For the closing episode of the season, I chose to give a voice to an initiative that brings a lot of hope. Despite the protests we saw across leading US universities, a small group of faculty at the University of Pennsylvania decided to use their power to help Israelis the way they know best: by giving young Israelis the opportunity to do research at one of the leading universities in the US. In this episode, Neta Dagan, one of the first leaders of the program, shares its story and its impact over three years, explains why this model can in fact be applied by any university that chooses to, and offers his help to anyone who wants to replicate it.

For the end of this season, I chose to interview a promising Israeli startup that shows the Israeli entrepreneurial mindset. Bentzi and Franc, both children of diaspora Jews and now Israelis, felt the importance of preserving family history in their bones. In a typical Israeli way, they decided not only to talk about it, but to take action. They founded FamLife: a private platform that turns photos, voice notes and stories shared on WhatsApp into a family timeline, with an AI agent that asks follow-up questions.

Ira Kohler grew up on Long Island, moved to Israel at 21 and enlisted as a lone soldier in the Paratroopers' 890th Battalion. In this Hebrew-language episode, he speaks about fighting at Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7th, over 100 days in Gaza, fear, loss and survivor's guilt, his friend Omer Neutra z"l that was taken hostage to Gaza, and his book Once a Paratrooper.

In this episode, I walk with Dagan through the key events and programs of his mission on Long Island: how the October 7th attack, which came only a few weeks after his arrival, changed the entire trajectory of the mission, the Long Island Jewish Coalition he helped found along with David Black and the Jewish leadership on the island. And what are his plans moving forward?

Before finishing his three-year mission, Dagan Cohen, Long Island’s senior shaliach (emissary) and head of the Jewish Agency delegation on Long Island, shares stories and insights from growing up on a kibbutz on the Lebanese border, and from life in Israel’s periphery, far from the country’s center. We talk about how these experiences eventually led him to choose shlichut, and to serve as a bridge between Israel and the Jews of the diaspora.

In part two, after Roni shared her family’s personal story, we dive into the unspoken battle of wounded soldiers’ families, a battle that often stays in the shadows, fought by people who remain nameless. From this firsthand experience, she created Alumot Krav, a podcast and a community that gives a voice to this group. After almost three years of ongoing war and a growing number of wounded soldiers and reservists, this group is extremely large today, and is in fact reshaping the Israeli DNA.

Roni Raffeld Bluth, a reservist and mother of four, shares her family's story, from returning to Israel after a mission in Montreal to October 9th, when her husband Pitzi was severely wounded in northern Israel. She speaks about his rehabilitation, helping her children understand their father's recovery, and the truth that behind every wounded soldier stands a family.

After October 7th, so many diaspora Jews asked themselves: what can we do to be relevant now? How can we support our Jewish brothers and sisters and strengthen the Jewish state? While that question remained largely unanswered, Michelle and Rozi decided to contribute the way they were trained to: emotional support. In our conversation, they tell the story of Kadima B’Yachad, the organization they founded completely as a “side hustle,” which has grown into a real force helping Israelis in Israel and in the States, by making connections and letting every person contribute the way they can.

Gal Atia, Head of Delegation and Chief Program Officer for North America at the Jewish Agency, traces his path from basketball coach at Camp Ramah to leading one of the Agency's largest missions. He explains how Israeli emissaries build lasting bonds with Jewish communities, why summer camp matters, and how programs like Campers Together responded to October 7th.

Kim Hadar, an Israeli Shinshin with the Long Island delegation at Sid Jacobson JCC, describes a year of service before the army spent building connections with preschoolers, teens, adults and host families. She speaks about missing home, her family's values of service, her choice to pursue combat service, and how the memory of her brother Tom guides her.

Ofek Ron, co-founder and CEO of Oshi, went from animal advocate to food-tech entrepreneur creating plant-based whole-cut fish. He shares how he launched in the US after October 7th while serving in the reserves and taking investor calls from the field, how the war changed perceptions of Israeli companies, and how Oshi grew to over 100 restaurants and stores.

Born in Jaffa and raised in Brooklyn, Bernie Furshpan has been a chiropractor, cartoonist, comedy club owner and marketer, guided by lessons from his father, a Holocaust survivor. He talks about his lifelong bond with Israel and about A Day of Hope, the event he helped create at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, and asks whether hope is still realistic after October 7th.

Eyal Eshel is well known in Israel, but his daughter Roni’s story from October 7th had never been told in English. That’s why I wanted to document his testimony here. Roni was one of the IDF observers watching the Gaza border, and up until October 7th, she kept warning her parents about worrying activity across the border. In this moving testimony, Eyal shares those warnings, the day itself, and how hope slowly turned into fear, and then into a hole that can never be filled. He also talks about the questions that remain unanswered, his demands from the Israeli leadership, and how he commemorates Roni’s memory in the most Roni way. If you can listen to only one episode, this should be it.

Following October 7th, Neta Moallem witnessed a remarkable phenomenon: a surge of North American youth eager to study in Israel. This profound shift inspired her to launch the Israel Edu Expo, a groundbreaking roadshow bringing Israeli universities directly to diaspora communities. Neta unpacks the surprising "safety paradox" driving Jewish parents to choose Israeli campuses, the deep Zionist yearning to contribute rather than just learn, and why authentic, in-person connections remain irreplaceable.

On the morning of October 7th, Emily, then an Israeli teenager and today a Shinshin with the Long Island Israeli delegation, thought it was just an “ordinary” rocket siren on a Saturday morning. A sad but regular reality in Ofakim. But soon enough, the atrocities unfolded. Her father was shot six times by terrorists on his way to save her sister, who was still stuck in their neighborhood, the hardest-hit neighborhood in Ofakim that day. In this testimony, Emily shares the moments of fear, talking to her father maybe for the last time, and a story we must never forget.

Can a group of lawyers and financiers in 1906 change the fate of Jewish history forever? Arnie Herz dives into the powerful legacy of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and its evolving role as the "State Department of the Jewish People." From secret diplomatic missions in Morocco to fostering agricultural innovation in Africa, this conversation explores how deep-rooted relationships, not just transactions, pave the way for global peace. Discover why an American lawyer chooses to juggle five "full-time jobs" to serve a cause larger than himself.

What makes two Israelis, in a time of war and an extraordinary wave of online hate toward Israel, build a brand with a name as bold as “Am Israel Chai”? Omry Sitner, co-founder of the Am Israel Chai tea brand, shares how he uses humor and a high-quality product to fight online hate, and how a strong, unapologetic brand can actually be part of the solution for building positive public opinion on Israel.

Israel’s national holidays tell the story of this nation’s journey. It starts with Passover, remembering the Israelites as slaves in Egypt, and continues to Holocaust Remembrance Day shortly after. Then comes Memorial Day, honoring the soldiers and people who lost their lives on the long journey of establishing and maintaining the Jewish state, and right after it, Independence Day. All in a row. In this episode, we unpack the place Holocaust survivors hold in Israel today, and Hedva shares the mission of one NGO (out of many) working to ease their lives as part of this national mission

Can a simple blue measuring cup hold the weight of an entire family’s survival? Hedva Montias, Director of the Shlichut Initiative at UJA-Federation, peel back the layers of a story that remained silent for decades. As a mother listening to her own mother’s Holocaust testimony, Hedva bridges the gap between past horrors and modern resilience. From heart-wrenching midnight separations to a miraculous discovery in a forest, this episode explores the "invisible heritage" that shapes generations. Dive into a profound journey of identity, survival, and the chilling reality of how life changes in a single day.

Michael is one of the leading voices in Jewish thought today, so in this episode I challenged him to explain two of his published ideas: “courage over volume” and “ownership over renting.” We talked about what it means to be a Jew in the diaspora today, what we should do against the flood of online hate, and why American Jews need to own their connection to Israel, not just rent it.

In the second episode, we unpack the first crisis Michael faced as the head of an organization, how October 7th changed his view of the relationship between Israelis and American Jews, and how he once again used NYJ camps under his leadership to drive a positive change.

Up until 9/11, Michael Schlank was sure he was headed for a role in local politics (after becoming a Yankees player was off the table). Then 9/11 changed his career trajectory and turned his life into a mission. Join me for a talk with one of the leading figures in Jewish education, about leading the largest Jewish camp organization in the US

I recorded the second episode with Omri while the war with Iran was still going on. Two weeks into constant fire, he shared an update on Israeli resilience. Then we unpacked what a national security doctrine is, what Israel’s doctrine actually is (if there is one), and what change in policy Omri and his colleagues at the David Institute recommend.

This episode was recorded a few days after the war with Iran broke out in March 2026. In an honest conversation, Omri Goshen, a researcher at the David Institute for National Security, shares a glimpse of what the war looks like from inside Israel. Does every run to the shelter feel the same, war after war? And how is all of this connected to the October 7th attack on Israel?

On October 7th, Orly’s kids were already drafted to the Israeli army. In this episode, she shares honestly the feelings and fears of watching them fight in Israel’s longest war, from New York. How does it feel? Does she regret encouraging them to enlist? And did the war make them want to go back to their American life?

Orly Regev’s kids had every excuse not to enlist. They were born in the States and accepted to top colleges, and still, they moved to Israel to serve in IDF combat units. From the side, it looks completely off track. In this conversation, I try to understand what led them there, and how Orly, as a mom still in New York, feels about sending her kids across the world to a role that puts their lives at risk.

In the last episode of our trilogy, we try to assess how the Iron Swords War, which began on October 7th, has influenced the Haredi draft issue, and whether this new reality will drive a change to more than 75 years of status quo. A fascinating conversation for anyone who wants to understand this topic, no background needed.

In the second episode of the trilogy, we unpack the Haredi way of life and to what extent its restrictions meet, or clash with, IDF practices today. Drawing on his firsthand experience, Amit shares a glimpse of what it looks like within the corridors of IDF bases, and together we ask: is it really that simple to draft Haredi men into the IDF today?

In this trilogy, I host Amit Yaakov, former head of the Haredi department in the IDF Ground Forces, for a conversation about one of the most burning issues in Israeli politics, and one that has been burning for decades: the drafting of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men into the IDF. In the first episode, we trace how this situation unfolded, from Ben-Gurion’s concern for rebuilding the world of Torah study after the Holocaust, which exempted a few hundred yeshiva students, to a reality where tens of thousands are exempt today. This is a 101 on one of Israel’s most complex and long-running issues, and a chance to get a first real understanding of it.

What happens when neutrality is no longer an option for a Jewish leader? Rick Lewis, CEO of Long Island JCCs, shares his profound personal metamorphosis following October 7th. From standing defiant against fear during community events to a soul-stirring delegation trip to the Gaza envelope, Rick reveals how a "vacation destination" transformed into his spiritual backbone. As global attention fades, he issues a powerful wake-up call to American Jewry: Will we fade into the background, or stand visible and proud? Discover why leadership today requires more than just management—it requires a soul.

Can a business leader afford to stop being neutral when his community is under fire? Rick Lewis, a veteran CEO with 40 years of experience, faced this exact dilemma on October 7th. In this heart-opening conversation, he reveals the moment he decided to "rock the boat," choosing clear values over membership numbers. From his personal connection to hostage Omer Neutra to building a powerful Jewish coalition on Long Island, Rick shares how a professional crisis transformed into a bold, unapologetic mission for Jewish unity. It’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and finding your voice when it matters most.

What happens when a "polite Canadian" girl dreaming of being Hannah Montana is suddenly dropped into the sweltering heat of an Israeli high school and, later, an IDF control tower? Maya Yaron’s journey is a fascinating look at the "identity friction" we all feel when moving between worlds. From the innocent question of "how to draw in English" to the "beast mode" required to survive the army, this conversation dives deep into the authentic, often messy, but always soulful bond between the Diaspora and Israel. Is it possible to find home in two polar opposites? Discover the resilience hidden in the transition.

In this deeply moving episode, Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Maya Braverman, a dynamic 23-year-old Israeli Shlicha making waves on Long Island. Maya reveals the raw, human reality of serving as a bridge between Israel and the Diaspora during complex times. From her roots in the Israeli Scouts to her mission at the JCC, she explores the delicate dance of fostering Jewish identity in American youth. Maya shares a transformative story of a young woman who felt disconnected from Israel, proving that personal stories are more powerful than any headline. This conversation isn't just about Zionism; it’s a psychological exploration of belonging, the weight of representation, and the unbreakable bond of the Jewish people. Dive in to discover how one person can spark a global connection.

Following the release of the last hostages, what does the future of Gaza and Israel’s borders look like? In this premiere of "Israel Today," Dagan Cohen dives into the necessity of new buffer zones and the "Yellow Line" strategy. We explore the profound shift in the Israeli psyche—moving from a reliance on technology to a fundamental mistrust of anything but a soldier on the ground. Beyond security, we discuss the heavy toll on reservists and their families, the "privilege" of protection, and why the resilience of border communities is the only thing standing between Israel and its disappearance. A must-listen for anyone trying to understand the new Israeli reality.

What happens when a lifetime of liberal values meets a brutal new reality? Join us for a powerful conversation with Itay Cohen, a "ShinShin" volunteer on Long Island. Growing up in the "coexistence bubble" of Kfar Saba, Itay’s world was rooted in democratic education and shared life with Arab neighbors—until October 7th changed everything. In this episode, Itay reflects on the psychological shift from idealism to survival. He speaks candidly about the "shattered trust" and the internal friction of maintaining a liberal identity amidst instinctual fear. Yet, beyond the trauma, he shares a moving perspective on the "Israeli Bond"—the extraordinary unity and resilience that emerged from the darkness. A vital window into the soul of a generation forced to grow up overnight, navigating the complex bridge between Israel and the Diaspora.

What happens when your sanctuary becomes a trap? In this gripping continuation, Aviv Lapid takes us inside the suffocating 30 hours she spent in her safe room in Sderot on October 7th, listening to the sounds of a city under siege. This isn't just a story of survival; it’s a deep dive into the psychological toll of displacement. Aviv candidly discusses the heartbreaking decision to leave her home behind, the surreal experience of being a "refugee in her own country," and the immense resilience required to complete her high school exams while living out of a suitcase. A raw, emotional exploration of loss, identity, and the unbreakable Israeli spirit that will leave you questioning what truly defines "home" in a world of uncertainty.

What does it mean to have only 15 seconds to save your life? Born into the reality of Sderot, Aviv Lapid shares a gripping account of growing up under constant rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. In this episode, we explore the psychological resilience of a community where bomb shelters are as common as playgrounds and "Red Alert" is the soundtrack of childhood. From Zionist roots to the chilling normalcy of life on the edge, Aviv’s story is a testament to the Israeli spirit and the heavy price of holding the border. A must-watch for understanding the true meaning of home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.