Peace Talks

If one is disillusioned by the One-State or Two-State models for peace, where should they turn? Are there creative new ways to frame what a solution could look like, that might satisfy both Israeli and Palestinian security needs and national aspirations? Our guest on the podcast is Phil Saunders. Phil is a peace activist who has been working with Path of Hope and Peace - طريق الأمل والسلام - דרך התקווה ושלום, a grassroots group dedicated to the fostering of positive, personal interaction and friendship between Israelis and Palestinians. Phil is also working with other peace activists on the political movement called Abrahamic Federalism. Phil and I discuss how he first got into peace activism and some of the peace work he has been doing in recent years. We also speak about the concept of Abrahamic Federalism and its advantages to the often proposed Two-State solution. We go into the differences between federation and confederation peace models, and how the vision that Phil and other activists are trying to develop pulls from all these different ideas in order to be properly suited for this diverse region. Lastly, we discuss the normalization agreements between Israel and some of her Arab neighbors, and how those peace agreements will affect this conflict. Please check out the Facebook page for Path of Hope and Peace here.You can learn more about the work that Phil is doing regarding Abrahamic Federalism here. We would love to hear from you!Leave feedback on this episode or the podcast on our website.Like us on Facebook to be notified of episode releases and other announcements about the podcast!Music Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

What is the state of the Middle East today? The region, with its shifting alliances, broken treaties, state-sponsored terror organizations, and endless conflicts can appear confusing and complex. Who are the major players today, and what are some of the developments we should be concerned about currently? Today on the podcast, Daniel speaks with Dr. Sarah J. Feuer. Sarah is a research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, and an associate fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. She is the author of Regulating Islam: Religion and the State in Contemporary Morocco and Tunisia, as well as numerous policy papers and monographs. Feuer holds a Ph.D. in politics from Brandeis University's Crown Center for Middle East Studies, an MA in Middle Eastern history from Tel Aviv University, and a BA in American history and French literature from the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience throughout the region, including stints living in Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, and Israel.  In this episode, Daniel and Sarah discuss the Institute for National Security Studies recent report on the Middle East, discussing the four camps that are currently vying for dominance in the region. They talk about some of the alliances that are building in the region, the current status of the Muslim Brotherhood, how, and in what way, China and Russia are involved in the Middle East, and how these ever-changing alliances and fractures are affecting both the Israeli and Palestinian governments. To check out the article discussed on the episode The Regional System: A Decade since the Upheaval, and Expanding Normalization click here. To see other work that the INSS is doing please see their website. We would love to hear from you!Leave feedback on this episode or the podcast on our newly-launched website.Like us on Facebook to be notified of episode releases and other announcements about the podcast!Music Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

One of the focuses of this podcast has been the central role that dialogue has in creating an environment for peace. What might we learn if we were able to speak the native language of those with whom we are trying to make peace? David's guest today is Matt Adler. Matt is the author of More Than Just Hummus: A Gay Jew Discovers Israel in Arabic. The book details Matt's travels in Israel, the characters he got to meet, and the adventures he had, navigating the country with his native English, Hebrew, and Arabic (Matt actually speaks an astonishing seven languages). Matt also runs a blog called Planting Roots Bearing Fruits, which details other aspects of his travels and thoughts about the Middle East. Today on the podcast Matt and David discuss what led him to learn Arabic, why he chose to temporarily relocate to Israel, and some of the adventures he had while here. We also discuss some of the similarities between Hebrew and Arabic, as well as the differences between some Arab dialects. Throughout the conversation, we return to the theme of language and how it is the key that can unlock the heart of the person with whom you are speaking. To buy a copy of Matt's book, More Than Just Hummus: A Gay Jew Discovers Israel in Arabic, please click here. You can also check out Matt's blog, Planting Roots Bearing Fruits, here. We would love to hear from you!Leave feedback on this episode or the podcast on our newly-launched website.Like us on Facebook to be notified of episode releases and other announcements about the podcast!Music Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

What if the two-state solution is not only difficult to implement but actually misguided and doomed to fail? Our guest today is Dr. Mordechai Kedar. Dr. Kedar holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Bar-Ilan University and is currently a lecturer at the university and research associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. Kedar served for 25 years in Israeli Military Intelligence where he specialized in Arab politics, mass media, and Islamic extremist groups. He is an expert on the Middle East and is frequently sought out for his encyclopedic knowledge on the subject.Today on the podcast, David and Dr. Kedar discuss the Assad regime in Syria, the subject of Kedar’s 2005 book, Asad in Search of Legitimacy: Message and Rhetoric in the Syrian Press Under Hafiz and Bashar, he misconceptions that Western powers have about the Middle East, and Dr. Kedar's innovative solution to the conflict of creating eight separate Palestinian emirates. Lastly, we speak about the normalizations between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors and the effect they will have on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.To purchase Dr. Kedar's book Asad in Search of Legitimacy: Message and Rhetoric in the Syrian Press Under Hafiz and Bashar, click here.To see more about Dr. Kedar's solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict click here. To see Dr. Kedar's blog in English, click here. We would love to hear from you!Leave feedback on this episode or the podcast on our newly-launched website.Like us on Facebook to be notified of episode releases and other announcements about the podcast!Music Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

What do the recent normalization agreements between Arab countries and the State of Israel mean for the Middle East, and could we soon see a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia? Today on the podcast, Daniel speaks with Richard Goldberg. Richard is a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. From 2019-2020, Richard served as the Director for Countering Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction for the White House National Security Council. He previously served as deputy chief of staff and senior foreign policy adviser to former U.S. Senator Mark Kirk of Illinois in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the US Senate. In the Senate, he was a leading architect of many of the toughest sanctions placed on Iran due to its nuclear program. Richard and Daniel discuss the Unites States' funding of Middle East countries and the problems with and future of, the Iran Nuclear Deal. Richard also speaks about his article in Newsweek about why Saudi Arabia should normalize ties with Israel, and how it will affect the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To check out Richard Goldberg's article "The Time Is Now for Saudi Arabia To Normalize Relations With Israel" in Newsweek click here. Check out the website for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies here.We would love to hear from you!Leave feedback on this episode or the podcast on our newly-launched website.Like us on Facebook to be notified of episode releases and other announcements about the podcast!Music Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

What are some of the differences between advocacy and education? What limits might advocacy have that education can surpass? Today on the podcast, David speaks with Noam Weissman. Noam is the Senior Vice President of OpenDor Media and the host of the Unpacking Israeli History podcast. Noam has a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Southern California and has many years of experience working as an educator. OpenDor Media is an educational media company that produces and distributes content about everything Jewish and Israeli.Noam and David talk about the difference between Israel advocacy and education about Israel.  We speak about Noam's podcast and why he chose Israeli history as its subject. We also speak about some of the episodes that have appeared on Noam's podcast, like the massacre at Dair Yassin and the First Intifada. Noam also shares some of his thoughts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how both sides could finally reach some kind of reconciliation. To check out all that OpenDor Media has to offer please check out their website. To listen to all episodes of the Unpacking Israeli History podcast click here. To see OpenDor Media's Unpacked YouTube channel click here.We would love to hear from you!Leave feedback on this episode or the podcast on our newly-launched website.Like us on Facebook to be notified of episode releases and other announcements about the podcast!Music Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

How did Hezbollah rise to power and prominence in Lebanon? What are the group's dynamics and motivations? What are their plans in the region?Today on the podcast, Daniel speaks with Lt. Col. Sarit Zehavi about the rise of the Shia Islamist political party and militant group, Hezbollah. Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Sarit Zehavi is the CEO and founder of Alma – a nonprofit and an independent research and education center specialized in Israel’s security challenges on its northern border. Sarit has briefed hundreds of groups and forums, ranging from US Senators, members of Congress, and politicians to senior journalists and visiting VIP groups in Israel and overseas. She served for 15 years in the Israeli Defense Forces, specializing in Military Intelligence.Sarit and Daniel discuss the group's beginnings, Hezbollah's role in the Lebanese government, the possibility of altercations with Israel, the connections with Iran, the group's relationship with Hamas, and the work Sarit is doing with Alma. To find out more about Alma and its work please see their website. To support the work that the organization is doing, please click here. We also want to hear from YOU! Reach out to us with guest suggestions, general feedback, or anything else at podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comTo get notified about our new episodes, or exciting announcements, about the podcast, Like us on FacebookMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

Both the Israelis and Palestinians are victims of history. Excluded, oppressed, cast out, both peoples have developed a deep sense of distrust and suspicion of the other. Can peace be achieved if we continue to think of ourselves as victims of fate?  Can both peoples learn to take responsibility for ending the cycle of blame and hatred and start working towards peace? My guest today is Huda Abuarquob. Huda is a Palestinian activist from Hebron and the regional director of The Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP). Huda has many years of experience working in conflict resolution and has devoted her life to helping empower women, educate the younger generation away from hate, and building real peace between Israelis and Palestinians.Huda and I discuss the importance of nonviolence, the need for both Israelis and Palestinians to stop thinking of themselves as victims, as well as the perspective of the conflict, as seen by many Palestinians. We also speak about the vital work that is being done by The Alliance for Middle East Peace.To learn more, and support, The Alliance for Middle East Peace, please visit their website. We also want to hear from YOU! Reach out to us with guest suggestions, general feedback, or anything else at podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

In this first-ever Quick Take, Daniel and David explain what exactly is a Quick Take, reflect on how their views have changed since starting the podcast, and speak about some upcoming changes.We want to hear from you! Reach out to us with guest suggestions, general feedback, or anything else at podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

How are we to think about an organization like Hamas? What is the relationship with Fatah? What are some of the ways that the split between these two entities has complicated the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Our guest today is retired IDF Colonel Grisha Yakubovich. Grisha served for 30 years in the IDF, spending a lot of his military career working in the "territories." His responsibilities as an office in those complicated parts of this region led him to have to work closely with the Palestinian Authority on an almost daily basis. Grisha now works as a policy and strategy consultant, as well as an international speaker and educator. Daniel and Grisha discuss the current state of Palestinian politics, the negotiating tactics of Hamas, the options that Israel has with regards to Gaza, the recent normalization agreements, and much more. Check out the work Grisha is currently doing here. To see the article Grisha wrote regarding Hamas and the tactics they use to negotiate click here. We also want to hear from you! Reach out to us with guest suggestions, general feedback, or anything else at podcastpeacetalks@gmail.com Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

There are plenty of initiatives working to create peace between Israelis and Palestinians but so many of us have never heard of them. Often lacking sufficient funding and media visibility these organizations struggle to be heard over the cacophony of voices claiming that all is hopeless. That's where B8 of Hope comes in.My guest today is Mehra Rimer. Mehra is the co-founder of B8 of Hope, a Geneva-based NGO working to help support, financially and otherwise, the organizations working tirelessly to build real and lasting peace, from the ground up. Mehra and I discuss what led her to help found B8 of Hope, some of the organizations they support, a possible resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the importance of grassroots movements in the effort to build peace. To read more and support B8 of Hope please check out their website here. The list of grantees that B8 of Hope supports can be found here. Please LIKE and FOLLOW them on Facebook. If you have feedback on this episode or the podcast in general, please reach out to us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

What do two curious kids do when they're home from school and see their dad's microphone? They ask him to make a podcast.What does a dad do when he's trying to entertain two curious kids and not lose his own mind? He says yes! Please enjoy this first-ever BONUS episode!Please send us your feedback! Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

If both Israelis and Palestinians claim the entirety of this land, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean sea, is peace between these two mutually exclusive claims even possible? Our guest today, argues that framing the conflict in this way will give us a deeper understanding of it, and may be the necessary first step towards peace.Our guest today is Yossi Klein Halevi. Yossi is a New York Times bestselling author and a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem where he co-directs the Institute's Muslim Leadership Initiative (MLI). Yossi is a frequent op-ed contributor to publications like the Times and the Wall Street Journal and is a former contributing editor to the New Republic.We speak with Yossi about his political journey, his thoughts on the current political landscape, and a way to frame the conflict that may make future peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians more productive.To learn more about Yossi and his work check out his website here. To find out more about the Muslim Leadership Initiative click here. Follow Yossi on Twitter @YKleinHalevi and Facebook.Please send us any feedback you have on the episode, or on the podcast in general! Please send us any feedback you have on the episode, or on the podcast in general! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

Could an initiative that brought Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian environmentalists together, focusing on the shared environmental heritage for those peoples, be not only vital for the national security of those involved, but also create a path towards peace? My guest today is Gidon Bromberg. Gidon is is the Israeli Director and co-founder of EcoPeace Middle East. EcoPeace is an organization whose prime objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect the shared environmental heritage between Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians.Gidon and I discuss some of the crucial work that EcoPeace has been involved in since its founding in 1994, some of the challenges that threaten this region in the coming decades, and how the model pioneered by EcoPeace of "environmental peace" could just lead to a path towards real lasting peace. To learn more and get involved with EcoPeace Middle East please check out their website.Check them out on social media as well: Facebook and Twitter. For a much better explanation of the Tragedy of the Commons see this brief TED-ed video.Please send us any feedback you have on the episode, or on the podcast in general! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationPodcast Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

When trying to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one quickly learns that it is anything but simple. The complexities that animate this conflict are due to many factors. The history that no one can seem to agree on, the question of when it started, and who should have rightful ownership of the land, all these contribute to a confusing and complex mess. Moreover, complexities abound in the proposals to resolve the conflict. Our guest today is Neil Lazarus. Neil is an internationally recognized expert in Middle East politics, public diplomacy, and effective communication training. His client list includes The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Israeli Ministry of Tourism, Jewish Federations, Yad Vashem, The Jewish Agency of Israel, and more.We discuss with Neil some of the complexities that surround framing the conflict, some of the issues we currently face, and some of the complexities that are coming to the region as the conflict (and the COVID-19) continue to drag on. To learn more Neil, please see his website here. You can also check out Neil's podcast here or many over podcast platforms. We'd also love to hear any feedback, questions, or suggestions you may have! Please feel free to reach out!Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationAlbum Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

Can dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians - where the object is not to prove your side correct but rather to listen humbly and express your side openly - be a key ingredient to resolving the tragic conflict between these two peoples?My guest today is Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger. Hanan is one of the founders of the Roots initiative, and currently serves as the organization's Director of International Relations. Roots is an initiative to facilitate dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. On this episode, Hanan shares his experiences that led him to reach out in dialogue to his Palestinian neighbors, how the experience of speaking with them led him to help found the Roots initiative. We also discuss some critiques he has for his own side of the conflict, and a possible solution that he, and many at the organization, believe may lead to lasting peace. To find out more about Roots, please see their website in English here. See also their Facebook page here. To see the Roots brochure with clear details of the organization see here.To learn about WHAT YOU CAN DO check out this brief Google Doc. To find out more about the peace proposal from A Land for All see here.To sponsor someone for the upcoming First Annual Run for Reconciliation happening on September 13, 2020, or to contact Hanan directly please send an email to ravhanan@gmail.com We'd also love to hear any feedback, questions, or suggestions you may have! Please feel free to reach out!Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationAlbum Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

Since its creation in 1948, the State of Israel has been engaged in many wars with the neighboring Arab countries. The region has also been plagued with violence and terrorism for decades. These aspects of the conflict are well known. But is there another war going on as well? Our guest today is Yishai Fleisher. Yishai is the International Spokesperson for the Jewish community of Hebron. He is also the host of the Yishai Fleisher show, a podcast on The Land of Israel network. Yishai writes columns frequently in major news websites, including the New York Times. On this episode, we discuss what Yishai calls "The Narrative War." A war he believes Israel is currently engaged in. We also discuss why Yishai believes that Western mindsets only cause confusion in the Middle East. Lastly, Yishai discusses his hopes that once the enemies of Israel stop trying to undermine, and begin to work with the State of Israel, that the whole region will prosper. To see more of what Yishai is up to check out his website.To hear Yishai's podcast, The Yishai Fleisher Show, click here. To read Yishai's NYT piece "A Settler's View of Israel's Future," click here. To find out more about The Hebron Fund, click here.  We'd also love to hear from you!Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationAlbum Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

It is no secret that the political landscape in Israel today is deeply fractured. Regarding the most serious issues, Israelis are often deeply divided, and it seems that both the Right and the Left, and the religious and secular, will never again see eye-to-eye. Is there a way to forge a new Israeli consensus?The guest on the podcast today is Israel Piekarsh. Israel is the CEO and co-founder of Ananhu. An organization that seeks to break down the old political system which has failed - and only deepened the divides in the State of Israel - and create a new political consensus based on practical solutions to Israel's most pressing issues. Today on the podcast, Israel and I discuss how Israel came to found Ahanu, highlight some of the fractures in Israeli society, and explore in detail Ahanu’s proposal for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To check out more details about Ahanu as well as sign up for their newsletter, please click here.  To see Israel's article that explains in-depth, the proposal discussed in the episode for a way of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict click here.We'd also love to hear from you!Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationAlbum Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

This week on the podcast we spoke with Yasmin Barhum. Yasmin, whose birth name was Jessica, moved to Ein Rafa after marrying Musa, her Israeli Arab husband. Yasmin lives in Ein Rafa where she and her husband have made there home a place where people can come and learn about Arabic culture and Islam.Yasmin shared her personal journey that began in Britain and led her to Ein Rafa. We speak with her about her conversion to Islam, her perspective on the Israeli-Arab experience, and the ways she and her family are facilitating dialogue and bringing people a taste of authentic Arabic culture.Read the Nation-State Law which was enacted by the Israeli Knesset July 19, 2019 here.To learn more about the history of Ein Rafa click here. Finally, we encourage everyone to check out Yasmin and Musa's program they run in Ein Rafa. Get more information about Yasmin and Musa's program "Life in the Levant" here. We'd also love to hear from you!Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationAlbum Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick

Today on the podcast we speak with Benzi Sanders and Avner Gvaryahu. Benzi is the Jewish Diaspora Education Coordinator for the organization Breaking the Silence, and Avner is the Executive Director. Breaking the Silence is an organization founded by veteran soldiers who have served in the Israeli military since the start of the Second Intifada. The organization seeks to raise awareness in the Israeli public to the everyday life in the Occupied Territories. We spoke with Benzi and Avner about their personal journeys that led them to join Breaking the Silence, the mission and activities of the organization, and the goals Breaking the Silence hopes to achieve. To learn more about Breaking the Silence, please visit their website here. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. To look into the "Breaking the Silence law" passed by the Knesset please click here.Check out the article on Ha'aretz (mentioned in the episode) by Avner Gvaryahu in response to Micah Goodman here.We'd also love to hear from you!Email us at: podcastpeacetalks@gmail.comLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramMusic Credit: Joseph McDade, ElevationAlbum Art: Courtesy of Emily Wallick