Jew Oughta Know

From ancient history to current events, take yourself on a journey through the story of the Jewish People, from someone who has led hundreds of Jewish young professionals on trips throughout Israel. From the beginning of creation to modern Israel, each short episode is geared to appeal both to someone looking for the Jewish 101, as well as to those looking to go a bit beyond the basic story they already know. Check out the website at https://jewoughtaknow.com/. Enjoy!

188. Israel at War, Explained: Following the Money

Where do Hezbollah and Hamas get their money? State sponsors, legitimate businesses, donations and humanitarian aid, and criminal activity all pour billions into the terrorists’ banks — which are now prime targets for Israel.

11-10
25:11

187. Israel at War, Explained: Antisemitism on the Ballot

Jews are feeling uneasy about whomever they vote for — Donald Trump or Kamala Harris — because both parties are rife with antisemitism. Whether in the form of conspiracy theories or anti-Zionism, it’s evidence of an ailing society. Can Americans fix this rot in their politics?

10-27
24:01

186. Update! Was Christopher Columbus Jewish?

Re-releasing an episode from the archives with a major update. Episode 63 from Season 3 Unsolved Jewish Mysteries explored the theory that Christopher Columbus was Jewish. Now there is a major new DNA finding that provides some answers.

10-13
27:18

185. Israel at War, Explained: War With Hezbollah

Hezbollah attacked Israel on October 8 last year, laying siege to the north of the country that has killed civilians, burned entire towns to the ground, and driven tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes. Israel is now fighting back in an effort to push Hezbollah off the border and stop the attacks. Let’s look at what’s happening and why now.

09-26
27:06

184. Israel at War, Explained: Why Isn't There a Hostage Deal?

Hamas executed six hostages. Israelis accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of abandoning them for his own self-interest. They no longer trust the government to get the hostages back or wage this war effectively. So why isn't there a hostage deal? And how is Netanyahu managing to stay in power?

09-05
26:54

183. Israel at War, Explained: Netanyahu's Speech to Congress

Prime Minister Benjamin addressed the United States Congress amidst a wild week of politics. We’ll examine a few takeaways regarding his own standing, Kamala Harris, the Left, and the upcoming US election.

07-31
26:14

182. Israel at War, Explained: The Upside-Down Hostage Rescue

Israel’s exceptional hostage rescue operation on June 8 — and how the upside-down world condemned it.

06-16
24:29

181. Israel at War, Explained: Biden's Arms Embargo

President Biden imposed a temporary arms embargo on Israel. He’s holding back certain types of weapons to try to prevent Israel from invading Rafah in southern Gaza. How should we think about this decision?

05-20
26:35

180. Israel at War, Explained: The Hostages

Hamas continues to hold 132 hostages. That’s 132 war crimes committed each and every day they are held. The best way to end this round of war is for Hamas to return them immediately. Instead they are subjected to the whims of international politics, diplomatic maneuvering, and demands on Israel to pay an ever-steeper price for their return.

05-12
25:30

179. Israel at War, Explained: Getting to a Palestinian State, Part 3

It’s not just Israel and the Palestinians who have to make changes to create a Palestinian state. The U.S., Europe, and the moderate Arab countries will need to work together to run Gaza, ensure Israel’s security, and, most importantly, defend decent civilization from the existential threat of Islamic jihadism.

04-28
25:11

178. Israel at War, Explained: Getting to a Palestinian State, Part 2

Israel has to make changes to get to a Palestinian state, but so do the Palestinians. Violent rejectionism, delegitimization of Israel, and the right of return all perpetuate the conflict. To achieve their own state, Palestinians have to give up trying to eliminate Israel.

03-31
24:09

177. Israel at War, Explained: Getting to a Palestinian State, Part 1

If a Palestinian state is the ultimate goal, then Israel, the Palestinians, and the international community are all going to have to do things they really don’t want to do. Today we’re looking at this from Israel’s angle, with the focus on security.

03-24
25:23

176. Israel at War, Explained: Eyes on Lebanon

Israel has fought two wars in Lebanon — is a third one coming? Today we’re taking a brief look at the history of Israel’s involvement in Lebanon.

03-03
26:41

175. Israel at War, Explained: Reoccupy Gaza?

Should Israel reoccupy Gaza eighteen years after leaving it? And if not, does the government have a better vision?

02-18
26:17

174. Israel at War Explained: What's the Deal?

There are hopes for a huge deal in one fell swoop: end the war, return the hostages, make peace with Saudi Arabia, and get a Palestinian state. But is this realistic? What are the dilemmas involved?

02-11
26:15

173. Israel at War, Explained: The ICJ Ruling

The International Court of Justice issued a ruling in Israel’s trial on charges of genocide. Was it a defeat or victory for Israel — or a little bit of both? A sign of the sober application of international law, or the hypocrisy of politicized demonization of the Jewish State?

02-04
22:53

172. Israel at War, Explained: Palestinian Perspectives

A survey of Palestinian attitudes from December makes for bleak reading: increased popularity for Hamas, more support for armed violence, widespread belief that Hamas will still be in charge in Gaza after the war, and more. Is there any way forward?

01-21
22:16

171. Israel at War, Explained: Israel on Trial for Genocide

South Africa has brought charges of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands. What is this case about, and what does it all mean?

01-15
22:47

170. Israel at War, Explained: Where We Are, Entering 2024

Diving into the start of 2024: the ground war in Gaza, escalating conflict with Hezbollah, the Houthis attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea, and a return to Israeli domestic politics with a major ruling from the Supreme Court.

01-07
26:00

169. Israel at War, Explained: the IDF and the Laws of War

The tragic killing of three Israeli hostages by the IDF raises questions about the military’s conduct during this war. Is Israel adhering to the laws of war?

12-24
24:42

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