Inside Israel with Joel Chasnoff

“I Called You As Soon As I Heard You Died”

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Last week, Joel attended the funeral of Itamar Sapir z’’l, a fallen soldier from Ra’anana. In this week's episode, Joel will share a dozen small, random observations from the funeral — what it says about the state of the army, where the country is headed, the possibility for national unity, and more. A series of reflections from the funeral that, together, tell a much larger story about where Israel stands right now — twelve small details that reveal the bigger picture.

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Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America Through Israeli Eyes

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:45:00 GMT

After four weeks traversing the US, Joel is back in Israel with a backpack full of observations and a fresh lens on both countries. From the subtle shifts in American culture to the stark contrasts of life back home, he’ll share what he saw from the outside looking in.

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Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Rent,” The Musical, and Israel

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Joel argues that the hit musical Rent, had we been paying attention, might have been an early sign that Israel's position in world opinion would change for the worse — and he offers a novel solution for how to fight the wave of anti-Israel sentiment now.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hard Truth About Israel Right Now

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Last week's episode left many of you feeling depressed—and I understand why. This week, I want to go deeper into why I can't sugarcoat the dire situation Israel is facing right now, and what it means for the country's future.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask Joel Anything: April 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Joel answers listener questions from Sioux Falls, SD during his spring comedy tour. We’ll be covering war with Iran, life during wartime, freedom of expression, the new political landscape, and the possibility that he might one day leave Israel.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The Days”

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:45:00 GMT

This week Joel talks about the Yamim — the days — Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut: the emotional burden of going from sadness to joy, and what Israel's commemoration of these days says about Israeli society and its people. He notes that 170 soldiers have been killed since last year's Yom HaZikaron, and discusses the debate in Israel over whether victims of terror should be included in the Day of Remembrance.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cigarettes in Amman

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Joel broadcasts from Amman, Jordan — part of a crazy layover to the USA for his upcoming spring 2026 comedy tour. He shares details of his journey, how it makes him think about the future of the Middle East, and why it's a uniquely Israeli story (and not necessarily in a good way).

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“They Have a F*&#ing Calendar!”

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Joel talks about Iran's plans to disrupt Israelis’ Passover seder – what Israelis expected, and what actually happened. He also discusses the latest news coming out of Israel as we move into this pivotal sixth week of the war.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting in Times of War

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Joel talks about parenting in times of war — parents trying to work in cafes with babies in strollers, grandparents helping out, frustration with Zoom school, and his personal sense of guilt that he can't parent better. Plus a news update on what's happening in Israel as we move into Passover.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hidden Enemy

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Joel talks about one of the biggest surprises of the current war – Hezbollah — and the Israeli feeling that they were lied to by a government who assured them this Iranian proxy in Lebanon had been defeated, once and for all.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel’s Secret Plan…And What’s Next

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:45:00 GMT

As Israel enters its third week of war with Iran, we look at the IDF's secret plan to keep Iran off-guard before the strike, where things stand now, and whether Israel's strategy makes me bullish or bearish on what comes next.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War with Iran: Hezbollah’s Gift

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Two weeks into what may be a long war, Joel reports from Ra'anana on how Israeli families are coping — and why Hezbollah's decision to join the fight may turn out to be a gift.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War with Iran: Update, from Joel’s Bomb Shelter

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Joel shares what Israelis are saying, thinking, and feeling about the war with Iran — from his underground bomb shelter in his apartment building.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mishmash

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:45:00 GMT

On this week's episode, Joel covers a mishmash of topics — including a surprising revelation about a group of Israelis who were actually hoping for a war with Iran.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Nice House!” (For Now)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Joel revisits real estate in Israel — one of the topics he's emailed about the most — with a focus on how you never really know what you're getting when you buy.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Big Fat Israeli Wedding

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Joel explores Israeli culture through one of its most exciting and misunderstood phenomena — the Israeli wedding — where jeans are optional, weddings are massive, and there's no registry because all gifts are known ahead of time.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 Memories

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:45:00 GMT

For the first time since 2014, there are no hostages in Gaza — and instead of marking the moment with a timeline or recap, Joel gets personal, pulling up three Israel-related memories from the last twelve years. It's not about the big headlines; it's about what actually stuck.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask Joel Anything: January 2026

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:45:00 GMT

In this month’s "Ask Joel Anything," Joel answers listener questions on everything from Purim traditions and Israeli college life to the latest headlines regarding military service and the Israel Prize.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two-Faced

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Joel reflects on the upheaval in Iran—and what Israelis are actually talking about right now. Beyond the very real fear of an Iranian attack, there is growing anger over what many here see as global hypocrisy: a world that protested loudly over Gaza, yet remains largely silent as thousands of Iranians are killed by their own government.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-Broadcast | Professor Dan Ben David: Will Israel Exist in 40 Years?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Joel is away this week, so we're re-broadcasting one of our favorite episodes.

In this milestone episode of Inside Israel, Joel sits down with Professor Dan Ben-David of Tel Aviv University and the Shoresh Institute to tackle a big question: What will Israel look like in 40 years—or will it even be here as we know it?

Rather than relying on emotions, this conversation dives into hard data—demographics, statistics, and facts—to explore the realistic scenarios for Israel’s future.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On My Mind As We Head into 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:45:00 GMT

As we head into the new year, Joel shares what’s been on his mind — personal, national, and geopolitical.

He starts with money: living in Israel while getting paid in US dollars means the weakening dollar suddenly feels very real. From there, the focus shifts to the army. With a child heading into the Israel Defense Forces — and still not knowing which unit — Joel reflects on how unsettling that uncertainty is, and how normal it is in Israeli life.

The episode also looks ahead to national elections in October 2026, and to a question many Israelis are asking more openly than ever: will this be the year the country rethinks funding and exempting the Haredi community, while the rest of society works and serves?

Finally, Joel turns to Iran — war, internal change, and one clear prediction: by January 2027, the situation will look dramatically different than it does today, possibly in a good way.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thrust Into a Combat Zone: Joel’s Recurring Dream

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT

In this episode, Joel shares a recurring dream tied to his combat service in the IDF. In the dream, he’s suddenly sent back into a war zone—often Lebanon—unprepared, panicked, and unsure of what lies ahead. Using the dream as a starting point, Joel reflects on fear, memory, and how experiences from long ago can resurface when you least expect them. It’s his most personal episode to date, shared in the belief that what feels most individual often turns out to be universal.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his spring/fall 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Joel Backed Out of a Real Estate Deal

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Why did Joel walk away from a real estate deal after putting money down?

In this episode, he tells the full story — not just about property, but about the uniquely Israeli mindset around ownership in a region where nothing is ever guaranteed. Plus: reflections on Bondi Beach, listener questions about high school transcripts, and potential war with Iran.

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Tickets for Joel’s annual comedy show: Christmas Eve for the Jews

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AJA: Ask Joel Anything, Part II

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT

In this Ask Joel Anything episode, Joel tackles listener questions on political language, education, travel, the IDF’s handling of the war in Gaza, and why living in Israel is at once frustrating and magical. The episode wraps up with a lighter, relatable take on how Joel manages traveling back to the US as often as he does – to date, about 75 roundtrips over the past 10 years.

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Tickets for Joel’s annual comedy show: Christmas Eve for the Jews

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teach to the Test

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT

This week, Joel takes you inside parent–teacher conferences at a high school in Ra’anana, and what they reveal about how different the Israeli education system really is. From walls lined with photos of former students who’ve fallen in battle to meetings with a single homeroom teacher and an English curriculum taught almost entirely “for the Bagrut,” Joel explores why grades can feel like life-and-death in Israel—and why, despite it all, the kids seem genuinely happy and socially grounded.

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Tickets for Joel’s annual comedy show: Christmas Eve for the Jews

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mailbag: Ask Joel Anything

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT

This week: Ask Joel Anything — where you set the agenda. Listeners sent in dozens of questions, from the deeply personal (would his family still have moved to Israel knowing October 7 was coming?) to the quirky (odd Hebrew phrases that make no sense). Also: Thanksgiving in Israel, synagogue life, Jewish identity, and more. So many questions came in that this is part one of two; part two drops in two weeks.

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Tickets for Joel’s annual comedy show: Christmas Eve for the Jews

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dead Soldier Bumper Stickers

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Joel examines a phenomenon that’s overtaken the country — the bumper stickers now plastering everything in Israel, from cars and playground equipment to park benches, gas pumps, and even the walls outside Ben Gurion Airport.

These homemade memorials honor the soldiers and civilians Israel lost on and after October 7. Joel explains what these stickers are, how they spread, and what they reveal about Israelis and the Israeli psyche. In his view, this quiet, grassroots ritual captures something essential and uniquely Israeli: a refusal to let the fallen become faceless numbers, and a collective commitment to memory, individuality, and shared responsibility that he believes you won’t find anywhere else.

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Tickets for Joel’s annual comedy show: Christmas Eve for the Jews

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teaching Israel: It’s Not the Curriculum!

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Back home in Israel, Joel reflects on the country’s shifting energy — and tackles a tough question: why are so many young North American Jews turning against Israel? He argues the real problem isn’t what we’re teaching, but who’s teaching it, and why the Jewish world needs to invest in passionate educators the way pro sports teams invest in high-level athletes. Plus: listener questions on the death penalty for terrorists, the politics of cost of living, and two must-visit Israel sites for your next trip.

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Tickets for Joel’s annual comedy show: Christmas Eve for the Jews

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mamdani: It’s Not What You Think

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT

This week, Joel reflects on the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York’s new mayor — and why his popularity points to something deeper than politics.

He also shares thoughts on Veterans Day in the U.S., the return of Hadar Goldin z’’l to Israel, and Dorit’s attendance at the funeral of Itai Chen — and what these moments reveal about the growing divide between Israel and the diaspora.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JNF Global Conference: Recap

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Joel shares three big takeaways from the JNF Global Conference: what it felt like to be there, why Europe still clings to the idea of a Palestinian state, and how Israel can move forward in shaping its public image. Plus: a wild political scandal, listener questions about rabbis, Yom Kippur, and more.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025/spring 2026 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s Fix Israeli PR: Part II

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Last week, I asked for your ideas to help repair Israel’s image in the world—and you delivered.

This week, I share more of your most creative suggestions – from reimagining Birthright as an internship program to empowering more Israeli voices in business, culture, and politics to speak out.

We’ll also talk about the uphill battle of countering the “genocide” narrative, why a new kind of spokesperson may be needed, and what all this reveals about how the Jewish world sees itself today.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

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To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

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Let’s Fix Israeli PR: Part I

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Last week, I asked you to send me your ideas for how Israel can repair its image in the world.

You flooded my inbox with response–so today, I’ll share the first batch of listener ideas, as well as a few of my own.

From rebuilding trust with American Jews to showing the world the truth about Hamas, your messages didn’t just focus on PR—they revealed deeper issues within the Jewish world itself, issues we clearly need to fix too.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

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To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

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Over?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:45:00 GMT

The hostages are home — at last. Joel unpacks the ceasefire deal that no one saw coming: how it happened, who made it happen, and whether it will last. He also shares how Israelis are feeling in this moment of relief and uncertainty, and six takeaways for what comes next.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

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To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yom Kippur Bike Sale!

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This week, Joel covers the big news in Israel — reports of a possible ceasefire that could finally end the war and bring all hostages home — and the shocking Yom Kippur attack on a synagogue in Manchester, UK. Plus, listener questions about last week’s controversial episode on the case for destroying Gaza City, and a look at one of the country’s most unique phenomena: Yom Kippur is a bike holiday for kids and bicycle-riding adults alike throughout Israel.

Please note: this is the final week of our fall fundraiser in support of the podcast. If you still haven't made a contribution, please do so at www.joelchasnoff.com.

---------------

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Case for Destroying Gaza City

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:45:00 GMT

To be clear, I don’t believe the IDF should destroy Gaza City. But many Israelis do. In today’s episode, I’ll share their arguments for why some feel Israel has no choice—and why that belief has only grown stronger in light of recent declarations by the UK, France, and others officially recognizing a Palestinian state.

It won’t be an easy episode. The views I’ll present are not politically correct, but they are essential if you want to understand the Israeli mindset and where the country stands today.

We'll also be continuing our fall fundraiser in support of the podcast. If you still haven't made a contribution, please do so at www.joelchasnoff.com.

---------------

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Dan Ben David: Will Israel Exist in 40 Years?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:45:00 GMT

In this milestone episode of Inside Israel, I sit down with Professor Dan Ben-David of Tel Aviv University and the Shoresh Institute to tackle a big question: What will Israel look like in 40 years—or will it even be here as we know it?

Rather than relying on emotions, this conversation dives into hard data—demographics, statistics, and facts—to explore the realistic scenarios for Israel’s future.

And just a quick note: our Inside Israel fundraiser is underway. If you haven’t had a chance to support yet, now’s the time! Check the link below.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Back to School Night”

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This week, Joel takes you inside Parents’ Night at his child’s high school. From a principal who criticized the Ministry of Education and drew applause, to a homeroom teacher who explained he may be absent over the next few weeks due to being called up for his fifth round of IDF reserve duty, to a photo montage at the school entrance honoring recent graduates who’ve fallen in Gaza since October 7—these are the tiny details of Israeli life that reflect the reality of the country today. Joel also explores why, despite this school’s strengths, the broader education system faces deep challenges.

Plus: the annual Inside Israel fundraiser kicks off at joelchasnoff.com.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Driving Israeli

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:45:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of Inside Israel, I talk about what it’s like teaching my 18-year-old daughter to drive here. In Israel, even after passing the driving test, new drivers must spend three months with a licensed adult beside them. Which means I’ve been in the passenger seat a lot lately.

But here’s the twist: the advice I give her in Israel is very different from what I would say if she were learning in the U.S. Because driving here isn’t just about steering and signaling—it’s about navigating a culture where drivers behave in their own… unique way.

I’ll share what I’ve learned from being her co-pilot, and what these lessons reveal about life on Israeli roads.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally...Good News?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The news out of Israel can often feel heavy, and the Inside Israel podcast is no exception.

But this week, for a change, Joel brings you something different: genuinely positive Israel-related news, inspired by his recent trips overseas to Cyprus and the US (yes, really!).

And as always, Joel takes time to answer listener questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harriet Levin: On the Legacy of Michael z''l

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Back when I was a lone soldier in the IDF, most Israelis had never even heard the term “lone soldier,” let alone understood who we were or what we were doing there.

That changed in the summer of 2006, when Michael Levin z”l, a lone soldier from Philadelphia, was killed in Lebanon.

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, I sit down with Michael’s mother, Harriet Levin, to talk about her son’s legacy and the work she and her husband, Mark, continue through the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Foundation in his memory.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lone Soldier: Must Knows

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This week marks 19 years since the death of Michael Levin z”l, the lone soldier from Philadelphia who fell in the 2006 Lebanon War. Ahead of next week’s special conversation with Michael’s mother, Harriet Levin, I take a closer look at the reality of lone soldiers in Israel today.

From surprising statistics—like the fact that half of the IDF’s 7,000 lone soldiers were born and raised in Israel—to the challenges they face, I’ll share key insights you need to know about this important part of Israeli society.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rethinking Gaza

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:45:00 GMT

As we approach the two-year mark since October 7, 2023, it's time to take a hard look at the war in Gaza—and how we got here.

In this episode, I revisit the goals we were told would guide the war effort, and the assumptions behind them.

I also share personal conversations I’ve had with various Israelis about the war, explore shifting public sentiment in Israel, and examine how the world now sees us. From military strategy to the war narrative to the question of a Palestinian state, I’ll attempt to change your perspective on what Israel needs to do next.

Because if we’re serious about protecting Israel’s future, we have to be willing to rethink everything—even the things we once thought were sacred.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tisha B’Av 2025: The Enemy Within

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:45:00 GMT

In everyday Hebrew, chinam means “free.”

But as we approach Tisha B’Av—the day we mourn the destruction of the Temple—chinam takes on a darker meaning.

Our sages say the Temple was destroyed because of sin’at chinam, which I translate as “hatred without cost.”

In today’s episode, I’ll speak about the current divisions in Israeli society and why these very divisions are the greatest threat to Israel’s existence – far greater than that posed by Hamas, Hezbollah, or even Iran.

I’ll also offer reasons for hope.

And, as always, I answer listener questions.

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Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rescue 101

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This week on Inside Israel, listener reactions pour in after last episode’s revelations about FIDF. Joel responds to powerful messages—from outrage over donor betrayal to personal stories of involvement—and explains why, despite his own concerns, he didn’t blow the whistle himself.

Plus: A deep dive into one of Israel’s most remarkable systems—the emergency response network. Why does Israel have no government budget for ambulances? The answer reveals a uniquely Israeli combination of volunteerism, resilience, and public trust.

Also in this episode: soldiers jailed for refusing another round in Gaza, hostage talks stall again, and disturbing anti-Israel attacks in Europe leave many Jews wondering how visible they can afford to be.

And finally, a bittersweet goodbye to our podcast editor, Adina—and a warm welcome to our new one, Yael.

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Book Joel during his fall 2025 lecture and comedy tour: www.joelchasnoff.com

Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Most Israeli Army in the World

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Two weeks ago, seven Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza in what first seemed like a tragic, one-in-a-million accident.

But new details reveal a painful truth: this wasn’t random bad luck—it was preventable.

In this episode, I break down what really happened, what it says about the Israeli army and mindset, and why this human, flawed side of the IDF is rarely talked about. It’s an aspect of the IDF that has led to the death of far too many IDF soldiers in the past, and one that I witnessed firsthand when I myself was an IDF soldier in the Armored Corps.

And of course, I’ll answer your questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"L'havdil"

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This week, Joel reflects on three deeply emotional events that took place within 48 hours—attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, going to a shiva visit for another soldier killed in Gaza, and, l’havdil, attending his son’s middle school graduation ceremony in a nearby park.

In Israel, the phrase l’havdil—used to separate the sacred from the mundane—isn’t just a superstition, it’s a coping mechanism.

Joel explores how this strange, almost absurd linguistic habit helps Israelis navigate the emotional whiplash of daily life. And, of course, Joel answers your questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The Wrong Year to Quit Amphetamines"

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:00:50 GMT

This week's episode of Inside Israel finds the country navigating a shaky ceasefire with Iran.

While the war is officially "over," the conversation here is anything but. Today, I'll explore two deeply conflicting narratives: Was this war a decisive victory, setting back Iran's nuclear program for years and embarrassing them globally? Or were Israelis "played," with heavy sacrifices – 13 dead, 10,000 families homeless, and a crippled economy – for a temporary reprieve, leaving critical questions about Gaza hostages and soldiers' deaths unanswered?

We'll talk about the the unspoken consequences, too: the shattered faith in Iron Dome, the disruption to daily life, and the emotional toll on a nation. I'll also share a bit about my personal experience of economic impact, providing a candid look at life on the ground.

Plus, listener questions tackle everything from NYC mayoral politics to the global understanding of the conflict.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War with Iran, Week Two

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This week on Inside Israel: as the conflict intensifies following the US attack on Fordo, Joel shares what Israelis are really saying about "Operation Rising Lion" and Bibi's role.

We’ll talk about Iran's new, disturbing retaliation tactics and the true human cost: 10,000 displaced families and the growing national exhaustion.

In attacking Iran, Israel is doing the world a favor. So why don’t more Americans see it that way? We’ll talk about that too, plus, listener questions answered.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War with Iran

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:45:00 GMT

What's it like when war begins in the dead of night?

In this episode, Joel brings you a firsthand account from Israel as the conflict with Iran unfolds. From the shocking 3 AM air raid siren that marked the war's start, to what we've learned about the Mossad's role, and the heartbreaking truth behind civilian fatalities, Joel discusses it all.

He'll also talk about how the rhythm of our lives has shifted to the constant anticipation of ballistic missile attacks, and why, amidst the tension, Israelis overwhelmingly agree on the necessity of this fight.

As always, Joels answers your most pressing questions about this evolving situation.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Thanks, and eff you!"

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:45:00 GMT

In this episode of Inside Israel, a casual catch-up with Joel’s American friend from college inspires a raw discussion about the current housing crisis in Israel.

To the dismay of many listeners, Joel pushes back on the idea that when foreign Jews purchase property in Ra’anana, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other big cities, they are “supporting” Israel.

This in turn leads Joel to compare the Israeli take on what it means to sacrifice with those of Jews elsewhere.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LGBTQ TLV

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Tel Aviv’s Pride Parade isn’t just a spectacle; it’s the second largest in Asia and ranks among the top ten worldwide!

The city has embraced its reputation as a gay-friendly tourist hotspot, and the IDF prides itself on being one of the most LGBTQ-inclusive militaries globally. Remarkably, the Israeli army has allowed soldiers to serve openly since the early 1990s—long before the U.S. repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Today, the IDF even covers sex-change surgeries for trans soldiers who meet certain criteria.

But the journey isn’t without its hurdles. Same-sex couples, for instance, still can’t marry within Israel’s borders; they have to travel to places like Cyprus or Greece to tie the knot officially. And adopting a child as a gay couple? It's still an uphill battle.

On this episode of Inside Israel, we chat with LGBTQ activist Jay Rosen. Jay reveals a surprising statistic that sheds light on how young Israelis perceive Tel Aviv. He also shares an unofficial yet bold claim that might astonish you: up to one-third of Tel Aviv’s population could be gay, lesbian, or queer.

In the "Hebrew is Magic" segment, Jay dives into the word freier and how it connects to his experience teaching Hebrew to new immigrants in ulpan.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

600

Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT

This week marks 600 days since October 7, 2023.

In this episode, Joel reflects on where Israel stands—politically, morally, and emotionally—600 days into our war with Hamas. From the failure of the protest movement to rising antisemitism, from Haredi tensions to the implosion of the Israeli Left, this episode challenges what we think we know. Listener questions explore the IDF’s current ethics and allegations about Gaza.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've Got Mail!

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:30:00 GMT

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, Joel catches up on listener questions.

Topics include air raid sirens, mental health support for moms, reactions to the controversial Yom Hazikaron event in Ra’anana, and more.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eema Shelcha! Your Mother!

Wed, 14 May 2025 10:45:00 GMT

This past Sunday was Mother’s Day in the US.

In this week’s episode of Inside Israel, Joel reflects on what it’s like to be a mother in Israel today, based on anecdotal conversations he had with several moms in central Israel.

The mothers he surveyed spoke about everything from the chaos of daily life in a country at war, whether their family might be better off living in Portugal, and the biggest challenge of all – finding a new cleaning lady.

He also answers listener questions about Betzalel Smotrich’s vision for Gaza to how modern-day tech words are spelled in Hebrew.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chaos in Ra'anana

Wed, 07 May 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Last week, right-wing Jewish Israelis staged a violent protest outside a Reform synagogue in Joel’s hometown of Ra’anana.

Due to a lack of police presence, the riot spiraled out of control. Several people inside the synagogue—gathered for a joint Jewish-Palestinian Yom HaZikaron Memorial Day ceremony—were injured.

While this may sound shocking to those in Western democracies, Joel explains that many Israelis actually support the rioters—and in this episode, he breaks down why.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yom HaZikaron 5785

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

(Ep. #80)

Yom Hazikaron 5785

This Wednesday is Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s Day of Remembrance.

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, I’ll share some personal feelings about this, the most solemn day on the Israeli calendar.

I’ll also explain what Yom Hazikaron is actually like – including the sirens, the ceremonies, sad music on the radio, and how this year feels even more raw, with over 500 Israeli soldiers lost since October 7.

I’ll also answer listener questions about negotiating with Hamas for hostage releases, and safety concerns for young people traveling to Israel this summer.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Is Israeli Comedy So Dark?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Why is Israeli comedy so dark?

In Part 2 of our two-part series on Israeli humor, comedian and Israel 201 co-author Benji Lovitt interviews Joel about the sharp contrasts between Israeli and American comedy.

Israeli humor, like Israelis themselves, tends to be fast, bold, and unfiltered—with almost nothing off-limits. Together, Joel and Benji explore why the country’s unique history, culture, and daily realities give rise to a style of comedy that’s darker, edgier, and more direct than what American audiences might expect.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can an American Comedian be Funny in Israel?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest host Benji Lovitt turns the tables and interviews Joel about the Israeli stand-up comedy scene.

Benji is a Dallas-born comedian and co-wrote Israel 201 with Joel.

This episode is Part One in a two-episode series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Springtime, But For Who?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

It’s been a year and a half since October 7, and as Passover approaches—a holiday also known as the Festival of Spring—we ask: Springtime, but for who?

In this episode, I’ll talk about the psychological state of Israelis right now, through the lens of several unfolding stories: Netanyahu’s European vacation, the firing of Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, the Gaza ambulance strike, and talk of an upcoming conflict with Iran.

What connects them all is a public that feels increasingly powerless.

I’ll also takes your questions—from Pesach hikes into Syria and ethics in the IDF.

Don’t forget: the Inside Israel live broadcast is now Wednesdays only, with the next episode airing April 20 at 1pm ET.

Grab our free Passover PDF at joelchasnoff.com, and check out our comedic Passover shorts on Instagram, @joelchasnoff.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boy Out of Israel

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

I’m in the U.S. this week to perform comedy at Beren Academy, an Orthodox Jewish day school in Houston.

In this episode of Inside Israel, I reflect on what it’s like to be back in America. The longer I live in Israel, the more the cultural differences stand out — and the more I realize just how Israeli I’ve become.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Good Arab

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:45:00 GMT

What does it mean for the future of the Jewish state that 22% of our population isn't Jewish?

And more importantly, how do Jewish Israelis feel about it?

On today's episode of Inside Israel, we explore this complex demographic reality through the lens of two recent experiences Joel had while in Israel.

And, as always, Joel answers listener questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ethical Warfare: Dr. Asa Kasher

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Despite what we hear in the meida, the Israeli army's code of military ethics, Tohar HaNeshek—meaning "Purity of Arms"—is one of the strictest and most comprehensive in the world.

In today's episode of Inside Israel, I speak with Dr. Asa Kasher, a professor at Tel Aviv University and the lead author of Purity of Arms.

While most Western militaries have an ethical code, Israel’s stands out, particularly for its focus on the sanctity of human life—even that of the enemy.

Asa and I speak about why this is so, and explore why it took nearly fifty years for Purity of Arms to be created. We discuss whether his views on battlefield ethics have evolved since the shocking Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.

I also challenge Dr. Kasher with a tough question: Is there such a thing as being “too cautious” when it comes to avoiding unnecessary harm to our enemies? After all, shouldn't the IDF’s top priority be the safety and well-being of Israeli civilians, regardless of the cost to our foes?

And in the "Hebrew is Magic" segment, Dr. Kasher shares three Hebrew expressions that hold personal significance for him, including the phrase ruach tzahal (“the spirit of the IDF”).

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IDF Fails

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:45:00 GMT

This week, the IDF released its official report on the failures that enabled the October 7 massacre.

Findings include a severe underestimation of Hamas, ignored intelligence warnings, and an over-reliance on border defenses like fences and cameras. When the attack came, these systems failed, and the military was unprepared.

The delayed response was particularly shocking. Many soldiers were caught off guard on a Shabbat and holiday, with no reinforcements sent south for hours. At Nahal Oz, a base less than a kilometer from Gaza, Hamas easily overran unarmed soldiers. IDF Chief of Staff Halevi had warned about the base’s vulnerability, but funding was denied.

This report shakes public trust in the IDF, long seen as Israel’s most respected institution. The army isn’t just an organization—it’s made up of Israelis' own children. Meanwhile, frustration grows over government spending, with billions allocated to Haredi communities while the military lacks resources. The big question: Can the IDF rebuild trust and reform?

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mailbag, and Where We Stand

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:45:00 GMT

We’re thrilled that over the past few weeks, we’ve received an overwhelming number of questions from our listeners!

Regular listeners know that we’re a bit behind – so this week, we’re opening up the mailbag to answer as many of your questions as possible. We’ll cover topics from the war in Gaza to Israeli comedy and the state of Judaism in the US.

Joel will also provide a brief overview of where things stand now, including updates on the possibility for Stage 2 of the hostage negotiations actually happening, and what the day-after plan for Gaza looks like.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Loves Chabad

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:45:00 GMT

If Judaism were a basket of stocks, Joel would short the Reform and Conservative movements—but he’d go long, very long, on Chabad.

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, Joel explains why he’s such a fan of Chabad, drawing from two perspectives:

First, as a comedian who’s performed at Chabad Houses around the world, seeing their work up close. And second, as a traveler who’s relied on Chabad for Passover Seders, Sukkot dinners, and Shabbat gatherings across South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Plus, as always, he’ll break down the latest news from Israel and tackle listener questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's Happening in Jewish America?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:45:00 GMT

In this week's episode, Joel reflects on the 12 months he’s spent in the US over the past two years and what he’s observed about Jewish life in America.

Questions he plans to address include:

Why is synagogue attendance mostly down—yet in some places, rising?
Are Jewish teenagers connected to Judaism and informed about Israel?
What does the future of American Judaism look like?

This episode will be blunt—Joel won’t be sugarcoating anything. But as always, our goal is to give you an honest, unfiltered take.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedy School - Part II

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Joel shares the reasons behind his pivot to stand-up comedy in Israel.

After 23 years of entertaining Jewish communities across the U.S., he’s ready for a new challenge. But beyond the personal shift, there’s something deeper driving this change: a seismic shift he sees unfolding in the American Jewish community.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedy School - Part I

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:38:27 GMT

Joel’s going back to school!

Comedy school, that is.

In this week’s episode of Inside Israel, Joel shares his latest career move: his decision to perform stand-up comedy in Israel, in front of Israeli audiences, in Hebrew.

This episode kicks off a multi-part series on Israeli comedy and how humor might just be the sharpest mirror a society can hold up to itself.

And don’t worry—Joel isn’t stepping away from the news. He’ll still break down the biggest stories coming out of Israel and answer your questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israelis Unfiltered: Loud, Pushy, and Way Too Personal with Cultural Trainer Osnat Lautman

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Israelis aren’t like the rest of us.

They’re often perceived as rude, pushy, and outspoken, saying exactly what's on their minds without worrying about how their words might affect others—or at least, that’s the impression many tourists and new immigrants to Israel get.

But there’s another side to Israelis that’s often overlooked. From personal experience, I can tell you that Israelis are some of the most generous and community-minded people you’ll ever meet. They’ll literally give you the shirt off their back to help someone in need. I once witnessed a young man at a bus stop do just that—he took off his shirt to press against the forehead of an elderly woman who had fainted and cut herself, stopping the bleeding until help arrived.

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, I sit down with cultural trainer Osnat Lautman to delve into the complexities of the Israeli personality and explore why Israelis think, act, and behave (and sometimes misbehave) the way they do.

Osnat, the author of two books on cultural differences, specializes in helping Israelis collaborate effectively with non-Israeli colleagues, and vice versa—because understanding the Israeli mindset is crucial to working with them.

We also tackle the question of cultural differences in today’s politically correct world. Is it still okay to say that people from different nationalities or ethnic groups think and act differently?

More about Osnat Lautman: www.olm-consulting.com

Osnat’s newest book, Global Cultural Interplay, on Amazon: here

To learn more about Inside Israel and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From “Crybaby” to Sergeant of Smiles: Joel Gets Real About His Journey

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Believe it or not, there’s more to Joel than being a podcast host, stand-up comedian, MC, NJBA award-winning author, and father of four. Having had a Jewish upbringing in Chicago, a few life-changing teachers at Solomon Schechter, and making the “best stupid decision” of his life to draft in the IDF as a lone soldier, Joel reflects on why, if he had to do it all over again, he would.

In this episode of Inside Israel, Joel takes the passenger’s seat as Inside Israel podcast coordinator, Yael Gargir, peels away the titles and gets to the core of who Joel is as a person. Sit back as we unpack the multi-talent figure responsible for making thousands of people smile.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Episode: Hostage Deal Explained

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 07:13:50 GMT

In this bonus episode, Joel explains the ins and outs of Israel's hostage deal with Hamas. The deal calls for 33 Israeli hostages to be released during Phase One; the first three - Romi, Emily, and Doron - returned to Israel this past Sunday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double Fault

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Last week, Israeli tennis star Lina Glushko was prohibited from wearing a yellow hostage pin during her qualifying match at the Australian Open.

—a stark reminder of the world's discomfort with acknowledging the harsh reality of 101 hostages held in underground dungeons by Jihadist terrorists.

In this episode of Inside Israel, I explore the implications of this decision: what does it mean to live in a world that refuses to acknowledge that 101 women, children, and men are being held in underground dungeons by Jihadist terrorists?

I'll also discuss the heartbreaking toll of more than 400 IDF soldiers lost in Gaza and the message that several hundred Israeli parents are now delivering to the government about the ongoing war.

Finally, I’ll reflect on my return to Israel after three months on tour in North America, offering a personal perspective on re-entering the heart of the news after being far from it.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Hates El-Al

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:45:29 GMT

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, I’m joined by his friend and fellow comedian Benji Lovitt to discuss our love-hate relationship with El-Al, Israel’s national airline.

From indifferent customer service and faux-canceled flights to the all-too-familiar sight of kids running wild in the aisles, El-Al’s slogan, “Kmo lihiyot babayit” (“Like Being at Home!”), feels all too fitting. Over the past year, the airline has worsened its reputation by engaging in price gouging, exploiting the fact that other airlines have stopped flying in and out of Israel.

Despite these nightmare scenarios, Benji and I can’t help but find humor in the chaos and, in a strange way, a sense of community. Tune in as we share our outrageous stories and try to make sense of what’s next for Israel’s infamous airline.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Games We Play

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:31:49 GMT

What are Israelis talking about right now?

The Houthis, for starters. How are they still managing to strike us? And why are we still taking it, instead of hitting back hard and kicking their ass?

And then there’s Iran. Could this finally be the moment for a preemptive strike, one in which we dismantle their nuclear program once and for all?

But mostly, the conversations – at least in the circles I’m in – are about the games our politicians continue to play. Instead of focusing on what truly matters – ending the war in Gaza and bringing home the 101 hostages – they’re busy with self-serving theatrics: visiting the Temple Mount, staging press conferences to defend their wives against a so-called “left-wing media,” pushing judicial reform, and doing whatever it takes to save their own political skins.

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, I’ll break down these political maneuvers, explain what’s driving them, and explore why they persist despite growing public outrage.

Poll after poll shows we’re paying attention – and we’re pissed.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where Do IDF Soldiers Poo?

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:45:59 GMT

When IDF soldiers deploy to Gaza, where do they sleep?

What do they eat?

And yes, where do they handle the more basic human need, like, as my mother would say, “Going number one and number two”?

On today’s episode of Inside Israel we speak with IDF Master Sergeant Jacob. He’s a Lone Soldier from Los Angeles who just returned from a tour of duty in the Gaza Strip.

Since October 7th, hundreds of thousands of young Israelis have served in Gaza, but little is known about the gritty, day-to-day reality of life there.

Today, with the help of Jacob, we get an inside look at the raw, unfiltered truth of a soldier's experience in Gaza.

When he’s not serving in the IDF, Jacob runs Modern Maccabi (https://www.modernmaccabi.com), a startup whose mission is to instill young Jews in the Diaspora with confidence and motivation to create change in their communities for today and the next generation.

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To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Borshel-Dan: De-briefing the Daily-Briefer

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:45:19 GMT

Want to know a secret?

I’ve got a tiny crush on Amanda Borschel-Dan. (Shhh!)

You know who I’m talking about: Amanda’s host of the Times of Israel’s The Daily Briefing podcast. She’s wicked smart, seriously funny, and that accent…I mean, what’s not to like?

And don’t worry, this crush of mine – it’s nothing serious. Dorit (my wife) knows, and doesn’t care.

Still: I think all of us would like to know Amanda a bit better. And in today’s today’s episode of Inside Israel, that’s exactly what we do, as I sit down with Amanda and ask her the really big questions, like:

Why is Amanda obsessed with the Hebrew word for bird poop?

How did she get into journalism and podcasting in the first place?

And just where did she get that crazy part-Israeli, part-Canadian, part-American-Midwest accent?

Amanda also shares her journey from being a semi-anonymous journalist to becoming the most trusted voice in Israel-related news. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work and dedication it takes to produce just one episode of Daily Briefing.

And in the "Hebrew is Magic" segment, Amanda introduces us to one of the most melodious words in the Hebrew language—only to reveal that its true meaning is a bit... well, dirty!

This is a replay of an episode that originally dropped three months two months ago. It’s back by popular demand.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lebanon Unpacked

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:45:00 GMT

Lebanon.

It is a quagmire. A mess. And despite this – or maybe because of it – we keep going back.

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, I explain Lebanon to you. We’ll start in June 1982, with Operation Peace to the Galilee – a war that brought anything but peace. I’ll tell you why Israel ended up staying in Lebanon for 18 more years, until a sudden pullout in 2000, and why we’ve returned two more times since then.

Along the way, I’ll share stories from my own experiences as a combat soldier in the South Lebanon Security Zone in the late 1990s.

I’ll also tell you why Lebanon has sometimes been referred to by Israelis as “Israel’s little Vietnam,” as well as what Israel might learn from our mistakes in Lebanon in the past, so that we don’t repeat those same mistakes in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon in the years ahead.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yossi Klein Halevi: Unplugged

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:45:00 GMT

You’ve heard him on hundreds of podcasts, and you’ve read his bestselling books.

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, we meet the man behind the legend.

What is Yossi’s favorite Israeli song?

What book changed his life?

What does Yossi mean by “the cover charge of living in Israel”?

Meet the Yossi Klein Halevi you didn’t know you didn’t know. And hear why, no matter how challenging it is to live in Israel today, Yossi’s not going anywhere…and never will.

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Support Inside Israel with a financial gift: Support

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yogev z"l

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:45:38 GMT

Last week, Captain Yogev Pazy z’’l was killed in Gaza.

Like all of the 378 IDF soldiers who have fallen in Gaza to date, Yogev is more than just a statistic. He was a fun-loving kid with aspirations and dreams. And someone who, as a teenager, made an impact on a Jewish community 10,000 miles from his home.

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, we speak with Tobi and Scott Perlen of Northbrook, Illinois. In 2020-21, the Perlens and their three children hosted Yogev in their home for six months, during his stint in the shin-shinim program, in which he served as a volunteer emissary in the Chicago Jewish community.

Tobi and Scott will tell us about the Yogev they knew and came to love, including favorite memories of their time Yogev. They’ll also tell us about the moment they heard the terrible news that Yogev z’’l had fallen – and how and why their lives will be impacted by him forever.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spent

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:45:08 GMT

On “Inside Israel,” I always strive to tell you the truth – even when it hurts.

In this week’s episode, we’ll talk about the emotional and physical toll that the ongoing war is taking on Israelis. While resilience has long been a defining trait, many Israelis now feel spent. With more than 375 soldiers having been killed in Lebanon and Gaza, and our hostages still not home, we’re losing our sense of hope.

Meanwhile, the political landscape offers little solace. Judicial overhaul is back on the table, and the ultra-Orthodox Haredi population continues to refuse to serve in the military, despite the IDF being 20,000 soldiers short of what’s needed to fight wars on two fronts.

And, of course, I answer your questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Contribute

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tell Me A Story

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:45:00 GMT

Thousands of years ago, the Jewish people gave the world the most important story ever told: the Bible.

So why is it that today, we Jews suck at storytelling?

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, we’ll talk about the power of stories. We’ll do that through the lens of last week's US presidential election, in which Kamala Harris suffered a tough defeat against Donald Trump.

Believe it or not, we Jews have a lot to learn from Harris’ and the Democrats' storytelling-related mistakes – particularly when it comes to how we speak publicly about Israel.

I’ll also cover one of the past week’s biggest news stories—Prime Minister Netanyahu’s dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant—and tell you how Israelis are reacting to this move.

And, as always, I’ll answer your questions.

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Support Inside Israel: Support

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long Division

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:45:00 GMT

In this week’s episode of Inside Israel, we address listener questions on the U.S. election and how Israelis and Americans living in Israel view the two presidential candidates, as well as the current status of negotiations for the release of the more than 100 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.

We then explore three off-the-radar news stories that Israelis are talking about: the daring Shayetet 13 Navy SEAL raid in northern Lebanon, which showcased Israel’s reach and intelligence capabilities; a leak from the office of Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding Hamas' true motivations in hostage negotiations; and a controversial bill providing subsidized daycare for ultra-Orthodox families whose fathers are avoiding military service.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our Fall 2024 fundraiser on behalf of the podcast, which raised over $9,000. Many of you have heard of big-name podcasts like Joe Rogan and Call Her Daddy, but the truth is that most podcasters are just people like me with a microphone and a message to share. It means the world to me that Inside Israel is able to bring your insights and meaning that you value.

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Support Inside Israel: Support

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Skeleton

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:45:55 GMT

In this week’s episode of Inside Israel, titled “Skeleton,” we try something different: instead of saving them for the end, I address listener questions at the beginning – everything from how Israelis think about anti-Semitism in the US, to how pro-Israel Jews in America might think about the upcoming Presidential election and whether Israelis celebrate Halloween.

In the news segment, I discuss Israel’s recent strategic success in Iran, which involved disabling key air defense systems and setting back missile production capabilities, sending a clear signal to Iran that we have the capacity to operate within Iranian airspace pretty much at will. I also reflect on the tragic ramming attack at Glilot Junction in Herzliya, as well as the deaths of five modern-Orthodox Reserve soldiers in Lebanon, one of whom was a Judaic studies teacher in my town, Ra’anana.

We close the pod by talking about the impact of these events on a personal level, including my wife Dorit’s latest project on behalf of IDF soldiers in Lebanon.

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Contribute to the Inside Israel Fall 2024 Fundraising Campaign: Support

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exeunt Sinwar

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:30:17 GMT

In this week’s episode of Inside Israel, we delve into the recent elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a significant victory for Israel. It was an unexpected success, what we refer to in Hebrew as a “fooks,” or happy accident. I’ll explore this moment through three lenses: how it provides psychological closure for Israelis, opens a window of opportunity for a potential hostage deal, and leaves a sense of confusion as we no longer have a central figure to negotiate with.

But before exploring that, I want to honor the late Colonel Achsan Dachsa. A respected Druze officer and commander of the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade, Dachsa was someone I had the pleasure of meeting five years ago at a fundraiser in Toronto. After his speech and my comedy performance, we spoke about our respective experiences as tank soldiers (Not surprisingly, his was far more impressive than mine.) When I told him that two of my own kids would soon be entering the IDF, he offered to help them through the draft process, and we exchanged phone numbers. His warmth and kindness left a lasting impression, and I regret never taking up his invitation for a meal in Dalyat Al-Carmel.

This episode pays tribute to his memory and service.

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Contribute to the Inside Israel Fall 2024 Fundraising Campaign: Support

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gal Behind the Mic: Amanda Borschel-Dan

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:45:40 GMT

In today’s episode of Inside Israel we meet the gal behind the mic of the world’s most popular English-language Israel news podcast: Amanda Borschel-Dan, host of the Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing.

We’ll learn how she fell in love with Israel in the first place and why one of the world’s foremost Torah scholars is partly responsible for Amanda ultimately moving here.

I also speak with Amanda about her journey from semi-anonymous journalist to becoming the most trusted voice in Israel-related news, including a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to produce just one Daily Briefing episode.

And, in the "Hebrew is Magic" segment, Amanda talks to us about one of the most beautiful-sounding words in the Hebrew language and reveals how its actual meaning is actually a bit, well, filthy.

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel's Dilemma

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:45:42 GMT

In this episode of Inside Israel, titled "Joel's Dilemma," I reflect on the conflicting emotions I have as the host of this podcast, about the story I convey to you about Israel and my life here.

On one hand, I’ve always wanted to showcase the beauty, magic, and uniqueness of living in Israel. That’s why I wrote Israel 201 and launched this podcast exactly one year ago.

But on the other hand, I’m feeling increasingly pessimistic about the future, especially in the short term. While I’m hopeful for long-term peace and stability (where “long-term” means 60 or so years down the road), the current situation leaves me questioning the path forward.

In tonight’s pod, I explore a few specific areas of concern, starting with Gaza. With hostages still being held and ongoing violence, I wonder if Israel’s decision to pull out in 2005 was a mistake.

I also delve into the complexities of Lebanon and Iran, both of which seem to have no clear endgame in sight. I even ask whether revolutions in these regions are the only hope for lasting change.

Closer to home, the rise of terrorism within Israel itself, as well as from the West Bank, leaves the country in a state of dysfunction, with inadequate resources to even protect citizens, as evidenced by recent attacks and logistical failures in mobilizing the Reserves.

Finally, I address listener questions, ranging from the media’s lack of attention on displaced Israelis in the north to sightings of U.S. soldiers in Israel.

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Contribute to the Inside Israel Fall 2024 Fundraising Campaign: Support

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel’s tour schedule: www.joelchasnoff.com/shows

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Hail to Dorothy!"

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:39:52 GMT

In this special 50th episode of Inside Israel, I focus on the breaking news of Israel’s elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. While I originally planned this episode as a reflection on the past year of the podcast, the significance of this event was too big to ignore. To help you better understand how Israelis are reacting to the news of Nasrallah’s death and Israel’s current war with Hezbollah, I break down seven key takeaways, including the blow to Hezbollah’s power, the ripple effect on Iran’s coalition, and the political responses here in Israel.

I also touch on how this development has brought much of Israel together, with a few exceptions like Betzalel Smotrich and Yair Lapid. I also dig into the reactions from the Arab world and call out the international media, from NPR to the New York Times, for their biased and flat-out backwards coverage of recent events.

While this episode highlights Israel’s success, we cannot forget the hostages still held in Gaza and the haunting questions from the October 7th attacks.

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Commemorate the one year anniversary of October 7th with Joel

Date: Monday, October 7

Time: 2 PM EDT

Duration: Approx. 30 minutes

Cost: Free

Zoom link and registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdeqsqjsjEtKt7YRFmseDXPL3zFXiknK8

Support the Inside Israel fundraising campaign

https://gofund.me/47db44b2

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Know that War Joel's Been Talking About?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:45:59 GMT

For the past eleven months, I’ve been predicting that, eventually, Israel will go to war with Hezbollah.

Well, guess what: the war has come!

In this episode of Inside Israel, I dive into the latest developments in the conflict I’ve been talking about. This “war” is unfolding in unexpected ways—from covert missions against Hezbollah leadership to a barrage of missiles that have left the country on edge. I break down the psychology behind Hezbollah’s actions and speculate on what’s coming next, all while giving you a feel for the unique mood in Israel—a mix of resilience, frustration, and that unmistakable Israeli toughness.

In addition to the usual content, I have some exciting news: I’m launching a fundraising campaign to keep Inside Israel going strong! Inside Israel is free, and I plan to keep it that way. That said, producing this podcast costs $10,000 a year, and I’m asking for your help to hit that goal. Whether it’s $10 a month or even just a dollar, every contribution makes a difference. And hey, if you’re feeling generous, a $250 donation allows you to sponsor an episode in honor or memory of someone you care about.

To contribute, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

Links for Joel’s weekly live Inside Israel broadcasts and video recordings of the most recent episode: www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: www.instagram.com/joelchasnoff or @joelchasnoff

Contact Joel with a question or feedback: joel@joelchasnoff

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sex in the City: Benji Lovitt

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:45:26 GMT

Comedian and Israel 201 coauthor Benji Lovitt is currently suffering through one of the most frustrating Israeli experiences of all: hunting for a new rental apartment in Tel Aviv. As Benji describes it, there’s no order to the system – landlords renege on their agreements to rent to you should they find a better deal, and renters are often left to repair any loose wires or paint chipping walls themselves.

On the bright side, however, after 49 years of bachelorhood Benji finally has a serious girlfriend of her own. The one caveat: she’ll only move in with him if he gives up his wild and incessantly barking dog.

In today’s episode of Inside Israel, I speak with Benji about the Israeli dating scene, apartment scene, and what it’s been like to perform comedy during the current war.

We also talk about how collaborating with me on Israel 201 transformed how he sees Israel and his place in it.

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The One Where Joel Vents

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:45:00 GMT

I created this podcast because I wanted to share the magic and beauty of what I call “Israeliness” – the unique way that Israelis interact with each other and think about the country they love.

But what happens when I stop feeling the magic…and when Israelis no longer feel the positive connection with Israel as we did before.

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, I’ll explore the hard truths of what it really means to live in Israel right now.

Lately, I’ve been seeing and hearing a lot of distress among my fellow Israelis. There’s a palpable sense of hopelessness, frustration, and anxiety that seems to pervade daily life. It’s not just in the conversations we’re having or the news we’re reading—it’s in the air. You can feel it in the way people interact with each other, in our physical well-being, even in how we drive. The stress is manifesting as sickness, heightened anxiety, and a constant tension that makes everything feel heavier.

What will it take to change this? It's not necessarily about electing a new government, or about sweeping political shifts. What people here desperately need is closure—bringing our hostages and the bodies of those we've lost home from Gaza, and returning our residents to the north.

As we go through this episode, I hope you can understand the complexity of the situation here. Life in Israel isn’t easy right now, and while I would love to share only the good, I feel a responsibility to be honest about the challenges. This is the truth, even when it’s difficult to talk about.

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No More Yellow Shirts

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:45:21 GMT

Earlier this week, the IDF extracted the bodies of hostage Hersh Polin z’’l and five others from a tunnel in Gaza.

In this episode of Inside Israel, titled "No More Yellow Shirts," we examine the implications of this devastating news, and the renewed conversations it has sparked about the true nature of organizations like Hamas and Students for Justice in Palestine.

We also explore whether this tragedy will lead to a broader call for action among Israelis against their own government, and whether it will prompt institutions like the University of Maryland to reconsider their stance on controversial events like the upcoming pro-Palestine October 7th gathering.

The episode’s title, "No More Yellow Shirts," captures two sentiments: first, the frustration with symbolic gestures, like school children wearing yellow shirts or people tying yellow ribbons to that now seem insufficient; and second, a call to move beyond mere demonstrations and take more concrete actions.

In our Q&A segment, we address listeners' pressing questions about Israel's military strategy and future, such as the controversial decision to keep troops in the Philadelphi Corridor and how this impacts the overall safety and security of Israel.

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Links for Joel’s weekly live Inside Israel broadcasts and video recordings of the most recent episode: www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: www.instagram.com/joelchasnoff or @joelchasnoff

Contact Joel with a question or feedback: joel@joelchasnoff.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hitched: Susan Weiss

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:45:29 GMT

"In Israel, a woman can fly F-15s in the Air Force, be the CEO of a high-tech unicorn, and even become Prime Minister – but she can’t file for divorce.”

So says Susan Weiss, Executive Director and founder of the Center for Women’s Justice in Jerusalem.

In this episode of Inside Israel, I talk with Susan about how and why Israel’s laws of marriage and divorce are biased against women as well as men. Susan will also share examples of some of the most marriage- and divorce-related cases she’s taken to court over her storied human rights career.

Finally, in the Hebrew Is Magic Segment, Susan shares an eye-opening (and shocking) insight about the word kadosh, commonly translated into English as “holy.”

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Together We Will Win! (Unless, Of Course, We’ve Already Lost)

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:45:02 GMT

Since October, the phrase Yachad Nena’tzeach—“Together We Will Win”—has become the rallying cry of Israeli society.

But how realistic is this mantra?

With 115 hostages still in Gaza, over 300 soldiers killed in action, more than 60,000 Israelis displaced from their homes, and the constant threat of Iranian and Hezbollah attacks, do we even have the right to speak about “victory”?

In this week’s episode of Inside Israel, I explore three possible interpretations of “Together We Will Win” and suggest one way that victory might actually be within reach.

I also tackle listener questions about the Tzir Philadelphi—the Philadelphia Corridor in Gaza—and discuss the likelihood of the current hostage-ceasefire deal coming to fruition.

Today’s broadcast coincides with the 24th birthday of Romi Gonen, who was kidnapped from the Nova Festival on October 7th. We hope and anticipate that Romi and the other 114 hostages will return home to Israel soon.

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Links for Joel’s weekly live Inside Israel broadcasts and video recordings of the most recent episode: www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: www.instagram.com/joelchasnoff or @joelchasnoff

Contact Joel with a question or feedback: joel@joelchasnoff.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homefront: Yoav Cohen

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 10:40:25 GMT

Ra’anana resident Yoav Cohen is a husband and father of three, and he works at one of the most successful Israeli high-tech companies in the world.

Yoav is also a Master Sergeant in the IDF’s Magav Unit (Border Police). In late October 2023, he and his platoon deployed to Israel’s northern border for what would ultimately be a hundred days of military reserve duty.

On this week’s episode of Inside Israel, I speak with Yoav about the impact that extended reserve military service has had on him and his family, as well the implications for his job.

We discuss the prevalence of PTSD among IDF reservists and what the government is doing about it (if anything at all), and the month Cohen and his fellow soldiers spent living in a youth hostel in the north with Israeli civilians who’ve been evacuated from their homes since the outbreak of the current war.

Finally, in the Hebrew Is Magic segment, Yoav explains the part of Hebrew he finds most magical of all: that any noun can be conjugated into a verb.

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CBA

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:00:20 GMT

In this week's episode of Inside Israel, I’ll perform a cost-benefit analysis of the recent eliminations of two significant figures: Senior Hezbollah Commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh.

These high-profile assassinations, executed through precise operations, highlight Israel's ongoing efforts to thwart terrorist activities and send a powerful message to its enemies.

I’ll start by discussing the benefits of these actions, such as diminishing the chances of future terror plots, demoralizing enemy ranks, and exposing vulnerabilities within their intelligence networks. However, the costs are significant too, including the potential hindrance to hostage negotiations and the looming threat of retaliatory strikes.

In the listener questions segment, I’ll tackle inquiries about the preferred approach to the war against Hamas and Hezbollah, the awareness of potential dangers on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, and the necessity of political system changes in Israel.

To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I am Iron and You Cannot Break Me"

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Inside Israel, titled "I am Iron and You Cannot Break Me," I discuss the rally I attended last Saturday night in Kikar Ha’hatufjim – “Hostage Square”—in Tel Aviv.

It was the first rally of any kind that I’d participated in. I came away from the gathering with a number of takeaways, including a few that surprised me – and may surprise you.

In the news portion of the podcast, we’ll talk about the horrific Hezbollah attack on a soccer field in Majds al Shamps in the Golan Heights, in which 12 children were killed and many more left fighting for their lives. Israelis are responding to this attack with two thoughts: first, how did our army become so impotent that we allow Hezbollah to repeatedly kill our own? And second, how will we respond – and will our response lead to war?

Finally, I’ll address listener questions about this fall’s US presidential election and the phenomenon of Israelis at Jewish summer camps in North America.

To learn more about Inside Israel, or to sign up for my newsletter, “Hebrew Is Magic,” visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleven Funerals

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 07:00:00 GMT

What’s it like to be a combat soldier in Gaza?

In tonight's episode, I’ll tell you about my recent conversation with Omer, a 25-year-old IDF combat soldier who entered Gaza with his IDF platoon on the first day of last October’s ground invasion.

We’ll dive into four key aspects of Omer’s story:

- The intelligence his platoon received before entering Gaza, and how this intel was wrong

- What it’s like day to day as a combat soldier in Gaza, most notably, the mix of absolute chaos and mind-numbing monotony

- The booby-trapped tunnel that Omer’s team encountered, and the psychological aftermath he and his comrades are still dealing with

- A detailed account of October 7th itself, from his eyes

In the news segment, we'll discuss the latest updates on the hostage deal, Netanyahu's trip to the US, and Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race.

We’ll then address listener questions, including what happens when the Haredi community defies draft orders. Finally, in our Hebrew is Magic segment, we'll explore the word "לטרפד" (l’tarped) – an old word that’s been brought back to life in recent months.

Video of this week’s pod, and a link for the live broadcast, are available at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the Kids Be Alright?

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Inside Israel, we explore three interconnected stories related to "kids"—both literal and figurative.

First, we delve into the perspectives of young Jewish teens from Colorado whom I met last week in Tel Aviv. These teens are eager to learn about their heritage and the future of Judaism, yet we are failing to provide them with the necessary guidance. I emphasize the need for a centralized resource to address anti-Semitism and misconceptions about Israel, including soldier testimonies from those who’ve served in Gaza.

Next, we examine the childish antics within the Knesset, where infighting and petty threats are common, contributing to public frustration. Recent polls show a significant demand for Netanyahu's resignation and a strong desire for a hostage deal.

I conclude with a story that hits home: The Knesset recently passed a law extending the mandatory service for males in the IDF from 2 years and 8 months to 3 years, a change that directly impacts my own son. It’s one of many examples of the personal stakes that everyday Israelis like myself face with recent legislative decisions.

In the Q&A segment, I address listener questions about the challenges facing Israel's Iron Dome defense system, and Netanyahu's upcoming address to the US Congress.

To get links to live broadcasts and sign up for my newsletter, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jew²

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, we're diving into the troubling rise of "Jew on Jew" violence in Israel, looking at three main angles: citizens attacking institutions, institutions attacking citizens, and subtle civilian conflicts. We'll start with the most obvious cases, like the Hilltop Youth and settlers clashing with the IDF and police in the West Bank, similar to the Branch Davidians in the US. There’s also tension among the Haredim. On the flip side, we see police using heavy-handed tactics at protests, following orders from powerful figures like Ben Gvir. Plus, we'll talk about more subtle conflicts in daily life, like a soldier’s wedding and a story about my gardener, Amit.

Experts, including myself, see this internal strife as Israel's biggest threat, even more so than Hamas or a nuclear Iran. The government, led by extremists, only makes things worse, stirring fears similar to political nightmares in the US. We urgently need leaders who recognize and tackle these problems. While I believe some conflict might be unavoidable, there’s a bit of hope from David Passig's long-term positive outlook for Israel.

In the news, we’ll discuss a big hostage deal that 67% of Israelis support, seeing it as crucial for bringing hostages home. We’ll also look at the situation in the North, where it seems Hezbollah wants out and Israel’s military pressure is working. Recent polls show a potential shift towards a center-right coalition led by Naftali Bennett. Finally, we’ll answer listener questions about travel concerns amid potential conflicts and the impact of anti-Semitic incidents in the US, offering some context and insights. Plus, we have a special guest, Brian Jaffee, CEO of the Cincinnati Jewish Foundation, joining us to talk about the recent desecration of Jewish headstones at cemeteries in Ohio.

You can get links to live broadcasts of Inside Israel at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast). Listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you're enjoying the pod, please give it a rating!

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Doctors with Truly No Borders

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

When I lived in the US, I regularly donated to Doctors Without Borders, inspired by their mission to provide free medical care to all. As the son of a physician who served Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, I admired their work.

However, I will no longer donate to them.

This week, Israel discovered that Dr. Fadi Al-Wadiya, associated with the organization, is also an expert bomb maker and intelligence consultant for Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

In this episode of Inside Israel, I'll discuss the implications of this revelation and how it challenges the concept of "innocent Gazans," a notion widely accepted globally but viewed differently by Israelis.

I'll also highlight the significance of June 30 in Israel, a date every elementary school child here eagerly awaits.

As always, I'll answer your questions.

Finally, I'll introduce a new feature of the pod called "Hebrew Is Magic," in which I reveal the hidden life lessons in specific Hebrew words.

For live broadcast links, sign up for the Hebrew Is Magic newsletter at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast. You can also submit your questions there or email them to joel@joelchasnoff.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swallow

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMT

This past week, the New York Times columnist Tom Friedman implored Israel to swallow its pride and agree to an all-out withdrawl of IDF troops from Gaza in exchange for the release of all hostages being held by Hamas.

In today’s episode, we’ll dissect Friedman’s proposal, including those elements which would help Israel and those that would hurt it.

In the end, whether or not Israel can and should accept such a comprehensive deal depends on how we define “victory” – and how we react when the enemy claims victory as theirs.

I’ll also answer your questions.

To send a question for future episodes, or to receive the links to live recordings of Inside Israel, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coffee, Bagel, and Napkins for My Tears

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Ten days ago, Israel's elite Yamam counterterrorism unit executed one of the most daring and spectacular rescue operations in the country's history.

While you've likely read about the challenges and complexities of the mission, and perhaps even seen helmet-cam footage of the exact moment hostages Noa, Almog, Andrey, and Shlomi were found, this episode of Inside Israel goes deeper.

We'll examine what this rescue means for the psyche of the Israeli people and why Jews in other countries may perceive the operation differently than Israelis do.

Additionally, we'll discuss the IDF's mistaravim unit, in which men and women disguise themselves as Arabs and live among locals to gather intelligence crucial for such missions.

Access the video version of this episode at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast. There, you'll also find links to Inside Israel on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as sign up for Joel's newsletter, Hebrew Is Magic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back to the Wall

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Today’s episode of Inside Israel finds Prime Minister Netanyahu backed into corner.

The Biden administration has touted the most potential hostage deal as one that “Israel has proposed” – which means Netanyahu himself sure as hell better agree to it, lest he look like schmuck.

Meanwhile, in the north, Hezbollah continues to pound Israel, killing civilians and soldiers and setting thousands of acres of forest on fire. Israelis are angrily asking, “Eifo hatzava shelanu?” (“Where is our army?”)

And then there are the ultra-Orthodox Haredim, who don’t serve in the IDF but need to. This week, Israel’s High Court ruled that the Netanyahu government’s excuses for not drafting the Haredim don’t hold water; yet, they continue to avoid the draft.

In this episode, I’ll explore these three scenarios in which PM Netanyahu’s back is to the wall, and what happens if he doesn’t act.

I’ll also take your questions.

As always, you can watch video of the latest Inside Israel broadcast at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast. And email your questions, comments and feedback to joel@joelchasnoff.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Au Revoir L’enfant

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Ten days ago, my neighbor's son, Eliyahu Haim Bensallem z'l, was killed in Gaza at just 21 years old.

In today's Inside Israel episode, I share the story of paying a shiva call to his family. I was not alone - over 600 people attended the final shiva night in Ra'anana, in an outpouring of cohesiveness and support for the Bensallems.

I also provide context on the larger narrative of why so many French Jews have come to reside in Ra'anana. Eliyahu was the third French-born soldier from Ra’anana to lose his life in Gaza. These deaths have undoubtedly changed the experience and attitudes of French immigrants in Israel, and how other Israelis think of the French.

Finally, I explain the heroic circumstances of Eli's death. You'll likely agree his actions were epically courageous. I then contrast Eli's sacrifice with college protesters in the US and thought leaders like The New York Times' Ezra Klein, who claim to be heroic but would never actually risk their lives for a cause like Eli did.

Visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast to see a video recording of this broadcast and get links for the live session.

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Three Truths and a Lie

Thu, 23 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT

On today’s episode of Inside Israel, we delve into the narratives surrounding Israel's Prime Minister, Bibi Netanyahu. From separating fact from fiction to exploring the complexities of leadership in the face of security challenges, we'll navigate through the layers of discussion surrounding Bibi's tenure.

In addition to examining Bibi's political strategies and personal motivations, we'll tackle pressing questions about accountability for past events and speculate on alternate scenarios.

I’ll also provide an overview of the latest news stories out of Israel, with an emphasis on what we Israelis are actually talking about.

Finally, I’ll answer your questions about the IDF’s discovery of fifty tunnels connecting Egypt to Gaza, and the process for foreigners interested in joining the Israeli army.

Inside Israel is recorded live each week. Sign up for Joel’s newsletter at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast to receive the link for live broadcasts.

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Gaza and Nature Both

Sat, 18 May 2024 18:00:36 GMT

One of the fundamental principles of science is "horror vacui" – nature abhors a vacuum. Essentially, this idea states that if there is an empty space, nature will fill it; no void remains unfilled.

Sadly, we’ve witnessed this principle in action in Gaza over recent days, as IDF troops have been forced to return to areas like Zeitoun and Jabaliya that they had previously cleared out. This is because in the vacuum left behind after the fighting, Hamas has moved back in.

This week, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appeared on national television, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to implement a post-operation plan for governing the Gazan neighborhoods the IDF had cleared. Gallant made it clear that by not doing so, Israel inadvertently leaves a vacuum that Hamas could exploit, jeopardizing Israel's national security.

Netanyahu was angered by being publicly called out, especially by someone within his own party. However, after the accidental death of five soldiers in Gaza, the Israeli public realizes the lack of a post-operation plan to fill the vacuum has real consequences, not only for Gazans but for Israelis themselves.

On today's episode of Inside Israel, we'll discuss the vacuum in Gaza, including the reasons why it has not been addressed yet, and potential options for filling it moving forward. I'll also provide updates on the latest news coming out of Israel and answer any questions you may have.

You can watch a video recording of this podcast at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast. This is also where you can sign up to receive links for the live weekly Inside Israel webinar.

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Bonus Episode: Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and Gil z’’l

Mon, 13 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Day of Remembrance, is entirely different from Memorial Day in America. To be frank, I'm disheartened by what American Memorial Day has become – a day of sales, barbecues, and trips to the beach or pool.

In Israel, Yom Hazikaron is the saddest day of the year, and this year, in the aftermath of October 7th, it will be even more somber.

In this special episode, I'll explain how Israelis commemorate our Memorial Day and why it differs so greatly from America's. I'll also present arguments for why this year's Yom Hazikaron may or may not be the most difficult one yet.

Finally, I'll share how every single Israeli knows at least one soldier who has been killed in battle or training. For me, that soldier was Gil Sharabi, of blessed memory, the younger brother of a former staff member at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin.

You can watch the video recording of this episode at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

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We’ll Always Have Paris

Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In our recent book, "Israel 201," Benji Lovitt and I explore the unique bond that exists among Israelis. Living in Israel, it often feels like you're part of one big family – where everyone knows each other and has no problem getting involved in one another's affairs. While this level of social intimacy has its downsides, there are also benefits, and this past week I experienced one of them firsthand: the incredible ability Israelis have to connect with each other, even total strangers, through intimate and authentic conversation.

On this week's episode of Inside Israel, I describe a conversation I had a few nights ago with my new friend Yehudah. He's a 45-year-old pediatric orthopedist with 8 kids of his own and a native of Jerusalem, where he currently lives. As fate would have it, we each found ourselves trapped overnight at Paris' Charles De Gaulle Airport during our respective journeys from Tel Aviv to New York. We ended up discussing politics, our families, and most importantly, our visions for the future of Israel in a way you might not expect strangers to, yet in a manner that's uniquely Israeli.

I'll also analyze the latest news out of Israel and how Israelis are reacting, plus, as always, answer your questions.

To watch video of this episode, get links to future broadcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

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Where the Fish Pisses

Thu, 02 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT

One of my favorite Hebrew expressions is eifo hadag mashtin – “where the fish pisses.” Israelis use it to describe a situation in which a particular action or behavior comes back to harm you. This expression mirrors how Israelis perceive the current anti-Israel protests unfolding on college campuses in North America. Many believe that these universities, communities, and even the US Democratic party may eventually regret their support of radical Islamic fundamentalists, particularly Hamas.

Today, we’ll explore three narratives that illustrate the concept of well-meaning actions leading to unintended consequences. Additionally, I'll delve into the significant news stories from Israel and how these events impact the lives of ordinary Israelis. Plus, I'll be addressing your questions.

For more information about Inside Israel or to listen to past episodes, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast. You can also find podcast clips on Instagram at www.instagram.com/joelchasnoff (or handle @joelchasnoff).

If you’re enjoying Inside Israel, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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In Every Generation

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:07:25 GMT

As a child, I attended Camp Ramah in Wisconsin with Jon Polin. Today, Jon’s son, Hersh Polin Goldberg, has become the face of over 100 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. When Hamas released a video featuring Hersh earlier this week, it resonated deeply within Israeli society.

Today on Inside Israel, we’ll delve into why Hamas chose to release this video, focusing on Hersh, and why they did so at this particular moment. We'll also discuss how Israelis are observing this Passover, which is markedly different from previous years. Additionally, we'll explore the prospects for an Israeli incursion into Rafah and the potential for an upcoming conflict with Hezbollah.

As always, you can listen to the Inside Israel podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To receive links to live broadcasts of Inside Israel, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcasts.

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“Who Knows 133?”: In Retrospect

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:41:00 GMT

With 133 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, next week’s Passover seder will be unlike any other. In today’s episode, we talk about ways to make Israel and the plight of the hostages part of our Seder – from setting an empty chair and plate at the table to tying a yellow ribbon on each kiddush cup and reciting the Acheinu prayer for hostages at the table. We also discuss Israel’s so-far-non-response response to last week’s unprecedented Iranian talk on Israeli soil and a groundbreaking discovery by Tel Aviv University researchers about the link between heart attacks and the growth of cancer. As always, you can see the video recording of this episode at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast. That’s also where you’ll find a link to download the Passover 5784 PDF Supplement Joel created with his Israel 201 co-author Benji Lovitt.

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Special Edition: Iran Attacks

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 02:44:50 GMT

Last night, Iran unleashed an unprecedented attack on Israel. In the end, more than 99% of the more than 300 drones and cruise and ballistic missiles were intercepted before reaching Israel. But many questions still remain. For example: Did Iran truly intend to inflict damage on Israeli military and civilian targets, or was the attack merely symbolic? How Israel respond? And what are Israelis talking about today, 24 hours later? I’ll explain how Israelis prepared for the imminent attack and what they’re saying now that it’s over. If, indeed, it is over – many in Israel believe that the conflict is just beginning. To learn more about Inside Israel and my recent book Israel 201, or to download my Passover 2024 PDF supplement, visit www.joelchasnoff.com.

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Sweet Little Lies

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:53:13 GMT

In today’s episode, we delve into the topic of lying and lies. We'll explore the everyday lies Israelis tell themselves to get going in the mornings, the growing dissatisfaction with the current prime minister over perceived dishonesty, and the frustration with the widespread blame on Israel for the Gaza conflict, despite Hamas's role in initiating it on October 7th. We'll also discuss Israeli perspectives on the ongoing PR battle, evolving attitudes towards hostage negotiations, and how we're planning to celebrate Passover during these challenging times. Remember, you can catch the video recording of this episode at www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast.

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This Time It’s Personal

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT

How and why the war in Gaza and ongoing hostage crisis aren’t merely news events for the average Israeli, but are so deeply personal; no more funding for Yeshivas whose students don’t serve in the IDF; remembering fallen Egoz soldier Sivan Weil z’’l.

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Explained: Daniel Kahneman z’’l

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In our first “Explained” episode of Inside Israel, we’ll talk about Dr. Daniel Kahneman, z’’l. In 2002, Kahneman won the Nobel Prize in economics for his work with longtime collaborator Amos Teversky at Hebrew U. I’ll explain why their work is more relevant today than ever, both in the world at large and with respect to Israel’s current war against Hamas in Gaza.

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"Sorry I Was Kidnapped!"

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Sara Netanyahu puts her foot in her mouth (again); muted-down Purim celebrations across Israel; a tribute to the late Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman.

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"I Don’t Roll on Shabbos"

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Breaking the Sabbath to save a life; Tishrei 24; to call or not to call women soldiers “girls.”

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Parallel Lives

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Two versions of the same Israeli reality; a General calls out Bibi; the Sa’ar-Gantz split.

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The A** Between You and Me

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Questioning assumptions about post-October 7 Israel; Gantz flies under the radar; who’s Boogie?

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The More Things Change

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Election status quo; mothers take on IDF officers; a step closer to ultra-Orthodox conscription.

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The Messenger is the Message

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Reading between the lines in the Middle East; tensions on the Temple Mount; Biden called Netanyahu an a-hole…should we care?

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Who Knows Two?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Exploring the idea of “two Israels”; a daring hostage rescue in Gaza; Harvard hosts a blatantly anti-semitic United Nations official.

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Cloudy with a Chance of Missiles

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Forecasts for an impending war with Hezbollah; Netanyahu’s hostage deal conundrum; an interview with Dorit Admony about grassroots support for IDF troops on the ground.

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The Answer is Both

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Israeli soldiers need our help, or do they?; Israel on trial at the Hague; the outlook for summer teen trips to Israel.

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Delta

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Buffer zone in Gaza; increasing support for a hostage deal; Joel returns home to Ra’anana.

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My Soul Has Come Back Home

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Terror attack in Ra’anana; societal split on hostage policy; Joel prepares to return home to Israel.

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Follow the, Wait, What Leaders?

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The overlooked role of Combat Engineers; tone deaf hostage talk; Joel shoots himself in the foot.

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Exit Right, or Joel Reneges

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Reservists comed home; tensions in the North; Netanyahu plays politics with the war.

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Enter the Unexpecteds

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

A bereaved mother expresses forgiveness; yet another piece of overlooked intelligence; inside the heads of 18-24-year-old Americans.

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I Cannot Go Home

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Jabalia redux; the tragic shooting of three escaped hostages; IDF officers open up to Joel’s wife Dorit in their Ra’anana home.

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The War Hits Home

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Joel’s child is called up for military reserve duty; the Hostage question, re-examined; a soldier that Joel had interviewed for his book, “Israel 201,” is killed in Gaza.

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The Flood

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT

The gap between President Biden’s call for a Two-State Solution and the sentiment of Israelis on the street; the likelihood that the IDF will flood Hamas’ underground tunnel network; anti-Israel protestors in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

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Wild West Bank

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Hilltop Youth in the Wild West Bank; speculation on why numerous Israeli female hostages have yet to be released; how you can help Israel by picking fruits and vegetables.

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Magical Thinking

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

How the 2006 kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit influences how Israelis think about the release of Palestinian prisoners; the future of Israel’s Arab-Israeli population; how Israelis employ magical thinking when assessing IDF casualties in battle.

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Bibi Goes South

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

The IDF takes control of the Hamas Parliament building in central Gaza; how Facebook’s business model leads to anti-Israel content; Netanyahu finally meets with the mayors of Israel’s southern communities.

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Gaza Underground

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

How Israel may or may not destroy Hamas’ tunnel network; the hostage-combat debate at the heart of the IDF’s ground operation in Gaza; Israelis are shocked by anti-Semitism around the world.

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We Knew

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Israel’s intelligence failure; the benchmark for large military excursions into Gaza; ways to support Israel financially.

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Israel and Jewish Ed.

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

An Israeli hostage shakes hands with her Hamas captor upon being released; Israeli schoolchildren drill for potential missile attacks; what it says about Jewish education that Jewish day school students want to hear more about the Palestinian side of the war in Gaza.

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Together as One

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Israeli volunteerism; humor makes its way back onto Israeli airwaves; does Israel have a PR problem?

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Trailer

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

On Inside Israel, host Joel Chasnoff analyzes the most recent news out of Israel and explains how this news affects the lives of ordinary Israelis. Get an up-close look at what life in Israel is really like, behind the headlines, by meeting the stories and people that never make it into mainstream North American media.

Each episode of Inside Israel is recorded with a live online audience, allowing Joel to answer your questions in real time. For more information, visit joelchasnoff.com/podcast

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