Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Standing Together’s Sally Abed discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.
Failure to Launch
Why did so many men starting so many center-left parties end up with electile disfunction?
Anyone But Them
The biggest issue in Israel’s March elections won’t be COVID, won’t be an economy in free fall, and won’t be Iran going nuclear. Nah, the biggest issue is ultra-Orthodox Jews. Why oh why?
But They Have Lady Pacman, Don’t They?
Ten parties will probably be elected to the next Knesset. One will be headed by a woman. Why?
Why Do So Many Israeli Journalists Find Their Way Into Israeli Politics?
For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a question Allison raised beautifully in a socko essay in Haaretz: Why do so many Israeli journalists find their way into Israeli politics?
All that and the neo-new wave of Or Litman!
Songs
- Steve ve-Enid
- Adam
- Ra‘al
- Lo Nehmad
I am a regular and interested listener. This was an excellent episode. I appreciate your having Sally Abed, whose comments were generally productive and introduced the Israeli Arab positions on issues. Perhaps at some future one you might introduce a socalled modern orthodox participant to contrast with the frequent introduction of Hareddi. positions and related problewms.
I almost spewed some droplets of my own hearing “Alison Kaplan Sommers” describe her experiences covering Israeli elections. Thanks, as always, for both informative and entertaining audio-ness!
If I had a shekel for every time I spewed droplets listening to Allison, I’d be a rich man today. (I mean, beyond the podcast riches I already enjoy.)
But isn’t Noah already a member of that demographic?
I love this comment, Matthew. My Bubby and Zaidy, who lived in Bnei Brak, would have been cheered to read it.
Very much agree with you (even though that’s such a not Promised Podcast thing, which is one of the reasons I adore the show.) Having Sally Abed greatly increases the range of perspectives, experiences and lifestyles brought into the podcast and then all the way over here to the UK. I was very moved by Sally’s account of being reunited with her grandmother.
THAT, was a lovely moment. In general, alongside being so, so bright, and involved in all sorts of political struggles here, Sally gives off such a sense of kindness and menschlichkeit. The best karma. She’ll be back on the show this week, I hope and think.
It’s a great idea, Irv. I’ll keep my eye out for someone Haredi with good English and some time on her or his hands. Thanks for the kind word about Sally, whose perspectives I know that I want and need to hear. Glad to hear it’s not just me!