About this episode

Melissa Brodsky discusses historical narratives and propaganda related to Israel and the Jewish people.

In this episode of IsraelCast , host Steven Shalowitz welcomes independent writer and researcher Melissa Brodsky, author of The Lioness Writes on Substack. Known for her meticulous use of primary sources and documented evidence, Melissa explores the historical blind spots, propaganda networks, and modern-day narratives shaping how Israel and the Jewish people are discussed today. This episode dives into lesser-known chapters of Jewish and Israeli history, including the displacement of Jews from Arab lands, Soviet influence on Palestinian nationalism, and the selective moral outrage often directed at Israel by countries such as Ireland and Spain. They also discuss the dangers of historical ignorance, the rise of antisemitic rhetoric online and on campuses, and the importance of confronting misinformation with facts. The conversation also turns personal, as Melissa reflects on losing friends after October 7, navigating online hate, and building communities of truth-seekers and allies. From Jewish pirates in Jamaica to the enduring lessons of history, this episode is a powerful reminder that knowing the past is essential to understanding the present. Melissa Brodsky is an…

People in this episode

Host: Steven Shalowitz

Guest: Melissa Brodsky

Topics covered

• history
• propaganda
• antisemitism
• Jewish identity
• Israel
• narratives

Keywords

• Israel
• Jewish history
• propaganda
• antisemitism
• narratives
• Melissa Brodsky
• historical ignorance
• October 7

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Lioness Writes

Places: Israel, Ireland, Spain, Jamaica

More episodes of IsraelCast

• Changing the Narrative: Rawan Osman's Journey · July 8, 2026 · 57 min
• Judge Roy K. Altman on History, Evidence, and the Law · June 24, 2026 · 50 min
• Strength After Survival: Sarri Singer on Trauma, Healing, and Resilience · May 27, 2026 · 51 min
• War, Intelligence, and the Future of Israel: A Conversation with Yaakov Katz · May 13, 2026 · 51 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the IsraelCast podcast page.