מתחילים מחדש עם דבי מצקין Restart with Debbie Matzkin

This week on Restart with Debbie, I had the honor of welcoming Danielle Chetrit into my home in Israel, a powerful voice from San Francisco and the founder of Malca Productions.Danielle shared her journey growing up in a deeply Zionist home, and how everything changed after October 7. What began as a response to rising antisemitism in the diaspora became a movement bringing some of the strongest pro-Israel voices from online platforms into real-life rooms across America.We spoke about life for Jews in the Bay Area today, the challenges in schools and communities, and the courage it takes to keep showing up despite protests, threats, and misinformation. Danielle opened up about Malca’s mission: empowering Jews and allies with tools, truth, and connection and building something real at a time when silence is no longer an option.This conversation is about leadership, responsibility, unity, and light even in the darkest moments. I promise it will leave you inspired to stand stronger, speak louder, and remember why community matters now more than ever. 

This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with a creator whose identity itself tells a powerful story - Esco!Born and raised in South Florida to parents from the Dominican Republic, my guest grew up at the intersection of cultures — Jewish roots, Latin heritage, and a deep connection to Israel. She described her identity as a “mishmash,” a blend that became her compass for everything she does today: connecting cultures, people, and perspectives — both online and in real lifeWe spoke about what it’s like to show Israel to audiences who have never truly seen it — people who thought Israel was only deserts and camels, and were shocked by the reality she shared through her content. She reflected on arriving in Israel before the war in 2021, and how representation, storytelling, and visibility shape understanding far beyond politics.The conversation then turned deeply human. We talked about how leaders, diplomats, and public figures carry the weight of representing an entire country — and how rare it is for them to feel at home, relaxed, and seen simply as people. That’s where her idea comes in: creating intimate, human-to-human spaces — dinners, food, conversation — not as hosts or authorities, but as friends around a tableThis episode is a reminder that culture isn’t built through statements or speeches — it’s built through connection. Through food. Through presence. Through opening your home and saying: you belong here.

This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with Tal, a young creator whose story stopped me in my tracks.What started as a simple moment on his 18th birthday — trading photography for a scooter in the south of France — turned into a life-changing decision: traveling the world through 40 countries with zero dollars, relying only on creativity, courage, and human connection.Tal shared how exchanging value instead of money opened doors everywhere — from places to sleep, to meals, to opportunities — and how strangers became helpers when he trusted people enough to ask.But the journey took a dramatic turn on October 7, when Tal was hitchhiking through Turkey and suddenly found himself needing to escape as war broke out. With no plan, no money, and only instinct, he made it out — guided by resilience and the unexpected kindness of the Jewish community, even from people he had met years earlier.This episode is about courage, faith in people, and the power of showing up with something to give — even when you think you have nothing. A reminder that sometimes, the world opens when you choose to move differently.

This week on Restart with Debbie, I welcomed one of Israel’s most beloved voices and one of my closest friends of over forty years, Dudu Fisher.In this deeply personal conversation, Dudu takes us through the journey of his life: from singing secretly in yeshiva while listening to Elvis Presley, to becoming a cantor, a Broadway star, and a cultural bridge between Jewish communities around the world.We spoke about his historic role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, singing “Bring Him Home” in Israel and across the world, and how that song has taken on an entirely new meaning today. Dudu also shared emotional stories from Moscow, Auschwitz, and Nova, where he is currently filming a documentary about October 7 and antisemitism called Ashes of Identity.This episode is about faith, identity, miracles, music, and the power of staying true to who you are, even when the world tells you not to.It’s a conversation full of heart, memory, and hope.And one I will never forget.

This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with Hallel Silverman, for a powerful and honest conversation about activism, identity, and what it really means to show up as a Jew today.We talked about working with teenagers and college students, building confidence instead of fear, and why education alone isn’t enough, we also need tools. From teaching young people how to protest safely and articulately, to creating chants and messages that cut through hate, this episode dives into what modern Jewish activism looks like in real life.We also spoke openly about antisemitism as the oldest form of hatred, how it reinvents itself in every generation, and why so many Jews today feel safer in Israel than anywhere else in the world. From death threats abroad to the reality of walking openly as a Jew, this conversation is raw, honest, and deeply personal.This isn’t about shouting louder.It’s about resilience, clarity, and courage.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with two remarkable young leaders, Yocheved Kim and Sammy Yahood, whose paths crossed through tragedy and transformed into purpose.We spoke about courage, Jewish identity, faith, and what it means to stand strong in a world that often asks us to shrink. From confronting hatred and media distortion, to rediscovering pride, values, and responsibility, this conversation goes far beyond politics.It’s about culture.It’s about leadership.And it’s about choosing action over helplessness.This episode is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring. A reminder that strength and kindness are not opposites, and that every individual has the power to create change. 

This week on Restart with Debbie, I had the joy of sitting down with Jake — a young, inspiring soul who packed up his life in Wisconsin and chose to begin again in Tel Aviv.Jake arrived in Israel right in the middle of COVID, with no clear plan and a very open heart. What followed was a journey of learning Hebrew, falling in love, finding his place, and eventually opening a bicycle shop in the heart of the city. His story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes life doesn’t unfold according to a map — it unfolds through courage, curiosity, and trust.We talked about aliyah, belonging, and what it really means to build community. Jake shared honestly about running a small business during wartime, how the war affected his shop, and how people showed up for him in ways he never expected. We also spoke about what it means to support Israel through everyday actions — not just words.And of course, we laughed. About Israeli culture, food, sabich, Yemeni flavors, and all those small moments that suddenly make you realize: I’m home.This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, love, and choosing to build a life where your heart truly belongs.

In this episode, I sat with Micah and we went straight into the hard questions:What is the real difference between antisemitism and Islamic fanaticism?Why has Israel spent decades protecting people who now deny its right to exist?And how do we empower our youth to fight not with anger, but with identity?We talked about army service, resilience, Zionism, living with purpose in Israel, and why the Jewish story will always outlast hate.It’s raw, honest, challenging and exactly the conversation our generation needs right now.

In this week’s episode, I had the privilege of hosting Yuval Malka. A retired police officer, former Head of Intelligence for the Israeli Border Police, and a panelist on Israeli Channel 14. Beyond his impressive resume and his studies in the Israel Police Command and Staff Course, Yuval brings a depth of experience and perspective that you can truly feel. Our conversation went far beyond titles. We talked about leadership, resilience, and the real-world challenges behind Israel’s security landscape. It’s an honest, powerful, and eye opening discussion that I’m grateful to share with you.

This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with Ronn Torossian, a brilliant Entrepreneur and Jewish communal leader who understands Israel in a way the world often struggles to see.From Sephardic Syrian-Jewish traditions to Tel Aviv’s energy, from viral war-time content to the responsibility of shaping public opinion, Ronn brings a perspective that is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in identity. We talked about what it means to live through this moment in Jewish history, how creators became frontline communicators overnight, and why authenticity is the only real currency left online. We spoke about navigating fear, community, tradition, and the power of using your voice, even when the world tries to silence it. It’s an emotional, eye-opening conversation about culture, belonging, and the role of storytellers today.I’m grateful for his insight, his honesty, and his heart. I can’t wait for you to hear this one.

This week on Restart with Debbie, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with one of the most powerful, passionate, and inspiring women I know — Judge Trudy Stern, from New York.Trudy isn’t just a judge; she’s a leader, a mother, a grandmother, and a proud Jewish activist whose work through NORPAC has shaped the U.S.–Israel relationship for over two decades.Together, we spoke about her personal journey — from a ski trip in Colorado that changed her life, to standing before members of Congress, fighting for Israel’s voice in the world.We talked about the rise in antisemitism, the importance of truth in media, and what it really means to “get off the couch and do something.”It’s a conversation full of wisdom, strength, and love for Israel.I’m so proud to call her my friend — and I promise, this episode will leave you feeling both inspired and empowered. 💙🇮🇱

Hi my loves, welcome back to Restart!In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my cousin the world-renowned architect Kobi Karp, for a beautiful and personal conversation about life, design, and the meaning of home.From his early days in Hadera and Minneapolis to shaping skylines across Miami, Dubai, and beyond, Kobi shares how culture, light, and emotion guide his architectural vision. We talk about sustainability, peace, and finding harmony between nature and space and how Israeli spirit and Jewish values subtly shape his work across the globe.This is more than a talk about architecture, it’s about building a life filled with beauty, resilience, and purpose.

Hi, my loves 💖 Welcome back to Restart! In this special episode, I had the joy of hosting my dear friend Rami once again at my home in Tel Aviv. Together with Lucy, we laughed, cooked, and shared from the heart about life after the war, what it means to live in Israel today, and the flavors that keep us grounded.We spoke about resilience, the beauty of simple food (yes, sabich is still our favorite!), and our dream of creating a Shabbat Club that brings together new olim, Israelis, and friends from around the world. From tiramisu battles to reflections on hope, this episode is a celebration of friendship, food, and the Israeli spirit.

In this very special episode of Restart, I had the honor of hosting Kayam Boccara once again. After a long lecture tour across the United States, Kayam returned to share not only his incredible personal story, but also the powerful experiences he had meeting Jewish communities abroad. From the battlefield in Gaza to months of rehabilitation, and now standing as a voice of hope and resilience, Kayam continues to inspire thousands with his journey. Our conversation dives into pain, healing, and the choice to turn trauma into purpose – reminding us all that even in the darkest moments, it is always possible to restart.

In this heartfelt episode of Restart, I had the incredible honor of welcoming my dear friend Diego Santos, an amazing journalist with deep roots in storytelling. We dove into his eye-opening journeys - from Indonesia’s tsunami to today’s challenges in Israel and discussed how social media has changed journalism forever. Diego shared powerful reflections on truth, ethics, and the incredible spirit and innovations that define Israel, from its resilient people to groundbreaking technologies. We also explored culture, history, and hope for peace amid turmoil. This episode is a raw, honest conversation about the world we live in, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Tune in, share, and let’s keep bridging our worlds together. Am Yisrael Chai! ❤️ 

In this moving episode of Restart, I sat down with Denise Bar-Aharon, the heart behind Make-A-Wish Israel. We talked about the magic of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses, and how one moment of hope can spark strength, healing, and even miracles. Denis opened my eyes—and will open yours—to the real power of dreams. Sometimes, the wish isn’t just for joy. It’s a wish to live.

In this heartfelt episode of Restart, I sit down with the wonderful Rami—an Aussie chef who made aliyah and turned his passion for food into a mission. From high-tech in Australia to hummus in the Shuk, Rami shares his incredible journey of finding home, purpose, and joy right here in Israel.We talked about what food means to us, why sharing a plate is more than just a meal, and how cooking connects us to the people we love. We also dreamt up a future Shabbat dinner together, and believe me—you’ll want an invite 😉For anyone who’s ever restarted, moved countries, or just loves a good sabich—this one’s for you.Let’s cook, share, and restart together 🫶Love, Debbie

In this special episode of Restart, I sat down with Luai Ahmed, a brave and thoughtful voice who shared his personal journey from Yemen to Israel — and how everything he believed about the Jewish people was completely transformed.Luai was taught that being Jewish meant causing harm. But through real relationships, travel, and honest conversations, he discovered the opposite: a people rooted in Tikkun Olam — healing the world.This episode is raw, real, and full of hope.It’s about breaking down walls, listening with an open heart, and finding truth beyond headlines. 

In this episode of “Restart,” I am honored to host Terry Newman, an entrepreneur, investor, and geopolitical strategist. Terry shares his insights on the current global crises and the necessity for a significant restart in our thinking and actions, particularly in relation to Israel.We delve into topics such as the transformation brought by technological advancements, the historical context of anti-Semitism, and the implications of the Abraham Accords. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding in creating a better future for all. Join us as we explore how we can learn from the past to build a more inclusive and peaceful world.

In this very special episode of Restart, I had the honor of speaking with Tal Brody — an Israeli legend, an athlete who didn’t just play basketball, but changed the story of Israeli sports and pride forever.We spoke about the unforgettable night of 1977 when Maccabi Tel Aviv shocked the world by beating the Soviet Union’s team in Belgium — a team that was considered unbeatable. Tal shares how this victory was much bigger than a sports moment — it became a symbol of hope, strength, and the Israeli spirit.Tal opens up about the emotions, the atmosphere, and how his famous words, “We are on the map — and we are staying on the map!”, were born from that magical night.This is not just a story about sports — it's a story about Israel, about standing tall, about restarting even when the odds are against you.