For the Love of Zion

For years, Einat Wilf warned the world: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was never about borders. It wasn’t about settlements. It wasn’t about occupation. It was about one thing—the refusal to accept a Jewish state in any part of the land.This week on For the Love of Zion, Joe and Shahaf sit down with one of Israel’s most fearless and brilliant voices to talk about everything the world got wrong—and what it will take to finally get it right.Dr. Wilf, a former Israeli lawmaker and author of The War of Return, has spent two decades exposing how international institutions, especially UNRWA, have sustained not peace—but the illusion of peace—by funding the dream of Israel’s destruction. That dream shattered on October 7. But it didn’t start there. And it won’t end there—unless we confront it.This is not a conversation about geopolitics. It’s about ideology. About a century-long war against Jewish self-determination. About the global campaign to cast Zionism—the Jewish people’s liberation movement—as colonialism, racism, even genocide. And about the only path to peace: killing the lie.

What happens when a nation already divided is plunged into the worst trauma in its history? How does a journalist navigate war when her own children are on the front lines?This week, we sit down with Tal Schneider, the political and diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, to discuss the state of Israel in the wake of October 7th. A veteran reporter with a career spanning decades, Tal has covered everything from Israel’s political chaos to its foreign policy, and she brings a deeply personal perspective to the current crisis.We talk about:🔹 Covering war while being the mother of two IDF soldiers.🔹 The transformation of Israeli civil society and its response to government dysfunction.🔹 Why so many Israelis feel disconnected from their leadership—and what that means for the country’s future.🔹 The global media’s failures in reporting the war and what Israelis actually think about Gaza.🔹 The shifting relationship between Israel and the Diaspora—why the last 18 months have reshaped how Israelis view Jews abroad.And we end with a call to action: What can the Diaspora really do to support Israel beyond fundraising?A gripping, deeply human conversation about a country forever changed.📌 Support the hostages: Hostages and Missing Families Forum📌 Learn more: Times of Israel

We sit down with Yehuda Setton, CEO of the Jewish Agency for Israel, to discuss the evolving relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, the role of the Jewish Agency in global Jewish life, and the unprecedented challenges facing Jewish communities today.A former Shaliach (Israeli emissary) himself, Yehuda shares how his experience abroad transformed his outlook on Zionism, Jewish unity, and the importance of strengthening Jewish identity worldwide. From crisis response to fostering community resilience, this conversation is a deep dive into the urgent work of ensuring a thriving Jewish future.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ What the Jewish Agency actually does and how it operates in 66+ countries.✅ How October 7th and global antisemitism are reshaping Jewish priorities.✅ The importance of Shlichut (Israeli emissaries) in connecting Jews worldwide.✅ Why Jewish communities must actively engage in rebuilding Israel today.✅ The role of immersive Israel experiences in strengthening Jewish identity.✅ How to shift perceptions of the Jewish Agency from “bureaucracy” to impact-driven innovation.Quotes to Remember:💬 “The Jewish Agency is the guardian angel of Israel and the Jewish people. Wherever there is a crisis, we are there.” – Yehuda Setton💬 “For the first time in millennia, most of the world’s Jews will soon live in Israel. That changes everything.” – Joe Roberts💬 “Israel needs the Jewish people today more than ever. We must show we are not alone.” – Yehuda SettonResources Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Learn about the Jewish Agency’s global impact – Read MoreInspired by this conversation?1️⃣ Subscribe to For the Love of Zion on your favorite podcast platform.2️⃣ Share this episode to highlight the work of the Jewish Agency and the importance of Jewish unity.3️⃣ Get involved in your local Jewish community and connect with Israel.

This week on For the Love of Zion, we sit down with Eyal Yakoby, a rising advocate against campus radicalism and antisemitism. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Eyal shares his experiences combating anti-Israel rhetoric and extremism at one of America’s most prestigious universities. From speaking before Congress to initiating legal action against his alma mater, Eyal’s story is one of courage, advocacy, and a commitment to Jewish and Zionist values.This powerful discussion dives into the systemic issues within academia, the challenges of addressing antisemitism in higher education, and Eyal’s vision for a united and proactive Jewish community.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The state of antisemitism on college campuses before and after October 7, 2023.✅ The role of university administrations in perpetuating or addressing extremism.✅ Insights into legal action and federal oversight of academic institutions.✅ Eyal’s personal journey from a secular Jewish student to a vocal advocate for Zionism.✅ How social media plays a role in the fight against misinformation and hate.Quotes to Remember:💬 “Never Again isn’t a guarantee—it’s a goal we have to achieve through action.” – Eyal Yakoby💬 “The name Ivy League is meaningless if education is replaced by activism.” – Eyal Yakoby💬 “Jews are the canary in the coal mine. When society turns on Jews, it turns on freedom.” – Eyal YakobyResources Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Learn about the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism – Read Here🎥 Register for the Tulsa screening of October Hate – Sign Up Here📑 Read Sarah Hirshhorn’s article on the paradigm shift post-October 7 – Read HereCall to Action:If you enjoyed this episode:1️⃣ Subscribe to For the Love of Zion on your favorite podcast platform.2️⃣ Share this episode to spark conversations about Zionism and combating antisemitism.3️⃣ Leave us a review to help us reach more listeners passionate about Israel and Jewish identity.

On this week’s episode of For the Love of Zion, Joe Roberts and Shahaf Feinkuchen sit down with renowned Middle East analyst and educator Avi Melamed. With over 40 years of professional experience and a deep understanding of the region, Avi provides a nuanced and apolitical analysis of the seismic shifts in the Middle East following October 7, 2023.This thought-provoking conversation covers the state of the Middle East today, the challenges of Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the importance of education in navigating these complex realities. Avi also shares insights about his work with Inside the Middle East and his upcoming visit to Tulsa.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The aftermath of October 7 and the disintegration of the Axis of Resistance.✅ The future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, including the relevance of the two-state solution.✅ The role of Arab states and international players in shaping the region’s future.✅ How education can combat polarization and misinformation about the Middle East.✅ Insights into Avi’s North American tour and his mission to improve Middle East education.Quotes to Remember:💬 “To understand Israel and the conflict, you must understand the Middle East.” – Avi Malamed💬 “Out-of-the-box thinking is the name of the game for progress in the region.” – Avi Malamed💬 “Education is the scaffolding for constructive dialogue and understanding.” – Avi MalamedResources Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Avi Melamed’s latest book: Inside the Middle East: Making Sense of the Most Dangerous and Complicated Region on Earth – Buy on Amazon🌐 Inside the Middle East (ITME) website and fellowship program – Learn More📅 Register for Avi Melamed’s Tulsa Event (January 22–23) – Sign Up HereIf you Enjoyed this Episode:1️⃣ Subscribe to For the Love of Zion wherever you get your podcasts.2️⃣ Share this episode with your community to promote a better understanding of the Middle East.3️⃣ Leave us a review to help others find the podcast and join the conversation.This episode is proudly brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, dedicated to strengthening the connection between Israel and the Diaspora.

Welcome to The Love of Zion, the podcast where bold ideas and inspiring voices come together to explore the heart of Zionism, Israel, and the Jewish future. In this trailer, get a glimpse of the conversations to come—discussions that will challenge, inspire, and deepen your connection to Israel and the Jewish people.Starting in January, we’ll bring you weekly episodes featuring thought leaders, advocates, and visionaries tackling the most pressing issues facing Israel and global Jewry. From strengthening diaspora-Israel relations to combating delegitimization, The Love of Zion is your source for meaningful dialogue and unapologetic support for Israel.Subscribe now and join us on this journey. Full episodes begin January!