IsraelCast

Episode 233: In this eye-opening episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Shabbos Kestenbaum—student activist, writer, and lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit against Harvard University over pervasive antisemitism. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish family and having studied at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem, Shabbos entered Harvard Divinity School expecting intellectual exchange but instead encountered systemic bias against Jews and Israel. From professors who excluded Israeli voices in the classroom to student groups blaming Israel after October 7th, his experiences exposed a troubling double standard in higher education.

Episode 232:  In this insightful episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, to explore the challenging landscape of university campuses today. Dr. Romirowsky sheds light on how “cancel culture” has begun to restrict open debate—particularly around Israel—making it increasingly difficult for students and faculty to engage in nuanced discourse on Israel and the Middle East.

In this high-octane episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Alon Day, Israel’s trailblazing professional race car driver and four-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion. Speaking from North Carolina, Day shares his dramatic journey from Israel to the American racetrack—literally sailing from Ashdod to Cyprus to escape closed airspace following Iranian attacks on Israel, all in pursuit of his dream to race in the U.S.

In this inspiring episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center (GMC), to discuss the groundbreaking innovations and unwavering resilience of Israel’s northernmost hospital. Broadcasting from just five miles south of the Lebanese border, Dr. Sheleg reveals how GMC transformed wartime challenges into opportunities for technological and humanitarian leadership. Dr. Sheleg—an accomplished ophthalmologist, medical administrator, and decorated Israel Defense Forces officer—shares how GMC’s underground, missile-proof facilities enabled continuous care during recent conflicts. He also spotlights the hospital’s innovation hub, “GMC Playground,” which has launched dozens of health-tech collaborations and startups, with support from Microsoft and Viz.ai. A vocal champion of diversity, Dr. Sheleg describes how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians work side-by-side at GMC, treating soldiers and civilians alike—including over 3,000 wounded Syrians during their civil war. His call to action is clear: support Israel’s Galilee, where health-tech meets heart, and where healing transcends borders.   Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, MD, MBA, serves as Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center, overseeing emergency preparedness and founding the hospital’s renowned Innovation Program. An ophthalmologist by training, he continues to perform cataract surgeries and was recognized for his leadership as COVID-19 project manager. A decorated IDF officer, Dr. Sheleg serves as medical director of the IDF Field Hospital and has led humanitarian missions to Haiti, Nepal, and Turkey. He earned his medical degree from Ben-Gurion University and an executive MBA from Tel Aviv University. Born in Tel Aviv, he lives in Mitzpe Hila with his wife and two children.

In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Amotz Eyal, founder and CEO of TPS-IL recounts how his early life under fire in the Israeli town of Psagot—and even his time as an entrepreneurial pizza delivery man—shaped his resolve to bring a new, innovative approach to how global media outlets cover Israel.

In this gripping episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz is joined by Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, for an unflinching look at Israel’s operations against the Iranian regime. Roman, a seasoned geopolitical strategist and former adviser in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense, offers an insider’s breakdown of Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and proxy threats. From covert Mossad operations and drone manufacturing hubs inside Iran to the cyber and psychological warfare unfolding behind the scenes, Roman reveals the staggering scale and sophistication of Israel’s strategy. The episode also delves into global reactions—from European equivocation to Arab states’ quiet approval—and what the path to regime change might look like. Packed with real-time analysis and sobering reflections on global security, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity on one of the most consequential conflicts of our time.

In this gripping episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Jonathan Harounoff, Israel’s international spokesperson to the UN and acclaimed journalist. Harounoff reflected on the challenges Israel faces in the hostile halls of the United Nations, where his mission is to be a “light in a den of darkness.” He shared how first-hand testimonies from former hostages and their families have transformed global discourse on Israel’s war against Hamas. A Harvard, Cambridge, and Columbia graduate, Harounoff also unpacks the alarming rise of antisemitism on elite college campuses and discusses his upcoming book, Unveiled: Inside Iran's #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt, which chronicles the courage of Iranian women fighting for freedom. From the UN’s double standards to Iran’s regional ambitions, Harounoff brings clarity, candor, and hope. His parting message? Israel must remain at the table—despite adversity—to shine light, share truth, and secure justice.

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Israel’s dynamic Consul General to New York, reflects on his first year in the role and the unprecedented challenges facing Israel and the global Jewish community post-October 7. Akunis discussed the vital importance of sharing Israel’s truth amid waves of misinformation, especially on college campuses and in the media. He also emphasized the importance of outreach to all Jewish communities, engagement with U.S. leaders, and the need to counter rising antisemitism. From his work advancing science and tech in Israel—including the Beresheet moon mission—to his diplomatic efforts with the Abraham Accords, Akunis shared fascinating insights on unity, resilience, and Israel’s bright future. With passion and clarity, he underscored that Israel and America share democratic values—and together must confront those who oppose those values.

Award-winning journalist Yardena Schwartz joins host Steven Shalowitz to discuss her groundbreaking book, Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict. In this gripping conversation, Schwartz unveils the forgotten story of the Hebron Massacre—where 67 Jews were brutally murdered by their neighbors—and traces how disinformation, denial, and extremism set the stage for a century of conflict, culminating in the horrors of October 7, 2023. Drawing chilling parallels between past and present, this episode offers a sobering look at the Mufti of Jerusalem’s Nazi ties, the roots of Palestinian incitement, and why history, if ignored, is doomed to repeat itself.

Episode 224 - Are U.S. tax dollars funding terrorism? Olga Deutsch, Vice President of NGO Monitor, returns to IsraelCast to join host Steven Shalowitz in an eye-opening conversation that connects the dots between human rights NGOs, international aid, and terror networks. From the halls of Brussels to the streets of Gaza, Deutsch breaks down how anti-Israel organizations exploit Western funding to wage political warfare and spread disinformation. With firsthand insight and razor-sharp clarity, she reveals how we can hold them accountable—and why it matters more than ever. Tune in for a riveting, no-holds-barred exploration of truth, terror, and transparency.

In this uplifting episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with professional basketball player Jared Armstrong, whose inspiring journey has taken him from Philadelphia to the southern Israeli city of Eilat. Jared shares how his love for basketball and deep sense of purpose led him to Israel, where he plays professionally and runs JAB Camp—an initiative that brings together youth from diverse backgrounds through basketball, education, and dialogue. As a Black Jewish athlete, Jared reflects on his unique identity, his advocacy work following October 7, and his efforts to bridge communities both in Israel and the U.S. through sport. Hear how he's using the game he loves to teach life skills, build connections, and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams with purpose and resilience.

Where are the Jewish people truly from? On this thought-provoking episode of IsraelCast, join host Steven Shalowitz as he welcomes back celebrated author, Holocaust scholar, and pioneering voice of the Modern Jewish Pride Movement, Ben M. Freeman. Ben introduces his groundbreaking new book, The Jews: An Indigenous People, unpacking the powerful and historically undeniable truth of Jewish indigeneity to the Land of Israel. With eloquence, warmth, and abounding intellectual curiosity, Ben explores how centuries of exile couldn't diminish the Jewish people's bond to their ancestral homeland—a bond now celebrated in a modern miracle, the State of Israel. Delving into history, language, culture, and even the nuances of identity, this illuminating conversation encourages listeners to rediscover Jewish pride and embrace a vibrant heritage that has withstood millennia. Tune in to hear why Jewish history isn’t just about belief—it’s about unshakable facts that empower our present and guide our future.

While Jew hatred in America and Europe has been at the forefront recently, the reality is Jews everywhere are under siege. This is especially true in Australia, where attacks on Jews have ranged from doxxing and vandalism to arson, including the horrific firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, to discuss the deteriorating situation for Jews in Australia, the investigations into the various attacks, and how everything has brought the local Jewish community closer together.

From Mel Brooks to Jerry Seinfeld, there is a proud lineage of Jewish comedians who use their experience and wit to make the world laugh. However, since October 7, those laughs can feel hollow, knowing how many of our brethren are suffering. Others, though, view comedy as a coping mechanism to deal with the pain and trauma. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Author and Comedian Joel Chasnoff to discuss the link between comedy and tragedy, life in Israel post-October 7, and what we can learn from how Israelis communicate.

IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Simon Newton-Smith, Senior Vice President of the Americas for EL AL Israel Airlines, to discuss the airline’s extraordinary role in keeping Israel connected amid unprecedented challenges. Simon shares insights into EL AL's resilience and operational strategies following October 7, detailing how the airline has continued flying at record levels despite a significant portion of its workforce serving in the IDF reserves. He also highlights the security measures, contingency planning, and logistical precision that have allowed El Al to remain Israel’s lifeline to the world. And, an exciting announcement—IsraelCast is now available on all EL AL flights worldwide, bringing the voices of Israel to the skies!

As one of the most recognizable and outspoken advocates for Israel, particularly in the wake of October 7, Michael Rapaport has given a voice to millions of Zionists worldwide. Known for his unfiltered commentary, Rapaport delves into his Jewish identity, the challenges facing Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and the vital role of humor during difficult times. He also discusses the current climate in Hollywood regarding Israel, the importance of reclaiming Zionism with pride, and his personal experiences in Israel. Join us for an insightful discussion that blends passion, advocacy, and the power of Jewish pride.

Even before the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks exacerbated life for Jewish students, universities were already hostile to anything related to Israel. Six months prior, when Dr. Ronen Shoval, head of the Israeli Argaman Institute, was lecturing at Princeton University, he required a police escort due to threats from protesters. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Shoval to fighting bias at an American Ivy League University, the broader issues with the current ideology of colleges in America, and his new book, “Holiness and Society,” on political lessons learned from the Torah.

From his time on the ground in the Israeli special forces to his bridge-building efforts as the National Public Diplomacy Unit Director, Gadi Ezra has dedicated his life to serving his country. From his time in Gaza in 2008 to his recent engagement after being called up from the reserves, Ezra is intimately familiar with war and how Hamas operates. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ezra to discuss how Hamas operates, the mindset of Gaza, and how Israel should approach both combat and the hostage situation.

The history of relations between black and Jewish Americans has always been complicated, often oscillating between solidarity and distance. While the communities have historically been close, there is now a much more rampant pro-Palestinian sentiment in black populations, in addition to accusations of antisemitism. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dana W. White, the Managing Director at Juno Collective, to discuss the Jewish presence in the civil rights movements and historically black universities, her own family’s surprising ties to the Jewish community, and what can be done to improve relations today.

Currently on display at the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum at New York’s Temple Emanu-El, the All About Herzl Exhibition showcases a wide array of original Herzl documents, ephemera, and artifacts. The exhibition includes materials drawn from the collections of the Theodor Herzl Archive at the Central Zionist Archives in Israel, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, and from David Matlow – holder of the world’s largest private collection of Herzl memorabilia. On this special episode of IsraelCast Matlow takes Host Steven Shalowitz through a tour of the exhibit on location, from Herzl’s diaries, photos, and even report cards while discussing Herzl’s journey towards advocating for a Jewish State.