The Israeli Bond Podcast

Join me for an intimate conversation with the real Israel. Bypassing the media radar to discover the people and stories that make our shared destiny essential, vibrant, and unbreakable.

The podcast is recorded on HmTv studio 

Latest Episodes

Shaked Zazon – From Celebrating Diversity to a Heartbreak: A Candid Conversation on the Fragile Coexistence in Lod and the Resilience of the Israeli Spirit.

Shaked Zazon, a Jewish Agency emissary, opens up about her unique childhood in Lod—a mixed city where she grew up celebrating holidays with Muslim and Christian neighbors. She candidly shares the shattering reality of May 2021, when lifelong friendships turned into hostility overnight, leaving deep scars of betrayal. Yet, Shaked refuses to let go of her optimism. This episode explores the complex beauty of Israeli coexistence, the pain of fractured trust, and the resilience required to believe in a shared future. A powerful listen for anyone seeking to understand the human heartbeat behind the headlines.

Dr Beata Schulman (E2)- From Holocaust tourism to modern sanctuary: Why Poland is the surprising safe haven for Jews today.

Explore the surprising reality of modern Poland as a sanctuary for Israelis and Jews. In this compelling episode, Beata Schulman joins Gal Swisa Cohen to discuss the shift from "Holocaust tourism" to a vibrant destination for reconciliation. Beata shares her personal journey of discovering her Jewish roots in Poland and raising a multi-identity family in the US. From Hanukkah in the Presidential Palace to the safety of Polish streets, they dive deep into political shifts, generational changes, and the enduring bond between two nations. Discover why Poland might be Europe’s safest haven for the Jewish community today.

Dr. Beata Schulman (E1) – Discovering a Secret Jewish Identity Behind the Iron Curtain

Discover the hidden history of a Jewish identity buried behind the Iron Curtain. In this gripping episode, Dr. Beata Schulman shares the moment she learned her grandmother was Jewish—a secret kept for decades out of fear. From a Catholic childhood in Poland to becoming a leading advocate for Jewish heritage, Beata’s journey explores the "whisper" of identity and the courage it takes to be "loud and proud" today. Why did her family stay in hiding long after the war? Tune in to uncover the resilience of the Polish-Jewish bond and the power of rediscovering your roots.

David Black (E3)- Losing the Information War, The “We Accuse” Manifesto, and the Future of Jewish Resilience

In this powerful third installment, David Black joins Gal Swisa Cohen to discuss the post-October 7th reality for Diaspora Jewry. Black shares his personal shock and the immediate mobilization of JCC executives to show solidarity with Israel. The conversation dives deep into the "information war," criticizing the liberal West's silence and the failure of current advocacy efforts. Black argues that while Israel wins on the battlefield, it is losing the media war. He concludes with a bold vision for the future, suggesting that Jewish continuity will increasingly depend on a strong connection to Israel.

David Black (E2) – The Founding Story: Establishing the Center for Israel and the Long Island Jewish Coalition

In this insightful episode, David Black reveals the philosophy behind transforming a Long Island JCC from a recreational center into a vibrant "House of Jewish Peoplehood." He shares the strategic journey of establishing the Randie Waldbaum Malinsky Center for Israel and the critical role of authentic Israeli emissaries (Shlichim) in bridging cultural gaps. Black also discusses the creation of the Long Island Jewish Coalition, highlighting the urgent need for unity among diverse Jewish organizations. A must-listen for anyone interested in community building, Jewish identity, and strengthening the bond between the Diaspora and Israel.

David Black (E1)- Unapologetic Zionism at the JCC and the crucial bond between US Jewry and Israel.

Join David Black, former Executive Director of the Sid Jacobson JCC, as he shares his journey from New York to Israel and back. David discusses the transformative power of the Six-Day War, the profound difference between Jewish life in the Diaspora versus Israel, and his bold approach to "unapologetic Zionism" within community centers. He argues that the safety of Israel and American Jewry are inextricably linked, offering a fresh perspective on Jewish peoplehood and the vital need for a shared destiny. A compelling conversation on identity, leadership, and bridging our two worlds.

Ben Golan – The Outstanding Teen Who Turned Down a Full Scholarship for a Year of Service in the Diaspora.

Ben Golan is a brilliant Israeli teen spending his gap year in Long Island as a 'ShinShin'. In this episode, Ben opens up about his multicultural roots in Haifa, a city of coexistence, and his journey as a gifted math student who co-authored research at the Technion. Discover why he paused a prestigious full scholarship to prioritize his service to the Jewish diaspora and the IDF. A heartwarming look at the next generation of Israeli leaders and the unbreakable bond between Israel and American Jewry.

Liana Meirom Asif – Reclaiming the Arab-Jewish Identity and Shattering the Melting Pot Myth

Join this transformative conversation on the complex "Arab Jew" identity. Liana uncovers her family's dramatic journey from Aleppo and Baghdad to Israel, revealing the painful price of the "Melting Pot"—including her mother's hidden shame of her Arab roots. She explores how reclaiming this dual identity acts as a bridge between Israelis and American Jews, offering a nuanced view of Zionism beyond the headlines. From secret escapes to the "witch" grandmother of Baghdad, this episode challenges narratives and celebrates the resilience of Mizrahi culture.

Lauren Chizner – Why American Jewish Education Must Change After October 7th.

Are we raising a generation of "Pediatric Jews"? In this episode, Lauren Chizner, a Jewish educator, reveals the silent crisis facing Jewish education in America. She discusses the shift from the "Flags and Falafel" era to the complex reality post-October 7th. Lauren opens up about the "Israelism" trend among Gen Z, the failure of stopping education at age 13, and the parental instinct to hide the war -and why it backfires. Tune in for a raw conversation about building resilience, Jewish pride, and the one thing that truly connects a child to Israel.

Emily Rahmilov – From Ofakim to Long Island: An Inspiring Journey

Meet Emily Rahmilov, a Shinshin on a mission to bridge the gap between Israel and the Diaspora. In this episode, Emily opens up about her family’s escape from anti-Semitic violence to Ofakim and shares a raw, unfiltered look at growing up in Israel’s periphery with limited opportunities. Discover how joining the Israeli Scouts became her lifeline, challenging social norms and leading her to a life-changing coexistence delegation. Emily also reveals her candid first impressions of American Jewry, the culture shock of diverse religious streams, and the critical "missing link" she identifies in young American Jews today.