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The Israel Connection – Hosted by Esti Zenati, this engaging podcast explores all things Israel. Every other week, Esti welcomes a special guest with a unique connection to Israel—diving into culture, history, current events, and personal stories. Whether you’re deeply connected to Israel or just curious to learn more, this podcast offers insightful and meaningful conversations that bring Israel to life.
35 Episodes
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Send us a text Join Esti Zenati for an inspiring chat with Jay Shofet of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), the nation's oldest and largest environmental NGO. Jay reveals how SPNI has protected Israel's biodiversity since 1953, embedding a love for nature through science and education. Hear about the vital "Nature Heals" program, which uses Israel's green spaces to aid trauma recovery post-October 7, alongside crucial efforts to rewild wetlands and tackle climate chang...
Send us a text In this episode, Esti is joined by Na'ama Ore, the CEO of SparkIL, a social FinTech startup providing crowdfunded, interest-free loans to small Israeli businesses. The episode highlights the impact of SparkIL, in particular, emergency loan funds for businesses owned by IDF reservists and others hugely affected by the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war, and the role of mentors and support networks in helping business owners. Nama also shares personal anecdotes, such as her ch...
Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by journalist, Jotam Confino for an unfiltered conversation on The Israel Connection to break down media bias, journalistic integrity, and the complexities of covering Israel and Gaza for a European audience. From the fallout of October 7th to the failures of international reporting, Jotam offers sharp insights, personal stories, and bold critiques—plus a fun look at his favorite Israeli quirks.
Send us a text In the Season 3 premiere of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Israeli comedian, Shahar Cohen. They talked about Shahar's rise to fame with his 'America vs. Israel' videos, his popular characters like 'Nofar,' and the impact of social media on his career. He also shares insights into his U.S. tour and his mission to unite people through humor. Shahar is currently touring in the US. Get tickets here.
Send us a text In this special episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Ben Kreshtool and Jill Suffel from Beth El to unpack the rapidly evolving war between Israel and Iran. They explore the surprising alliances forming in the Middle East, what this conflict means for Israel’s future, and offer practical advice—and words of comfort—for tourists currently stuck in Israel who may be feeling anxious or unsafe. Whether you're looking for clarity, connection, or just a space to process everything that...
Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati interviews Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the 21st Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Leiter reflects on his return to public service after the tragic loss of his son, Major Moshe Leiter, who was killed leading IDF forces into Gaza on November 10, 2023. He outlines his key goals as ambassador, including defending Israel’s legitimacy during a seven-front war, strengthening bipartisan U.S. support, and uniting the diverse American Jewish c...
Send us a text In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the brutal terrorist attacks at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. Mazal, a 35-year-old mother from Southern Israel, recounts her life before the incident, the harrowing details of the attack, and how she survived while losing her two close friends. She shares her journey towards healing and resilience, driven by the need to provide a better future for her son and tells all about the...
Send us a text Esti Zenati interviews Israeli stand-up comedian, content creator and IDF reservist, Matan Peretz. They discuss Matan's comedy journey, the therapeutic role of comedy - particularly during the war, and his rise to global recognition. Matan also shares insights from his recent visit to concentration camps in Poland, his thoughts on Joe Rogan's comments on Israel and his plans for future performances in the U.S.
Send us a text In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati revisits with Rabbi Dana Saroken, Beth El's own rabbi and founder of the Soul Center. They explore her inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to spiritual leader, discuss her efforts to connect Israel and America, and the importance of making Judaism relevant for all ages. They also delve into the power of storytelling in Jewish identity and the challenges faced by Jewish students on college campuses.
Send us a text Esti Zenati sits down with a very special guest, Erin Molan—renowned Australian TV and radio presenter, and former host of the prime-time show Erin on Sky News. Widely recognized for her unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, Erin shares the story behind her viral monologue that not only captured global attention but deeply moved hearts in Israel. She opens up about life after Sky News, her steadfast commitment to standing with Israel and the Jewish people, and ...
Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by two special guests straight from Israel: Guy Flavian and Iris Hillel, co-heads of the Israel's Story initiative. Israel's Story was a hasbara project launched immediately after the October 7 attacks, rapidly growing to involve over 200 volunteers and spreading across social media platforms in multiple languages. The initiative’s goal was to advocate for Israel and promote its perspective during a particularly turbulent time. In this conversation, Guy an...
Send us a text Esti Zenati speaks with Yuval David, an Emmy-winning Israeli-American journalist, actor, and LGBT activist. They discuss Yuval’s advocacy for Israel, the Jewish community, and LGBT rights, as well as his role in promoting Jewish representation in media. The conversation explores his experiences in the entertainment industry as a Jewish Israeli-American, particularly after the events of October 7, 2023, and the impact on perceptions of Israel.
Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by guest, Elkana Cohen, author of the book OCT 7: The War Against Hamas Through the Eyes of an Israeli Commando Officer, which is based on Elkana's diary entries during the war in Gaza. Esti and Elkana talk about his personal experience of what it's like serving in the IDF since October 7, 2023 and being on the battlefield in Northern Gaza for over a year, experiencing major losses of close friends and becoming a father for the first time. Elkana's ...
Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by Israeli-American Winter Olympian AJ Edelman for an insightful conversation about his journey to Israel and his path to the Winter Olympics. AJ shares his experience making aliyah to Israel in 2016, his journey to the 2018 Winter Olympics, and his preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics with his Bobsled team, BobTeam Edelman. The discussion also delves into AJ's advocacy for Israel over the past year and a half, highlighting the personal and profession...
Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by special guest, Moran Stela Yanai. Moran was held hostage by Hamas for 54 days, after being kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and released on November 29, 2023, during the first hostage release deal. They talk about Moran's October 7, her experience in captivity and her hopes and dreams for the near future, for herself and for the remaining hostages.
Send us a text Esti Zenati hosts attorney Ran Bar-Yoshafat, who also serves in the IDF reserves as a combat Special Forces soldier. Ran shares his experience fighting in Gaza, Northern Israel, and Judea & Samaria since October 7, 2023, all while balancing life as a newlywed and a first-time father, having spent over 250 days on the battlefield. They also discuss Ran's role as a speaker on US college campuses, focusing on his experience at UC Berkeley, where rioters interrupted and s...
Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by guest co-host, Ben Kreshtool, and special guest, comedian Modi Rosenfeld! They talk about Modi's career in comedy, his favorite places to perform in Israel and his current US tour, Pause for Laughter. Modi will be performing in Baltimore at The Lyric on Sunday, March 2. Get your tickets at modilive.com.
Send us a text Esti is joined by Hen Mazzig, a globally recognized speaker, educator, author, and digital influencer who has become a trusted voice on Jewish issues and Israel, appearing as an expert in media across four continents, including outlets like BBC, CNN, The Washington Post, SkyNews, New York Times and more. They talk about Hen's personal experience advocating for Israel for many years and being one of the most known voices in the pro-Israeli world, Mizrachi & Sephardi Jewry an...
Send us a text Esti talks to guest, Mitch Gold, founding member of FIDF Baltimore and member of the FIDF National Board. They talk all things FIDF and Mitch shares his experience in Israel during the past year and as a child, living in Be'er Sheva with his family in the 1960's and during the Six Day War.
Send us a text Esti is joined by Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. They talked about the important role the Jewish Council plays within the Jewish community, the rise in antisemitism and The Associated Antisemitism Task Force. Howard shares his experience working with representatives from other religions and also his experience in Israel prior to the war. And of course, don't forget the new segment, My Favorite Israeli Thing, we talk Golda Meir, the Western Wal...
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