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JPost sits down with...
JPost sits down with...
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The conversations that matter, unfiltered.
In a world where headlines tell only half the story, "JPost sits down with..." brings you face-to-face with the voices shaping our reality. From Israeli leaders navigating existential challenges to global figures wrestling with the Middle East's complexities, we go beyond the soundbites to explore the stories behind the headlines.
Each episode features candid, no-holds-barred conversations with politicians, thought leaders, activists, and newsmakers who are driving change—or standing in its way.
If you're seeking to understand the nuances of one of the world's most scrutinized regions, these intimate discussions reveal the motivations, struggles, and hopes of those at the center of it all.
This isn't about easy answers or comfortable narratives. It's about real talk with real people making real decisions that affect millions. Join us as we sit down with the figures who matter most, when their stories matter most.
New episodes drop when news breaks and voices need to be heard.
Get more from The Jerusalem Post at JPost.com
In a world where headlines tell only half the story, "JPost sits down with..." brings you face-to-face with the voices shaping our reality. From Israeli leaders navigating existential challenges to global figures wrestling with the Middle East's complexities, we go beyond the soundbites to explore the stories behind the headlines.
Each episode features candid, no-holds-barred conversations with politicians, thought leaders, activists, and newsmakers who are driving change—or standing in its way.
If you're seeking to understand the nuances of one of the world's most scrutinized regions, these intimate discussions reveal the motivations, struggles, and hopes of those at the center of it all.
This isn't about easy answers or comfortable narratives. It's about real talk with real people making real decisions that affect millions. Join us as we sit down with the figures who matter most, when their stories matter most.
New episodes drop when news breaks and voices need to be heard.
Get more from The Jerusalem Post at JPost.com
41 Episodes
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In this conversation with Shifra Jacobs, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt discusses the alarming rise in antisemitism following October 7 and the organization's work in protecting Jewish communities worldwide. Greenblatt highlights the balance between Jewish safety and identity, the importance of Jewish philanthropy, and the ADL’s ongoing advocacy. He addresses critisism of the organization and delves into the role of social media in spreading harmful myths and the broader geopolitical challenges affecting the Jewish community today.
Hosted by Editor-in-chief Zvika Klein, this episode features a candid conversation with Melissa Francis as she delves into the debate between Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Tucker Carlson over Israel and US foreign policy. Melissa shares her unique insights, drawing from her extensive media background and firsthand experiences in Israel. The discussion explores the divide within American politics, the complexities surrounding Israel’s role on the global stage, and the personal dynamics between key figures. Tune in for an in-depth look at the intersection of media, politics, and the Middle East.
Likud MK Dan Illouz believes October 7 could have been prevented if Israel had adhered more strictly to right-wing principles over the past decades, citing decisions like the Oslo Accords, Gaza disengagement, and the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange as critical missteps."If right-wing values had been applied over the decades 100% the way they should have been applied, then we wouldn't have gotten to October 7," Illouz said.Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs and Gadi Zaig.
A former pro-Palestinian activist at Stanford University has described how her experience inside campus protest movements led her to reassess her views on Israel, antisemitism, and political activism following October 7.In the interview, Taryn Thomas said she initially joined pro-Palestinian activism with good intentions, driven by limited knowledge of international politics and strong emotional reactions to images from Gaza.Produced and edited by Gadi Zaig and Shifra Jacobs.
Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said Australia faced “a great danger” of moving in the UK’s direction on radical Islam and social cohesion, arguing that the surge in antisemitism since the October 7 massacre exposed long-running failures that Australian leaders, institutions, and communities avoided confronting.Morrison spoke on the sidelines of the Generation Truth antisemitism conference in Jerusalem, after appearing on the event’s program. He described Australia as a country that “left the door open” to an antisemitic wave that erupted after October 7 and kept building.
Israeli musician Eyal Zakai never planned to pause his career just as it was gaining momentum. Raised in Israel after making Aliyah from New York as a toddler, Zakai grew up in a musical household and began performing at a young age.Together with his older brother, he started uploading homemade music covers to YouTube, recording wherever space allowed, bedrooms, living rooms, anywhere they could set up a camera.
Jordan Fried, CEO of Zooz Power, says Israel is facing a defining economic moment, one that could reshape how Israelis access Bitcoin and participate in the global digital economy.In an interview, Fried described his path from founding technology startups in Europe and the US to leading a dual-listed Israeli public company that has become one of the world’s largest corporate holders of Bitcoin. Zooz Power, traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) and Nasdaq, has committed more than $100 million to Bitcoin holdings, placing it among the top 50 corporate holders globally.
Rahel Bayar, a former sex crimes and child abuse prosecutor from the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, has spent years handling some of the most severe cases involving crimes against children. Today, she works on the prevention side, advising schools, camps, religious institutions, sports organizations, and nonprofits on how to create environments that reduce the risk of abuse and harassment.Bayar, who now runs the New York-based Bayar Group consultancy, said two types of cases stayed with her most from her time as a prosecutor. The first involved children whose futures she still wonders about, after their cases ended in court. The second involved cases that could not be prosecuted at all, often because young victims were too traumatized to testify or lacked corroborating evidence.Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs and Gadi Zaig.
In this powerful conversation, Shifra Jacobs sits down with Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, a law professor at Bar-Ilan University, Founding Academic Director of The Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women, and former member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Following the October 7 Hamas attacks, Prof. Halperin-Kaddari found herself in a crucial position — using her legal expertise and international platform to speak out against sexual violence committed by Hamas.In response, she and her colleagues launched The Dinah Project, a global initiative aimed at documenting, raising awareness and demanding justice for the atrocities committed against Israeli women. You can read the full report here.Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs, Maayan Alon, and Gadi Zaig.
Rabbi Doron Perez, newly elected president of the World Zionist Organization, told Diaspora Affairs correspondent Michael Starr that his top priorities are reshaping how Zionism is understood internationally and strengthening Jewish unity across ideological lines. He argued that Zionism has become an easy target in public discourse, and said the organization should help present Zionism and Israel as a positive force. Edited by Gadi Zaig.
Arsen Ostrovsky was enjoying the first night of Hanukkah with his family on Bondi Beach. Within minutes, Arsen's life was in danger. Terorrists began shooting into the crowd, and Ostrovsky's head was struck. A long time JPost contributor, Arsen sits down with our Editor-in-chief, Zvika Klein, to share his story. Edited by Shifra Jacobs.
A new Bar-Ilan University study points to a global decline in parental trust in childhood vaccines since the Covid pandemic. In this episode, public health expert Professor Michael Edelstein joins the show to explain the findings, based on research conducted in Israel and the UK.The conversation looks at why even a small drop in vaccination rates matters, how Covid messaging affected long-term trust in health systems, and why diseases like measles are resurging. Edelstein also discusses vaccine safety concerns, the role of social media, access to healthcare, and what governments and health professionals can do to rebuild trust with parents.The episode explores real-world consequences, including current measles outbreaks in Israel, and offers insight into how public health systems can communicate more effectively during future crises.
Music journalist Eve Barlow was once at the center of the global entertainment industry, writing for outlets like the Guardian, the LA Times, and serving as deputy editor at NME. After becoming a vocal Jewish woman and an advocate for Israel, those same spaces began to close their doors. In this episode, Barlow sits down with Mathilda Heller to speak candidly about being pushed out of pop culture journalism, the limits of identity politics, and what changed long before October 7. She reflects on antisemitism in progressive spaces, the personal cost of speaking openly as a Jew, and why Jewish identity was treated as unacceptable while others were celebrated. The conversation explores cancel culture, media silence, the aftermath of October 7, and the broader implications for free speech, journalism, and Western society. Barlow also discusses why facts matter more than feelings, how propaganda spreads, and why she remains optimistic despite the backlash. An unfiltered discussion about belonging, betrayal, and what it means to speak when silence is safer.
Miss universe Israel 2025 Melanie Shiraz sits down with JPost's Michael Starr to discuss her participation in this years pageant. They discuss how Shiraz went from the business world to beauty, and how she can use her role for positive Israeli advocacy.Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs. For more news, analysis, and the latest updates, head to jpost.com.
Join us for a discussion with American Political Activist and Investigative Journalist Laura Loomer. Loomer talks about Mamdani's NYC mayoral election win, her thoughts on being an 'America first' Jew, and more.Hosted by Zvika Klein. Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs.
Jewish influencer and World Zionist Congress delegate Lizzy Savetsky addresses payment rumors, warns about NYC's future under Zohran Mamdani, and reveals why she fears for American Jewry.In this exclusive Jerusalem Post interview, Savetsky responds to accusations she's paid by the Israeli government - claims she calls "dangerous." The mother of three discusses her unpaid role as a World Zionist Congress delegate, her meeting with PM Netanyahu, and why she believes NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's victory signals dark times ahead for American Jews."If Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor, it will get more uncomfortable for Jews in New York City. That is the bottom line," Savetsky warns, while revealing what she's heard about the percentage of NYC Jews voting for a candidate who led "Free Palestine" chants at rallies.
Michael Starr, JPost's antisemitism and diaspora affairs correspondent sits down with Joseph Cohen, Founder of the Israel Advocacy Movement to discuss the current rise in antisemitism, how it ties into both British and Israeli politics, and living in Israel. Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs and Gadi Zaig.
Rabbi Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, reflects on his recent visit to the Knesset and the current moment in US-Israel relations.Speaking about antisemitism as a symptom of broader challenges facing America, Rabbi Berman discusses President Trump's peace plan and the significance of the administration's strong support for Israel. Rabbi Berman highlights how Trump's friendship toward Israel has been a unifying force, noting the rare display of unity he witnessed among Knesset members during his visit.this compelling discussion, Rabbi Berman connects the dots between rising antisemitism, the importance of US-Israel solidarity, and the shared values that bind the two democracies together during challenging times.
The Jerusalem Post sits down with Ben Carasso, known as Israel’s “spokeskid.” At just 10 years old, Ben has become a powerful voice for Israeli advocacy, sharing the story of Israel through the eyes of a child. In this conversation with Shifra Jacobs, Ben talks about his journey from posting videos online to becoming the youngest person ever to light an Independence Day torch and receive the Resilience Award from the Jewish Agency and Keren Hayesod.Born in Israel and a third-generation descendant of a Holocaust survivor, Ben has lived through multiple conflicts and now uses his platform to help the world understand what life is like for Israeli children during war — from running to shelters during rocket attacks to supporting friends with family members on the front lines. Watch the full interview to hear how Ben Carasso turned his experience into a mission of hope, courage, and love for Israel.
The Jerusalem Post sits down with Adv. Avichai Kahana, Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, for an in-depth conversation with Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein. The two discuss the wave of aliyah after October 7, the challenges facing new immigrants, and Israel’s vision for strengthening Jewish identity and resilience worldwide.




