Unholy: Two Jews on the News

An American president is sworn in, an IDF chief of staff quits and Israel waits for a second group of hostages to be freed. Yonit and Jonathan take a deep dive into a dramatic week – and have no trouble at all in identifying what Elon Musk was doing with his arm. Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes (like When Harry met Sally): https://www.patreon.com/unholypod Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5 You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

As the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal unfolds, bringing home three women held by Hamas for 471 days, Yonit and Jonathan talk about the profound joy felt in Israel at seeing their return, and the politics - and trepidation - that surround the next moves. Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/Unholypod Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5 You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

After 15 long and terrible months, a deal is agreed that should bring the hostages home and end the fighting in Gaza. How did it come about, who and what made it possible and how will it play out - Yonit and Jonathan get into it all, and explore the background and the implications of a breakthrough moment with military analyst Amos Harel. Plus: those who emerge from this extraordinary week with great credit, and those guilty of outrageous chutzpah.Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/UnholypodGet an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5 You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod 

In an in-depth interview, Yonit and Jonathan talk to Gen David Petraeus, the former Director of the CIA and onetime head of US Central Command about both his admiration for Israel's military successes against Iran and Hizbollah - and his concerns about its war in Gaza. Plus: the wait for a hostage deal goes on and on, the region braces for the second coming of Donald Trump - and a very specific reason why you need to see When Harry Met Sally.Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes! This month we have Q&A (14.1) and When Harry Met Sally special (28.1). https://patreon.com/Unholypod Get an exclusive  TGIF Unohly Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

The resignation of former defense minister Yoav gallant and the death of an American president -- Yonit and Jonathan discuss the fallout of Yoav Gallant's exit from the Knesset and the passing of Jimmy Carter, who stayed engaged with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for more than five decades. Plus: they speak with Suzanne Maloney, one of the world's foremost analysts of Iran and the Middle East on what 2025 might hold. They also salute a veteran of Jewish journalism, while a chutzpah award is on its way to the English seaside. Join our Patreon community and get more from Unholy! www.patreon.com/unholypodGet an exclusive Unholy Tote BagFollow us on social media

As the hostages held by Gaza spend their second Chanukah as captives of Hamas, Israel’s attorney general delivers a political bombshell — opening an investigation into Sara Netanyahu following revelations of her role in the attacks by Israel’s first family against its enemies. Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that and mark the start of Chanukah by looking for some light in the gloom, seeking out some reasons to be hopeful for 2025. Join our Patreon community - a special Christmas bonus episode is now available!Order your exclusive Unholy Tote Bag!Find us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Linkedin, YouTube, X)

Increased speculation on a hostage/ceasefire deal, a disturbing account of alleged IDF misconduct in Gaza and the fallout of two shocking attacks on synagogues in Montreal and Melbourne. Plus: a conversation that ranges from Damascus to Limerick and all points in between with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. Finally Yonit and Jonathan salute a French heroine - and decry the Syrian prisoner who never was.Join our Patreon community - a special Christmas bonus episode coming up this Tuesday!Find us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Linkedin, YouTube, X)

Yonit and Jonathan take stock of a momentous week in the Middle East, breaking down the fall of the Assad regime with US foreign policy veteran Richard Haass - and taking a deep dive into the court appearance of Benjamin Netanyahu with Alexis Bloom, director of The Bibi Files, an acclaimed documentary which lifts the lid on the corruption charges facing the prime minister. Plus - a sporting flavour to both of this week’s chutzpah and mensch awards. Join our Patreon community - The first bonus episode drops this Tuesday for our premium members! Find us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Linkedin, YouTube, X)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a veteran of Israel's security establishment, a former defence minister with roots on the Israeli right, says Israel is engaged in "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, there's renewed talk of a deal to secure a hostage release and ceasefire before Donald Trump takes office in January. Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that - and they speak with Yael Alexander, whose son Edan is still held captive and was this week shown alive in a video released by Hamas. There's a bulging list of chutzpah nominees, stretching from Rumania to New Jersey, and big news about Unholy itself - with a chance for listeners to join the Unholy family.  Subscribe to our new Patreon community Social media links (Instagram, X, Bluesky, Youtube and Facebook) available here Our membership tiers: $8/month (Friend of the Pod): Get 2 bonus episodes a month, early access to event tickets, discounts on merch, and access to a members-only chat room.$25/month (Family Member): Enjoy everything in the Friend tier, plus a live Zoom call with us once a quarter and a limited-edition tote bag at no extra cost. Special Holiday Promotion: Sign up for the Family Member tier now and get 80% off your first month!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a ceasefire with Hizbollah brings an anxious quiet to the north of Israel, Yonit speaks with the US diplomat who brokered the deal, Amos Hochstein. Plus, a conversation with the man who ordered an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon a quarter century ago: former prime minister Ehud Barak. In a wide-ranging discussion, Barak shares with Yonit and Jonathan his views on how to end the war in Gaza, the ICC arrest warrants - and why Israel may have to learn to live with a nuclear Iran. Plus: a Latin American mensch and a serial winner bags the chutzpah award -- You can watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/SKqZ6Ms2xBM Subscribe to our Substack: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/ X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/unholypod.bsky.social Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israel’s current Prime Minister and a former Defence Minister, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already fraught geopolitical landscape. Meanwhile, speculation grows about a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, aimed at bringing a fragile quiet to the north. Yonit and Jonathan are also joined by two widely admired journalists: Thomas L. Friedman of The New York Times, who says the second Trump presidency could spell either opportunity or disaster for Israel, and Ilana Dayan of Israel's Channel 12, who gives an exclusive, English-language reading of a landmark speech she delivered last week at the Weizmann Institute to huge acclaim. Plus: this week’s mensch award nominee is brave - and the chutzpah award is fruity. -- You can watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/POZkVIhTwHM Subscribe to our Substack: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/ X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donald Trump appoints key figures for his incoming administration, Yonit and Jonathan speak with Alyssa Farah Griffin about the likely impact of his choices on Israel and the Middle East. Military affairs analyst Amos Harel joins to update us on the latest situation in Gaza. Plus: a look at the rising anti-Israel riots in Amsterdam. And for those who insisted – yes, there’s a follow-up on Radiohead and their connection to Israel.   You can watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4PxvsoPWGjI  Subscribe to our Substack: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/ X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

***This episode was recorded before the assault against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam*** Donald Trump is on his way back to the White House, having dispatched Kamala Harris, while Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is sacked in Tel Aviv—a week of seismic shifts on both sides of the Atlantic. Yonit and Jonathan take a deep dive into the implications of both dramatic developments - as well as the ongoing investigations into the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Plus: a mensch award for the man who took to - then left - the stage, quite literally. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d-wXSihp4y4 Subscribe to our Substack: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/ X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just four days out from the U.S. election, we turn to one of the most influential voices in liberal America, Rachel Maddow. Yonit and Jonathan discuss her new book, "Prequel: An American Fight against Fascism", and what shadows the past casts on today’s America. Meanwhile, the Middle East raises new, urgent questions for the President-elect: Will Iran retaliate after Israel’s recent strike? Could Israel and Hezbollah reach a truce—or even Israel and Hamas? And—a few writers who receive a thumbs down review this week. You can watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6Rgd-ERyVgo Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/ Listen to Unholy's "Great Jewish Debate" with Dan Senor and Jeremy BashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With less than a week to go till America decides, who will the country’s Jews be backing - Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? And who deserves their support most? For this special episode, Yonit and Jonathan bring together two seasoned foreign policy players - longtime Republican and podcaster Dan Senor and veteran Democrat and analyst Jeremy Bash to thrash out which of the two presidential candidates would be best for those US Jews increasingly anxious about the future of Israel and the rise in antisemitism. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the war rages on despite the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the world watches with mounting concern for Northern Gaza - and waits for Israel's response to Iran's missile attack earlier this month. Plus: ahead of the Hebrew anniversary of October 7, 2023, we turn to a man uniquely able to put the events of the last year in their historical context - Sir Simon Schama. You can watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LLHv3pKSxE0 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the death of Yahya Sinwar prove a turning point in Israel's war with Hamas? Could it even mark the beginning of the end of the conflict that started just over a year ago? In this special update episode, Yonit and Jonathan speak with Shimrit Meir, onetime adviser to former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett and a leading expert on the man who was the architect of October 7.   Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Jewish world welcomes in the festival of Sukkot, we’re taking a step back from the headlines to bring you a special treat—a captivating interview with a legend of the theatre, Sir Nicholas Hytner. He talks about his latest sell-out production, Giant, which thanks to events in the Middle East has become unexpectedly timely. You can watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6XDAr0x9ht4 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel reaches the one-year mark since October 7th, 2023, and looks ahead to what the coming year, months, weeks, and days may bring. With the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar upon us, we pause to reflect on the depths of grief and resilience through the eyes of two individuals who have faced an indescribable tragedy: Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin. -- Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGlvtS7As7WHh7YtmU5SMUQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Jewish year draws to a close, it mirrors its beginning—with Israel under attack. At the start of what is no ordinary Rosh Hashanah, Yonit and Jonathan discuss Iran’s firing of nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel and reflect on the 12 months that have passed since the horror of October 7. Plus two conversations that might just lift the spirits – one with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the other with a fellow New Yorker who made a life-changing decision on the eve of October 7. You can watch the full episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrYCViokroE Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenews Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.