Advertise on podcast: The Israel Connection

Send us Fan Mail In the season three finale of The Israel Connection, host Esti Zenati sits down with Emmy-nominated producer and journalist Yardena Schwartz. Drawing from her book, Ghosts of a Holy War—newly optioned for film—Yardena exposes how international media bias and historical disinformation have fueled conflict from the British Mandate straight through to October 7. Inspired by the rediscovered letters of an American yeshiva student murdered in the 1929 Hebron massacre, Yardena dissects how the same anti-Zionist conspiracy theories used a century ago continue to shape global headlines today. Tune in for a powerful conversation on the failures of mainstream journalism, the roots of Jewish defense, and why education reform and empowering Palestinian peace advocates are the ultimate keys to a shared future. Learn more about Yardena's book at: yardenaschwartz.com

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, host Esti Zenati sits down with two Gen Z Israelis—Michal Trachtenberg, American-Israeli who made aliyah just two weeks before October 7th, and Rotem Pe’er, who narrowly avoided the Nova Festival where eight people she knew were killed—to explore the raw reality of a youth caught between "normal" life and sudden wartime trauma. Together, they pull back the curtain on an existence defined by sirens, shelters, and lasting anxiety, while revealing how mandatory military service and lived experience forge a unique maturity and resilience that contrasts sharply with peers in the West. Exposing the toxicity of online spaces, Rotem shares her story of being hounded off the Threads platform, sparking a vital conversation about how western "activism" relies on social media echo chambers rather than historical education. Ultimately, this episode is a gripping, firsthand call for true empathy, factchecking, and a return to respectful dialogue that goes far beyond the headlines.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Esti Zenati sits down with TamidGroup CEO Yoni Heilman to discuss a life shaped by diplomacy, identity, and frontline service. Growing up between the US and Israel, Yoni shares insights from his time working inside the US House of Representatives and the Israeli Knesset, highlighting the stark differences between the two political systems. He opens up about making Aliyah and answering the call to serve over 400 days in the IDF reserves since October 7, deploying to Gaza, Rafah, Syria, and Lebanon. Finally, Yoni explains how TamidGroup is combatting campus tensions by engaging both Jewish and non-Jewish students in business projects that provide vital, practical support to Israeli startups.

Send us Fan Mail From Detroit roots to Israeli superstardom, Michael HarPaz joins host Esti Zenati to share an incredible journey through the heart of Hebrew pop culture. The former Israeli boyband, High Five, heartthrob reflects on the classified ad that launched his career and the lasting legacy of Israel’s most iconic boy band, but the conversation takes a poignant turn as they tackle the complexities of life post-October 7. HarPaz opens up about using his platform on HaKokhav Haba (Israel's Next Star to the Eurovision) for pro-Israel advocacy, the viral "parking garage" videos that sparked both global support and personal threats, and his belief that Israel remains a safer haven for Jews, despite the current conflict. It is a raw, rhythmic, and deeply personal look at the intersection of celebrity, "hasbara," and the resilient spirit of an artist navigating a world at war.

Send us Fan Mail From the courtrooms of entertainment law to the front lines of indie cinema, Neil Friedman has spent decades championing stories that matter. In this episode, Esti sits down with the founder of Menemsha Films and ChaiFlicks to discuss his journey of building a 3,000-hour library of Jewish and Israeli content from the ground up. Neil reveals how theatrical hits like Dough and The Women’s Balcony served as the ultimate proof of concept for an independent streaming platform, the strategic timing behind launching ChaiFlicks in 2020, and why Israeli television—specifically hits like Shababnikim and Checkout—is currently captivating a global audience. Tune in for a masterclass in niche distribution, a look at the future of Jewish storytelling, and an exclusive discount code to start your own streaming journey.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Beth El’s Ritual Director, Ben Kreshtool, to explore a lifelong journey of Zionist identity rooted in family history and his grandmother’s legacy as a Holocaust survivor. Ben recounts the "electrifying" experience of his first trip to the Kotel, his time confronting anti-Israel animosity on a college campus during the Second Intifada, and his recent post–October 7 mission to Israel. From the spiritual significance of Har Herzl to the complexities of modern antisemitism, Ben offers a powerful perspective on why the Diaspora must remain united and why he still finds his greatest sense of safety and belonging in the Jewish homeland.

Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati hosts American-Israeli tech advisor Hillel Fuld for a powerful conversation about shifting from Silicon Valley marketing to full-time online advocacy for Israel post-October 7th. With billions of impressions generated, Fuld shares his strategy for engaging a "middle audience" open to civil debate, the urgent need for a cohesive and positive Jewish narrative, and his deep frustration with the silence of tech leaders. A warning about rising Western anti-Semitism and an encouraging look at the manageable process of Aliyah are also covered, along with Fuld's resources for modern Zionist engagement. Don't miss this crucial episode about the global battle for truth.

Send us Fan Mail From a life-altering mini-stroke in 2014 to the high-octane ice tracks of the Olympic circuit, Jared Firestone—known as the “Jewish Jet”—has redefined what it means to slide against the odds. In this gripping episode, host Esti Zenati sits down with the attorney-turned-Skeleton star to explore the grit and grace of representing Israel on the world stage. Jared opens up about the heartbreak of narrowly missing Beijing 2022, the technical mastery of the "push," and his renewed mission following October 7 to serve as a proud Zionist ambassador. From wearing the memory of the Munich 11 on his kippah as the 2026 Milano Cortina flag bearer to co-founding Advancing Jewish Athletics to pave the way for future champions, this is a powerful story of resilience, high-stakes competition, and the unyielding pride of the Israeli spirit.

Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by Ben Kreshtool to discuss the current war with Iran. We keep you updated on all that's been happening since Saturday, February 28.

Send us Fan Mail When Omer Shemtov was kidnapped from the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023, his cousin, Leat Corinne Unger became his global voice alongside his parents and siblings. In this raw conversation with Esti Zenati, Leat recounts her 500-day battle for Omer’s freedom—from the halls of the UN to a pivotal meeting at Mar-a-Lago. The most chilling revelation? While in the tunnels, Omer saw footage of Leat’s advocacy on Al Jazeera. In a place where captors told him he was forgotten, his cousin’s voice was the lifeline that kept him alive. Leat opens up about the "aftermath" of his release: the complex guilt, the struggle with post-release depression, and her new mission to combat rising antisemitism at UC Berkeley and other college campuses around the US. This is a story of a family’s bond, a survivor's resilience, and a fight that didn't end when the hostage came home.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Israel Connection, Esti Zenati sits down with Abraham Hamra—a Syrian Jewish ex-refugee turned powerhouse attorney and digital advocate. From the hushed, dangerous escape from Damascus in the early 90s to the high-stakes courtrooms of New York, Abraham shares a journey defined by resilience. Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, Abraham leverages his unique cultural vantage point to dismantle antisemitism and defend Jewish identity on the global stage. Tune in as he discusses the scars of growing up under oppression, the seismic shift in Jewish unity following October 7th, and his unfiltered take on Israeli governance and the future of Middle Eastern relations.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Esti Zenati sits down with social impact leader, Dana Cwaigrach. From her roots in Tel Aviv to her high-level work at the Peres Center for Peace and the Ramon Foundation, Dana has spent her career driving change. Following the October 7 attacks, Dana co-founded the U.S. branch of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. She joins us to discuss the emotional weight of working with hostage families, navigating global advocacy amidst intense protests, and how she maintains a deep connection to Israel from New York. Tune in for a raw look at leadership, diplomacy, and the fight for human rights in a time of crisis. *Note: This episode was recorded prior to the recovery of Ran Gvili's remains in Gaza.

Send us Fan Mail Celebrated Broadway star and activist, Ari Axelrod joins Esti Zenati to explore the intersection of the arts, activism, and Jewish identity. From his upbringing in Michigan to navigating antisemitism on college campus and later in the theater world, Ari shares how his trips to Israel transformed his sense of self and Jewish identity. We dive into the creation of his acclaimed show, A Place for Us, the Jewish roots of Broadway, and his response to the rise in antisemitism post-October 7th. Stick around for a special surprise at the end of the episode!

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to lead a congregation for over 25 years? Rabbi Steven Schwartz joins Esti Zenati to reflect on his tenure at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore as he prepares for his next chapter in semi-retirement. From his childhood inspirations in upstate New York to his first transformative trip to Israel, Rabbi Schwartz explores the experiences that shaped his commitment to the Jewish diaspora. They dive into the challenges of the current moment, the resilience of community, and—in a delightful twist—how a love for The Grateful Dead has accompanied him through it all.

Send us Fan Mail When the world shifted on October 7th, Shai Davidai—a social psychologist and former Columbia Business School assistant professor —refused to stay silent. In this episode, Shai joins Esti Zenati to share his journey from a 1980s Israeli childhood to the frontlines of campus advocacy. We dive deep into Shai’s transition from the classroom to full-time activism, his fierce public battle against antisemitism at Columbia, and his mission to mobilize a new generation of Jewish leaders. From the launch of his podcast Here I Am to building an activist core in NYC, Shai delivers a powerful message on why Jewish visibility and solidarity are our greatest strengths.