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

What if you had a direct say in how Israel’s national institutions allocate over a billion dollars a year? What if you could vote—not in an Israeli election, but in one that shapes the Zionist future?

This week, we sit down with Herbert Block, Executive Director of the American Zionist Movement, to discuss the World Zionist Congress elections—what they are, why they matter, and how American Jews can wield real influence in Israel and the Diaspora.

We talk about the surge in engagement since October 7th, the evolving relationship between Israeli and American Jewry, and why many Jews hesitate to call themselves Zionists—even when they live, breathe, and act on its ideals.

Plus: What does a strong Zionist future look like? Is Zionism an unfinished project? And why does the American Zionist Movement insist on keeping its tent big—from the far-right to the far-left, religious to secular, Ashkenazi to Sephardi, Reform to Orthodox?

The elections are coming up. If you’re a proud Zionist (or just want to understand why this matters), this episode is for you.

📌 Learn more & vote: zionistelection.org

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 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.

💬 “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 Setton

📖 Learn about the Jewish Agency’s global impact – Read More

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