Makom Israel Teachers Lounge

With Abbas visiting Trump, and Hamas releasing a new political document, Alan and Mike discuss their takes on the latest in Palestinian politics. Daniel Polisar discussion of Palestinian opinion poll data https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/2017/04/do-palestinians-want-a-two-state-solution/ Great source for news about internal Palestinian politics https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/author/Khaled+Abu+Toameh Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Identity, ethnicity and nationality are complicated topics underlying much of the turmoil that we are seeing around the world. What does it mean to really be French? Or American? These questions are driving politics in those countries. Is there any wonder that Jews and Israelis face complicated questions as well? Listener Noam was intrigued by last episode's discussion of Jewish Nationalism as the defining idea of Zionism and the State of Israel. He posted his questions on our Facebook page (address is below) and even sent us a voice message! This week, Alan, Benji and Mike address those questions, and explore modern Jewish nationalism. The Ruth Calderon webinar for the Shalom Hartman Institute can be found on our Facbook page. (address below) For a seemingly unrelated discussion that is VERY relevant, you can listen to author Andrew Sullivan discuss the complicated nature of national identity in our time, and how it is impacting global politics. It will be the topic of his upcoming article in New York

Sometimes you need to put daily details aside, and get to the big ideas. Alan and Mike take on what seems like a simple question: What are the Jews? They talk about why even Jews find this difficult to answer, and why Zionism has a pretty specific answer. Believe it or not, the Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews (its not bad!) Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website: http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us: http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Since today in Yom Aliya, we're dropping this bonus mini-episode. Marc Rosenberg from episode 23 explains who he is, and how he got to where he is today. Enjoy!

Happy Yom Aliya! This year, Aliya day falls on April 6th. Before it gets lost in the Passover hubbub, Alan and Mike decided to interview Marc Rosenberg, Director of the Pre-Aliyah Department at Nefesh B’Nefesh. With some surprising data and much food for thought, this episode is fascinating and thought provoking, no matter where you live in the world. Background on Yom Aliya - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_HaAliyah Background on Marc - http://www.nbn.org.il/aliyah-inspiration/nbn-behind-scenes-marc-rosenberg/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

The government might collapse because of a TV channel? BDS tourists can't come in to the country? Alan and Mike talk via skype with our political expert, Yedidya Kennard, who helps us makes sense of the headlines. And he also supplies some theories about what Bibi might be thinking. Previous Yedidya episode - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts/ep.-12-settlement-crisis-alert Previous Political Corruption Episode - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts/ep.-17-media-meta-musings Let us know what you think, and suggest topics - http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/

The rule is to never talk about religion or politics if you want to avoid arguments. This week, Alan and Mike decide to discuss both, but manage to stay buddies. They discuss the role that religion plays in Israeli law and politics, how that works, and some problems that it creates. And Alan sheps some nachas over a big event in his family. Two Wikipedia articles for further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_quo_(Israel) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Israel Our website: http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/ Join our facebook group: www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/

What's the buzz here in Israel lately? Alan and Mike discuss the issues that everybody here is talking about. First they discuss the sentencing of Elor Azaria, then move over to the Prime Minister's visit to the White House and Nikki Haley's press conference at the UN. And they even included sound bites! (probably because they miss Ze'ev and Benji so much) Relevant links: Azaria Sentencing: http://tinyurl.com/jbxled9 PM & POTUS press conference: http://tinyurl.com/ztbzcp6 Nikki Haley press conference: http://tinyurl.com/gnbayz8 and if you're an old fogey and want to hear precedent for a US ambassador setting the UN straight, watch the honorable Daniel Patrick Moynahan in 1975: http://tinyurl.com/hf9yb3v Keep in touch with us and send us suggestions, comments and questions on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org

Does a new American administration mean a middle east reboot? Alan, Mike and Benji discuss the two state solution idea. They define it, review its history, and explain why we are stuck in the current status quo. Then, based on a recent op-ed in the New York Times, they discuss alternative ideas. Let us know what you think, and what topics you'd like us to cover. Times article: http://tinyurl.com/zrwx8fj Blog post: http://tinyurl.com/j8dqsts Website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org FB group: https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast

Listener Shifra (Harova '16) asked us to explain the legal arguments over Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria, and Jewish settlements there. After some devil's advocacy and arguing, Alan, Mike and Benji get to the bottom of things. They talk about why things are so darn complicated, leaving plenty of loose ends for your question, comments or ideas. We always love doing episodes based on listener feedback! Remember to find other episodes on iTunes, Stitcher or however you get podcasts. You can also find and contact us on our website, and read our blog there too. And for folks who aren't students of our course, you can follow our Facebook group created by my friend Noam. Thanks, dude!

Why does there appear to be so much corruption throughout Israeli bureaucracy? Is it worse here than other countries? Is the media giving us a realistic picture of the world? Are english and hebrew readers getting the same stories? Alan, Mike and Ze'ev don't see eye to eye on on all of these issues. But they try to find points of agreement on how to react to stories like the Netanyahu scandal. Let us know what you think! You can always contact us and find more contact on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.

It's a special extra long episode, and wait till you hear why! A group of MTVA alumna come for a visit with their teacher, Alan. The bring us their questions, observations and insights from a completed semester on various college campuses. This was the first time that Mike met any of this group, and he was really impressed with their intelligence, and wisdom beyond their years. This episode is a MUST for anyone who wants a clearer picture of life on campus. We look past the "crisis" and into opportunities for articulating self definition. Many thanks to MTVA for facilitating this enlightening conversation. Remember to find more material and contact us on our website: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.

Instead of doing a straight up Chanuka episode as they planned, Alan and Mike once again respond to events of the day. Until they've had it and switch topics. They turn against Hasbara and then discuss story vs. history in the Chanuka narrative. Enjoy! Don't forget to keep in touch with us on our website at juisrael.jerusalemu.org

Benji, Alan and Mike are way too worked up to wait for a regular Thursday posting! So here is an early episode dealing with the new UN Security Council resolution condemning Jews dwelling in the West bank, and the Obama administration's abstention. They analyze it from the American and Israeli perspectives, and sparks fly when they get into an argument. If you don't like arguments, then this may not be a good episode to start with. But we think it makes things more fun! It ran a bit longer than usual, but we think its worth it. Keep the comments coming on Facebook or e-mail! We'll be getting to your requests ASAP. Find us at juisrael.jerusalemu.org

Its anyone's guess what the incoming Trump administration's will really be. So let's start guessing! Why is the newly appointed ambassador so controversial? And what's the story with Jerusalem, is it the capitol or not? For some history, background, opinions and insights, join us for this episode. We'll explore the question of who the ambassador will be, where his office will be, and why these things matter. As always, send us you questions and comments! Contact info is available on our website at: juisrael.jerusalemu.org.