The recently appointed CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia Alon Cassuto is responsible for leading the organisation through the most challenging times being faced by Australia’s Jewish community. Cassuto is an accomplished lawyer and management consultant. Born and raised in Jerusalem, the former youth movement madrich (leader), AUJS and Israel Programs leader, and Chair of the Young Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (YAICC), Cassuto embodies the spirit of activism and advocacy that is at the core of the ZFA’s mission. (0:41-34:55) COGAT (Coordinator of the Government Activities in the Territories) is the official Israeli unit tasked with the coordination and facilitation of humanitarian initiatives to assist the civilian population in Gaza and is doing so in coordination with the international community. I spoke with Shimon Freedman, who is a COGAT spokesperson for international media. (34:56-56:37) Australia's deluded foreign minister Wong responding to a question from an ABC interviewer by totally avoiding an answer, instead uttering a bunch of weasel words and then seeing the ABC interviewer not bothering to ask for a proper answer to the question.   (56:37-58:22)

Born in Tel Aviv and educated at UCLA and Columbia College in Chicago, Duki Dror Darwish is an internationally award-winning documentary filmmaker.  His extensive body of work spreads over multiple topics and forms - character-driven journeys, experiment biographies, investigative docs, and historical epics, have won him international recognition and success. His latest production is about the Nova Music Festival Massacre.

Understanding the world is harder than ever. There is too much information, too much propaganda, and too much virtue signalling. Moral Clarity: Truths in Politics and Culture is a vehicle to speak truth to nonsense. Nachum Kaplan holds a degree in politics from Monash University in his native Australia and has spent 30 years working as a journalist, commentator, and C-suite media strategist to Fortune 500 companies. 

Born in Tel Aviv and educated at UCLA and Columbia College in Chicago, Duki Dror Darwish is an internationally award-winning documentary filmmaker.  His extensive body of work spreads over multiple topics and forms - character-driven journeys, experiment biographies, investigative docs, and historical epics, have won him international recognition and success. His latest production is about the Nova Music Festival Massacre. (0:37-29:45) Understanding the world is harder than ever. There is too much information, too much propaganda, and too much virtue signalling. Moral Clarity: Truths in Politics and Culture is a vehicle to speak truth to nonsense. Nachum Kaplan holds a degree in politics from Monash University in his native Australia and has spent 30 years working as a journalist, commentator, and C-suite media strategist to Fortune 500 companies. (29:52-58:16) [Separate full length versions of each of these interviews are available].

ABC radio presenter Rafi Epstein toeing the line at the ABC.

𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 - is the acting Head of Philanthropy for the Victor Smorgon Group and the Founder of Impact Outfit, a family office advisory group. She has just returned from a trip to Israel. Lillian is passionate about working with individual investors and family offices to help them align their personal values with their philanthropic and business interests. Lillian was the inaugural director of the Pathways to Politics Program for Women at Melbourne University and the former development director at Stand Up, a Jewish social justice organisation. (0:56-19:53) 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐳𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐡𝐮 - works with the Eshkol Regional Council, which consists of 32 communities along the Israeli border between Israel and Gaza. She was a guest speaker at the United Israel Appeal’s gala event recently. She is working directly with the regional Mayor to develop the region’s response to the incredible trauma they have endured. Her message is inspirational amidst the intense pain and suffering she was bearing personally and communally. (23:19-33:36) 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬. 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢 at an IDSF briefing discussed his meeting with the US State Department and a shocking accusation about IDF soldiers in Gaza. He also bemoaned the US-Israel relationship following the US abstaining in a vote by the UN Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza. (33:36-57:42)

Israel had to change its entry for Eurovision because its original selection 'October Rain' was deemed to be too political. Now Eden Golan will be singing 'Hurricane' and I spoke with Israeli Eurovision expert Amir Alon about Israel's prospects at Eurovision 2024. Alon Amir was slated to be a judge before the Estonian pre-Eurovision contest, a position he has held multiple times, but was rescinded the offer due to being Israeli. (0:38-27:34) Dr. Laura Wharton, originally from the U.S., received a B.A.from Harvard University before immigrating to Israel. She served in the IDF, was a member of Kibbutz Kfar Blum, and completed a doctorate at the Hebrew University, where she now teaches. Laura is and has been very politically active, was on the Meretz party list for the Knesset and today is a member of Jerusalem's City Council. (27:41-58:14)

Dr. Dan Diker is president of the Jerusalem Centre for Public Affairs and a Senior Fellow and longtime Director of the Counter-Political Warfare Project at the Jerusalem Center, former Secretary-General of the World Jewish Congress and Research Fellow of the International Institute for Counter Terrorism at Reichman University (formerly IDC, Herzliya). We will discuss the latest issues emerging that are affecting the progress of Israel's war in Gaza. (00:53-26:15) Daniel Lewkovitz is a security expert and the mastermind behind a new documentary in the making "Where's the Jews?", covering what took place at a hateful rally outside the Sydney Opera House on Oct 9th. It includes never before seen high quality (4K) footage from the Opera House, speeches and images which are shocking, highlighting how this rally was poorly handled by the police, which is symptomatic of a serious malaise in our society. ​(26:22-58:09)

Joseph Braude is a Middle East scholar and author, who is the founder and president of the Centre for Peace Communications, which works through media, schools, and centres of spiritual and moral leadership in the Middle East and North Africa to roll back divisive ideologies and foster a mindset of inclusion and engagement. A year ago I spoke to Joseph about a major initiative of the Centre for Peace Communications, an animated series “Whispered in Gaza” which depicts Gazans from all walks of life sharing their stories, struggles, and hopes for the future. This week we will speak about the amplification of the voices of Gazans who are critical of Hamas. 

Gidi Grinstein is an Israeli societal entrepreneur. He is the founder of the Reut Group), a non-partisan not-for-profit research, strategy and leadership group. He helped to found TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers, a global nonprofit that aids the disabled, elderly and poor. Gidi has been involved in peacemaking in the Middle East region since 1995 and is able to offer his astute insights into how we arrived at the events of October 7, where we stand now, and what current and future negotiators need to know. Grinstein is the co-author of the book, (In)Sights: Peacemaking in the Oslo Process Thirty Years and Counting, which chronicles the past three decades of the peace-making process and outlines a path forward.

Gidi Grinstein is an Israeli societal entrepreneur. He is the founder of the Reut Group), a non-partisan not-for-profit research, strategy and leadership group. He helped to found TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers, a global nonprofit that aids the disabled, elderly and poor. Gidi has been involved in peacemaking in the Middle East region since 1995 and is able to offer his astute insights into how we arrived at the events of October 7, where we stand now, and what current and future negotiators need to know. Grinstein is the co-author of the book, (In)Sights: Peacemaking in the Oslo Process Thirty Years and Counting, which chronicles the past three decades of the peace-making process and outlines a path forward. Last week I played the first part of my extensive interview with Gidi Grinstein and this week listeners can hear the second part of it. (0:37-29:47) Joseph Braude is a Middle East scholar and author, who is the founder and president of the Centre for Peace Communications, which works through media, schools, and centres of spiritual and moral leadership in the Middle East and North Africa to roll back divisive ideologies and foster a mindset of inclusion and engagement. A year ago I spoke to Joseph about a major initiative of the Centre for Peace Communications, an animated series “Whispered in Gaza” which depicts Gazans from all walks of life sharing their stories, struggles, and hopes for the future. This week we will speak about the amplification of the voices of Gazans who are critical of Hamas. (29:54-58:03)

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒛𝒂 𝑾𝒂𝒓 (Lessons from Oslo) Gidi Grinstein is an Israeli societal entrepreneur. He is the founder of the Reut Group), a non-partisan not-for-profit research, strategy and leadership group. He helped to found TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers, a global nonprofit that aids the disabled, elderly and poor. He has been involved in peacemaking in the Middle East region since 1995 and is able to offer his astute insights into how we arrived at the events of October 7, where we stand now, and what current and future negotiators need to know. Grinstein is the co-author of the book, (In)Sights: Peacemaking in the Oslo Process Thirty Years and Counting, which chronicles the past three decades of the peace-making process and outlines a path forward.This interview will be in two parts, with the second part to be broadcast next week. (1:05-29:28) ABC questions Islamic leader This year, the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in Australia is being overshadowed by the Israel-Gaza war. In Australia, anger at the ongoing conflict has now sparked a boycott, with Muslim community groups pulling out of an annual dinner with the Victorian Premier. Listen to the guest on ABC RN Breakfast who was Adel Salman, the president of the Islamic Council of Victoria. (30:11-39:40) David Adler (AJA) Muslim organisations motives in cancelling Iftar events. The presumptious, pretentious and pompous Jewish Council of Australia Visa program bring large numbers of Palestinian refugees from Gaza into Australia.  (39:40-57:41)

Sarah Leah Whitson is the Executive Director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN). Previously, she served as executive director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa Division from 2004 – 2020, overseeing the work of the division in 19 countries, with staff located in 10 countries. She has led dozens of advocacy and investigative missions throughout the region, focusing on issues of armed conflict, accountability, legal reform, migrant workers, and human rights.  Professor Kobi Michael is a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute. His primary research interests are conflict resolution, strategy, national security, civil-military relations, failed states and peace keeping and state building operations, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He once served as the deputy director general and head of the Palestinian desk at the Ministry for Strategic Affairs. In the spirit of promoting dialogue I hosted a discussion with these two protagonists about a recent article that was published in the Australian media 'The two-state solution has failed. A true democracy is the Middle East’s only hope' by Sarah Leah Whitson.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is an American economist and public policy analyst, professor at Columbia University, where he was former director of The Earth Institute. He is known for his work on sustainable development, economic development, and the fight to end poverty. We locked horns over Israel's war in Gaza. (0:50-26:42) An excerpt from a Times of Israel podcast What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Clashing visions of victory with senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur considering what might transpire after the war. (26:42-34:05) Joshua Hoffman is a 35-year-old Los Angeles native and long-time entrepreneur, living in Tel Aviv since 2013.  He has written three books and founded IZZY the online Israeli streaming service.  Currently, he leads a nimble team of researchers and guest writers who are dedicated to bringing you the best of Judaism, Israel, and the Jewish world on a daily basis. (36:34-58:14)

There has been much happening in Australia related to the Israel-Gaza war with a policy investigation suggesting that 'Gas the Jews' was not uttered at the infamous protest outside the Sydney Opera House on Oct 9th and the arrest now of two men in Melbourne for the Burgertory arson attack in November. Yesterday an article appeared in the Fairfax/Nine newspapers  'As Jews, we don’t accept that criticism of Israel’s government is antisemitic', written by two Jews connected with the newly convened Jewish Council of Australia.  Former Labor senator Nova Peris has launched a campaign to reclaim the Aboriginal flag from the war in Gaza.  Anti-Israel activists have fallen out bitterly over claims there are too many white people advocating for Gaza in their ranks.  I will also be interviewing Michelle Blum, chief Executive Officer for the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (NSW), who will expound on Israel business/innovation resilience stories going under the radar in this current climate dominated by the Israel-Gaza war. (28:20-58:07)

Professor Edward Luttwak is an American author known for his works on grand stategy, military strategy, geoeconomics, military history, and international relations. We discuss his article Israel is still winning the political war and hear his views on how Biden might tackle Iran following the drone attack in Jordan that killed 3 American service-men and wounded dozens of others.  We also discussed his book The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces and heard about some of the innovative strategies that have moulded the IDF into a force to be reckoned with.

Professor Edward Luttwak is an American author known for his works on grand stategy, military strategy, geoeconomics, military history, and international relations. We discuss his article Israel is still winning the political war and hear his views on how Biden might tackle Iran following the drone attack in Jordan that killed 3 American service-men and wounded dozens of others. (00:41-28:05) Following allegations of UNRWA employees participating in the Oct 7 massacre, many countries have decided to freeze the organization's funds. How could this impact UNRWA's activity and legitimacy? What should Israel do in light of these disconcerting findings? Dr. Adi Schwartz is a specialist in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and spoke at a media briefing. He is a research fellow at the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism, and the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy. He co-authored with Dr. Einat Wilf The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace. (28:12-58:04)

Independent Senator David Pocock tells me how he perceives the Israel-Gaza war, bemoaning the loss of civilian life in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and approving of the move by South Africa to take Israel to the ICJ for a judgement on whether Israel is committing genocide 

Supporters of Israel have found themselves under pressure as Israel's war with Hamas continues. The legitimacy of Israel's efforts to eliminate Hamas and the right to defend itself after the barbaric atrocity of October 7 are being questioned. Independent Senator David Pocock tells me how he perceives the Israel-Gaza war. This is just an excerpt of the full podcast of the interview with the senator. (1:13-5:47) A former Labor minister DrMichael Kelly and former NSW treasurer Eric Roozendaal are leading a new initiative to counter misguided attitudes towards ­Israel “from people who claim to be progressive” – including blaming the nation for collective punishment of Palestinians.  The newly minted Labor Friends of Israel aims to provide ­“salient facts” about the conflict, counter misinformation and combat support for Hamas among “progressives”.(5:53-33:11) Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace, the deputy chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence & Security and chair of the Israel Allies Caucus in Australia, has condemned Penny Wong for failing to visit the sites where the atrocity of October 7 took place. (33:54-57:33)

Raheel Raza is president of The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow, author of the book ‘Their Jihad – Not My Jihad’ and an award-winning journalist, public speaker, and activist for human rights.  She is recipient of Canada’s Sesquicentennial commemorative medal for ‘exceptional contributions to Canada’, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for service to Canada and the Museum of Tolerance Medal of Valor.  Most importantly she is heads the Council of Muslims Against Antisemitism that on Oct 7th strongly and unreservedly condemned the murderous attack on Israel and its civilian population by the terrorist organization Hamas backed by Iran. (0:45-37:24) Or Yissachar is a national security researcher and team lead in the Israeli high-tech industry, leading the Research Department of the Israel Defence and Security Forum (IDSF). Or Yissachar shared his idea of what might happen the day after Hamas is defeated. (37:30-57:15)

Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP for Higgins in Victoria spoke at a pro-Israel rally in Kings Domain in Melbourne. Michelle Ananda-Rajah and another Labor MP Josh Burns are currently touring Israel with Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham, visiting the site of a Hamas massacre that took place on 7 October. (1:22-6:52) Dr Jason Thomas is the director of Frontier Assessments. He specialises in geo-political, field-based assessments in complex operating environments to assist with due-diligence, capital raising, feasibility studies and early works of major projects and humanitarian operations.(6:52-26:29) Arnold Roth, whose daughter died in the Sbarro pizzeria bombing over 20 years ago, has now sadly lost his son-in-law Naftali Gordon, who was killed on the battlefield in Gaza late last week. I spoke with Arnold just hours before Naftali Gordon's funeral. (26:35-58:49)

Rabbi James Kennard, principal of of Melbourne’s largest Jewish school, Mount Scopus Memorial College, said that pro-Palestine rallies have left the Jewish community feeling vulnerable and unsafe and "there is every reason to fear that young people attending a School Strike for Palestine would be exposed to the current surge in antisemitism, thereby increasing the division and even violence in the community.” (1:03-29:07) Lt. Col. (res) Maurice Hirsch is the Director of the Initiative for Palestinian Authority Accountability and Reform in the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA) and the former Director of the Military Prosecution for Judea and Samaria. We discussed an appalling ABC podcast on the topic 'The economies of Gaza and Israel' from 'The Money' program that paints a false picture that Israel is responsible for ruining Gaza's economy. (29:14-58:27)

Aharon Ariel-Lavi is a rabbi, economist and community builder and a thinker who believes Judaism can inspire and inform all walks of life. He lives with his wife and their five children in Garin Shuva a “Jewish eco-mission-driven community” on the Gaza border. Aharon is also working to identify elements in the moderate Muslim world that oppose extreme Islamist ideologies. (0:58-31:24) Melbourne-based author and journalist Julie Szego wrote a searing and straight from the soul article 'The vanishing of October 7'. Author, mentor, writing teacher and speaker Lee Kofman masterminded the initiative Jews4Humanity, an open letter signed by Jewish creatives, academics and allies. I spoke with them both about their response to what has followed the Hamas atrocity inflicted on Israel on Oct 7th. (31:31-57:54)

Students on university campuses are facing unprecedented attacks from anti-Israel elements that have come out in force following the outbreak of Israel’s war in Gaza.  Ilan Sinelnikov is the founder and president of the international Students Supporting Israel movement, a speaker, blogger, and a coach on the topics of Israel, campus advocacy, and grassroots activism. (1:02-24:52) I also covered the Greens idiotic stunt in the Senate when they walked out to protest the Labor Government's support for Israel in its war against Hamas (24:59-34:12), played a chilling audio clip from a dentist who had the gruesome job of identifying the mutilated bodies of Israelis after the Hamas massacre (34:35-39:04) and caught a media briefing on Israel's strategy going forward in its campaign to destroy Hamas (39:11-54:55)

ProfessorAvi Bell, an Israeli Professor of Law at the University of San Diego School of Law and at Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Law, affirms that Israel has no obligation to provide anything to Gaza under the current conditions of war and has written Israel has the right — and the duty — to besiege Gaza. In a media briefing Professor Bell provided a comprehensive legal argument that justifies Israel's retaliation against Hamas. (0:41-34:06) Get the facts about the war in #gaza. This war is clearly justified by Hillel Fuld (34:06-39:47) Last Friday night a Vigil for Gaza took place at Federation Square in Melbourne, which is owned by the Victorian government. Preceding the event nine Palestinian flags were raised for the entire day.  I will be speaking with David Southwick MP about this inflammatory action, which has generated much consternation in our Jewish community.(39:47-58:18)

Brent Nagtegaal (Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology) worked alongside the famous Israeli archaeologist Eilat Mazar on all of her excavations in ancient Jerusalem. Now he works at Hebrew University in collaboration with the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, having worked on excavations at the southern wall of the Temple Mount and in the City of David, which have led to the finding of massive Solomonic Period remains, as well as the seal impressions of King Hezekiah of Judah and other personalities in the book of Jeremiah. (1:54-23:03) Proportionality (23:11-27:17) Dr Gedaliah Aftermanis Head of Asia Policy Program, Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations .The Israel-Asia Policy Program is focused on shaping and supporting Israel’s engagement with Asia in the 21st century by providing relevant knowledge and economic diplomacy guidelines, maintaining various communication channels, and forming strategic policies to develop the relationships with countries in the region. (27:23-51:00)

Founded in 2003 by David Lange, Israellycool has become the largest English-language blog in Israel, and one of the largest focused on Israel in the world. It is a project of Israellycool Israel Advocacy, a registered Israeli non-profit. (0:59-37:56) Latest report from ABC 'The World Today' (38:03-42:30) The Australian Greens show their contempt for Israel in our Houses of Parliaments (42:33-45:26) Dave Rubin - American commentator from Sky News (45:26-48:29) Senator James Paterson (48:29-57:36)

Lt. Col. Wurmser responds to a question about opening the Gaza border with Egypt in order to provide an escape route for Gazans wanting to flee the violence. David Wurmser is an American foreign policy specialist. He served as Middle East adviser to former US Vice President Dick Cheney, as special assistant to John Bolton at the State Department and as a research fellow on the Middle East at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He served in the US Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Daniel Seaman is a media professional who has served the Israeli Government in various roles over the past 30 years, including Director of the Government Press Office and most recently as the Deputy Director General for Information at the Israeli Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs. Danny has been an adviser and spokesperson to the governments of six Prime Ministers.  Yael Noy leads an organisation Road to Recovery, the Israeli group established in 2010 that ferries Palestinians, mostly children, from West Bank and Gaza crossing points to hospitals inside Israel and back. It facilitates daily meetings of people from both sides of the border, who are in a bloody and ongoing conflict.

Eran Berkovich is the recently appointed Director of Eastern Europe for the Jewish Agency. I spoke with him about his important role, which inter alia has the responsibility for dealing with the plight of Jews caught up in the war in Ukraine. (0:39-32:25) Screening at JIFF in November will be a work in progress by documentarian Danny Ben-Moshe, who is creating an immersive virtual reality film, which will take the viewer on a journey into the widespread movement in Israel challenging Israel's democratic foundations. (32:32-50:14) B’nai B’rith Melbourne has kicked off the latest series of its popular Armchair Society Current Affairs Discussions. The first session featured the esteemed Greg Sheridan AO, Foreign Editor of the Australian on the topic: 'ISRAEL AND AUSTRALIA – DEMOCRACY IN DANGEROUS TIMES’. I play one question that was posed to Greg Sheridan.  (50:21-57:48)

Eran Berkovich is the recently appointed Director of Eastern Europe for the Jewish Agency. I spoke with him about his important role, which inter alia has the responsibility for dealing with the plight of Jews caught up in the war in Ukraine. (0:39-35:03) Screening at JIFF in November will be a work in progress by documentarian Danny Ben-Moshe, who is creating an immersive virtual reality film, which will take the viewer on a journey into the widespread movement in Israel challenging Israel's democratic foundations. (35:10-52:53) Mike Wagenheim on i24TV summarising the reaction to Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the United Nations General Assembly last week (52:53-58:12)

Approaching Yom Kippur we remember the war that caught Israel by surprise 50 years ago. I spoke with Maj Gen (res) Gershon Hacohen, who wrote an article 'The Yom Kippur War: Much More than an Intelligence Failure' in which he discusses and reflects on the war's significance in Israel's history. (0:36-34:33) Gili Meisler, the brother of Giora, the most talked about Israeli soldier of the Yom Kippur war, who disappeared “missing in action”, has been searching for him and for himself ever since. In this special interview Gili, who is a protagonist for the Parents Circle Family Forum, allowed me to record his story and tell how it has had such a profound influence on him. (34:39-56:32)

Writer and researcher Samuel Hyde is the editor of “We Should All Be Zionists” by Dr. Einat Wilf and is currently co-writing a book with Wilf titled 'Political Intelligence.' He focuses on political theory, Israel’s political climate, conflict resolution, Israel-Africa relations, the education sector, democracy and Middle East affairs. We discussed the viability of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. 

Natasha Hausdorff (UK Lawyers for Israel) and Professor Gregory Rose questioned the purpose and validity of The International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ) enquiry, the objective of which is to establish an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem, which may well be damning of Israel. (0:40-24:54) Writer and researcher Samuel Hyde is the editor of “We Should All Be Zionists” by Dr. Einat Wilf and is currently co-writing a book with Wilf titled 'Political Intelligence.' He focuses on political theory, Israel’s political climate, conflict resolution, Israel-Africa relations, the education sector, democracy and Middle East affairs. We discussed the viability of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (24:54-56:21)

I speak with Ittay Flescher, the educational director for Kids4Peace Jerusalem. Founded in Jerusalem in 2002, Kids4Peace is a global interfaith youth movement, dedicated to ending conflict and inspiring hope in divided societies around the world. They believe youth have the power to bring new questions and new answers to the struggle for peace and justice. (00:34-42:07) In the rest of the show I relate my experience oft last week's WIZO gala event, where I heard Sky journalist Sharri Markson lambast the Labor Party and its leader in particular Anthony Albanese over their handling of the Palestine issue. (42:07-47:29) To finish Gaith Al-Omari, senior fellow in the Washington Institute’s Irwin Levy Family Program on the US-Israel strategic relationship, courtesy of Media Central, ruminates on possible repercussions of recent diplomatic developments in Saudi-Palestinian relations. (47:29-58:14)

The Zionist Federation of Australia annual plenary took place in Sydney at the  weekend. The community was given the opportunity to watch a perceptive discussion featuring Rabbi Dr Donniel Hartman, a distinguished scholar and thought leader, in conversation with ZFA President Jeremy Leibler. (0:47-35:55) Shaya is an Israeli-Moroccan Singer-Songwriter who has been performing around the world for the past 6 years, documenting her journey with her original songs. Throughout her songwriting journey, she writes, composes and passes on her points of view, in an honest, moving and real way where everyone finds themselves connected to her and themselves through her music. (36:00-57:40)

After six years of serving on The Abraham Initiatives’ international board, Dr. Thabet Abu Rass joined as co-CEO in 2014. Dr. Abu Rass has significantly strengthened The Abraham Initiatives’ practical and strategic partnerships with key public and political leaders in Arab society, and advocated programs and directives at the highest levels of government.  His expert knowledge, strategic positioning, and experience in the field have directly impacted the breadth, programmatic impact, and direction of the organization’s work, transforming the landscape of Jewish­-Arab relations in Israel. (0:39-38:09) A committed unionist and former ACTU assistant secretary Michael Borowick is co-national convenor of the Australia Israel Labour Dialogue. We review the outcome of discussion about 'Palestine' at Labor's national conference last week.(40:34-58:14)

Stephen M. Flatow is a father of five whose then 20-year-old daughter, Alisa, died in April 1995 following an Iranian terrorist attack while she was a student in Israel. Stephen has written an article 'Should Israel refer to Australia as occupied Aboriginal territory?', in which he suggests Australia’s Labor government ought to take a look in the mirror before hurling false and insulting accusations at Israel. (1:06-23:08) Senator David Fawcett is a Liberal Senator for South Australia and the Deputy Chair of the Australian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Senator David Fawcett stood up in the parliament last week and asked Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong whether the Albanese Labor government would be changing its position on the legality of Israeli settlements and the language it uses to describe the occupied territories. (23:15-41:59) Ilana Kaplan serves as Boys Town Jerusalem’s Australian development coordinator and she tells us about a very special school. (42:06-58:16)

Dr Ran Porat is an affiliate research associate at the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Monash University and a research associate with the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC). Ran has written an article 'Israeli army moves to centre-stage in judicial reform controversy' and we discuss the effect of the Israeli government's judicial overhaul program on Israelis serving in the IDF. (00:52-28:57) Zoe Daniel MP, the independent federal representative for the seat of Goldstein in Melbourne, caused some controversy by signing an open letter 'Do Better on Palestine' in 2021. She recently returned from a short trip to Israel, her first, as part of a bi-partisan parliamentary delegation. (29:03-42:41) The UK Counter BDS Bill  - Jonathan D.C. Turner, UKLFI Chief Executive, and Natasha Hausdorff, UKLFI Charitable Trust Legal Director, examine some criticisms that have been made of it. (43:26-58:26)

The speech by Gilad Erdan, the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations delivered to yet another UN Security Council briefing on the Middle East on July 27th 2023. (1:05-22:48) Michael Shamir is a former major in the Israeli Air Force who was involved behind the scenes in Operation Opera, which involved the attack on the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981. Michael has used his broad political knowledge and experience to produce a lecture series : Iran - Arch "Octopus" of International Nuclear Terrorism. We will discuss the imminent nuclear threat that Iran poses in the MENA region and beyond. (22:53-58:19)

Professor Ned Lazarus is a conflict resolution scholar, practitioner and evaluator, who has conducted evaluative studies of peacebuilding initiatives on behalf of USAID, USIP, the European Union and the US Department of State.  We considered the impact of President Isaac Herzog's rapturous reception by the US Congress and the moves afoot for the US to introduce a VISA waiver for Israelis with a quid pro quo for Palestinian-Americans to come to Israel. (0:31-29:44) Yotam Polizer is CEO of IsraAID, a humanitarian aid NGO based in Israel, that partners with local communities around the world to provide urgent aid, assist in recovery, and reduce the risk of future disasters. Founded in 2001, their volunteer teams have worked in emergency and long-term development settings in more than 60 countries around the world. (29:49-58:21)

My first guest today is Professor Kobi Michael - senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel and the editor in chief of "Strategic Assessment", a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal on topics related to Israel’s national security and Middle East strategic issues, which is published in Hebrew and English by the Institute for National Security Studies. Kobi Michael signalled the need for Israel to address the ever-present terrorist threat in Jenin before Israel's recent major assault that aimed at eliminating the terrorist infrastructure in the area also targeting Iranian proxies operating there. (0:45-28:34) As the FIFA Women's World Cup is about to kick off I invited Barry Shaw to join me in a live conversation in which we will discuss the state of play with women's soccer in Israel, but also consider the amazing successes that Israel has recently had in the men's game.(28:40-56:30)

I discuss an article by Dr Izzat Abdulhadi - Palestinian envoy to Australia, NZ and the Pacific that was published in The Canberra Times titled ‘Anthony Albanese has chance to stand up for Palestine and change history’ and consider whether it would be appropriate at this time for Australia to recognise a Palestinian state. (0:52-33:31) With Jerusalem Post Health and Science Reporter Judy Siegel-Itzkovich we examine what is going on with artificial intelligence in advancing research and development in medicine in Israel in particular. (33:31-57:56)

Avi Melamed is a fourth-generation Arabic-speaking Jerusalemite Jew, former intelligence official, senior advisor on Arab Affairs, and Middle East expert.  Avi provides apolitical, non-partisan education about the Middle East to a wide variety of Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, from high school students to community and global leaders across the political and ideological spectrum. His newest book, "Inside The Middle East: Entering a New Era",  has received high acclaim across the Arab world.  "The Seam Line", a five-part documentary series about Jerusalem, is his newest project. (0:28-44:41) This week I play a short excerpt from the interview with Dr Izzat Abdulhadi that I will play in full on next week’s show. Tune in next week to catch the full episode with Dr Abdulhadi, who is the official Palestinian representative to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. (50:21 -57:51)

Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu teaches about EU relations with Israel at the European Forum and the School of Public Policy at the Hebrew University and at the European Union Studies Program at Tel Aviv University.  Her areas of expertise include, among others, European Union and European integration, EU – Israel relations, the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and differentiated integration.  (0:33-32:49) Mike Wagenheim is a politic​al reporter, currently serving as senior U.S. correspondent for the i24NEWS television network, covering American government, diplomacy, religion, business and culture, all through the lens of the Middle East. He is also a correspondent for the 'Jewish News Syndicate', writing about American affairs in the Middle East. He survived a long career as an award-winning sportscaster. (32:55-54:25)

Dr Nissan N. Perez, Photography Historian, Curator, Director of the Moï Ver Archive tells us about an extraordinary artist Moï Ver (Moshe Raviv), who was born in 1904 in Vilnius, Lithuania as Moses Vorobeichic. He initially studied painting. In his early twenties he matriculated at the Bauhaus, taking courses with Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Josef Albers, and left from there to attend the Ecole Photo One in Paris. In 1932 Raviv was sent by the weekly La Vie Parisienne to Mandatory Palestine as photo-reporter, immigrating two years later and founding the Artists' Colony in Safed. He designed many posters like the one shown here that were used to promote Zionism. After 1950 he focused more on painting than photography and lived in Safed until his death in 1995.

Daniela Traub is the co-author of a paper with Prof. Ronen A Cohen and Dr. Chen Kertcher that argues that a dual foreign policy strategy of Azerbaijan towards Israel explains the strengthening of ties between the two states from 2011 to 2022, following Azerbaijan's decision to move to a knowledge-based economy.  This innovative hypothesis may help to illuminate a new perspective on the growing development of ties between the Muslim world and Israel. (0:31-24:40) Juhuri music segment with Ayan Babakishiyeva, who is an Azerbaijani singer and actress, who was born in a family of Mountain Jews. (24:40-27:41)

Daniela Traub is the co-author of a paper with Prof. Ronen A Cohen and Dr. Chen Kertcher that argues that a dual foreign policy strategy of Azerbaijan towards Israel explains the strengthening of ties between the two states from 2011 to 2022, following Azerbaijan's decision to move to a knowledge-based economy.  This innovative hypothesis may help to illuminate a new perspective on the growing development of ties between the Muslim world and Israel. (0:31-24:40) Juhuri music segment with Ayan Babakishiyeva, who is an Azerbaijani singer and actress, who was born in a family of Mountain Jews. (24:40-27:41) Dr Nissan N. Perez, Photography Historian, Curator Director, Moï Ver Archive tells us about an extraordinary artist Moï Ver (Moshe Raviv), who was born in 1904 in Vilnius, Lithuania as Moses Vorobeichic. He initially studied painting. In his early twenties he matriculated at the Bauhaus, taking courses with Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Josef Albers, and left from there to attend the Ecole Photo One in Paris. In 1932 Raviv was sent by the weekly La Vie Parisienne to Mandatory Palestine as photo-reporter, immigrating two years later and founding the Artists' Colony in Safed. He designed many posters like the one shown here that were used to promote Zionism. After 1950 he focused more on painting than photography and lived in Safed until his death in 1995. (27:42-54:55)

Morton Klein is national president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), the oldest pro-Israel group in the U.S., founded in 1897. He is a member of the National Council of AIPAC. He is widely regarded as one of the leading Jewish activists in the United States. The ZOA has criticised what it feels are some alarming, harmful aspects of the Biden administration’s just-released “National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism” and Morton Klein explains. 

Professor Ned Lazarus is a conflict resolution scholar, practitioner and evaluator, who has conducted evaluative studies of peacebuilding initiatives on behalf of USAID, USIP, the European Union and the US Department of State. His doctoral dissertation traces the long-term impact of peace education participation among more than 800 Israeli and Palestinian Seeds of Peace participants from adolescence through adulthood. Before entering the academic field, Ned served from 1996-2004 as the Middle East Program Director for Seeds of Peace. We spoke about peace building and conflict resolution.