Discover
JPost sits down with...
JPost sits down with...
Author: Jerusalem Post Podcasts
Subscribed: 2Played: 7Subscribe
Share
© Copyright Jerusalem Post Podcasts
Description
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
32 Episodes
Reverse
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.
In this episode, Judith Segaloff brings together a panel of experts to explore the complexities, challenges, and misconceptions surrounding Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish life in Israel and beyond. From education and economics to gender roles, military service, and integration into broader Israeli society, our guests offer nuanced perspectives on what it means to live within and alongside the Haredi world. Join us for an in-depth, respectful, and eye-opening discussion that goes beyond the headlines.Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs and Yuval Barnea.
Ben Shapiro joins The Jerusalem Post's Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein for an exclusive interview on Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the legacy of Charlie Kirk, and his latest book.In this conversation, Shapiro offers his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and the United States as the region looks toward possible new frameworks for peace.The interview also touches on Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA, whose influence on young conservatives shaped political debates in the US. Shapiro reflects on Kirk’s legacy and the importance of continuing to have hard conversations. Shapiro also discusses the ideas behind his new book, Lions and Scavengers: The True Story of America (and Her Critics), why he chose to write it now, and what message he hopes readers will take away.Interview conducted by JPost Editor-in-Chief, Zvika Klein. Production and editing by Shifra Jacobs and Gadi Zaig.
Jonathan Pollard, the former Israeli spy who spent 30 years in a US prison, sits down for a rare and candid interview about his decision to run for Knesset, his views on October 7, Israeli security policy, and the future of Gaza.Pollard speaks about his time in solitary confinement, the US and Israeli governments’ treatment of him, and why he believes Israel must fundamentally change its approach to war and politics.Join the conversation: What do you think of Pollard’s approach? Comment below.
In an exclusive sit-down with The Jerusalem Post, British activist Tommy Robinson speaks about his reputation, why he calls himself a Zionist, and his views on antisemitism and Israel. Robinson responds to critics who label him far-right, discusses his past leadership of the English Defence League, and explains the purpose of the recent Unite the Kingdom rally. He also shares his experience visiting Israel, his concerns about security for Jews in the UK, and his thoughts for the future.Hosted by Shifra Jacobs. Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs, Yuval Barnea, and Ezra Taylor.
What makes Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ Torah commentary so powerful, timeless, and relevant today? In this conversation, Jessica Sacks, the niece of the late British Chief Rabbi, shares her memories of growing up around Rabbi Sacks, the process of compiling 40 years of his writings, and the creation of the brand-new Chumash featuring his commentary and translation.Discover how Rabbi Sacks connected Jewish tradition with modern culture, why his teachings resonate across religious and secular divides, and how his words continue to inspire Jewish life after October 7.If you love Rabbi Sacks’ books or want to explore his teachings in a fresh way, this video is for you. His commentary invites readers to engage with Torah as a living conversation — one that is as relevant to the weekly parsha as it is to the biggest challenges facing the Jewish people today.
Executive president André Lajst explains how StandWithUs Brazil engages Portuguese speakers worldwide on Israel, antisemitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses education over activism, why public diplomacy matters, the risks of rising extremism, and how post October 7 narratives shape opinion in the West and Latin America.Topics include, Brazil’s media landscape and journalist delegations to Israel, reaching 200 million Portuguese speakers, educating policymakers, professors, and students, radicalization within Palestinian politics, the limits of military messaging alone, the need for more resources in public diplomacy, diaspora unity, and working across the political spectrum.
How does a high school job at a family restaurant turn into a career negotiating billion-dollar trade deals with China?Former US Treasury Assistant Secretary Mitchell Silk joins to share stories from his new book A Seat at the Table. From learning Cantonese in a Florida kitchen to mastering Mandarin in Taiwan, Silk explains how chance encounters shaped his path in international finance and diplomacy. Silk reflects on his unique experiences, from witnessing Shenzhen transform from rice fields to skyscrapers, to navigating high-stakes trade talks during the Trump administration. He recounts his role in designing the $2.2 trillion CARES Act at the height of the pandemic. Silk's journey highlights the power of personal connections, cultural fluency, and resilience in shaping global negotiations.
In this interview, Jonathan Harounoff, British-Israeli author of Persian descent and international spokesperson for Israel at the UN, delves into his new book, Unveiled.He reflects on his unique perspective as a Jewish Iranian, the impact of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition in both Iran and Israel.Harounoff also discusses his role at the Israeli Mission to the UN, the challenges of defending Israel's position on the world stage, and the need for a more balanced conversation about the region's conflicts. Don't miss this powerful conversation about geopolitics, history, and human rights.




