PODCAST: THREE OF ISRAEL'S HOSTAGES HAVE COME HOME!

THREE OF ISRAEL'S HOSTAGES HAVE COME HOME!
CELEBRATING THEIR RETURN AMID CONCERNS ABOUT THE DEAL

Today, on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31), were reunited with their loved ones inside Israel.

In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Yaakov Lappin, In-House-Analyst at The MirYam Institute, to discuss their redemption from inside the Gaza Strip.  

We break down our reactions to the images of their release - including the danger in which they were placed as they were transferred from one Red-Cross vehicle to the other, surrounded by thousands of Gazans inside Gaza - the terms of the hostage-release deal as they pertain to the redeployment of the IDF, and the sacrifices made by our soldiers in order to bring us to this moment.

We also note the rescue of the remains of Oron Shaul (Z"L), who was killed and held captive by Hamas during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, and we discuss the implications of the ceasefire on the near and long-term security of the State of Israel. 

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment.

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: Israel Defense Forces

PODCAST: HOSTAGE RELEASE DEAL ON THE BRINK OF BEING SEALED

This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, January 15th, against the declaration by Donald Trump that a hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas has been reached. In this episode of the show, Yaakov Lappin and I discuss the mooted hostage release deal, together with its implications for Israeli society, the IDF, Israel's security and the hostage families; while noting the Benjamin Netanyahu is yet to confirm that a deal has been struck.

We also analyze what might have been offered as a "sweetener" of the deal by the incoming President-Elect, Donald Trump to Prime Minister Netanyahu and whether or not U.S. collaboration around the targeting of Iran's nuclear weapons program may be what persuaded Israel's premiere to step back from several of his stated red-lines.

While we celebrate the return of every hostage, we present our notes of caution as to the consequences that may accompany the deal.

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment.

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: Jose Hernandez/Shutterstock

SEASON FINALE: ISRAEL DESTROYS ENEMY'S NUCLEAR REACTOR IN SURPRISE AERIAL, CROSS BORDER RAID

In this season finale, former Chief Commander of the Israeli Airforce, Major General (Res.) Eli Shkedi, tells me about Israel's stark surprise at the knowledge that an enemy state was developing a nuclear weapons program.

In this conversation, he takes me behind the scenes of his discussions with Israel's former Prime Minister, the conversations between Israeli and American leaders and the daring raid that was planned to destroy the nuclear program.

After that, I travel to Israel's Ben-Shemen forest to sample traditional Middle-Eastern foods before walking through monuments to the victims of the Nazi Holocaust and the brave pilots of the Israeli Air-Force.

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment.

You can watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below.

Photo Credit: U.S. Government

PODCAST: KEEP THE ENEMY AWAY FROM OUR BORDERS

In this episode, Yaakov Lappin and I discuss several of this week’s events, many of which are the result of Israel's enemies operating far too close to its borders. 
 
Those subjects include the recent recovery of the body of a hostage kidnapped on October 7th, an overview of the tragic number of hostages kidnapped alive who are now dead, the lack of enforcement of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), as well as the urgent man-power needs of the IDF in the midst of a multi-front war that has endured for well over a year. 
 
We also analyze efforts to draft the Haredi population and the implications of doing so, or failing to do so.

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment.

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock.com

EPISODE 4 PART 1: HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR'S SON BECOMES COMMANDER OF ISRAELI AIR-FORCE

In this episode, I'm invited into the home of Major-General (Res.) Eliezer Shkedi, the son of a holocaust survivor who climbed Israel's military ranks to become the Chief Commander of The Israeli Air-Force.

He tells me about his father's personal history and how that informed his decision to serve and protect the State of Israel however he could.

In 2003, against the objections of the Polish government, General Shkedi approved of a ceremonial Israeli flyover above the Nazi Death Camp at Auschwitz in an astonishing display of his conviction that "Never Again" must truly mean "Never Again."

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment.

You can watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below.

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

PODCAST: IDF COMMANDO RAID DEEP IN SYRIA AND TERROR IN AMERICA

In this episode, I’m joined by The MirYam Institute In-House Analyst Yaakov Lappin to discuss the incredible IDF commando raid inside Syria to destroy a massive Iranian weapons making facility.

The raid, led by the Israeli Air-Force and Air-Force Commandos, took place in September but information about it was only cleared for publication this week. 

We are then joined by Micah Jones, Esq. and Frank Sobchak, PhD., two of MirYam’s I-LAP Israel trip Alumni, both former officers in the U.S. Army, for their insights on the recent terror attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans, before rounding out the show with a brief conversation about the departure of Israel’s former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant from politics and the state of Israeli mainstream media.

Watch. Listen. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment. Share.

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: Members of the IAF’s Shaldag unit carry out a raid against an Iranian missile factory near Masyaf, Syria, September 8, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces).

PODCAST: THE HOUTHIS, OUR HOSTAGES, HAMAS, IRAN'S NUKES + WHAT AWAITS IN 2025?

In this final episode of the podcast for this year, I sit down with Yaakov Lappin, In-House analyst for The MirYam Institute, to discuss the increased incoming fire Israel has faced from the Houthis of late, the ongoing hostage crisis and its potential for resolution, and whether or not now is the time for Israel to take out Iran's nuclear weapons program. 

We round off the discussion with one or two predictions about 2025, focused on Israeli elections, the broadening of the Abraham Accords and whether or not the war will come to a close in the coming 12 months. 

If you've enjoyed the podcast this year, please be sure to subscribe and to leave a comment and rating at wherever it is you get your podcasts from. 

You can also make a real impact this year-end by making a tax deductible donation to The MirYam Institute via the link below. 

Wishing you and yours a Happy Chanukah, a wonderful holiday season and a successful, happy and peaceful 2025!

Watch. Listen. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment. Share.

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

EPISODE 3: AT THE LEBANON-ISRAEL BORDER WITH BRIG. GEN. "CHIKO" TAMIR

Filmed before the Hamas massacre of October 7th, Brigadier General "Chiko" Tamir invites me into his home, right at the border between Israel and Lebanon, to talk about his career as a venerated combat officer in the Israel Defense Forces.

He took me behind the scenes of his military escapades, including the firefight he led that killed the son of the recently eliminated Head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, his decision to bring the body of Nasrallah's son back to Israel, and the successful exchange Israel later made in order to recover the body of one of Israel's fallen soldiers.

In Part 2, he gives an ominous warning about Hamas's determination to build a full scale terrorist-army and the need for Israel to counter that threat. He then outlines his views on leadership on the battlefield and in life, before I set out on my way to enjoy a bite of KNAFE, an Israeli dessert stuffed with cheese and other delights, baked by Lebanese refugees who now live in Israel.

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment.

You can watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

PODCAST: IDF AMPUTEE & HERO: 'PUT YOUR LEGS ON!'

In this episode, recorded on December 12th, 2024, I sit down with IDF veteran, amputee and hero, Boris Shtonda, whose leg was amputated as a result of a catastrophic injury he sustained inside the Gaza Strip following the October 7th massacre. 

Boris tells me about his career in the IDF elite counter-terror unit, Duvdevan, his work as a close protection officer where he guarded over Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Former Head of Mossad Yossi Cohen and others and how his life changed after October 7th. 

Hearing the news of the Hamas rampage while on vacation in Japan, Boris flew home, joined his unit, was injured and began his journey back to a functioning and fulfilling life. 

He shares what Judaism says about amputations, what he feels are his next missions in life and his ambition to make history by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

It’s an incredible story bound up by his credo…that whatever life throws at you, always “PUT YOUR LEGS ON!”

Listen. Enjoy. Subscribe. Comment. Share.

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

PODCAST: DISGRACEFUL COMMENTS FROM FORMER IDF CHIEF

In this episode, I’m joined by my colleague Yaakov Lappin to discuss the appalling comments made by former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe ‘Bogie’ Yaalon against the Israel Defense Forces, including a false accusation that Israel is engaged in ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. 

We then discuss the implications of President Trump’s tweeted ultimatum to the captors of Israel’s hostages and his cabinet picks.

We then round out the show by discussing the chaos spreading across Syria and what that might mean for Israel. 

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: Reuven Kopitchinski Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

EPISODE 2: BEACH WORKOUT WITH ISRAEL'S NEXT LEADERS

In this episode of Israel Outside-In, I'm put through my paces for an early morning, beach workout with HAMASLUL (www.hamaslul.co.il), an organization that prepares Israeli youth to join elite units in the IDF and then take you on a walking tour of Tel-Aviv.

Meet the founder of HAMASLUL as he explains how his personal story compelled him to establish this incredible organization, and hear from the students who explain that joining HAMASLUL did more than prepare them for the IDF. It also built their self esteem, improved their health, and introduced them to new friends, who feel almost like one big family.

Then join me for a walking tour of Tel-Aviv, the Carmel Market and a white-stop tour of the food and drink scene at Israel's famous outdoor shopping bonanza.

Subscribe! Enjoy! Share! Comment!

You can watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

PODCAST: ISRAEL-LEBANON CEASEFIRE ANALYSIS

In this episode, I sit down with Yaakov Lappin to discuss the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon - and we quickly arrive at points of very significant disagreement. 

We then discussed the ongoing war inside the Gaza Strip and the implications the ceasefire deal with Lebanon might have on that theatre before we quickly tackle the question of the fate of the IDF Chief of Staff, Hertzi Halevi and the readiness of Israel's northern citizens to return to their homes. 

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this conversation via the button below. 

Photo Credit: Aldo Diazzi/Wirestock-stock.adobe.com

ICC ISSUES ARREST WARRANTS: A LEGAL SCHOLAR RESPONDS

Recorded on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in the wake of the announcement by the International Criminal Court that arrest warrants have been issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, I sought out the insights and expertise of renowned legal scholar Professor Avi Bell, in order to gain his insights into this dreadful development, and to bring his conclusion to you by way of this conversation.

Professor Avi Bell is a member of the Faculty of Law at Bar Ilan University and the University of San Diego School of Law.

His fields of academic research include property and intellectual property law, international law, the laws of war, and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Professor Bell is considered one of the leading researchers in Israel in the field of economic analysis of law, and he is a member of the Israeli Law & Economics Association as well as the American Law & Economics Association.

His papers have been published in leading law journals including Yale Law Journal, Stanford Law Review and Columbia Law Review.

Bell received his BA and JD from the University of Chicago and his doctorate from Harvard University.

He was director of the Global Law Forum at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs from 2008-2009.

I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did and I encourage you to spread this discussion far and wide.

Enjoy and be sure to subscribe to the show!

PHOTO CREDIT: International Criminal Court in The Hague in 2022 architectural firm: Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Choinowski

PODCAST: ARE ELECTIONS IN THE AIR?

In this episode, Yaakov Lappin and I begin by pondering whether or not election season is underway in Israel.

We then turn to Bibi's recent visit to the Gaza Strip, flanked by his new Defense Minister Israel Katz, and reflect on his declarations that Hamas will never again rule the Strip and his offer of $5 million to anyone who returns a hostage to Israel.

We round out the discussion by analyzing the implications of the mooted cease-fire deal that Special Envoy Amos Hochstein has been working to thrash out in Lebanon and seems poised to present to Israel's leadership for their response.

Enjoy and be sure to subscribe to the show!

PHOTO CREDIT: Itzik Edri via the PikiWiki - Israel free image collection project (http://www.pikiwiki.org.il?action=gallery&img_id=7260)

EPISODE 1 PART 2: IDF BATTLES TO SAVE SYRIAN LIVES

Join me on Israel Outside-In for part two of my conversation with the former Surgeon General of the IDF, Brigadier-General (Res.), Professor Tarif Bader, to learn more about the helping hand Israel has extended over the years, and to enjoy a dip into a plate of Hummus from a local eatery as I digest the conversation.

Subscribe! Enjoy! Share! Comment!

You can watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

PREMIERE: HOW THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES SAVE LIVES, ISRAEL OUTSIDE-IN!

Join me on Israel Outside-In as I take you on a journey to experience the sites, sounds and tastes of Israel as we meet with leading personalities from the one and only Jewish State.

In this episode of the show, I tour the Druze village of Horfesh in northern Israel, sit down to interview the former Surgeon General Of The IDF, Brigadier-General (Res.), Professor Tarif Bader.

In this fascinating discussion, General Bader tells me about his commanding roles in the aid and rescue missions launched by the IDF to treat victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti (2010) and Nepal (2015), where he oversaw the establishment of an emergency field hospital in both countries.

He also tells me about his treatment of Syrian refugees who fled the Syrian civil war into Israel and how they were treated, repatriated and saved by the IDF medical corps and the Israeli defense establishment.

General Bader also tells me about life as a member of the Druze community in Israel, his principles for good leadership and his commitment to making a positive difference in this world.

Subscribe! Enjoy! Share! Comment!

You can watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

PODCAST: DEFENSE MINISTER GALLANT FIRED: HERE’S ONE OF THE PRIMARY REASONS!

In this episode, MirYam Institute In-House Analyst, Yaakov Lappin, is joined by Col. (res.) David Hacham, former Arab Affairs Advisor to multiple Israeli Defense Ministers, to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip. 

He asserts that only ongoing Israeli security control coupled with a temporary Israeli military administration can ensure that Hamas is uprooted.

They then explored why this proposal faces such fierce opposition from some voices in Israel, including from recently dismissed Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant.

Enjoy and be sure to subscribe to the show!

Photo Credit: cropped from U.S. Embassy Jerusalem https://flickr.com/photos/46886434@N04/53935271091

EPILOGUE: RISING FROM THE HORROR OF OCTOBER 7

In this episode of the show, I visit Amir Tibon at his temporary home in Kibbutz Mishmar Ha’emek in northern Israel, a community that opened its doors to residents of Nahal Oz post the October 7th massacre. Here he details his arrival there, outlines why he moved to the kibbutz and shares stories of comfort and inspiration as he and his young family work to rebuild their lives one day at a time.

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Comment.

Also watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

EPISODE 1 PART 2: AMIR TIBON DESCRIBES HIS FATHER’S HEROIC RESCUE OF HIS FAMILY

EPISODE 1 PART 2: OCTOBER 7TH SURVIVOR AMIR TIBON DESCRIBES HIS FATHER’S HEROIC RESCUE OF HIS FAMILY

In this episode of the show, Amir Tibon describes the heroic battle undertaken by his father, Major General Noam Tibon (IDF Ret.) to rescue Amir, his wife Miri and their two daughters after Hamas terrorists stormed into Amir’s kibbutz and fired automatic gunfire into his home.

With an exceptional level of detail, Amir outlines and describes the sacrifice and courage of the soldiers and civilians who fought to defend Kibbutz Nahal Oz and to rescue him and his family.

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Comment.

Also watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

EPISODE 1 PART 1: AMIR TIBON BRINGS US INTO THE FAMILY HOME ATTACKED BY HAMAS

EPISODE 1 PART 1: OCTOBER 7TH SURVIVOR, AMIR TIBON, BRINGS US INTO THE FAMILY HOME ATTACKED BY HAMAS

In this episode of the show, recorded in March, 2024, Amir Tibon, survivor of the Hamas massacre, brings me into his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. 

This bullet-riddled house, recently built by him and his wife Miri, was the place they hoped to raise their two young daughters. 

On October 7th, Hamas terrorists stormed into the kibbutz and fired automatic gunfire into his home, as his entire family hid inside the family safe room.

In this first segment of my conversation with Amir, he tells me how he and Miri made the decision to move from Tel Aviv and to build a life in Nahal Oz.

He outlines what the atmosphere was like before October 7th and how the nightmare of that awful day began to unfold, as he feverishly contacted his colleagues and his father, desperately seeking to be rescued from an impossibly dangerous situation. 

Watch. Listen. Share. Enjoy. Comment. 

Also watch the episode on YouTube and subscribe to the show here:

Photo Credit: THE MIRYAM INSTITUTE © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024