography-Institute-European/dp/1684581966
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #352 - Palestinian Media Watch: Exposing the Palestinian Ideology of Hate (Itamar Marcus)

    #352 - Palestinian Media Watch: Exposing the Palestinian Ideology of Hate (Itamar Marcus)
    May 15 2024
    In early December, as the dust settled on the devastating, barbaric massacre which Hamas perpetrated on October 7th, a Palestinian official made a seemingly unsurprising statement, for a Palestinian official that is. He said that what took place on October 7th wasn’t terror, but rather “a response to Israeli terror” and called on “all factions to unite in combat against Israel”. Again, unsurprising for a Palestinian official. What’s surprising is that these weren’t the words of a Hamas official but rather Jibril Rajoub, a prominent figure within the Palestinian Authority. This statement is a stark reminder of the deep-seated narratives upheld by some within the Palestinian Authority, who govern the territories of Judea and Samaria. Some claim a second October 7th is imminent if nothing is done to curtail the PA and the Palestinians in the so-called West Bank. All of this raises profound questions, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of suggestions from many, both in Israel and around the world, that the Palestinian Authority should in fact take over governance in Gaza post-Hamas. To dig into all this, we turn to Itamar Marcus, the founder and director of Palestinian Media Watch, PMW. Through relentless scrutiny and documentation, PMW has exposed the often-hidden undercurrents of glorification and support for violence within the PA’s communication channels. PMW and Itamar Marcus have received multiple awards including Marcus being named one of the "top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life or the State of Israel.” by The Algemeiner newspaper. Marcus also represented Israel in negotiations with the Palestinians from 1998-1999 during the Oslo Accords. We are thrilled to be joined today on the podcast by Itamar Marcus to discuss the PA and the future of the Palestinian Israeli conflict.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #351 - Decoding Deceit: An NSA Whistleblower’s Tale of Treachery and Tragedy (Bruce Brill)

    #351 - Decoding Deceit: An NSA Whistleblower’s Tale of Treachery and Tragedy (Bruce Brill)
    May 9 2024
    In the quiet early hours of a crisp October morning in 1973, as soldiers on the front lines of Israel’s borders stood guard, a storm was brewing, unknown to them but clear as day to a select few in the distant corridors of the U.S. National Security Agency. Among these few was Bruce Brill, a young Arabic interpreter whose job was to listen in, analyze, and understand. That morning, the earth-shattering realization that his own team knew of the impending Arab attack, while those who needed that information the most remained in the dark, changed his life forever. Today, Bruce joins us with his book, "Deceit of an Ally," a compelling account of military anti-Semitism, secret intelligence operations, and the Yom Kippur War treachery that nearly cost Israel dearly. His book reveals shocking insights into how misleading intelligence assessments led to a dire miscalculation, the repercussions of which are still felt today. A former NSA analyst turned Mid-East Security Analyst, Bruce has shared his unique perspectives through numerous platforms and publications, enriching our understanding of Middle Eastern dynamics and security. Bruce’s journey from an NSA analyst to a passionate Zionist and advocate for truth in intelligence is not just the story of a man, but a reflection on the complexities of war and diplomacy. As we delve into his experiences and revelations, we connect it to the chilling parallels seen on October 7th, when Israel faced a devastating intelligence failure as Hamas launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza, catching Israel off guard. Bruce offers not just history, but lessons on the importance of clarity and honesty in intelligence and international relations. Join us as we uncover the layers of deception and the quest for truth in the shadowy world of espionage. Bruce's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Deceit-Ally-Military-Anti-Semitism-Treachery/dp/965930420X
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    53 mins
  • #349 - The Muslim US Army Vet Fighting Antisemitism (Dan Khan)

    #349 - The Muslim US Army Vet Fighting Antisemitism (Dan Khan)
    Apr 11 2024
    About 2 months after October 7th and the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza War, a poll was conducted in the United States. Many of you may remember this because the results were pretty shocking. While most Americans support Israel and view Hamas and its actions as genocidal terrorists, young Americans 18-24 don’t quite agree. At least, they’re not so straight forward about it. 51% responded that Israel should be “ended and given to Hamas and the Palestinians”. 60% believed that Hamas’ massacre was justified due to Palestinian grievances. What’s more shocking is that 66% of American 18-24 year-olds thought Hamas’ actions on Oct 7th were genocidal. Which, if you think about it, means that a big chunk think genocide against the Jews is legitimate. I guess not surprising after we saw the questioning of Ivy league presidents by congress. The reality of antisemitism goes beyond people’s hearts and minds, unfortunately. Over the course of the last 6 months since Oct 7, there has been a sharp rise in anti semitic incidents with the ADL reporting a 360% spike back in January. And 90% of US Jews feel this uptick, according to a study done by Pew Research Center. Now, American Jewish organizations are combating this phenomenon. And that’s to be expected. What’s less expected is an American Muslim organization fighting the rise in antisemitism. Joining us today is Dan Khan, a U.S. Army veteran and Deputy Director of the Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA). MALA is dedicated to empowering individual freedoms, fostering interfaith connections, and combating hate in all its forms. Today, Dan will shed light on MALA's support for the Jewish community, as well as his recent insights shared at the Combat Antisemitism Movement panel, where he outlined proactive steps the Muslim community can take to combat antisemitism. We're honored to have Dan with us, as we explore the American Muslim community's role in building a future where understanding triumphs over division. Join us as we delve into the possibilities for hope and solidarity in these challenging times.
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    59 mins
  • #348 - Cracking the Code: Israel's Cyber Edge Explained (Alon Arvatz)

    #348 - Cracking the Code: Israel's Cyber Edge Explained (Alon Arvatz)
    Apr 4 2024
    If Tel Aviv is the Silicon Valley of the Middle East, AKA Silicon Wadi, cybersecurity is its beating heart. From the towering successes of Palo Alto Networks and Checkpoint to the relatively recent rise of Wiz, Israel stands as the undisputed leader in the realm of digital defense. At the core of this technological powerhouse lies Unit 8200, Israel's legendary intelligence unit, known for honing the skills of some of the world's sharpest cyber minds. Graduates of 8200 venture into the entrepreneurial landscape, seeding the growth of Israel's cybersecurity sector with their expertise and innovation. One of the things that truly sets Israel apart is the tidal wave of investment flooding into its cybersecurity ecosystem, propelling the nation to the forefront of global innovation. If you think about it, it’s pretty crazy - Israel, or at least Israeli tech, is protecting a huge chunk of the world’s most lucrative digital assets. Today, we're honored to host Alon Arvatz, one of the young new minds in the cyber realm. As an IDF cyberwarfare veteran and tech product leader, Alon has authored the compelling book, "The Battle for Your Computer: Israel and the Growth of the Global Cyber-Security Industry," where he unravels the intricacies of Israel's pivotal role in the global cybersecurity landscape. Join us as we discuss with Alon Arvat all things cyber security, AI and even how it all connects to the current war in Gaza. Alon's book: https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Your-Computer-Cyber-Security-Industry/dp/1394174152
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    51 mins
  • #347 - Deciphering Ben Gvir and Smotrich: A Deep Dive into Religious Zionism (Yair Ettinger)

    #347 - Deciphering Ben Gvir and Smotrich: A Deep Dive into Religious Zionism (Yair Ettinger)
    Mar 11 2024
    As the war in Gaza rages on, the influence of the Religious Zionist party, led by figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, looms large over the direction of the Israeli government. With key ministerial positions in hand, they wield considerable power in shaping policies not only concerning the ongoing war but also regarding broader societal issues such as military service, national identity and economic affairs. Today, we’re going to take a close look at this pivotal shift in Israeli society with our distinguished guest, Yair Ettinger, an Israeli journalist and the author of the illuminating new book, "Frayed: The Disputes Unraveling Religious Zionists", Ettinger's work provides invaluable insights into the challenges facing the Religious Zionist movement, which has become increasingly influential within Israeli politics and society. Amidst the turmoil of war and political maneuvering, many questions arise about the future direction of Religious Zionism and its impact on the broader Israeli landscape. Ettinger is an award-winning journalist, with decades of experience. Frayed has won the 2021 Hillel Kook Award and is a finalist of the Jewish Book Council. He was a journalist for Haaretz newspaper for 20 years and today, he’s one of Kan’s commentators on Religious affairs and writes for various outlets such as Ynet. We are super thrilled to be joined by Yair Ettinger on this episode of the Two Nice Jewish Boys podcast.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #345 - In The Name of My Sister: From a Brutal Murder to a Story of Hope (Lili Ben Ami)

    #345 - In The Name of My Sister: From a Brutal Murder to a Story of Hope (Lili Ben Ami)
    Feb 15 2024
    Michal Sela z”l, was a vibrant soul whose life was tragically cut short on October 3, 2019, at the tender age of 32. Her husband was convicted of her brutal murder, shedding light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence that plagues our society. Sadly, Michal's story is not an isolated incident—around 20 women meet similar fates each year in Israel alone. The statistics on violence against women in Israel paint a grim picture, highlighting the urgent need for action. Despite advances in technology and information accessibility, domestic violence continues to claim lives at an alarming rate. Recognizing this dire need, the Michal Sela Forum emerged, spearheaded by Michal's sister, Lili Ben Ami. Through her tireless efforts and innovative approach, Lili seeks to revolutionize the way we address and prevent domestic violence. Our guest today is Lili Ben Ami, the visionary behind the Michal Sela Forum. As the founder and CEO, Lili has dedicated her life to leveraging technology and innovation in the fight against violence towards women. Her groundbreaking work has garnered international recognition, from winning prestigious prizes to speaking at the United Nations. Through her leadership and advocacy, Lili is reshaping societal norms and advocating for a future where every woman can live free from fear and violence. We’re honored to be joined by her today to talk about Michal, the Michal Sela Forum and rising from the tragedy. Michael Sela Forum's website: https://www.msf-global.org/
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    58 mins
  • #344 - The Haredi Pedophile Hunter Who Took Down Malka Leifer (Shana Aaronson)

    #344 - The Haredi Pedophile Hunter Who Took Down Malka Leifer (Shana Aaronson)
    Feb 5 2024
    In the quiet streets of the Emanuel settlement, Malka Leifer appeared to be just another face in the crowd, blending seamlessly into the fabric of daily life. Yet, beneath this ordinary facade lay a story that would captivate and horrify a nation. Leifer, a former headmistress at the Adat Israel school in Melbourne, was under suspicion for heinous acts of sexual abuse against her students. Her saga, marked by a cunning flight from Australia and a controversial claim of mental unfitness for trial, unfolds against a backdrop of international legal drama, challenging the very principles of justice and accountability. The case of Malka Leifer is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper, more pervasive issue within the Haredi community. Sexual assault, often shrouded in silence and taboo, leaves its victims isolated and desperate for support. This societal challenge poses profound questions about power, protection, and the willingness of a community to confront uncomfortable truths. As the struggle for justice for Leifer's victims continues, it reveals the complexities of balancing religious loyalty with the imperative to safeguard the innocent. Enter Shana Aaronson, the CEO of an organization dedicated to protecting victims of sexual assault within the ultra-Orthodox community. With a mission fueled by personal conviction and a deep understanding of the nuanced dynamics of Haredi society, Aharonson and her team stand at the forefront of a tireless fight for justice. Their work, emblematic of a broader struggle for change, brings hope to those who have suffered in silence, offering a beacon of support in a landscape often dominated by power and patriarchy. As we delve into this episode, we explore the courage, challenges, and unwavering commitment of those who dare to stand up against sexual assault in the Haredi community.
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    1 hr and 33 mins