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Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

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Presenting the challenges and dilemmas facing Israelis and Jews around the world.

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#579
Yesterday · 49 min
A BLUE TSUNAMI - with Mark Halperin
The midterms delivered a stunning political blow to Republicans—but was it a rejection of Trump, a warning about the economy, or a sign that American politics is shifting in a more populist direction? Dan Senor speaks with Mark Halperin to unpack the forces behind the Democratic wave and what it could mean for the next two years. Halperin, a veteran political analyst, is editor-in-chief of the 2Way, an engine for participation-based live content and authentic communities, and a premium newsletter called Wide World of News. They explore what the Democrats’ victories could mean for the special relationship with Israel, and how the rise of its progressive wing could impact policy, both foreign and domestic. Dan and Mark discuss what comes next for President Trump, and they also look forward to 2028 to see who’s emerging as the frontrunner on both sides. Plus: could a pro-Israel Democrat win the presidential nomination? Read Mark’s Substack, Wide World of News. Check out Mark’s platform, 2Way. ___ Join us live in New York: On Wednesday, November 11, Dan and Amit Segal will record a live episode of Call Me Back at the Israel Hayom Summit at the InterContinental New York Times Square. The full-day summit focuses on the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Register at https://story.israelhayom.co.il/nysummit2026 and use promo code ISH50 for 50% off registration. ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Leonardo Erhardt, and Yuval Semo.
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#578
Monday · 47 min
Three Dilemmas Facing Israel’s Next Prime Minister - with Tal Becker
Israel has spent the three years since October 7th in direct conflict with its enemies. But in the aftermath of its mother-of-all elections, it now faces three big dilemmas. In this episode, Dan sits down with Ark Media contributor Tal Becker to examine the branching pathways that confront Israel, as conflicts continue to mount–both internal and external. Plus, is the information war the most consequential one Israel’s next prime minister will face. ___ Join us live in New York: On Wednesday, November 11, Dan and Amit Segal will record a live episode of Call Me Back at the Israel Hayom Summit at the InterContinental New York Times Square. The full-day summit focuses on the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Register at https://story.israelhayom.co.il/nysummit2026 and use promo code ISH50 for 50% off registration. ____ This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at https://afmda.org/callmeback. ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Leonardo Erhardt, and Yuval Semo.
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#576
October 28 · 36 min
Israel’s Election Is Far From Over – with Amit Segal
Israel’s election was a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu. So why has the opposition fallen short—and could Netanyahu emerge with another government after all? Dan joins Amit Segal to unpack the surprising results, the political promises that may soon be tested, and the choices facing Israel’s political leaders as they try to break the deadlock. The opposition was energized and organized - why didn’t it translate into more seats? The historic Arab voter turnout reshaped the electoral math. Could Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman join forces with Netanyahu? Gadi Eisenkot’s bad options. Another election as soon as April, or a national unity government? Could the next confrontation with Iran change everything? ___ Join Dan and Rabbi David Wolpe this Thursday, October 29, at 7 p.m. ET for the first live session of Dan’s Book Club, where they'll discuss Amos Elon’s The Pity of It All. The session is for members of The Fold, Ark Media’s private community. Already a member? RSVP here: https://thefold.arkmedia.org/c/events/dan-s-book-club-live-the-pity-of-it-all. Not yet a member? Join at https://arkmedia.org/fold ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Leonardo Erhardt, and Yuval Semo.
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#575
October 26 · 1 hr 19 min
Live from New York: The Mother of All Israeli Elections with Dan Shapiro, Bret Stephens and Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin
Join Dan Senor live on Israel’s election night. On Tuesday, October 27th, at 4 p.m. ET, just as the polls close in Israel and the exit polls come out, Dan and experts from Israel and the U.S. will break down the results as they come in. The conversation takes place in The Fold, Ark Media’s private online community where listeners of Call Me Back and our other shows meet, ask questions, and go deeper on what they hear. The event is open to members of The Fold. To become a member and save your spot, join here: https://arkmedia.org/fold ___ Today’s episode: Israel’s election is days away, but the country’s political future is anything but clear. Is Netanyahu the problem—or is something deeper changing in Israeli society? And when it comes to Israel’s standing in the world, security, and the relationship with the United States, do the country’s leaders and voters even agree on what matters most? Dan Senor is joined by a three-guest live panel from the Streicker Center at Temple Emanuel in New York City: (1) former U.S. ambassador Dan Shapiro, now with the Atlantic Council, (2) Israeli pollster and Haaretz columnist, Dahlia Scheindlin–and (3) New York Times columnist and editor-in-chief of the journal Sapir, Bret Stephens. Their conversation addresses the big electoral choices facing Israel—and the divides that may outlast the election. ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Chosen People Problems and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe Do you have something you want to ask us? Don’t worry, we won’t judge you. Submit your questions at: http://arkmedia.org/ask/cpp ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Beth Pearlman, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Karina Logiohio, and Ignacio Herbojo.
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#573
October 23 · 48 min
Paris is Burning, but Europe Is In Denial - with Michael Moynihan and Simone Rodan-Benzaquen
French unrest reveals a society fraying at the edges, leading its citizens toward both political extremes. France’s inability to address its economy, immigration issues, and rising antisemitism aren’t going away anytime soon—and similar issues could be seen throughout Europe soon. Dan Senor speaks with Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, joining from Paris, and journalist Michael Moynihan, about the forces converging on France, the difficult choices facing French Jews, and the rise of political movements on both the left and right. Beneath the immediate crisis lies a bigger question: can Europe sustain the social and economic model it built after World War II, or is it reaching a breaking point? In this episode: Who’s really driving France’s unrest? Why antisemitism is a warning sign for Europe The European social contract is under pressure Do French Jews still have a future in France? Macron’s failure and Europe’s crisis of leadership Read Simone Rodan-Benzaquen’s article, The French Republic is Under Attack. https://www.thefp.com/p/the-french-republic-is-under-attack-democracy-tyranny-unrest ___ Join Dan Senor live on Israel’s election night. On Tuesday, October 27th, at 4 p.m. ET, just as the polls close in Israel and the exit polls come out, Dan, Michael Koplow from the Israel Policy Forum and Lahav Harkov, Senior Political Correspondent at Jewish Insider, will break down the results as they come in. The conversation takes place in The Fold, Ark Media’s private online community where listeners of Call Me Back and our other shows meet, ask questions, and go deeper on what they hear. The event is open to members of The Fold. To become a member and save your spot, join here: https://arkmedia.org/subscribe ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Leonardo Erhardt, and Yuval Semo.
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#572
October 19 · 37 min
Three Election Scenarios Nobody Is Talking About - with Gil Hoffman
The conventional wisdom is that the outcome comes down to two possibilities: Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power, or Gadi Eisenkot replaces him. But what if neither scenario happens? On this episode of Call Me Back, Dan Senor speaks with political analyst Gil Hoffman about three under-the-radar scenarios that could reshape Israel’s next government. In this episode: Could Eisenkot form a government without winning 61 seats? What role could President Isaac Herzog play in shaping the next government? Would a new and/or renewed war change the calculus for Netanyahu? What kind of a unity government might we see? Could Avigdor Lieberman somehow become prime minister? Read Gil’s book The Blood Libel Machine: Exposing the Anti-Israel Hate Network, and How to Fight Back. ___ This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at afmda.org/callmeback. ___ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. https://streicker.nyc/event/cmb_f2026/ The Fold Open House Curious about The Fold? Come see it for yourself at our Open House on Thursday, October 22nd at 8 AM ET. Meet some of the people behind the community, see what’s happening inside, and ask any questions you have. RSVP at arkmedia.org/fold or Airtable. ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Karina Logiohio, Leonardo Erhardt, Ignacio Herbojo, and Yuval Semo
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#570
October 16 · 1 hr 4 min
Dan Live from Michigan’s Temple Israel
Is this a turning point for Jews in America, and what happens if the country fails the test? Recorded live at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Dan Senor brings together New York Times columnist Bret Stephens and Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Hillary Scholten for a candid conversation about the rising tide of antisemitism, the political forces reshaping American life, and the choices facing Jews and their allies. In this live conversation: Dan explains the three-step playbook behind the blood libel that still plays out today Bret Stephens reflects on reactions to October 7th, what it revealed about the Jewish community’s allies, and the meaning of becoming an “October 8th Jew.” Stephens explores the uneasy parallels between Jewish success in the diaspora and the sudden rise of antisemitism. Stephens reflects on how societies that condemn the Jews end up much worse in the aftermath. Dan Senor, Gottheimer, and Scholten discuss the consequences for both parties when anti-Israel rhetoric moves from campus protests into the political mainstream. The Representatives discuss what it takes to show moral courage when the political risks are very real. Gottheimer and Scholten explain what they’re seeing inside their party, especially as Gottheimer co-chairs the Problem Solvers Caucus. The conversation closes with a challenge to stand together, defend Jewish life, and decide what kind of country America wants to be. 𝗧𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗨.𝗦. 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/early-in-person-voting 𝗧𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ 𝗧𝗼 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://beaconcoalition.org/volunteer-reg/ Image credit: John Hardwick. ___ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. https://streicker.nyc/event/cmb_f2026/ ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Karina Logiohio, Leonardo Erhardt, Ignacio Herbojo, and Yuval Semo
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#569
October 12 · 52 min
Is the U.S. Winning the Iran War? With Suzanne Maloney and Mark Dubowitz
The US seems to have won the Battle of Hormuz; what would it take to win the Iran War? Seven months into the war, the US and Iran are locked in a high-stakes test of endurance, with the Strait of Hormuz, the global economy, and the future of the Middle East hanging in the balance. Dan Senor brings together two leading Iran experts, Mark Dubowitz and Suzanne Maloney, who sharply disagree on whether America is gaining the upper hand–or paying too steep of a strategic price. Their debate gets to the hardest question of all: Can the US win the war militarily and still lose strategically? In this episode: Two experts, two very different verdicts: Is Iran running out of options, or is Washington getting trapped in a war with no clear endgame? The Strait of Hormuz was supposed to be Iran’s ultimate weapon. Has the US really taken that leverage away? Why the Houthi threat could pull America deeper into a conflict it can’t easily contain Can economic pressure bring down the Iranian regime—or are ordinary Iranians paying the price while the regime holds on? Why have negotiations stalled, and is a nuclear deal still possible when the two sides fundamentally disagree on uranium enrichment? With the nuclear program damaged but not eliminated, how much of a threat does Iran still pose? Could another round of US or Israeli strikes be coming—and how might elections shape the timing? If the regime survives but its military and nuclear capabilities are severely weakened, is that a victory—or a strategic failure? Listen to Mark Dubowitz’ podcast, The Iran Breakdown: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iran-breakdown-with-mark-dubowitz/id1798788194 ___ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. https://streicker.nyc/event/cmb_f2026/ ___ This episode was sponsored by Birthright. Invest in the Jewish future today at https://onetripchangeseverything.com. ____ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Karina Logiohio, Leonardo Erhardt, Ignacio Herbojo, and Yuval Semo
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#568
October 9 · 46 min
Ask Me Anything with Dan Senor, Yael Bar tur and ChayaLeah Sufrin
Dan Senor is joined by Yael Bar tur and ChayaLeah Sufrin, hosts of the new Ark Media podcast Chosen People Problems, for a wide-ranging Ask Me Anything. They tackle questions about the state of Jewish education, the appeal of anti-Zionism among young Americans, why Fauda is shaping perceptions of Israel globally, and what the rise of the European right means for Israel and Jews abroad. In this episode: What American Hebrew school gets wrong Why anti-Zionism is resonating with young Americans Will the language around “genocide” and anti-Zionism eventually change? Why Fauda succeeds in telling Israeli stories better than non-fiction means What the rise of the European right-wing means for Israel and European Jews The unlikely allies Israel may need to turn to Which American presidential candidates could effectively navigate Israeli issues What the 2026 midterms might reveal about the Democratic Party’s direction Read the article discussed in the episode. https://www.thefp.com/p/douglas-murray-afd-election-far-right-immigration-merkel ____ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. ___ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network: Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Karina Logiohio, Leonardo Erhardt, Ignacio Herbojo, and Yuval Semo
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#567
October 7 · 57 min
Can Diaspora Jews Move On From October 7? - with Rabbi David Wolpe and Rabbi David Ingber
What does it mean for diaspora Jews to move forward from October 7th without becoming complacent or consumed by fear? Three years after October 7th, Dan Senor sits down with Rabbis David Ingber and David Wolpe to discuss what the aftermath has revealed about Jewish life in America. They discuss the growing sense of uncertainty among diaspora Jews, the tension between Jewish values and liberal democracy, the debate over Zionism, and how Jewish communities can respond with both moral clarity and openness. In this episode: Why October 8th became a turning point for diaspora Jews Has the relationship between liberal democracy and Jewish life fundamentally changed? The Jewish community remains divided over Israel, Zionism, and Jewish self-determination Can Jews hold onto hope without ignoring the warning signs around them? Re: Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s Kol Nidrei speech, does Zionism need to be reclaimed? How do you distinguish moral clarity from paranoia when it comes to Jewish safety? Why Jewish communities need to make room for disagreement without giving up their core values, allowing young people to enter the fold What would it take to turn the years after October 7th into a renaissance of Jewish life? Watch Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s Yom Kippur speech about reclaiming Zionism here. This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs (AFINS). For a brief video on Buddy Line and to support the program, visit https://AFINS.us/warriorcare. ___ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. https://streicker.nyc/event/cmb_f2026/ ____ Sign up to Ark+ to get access to exclusive episodes and ad-free listening to Call Me Back and every show in the Ark Media Network. Sign up at arkmedia.org/subscribe ____ More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok Continue the conversation on THE FOLD, our private moderated community for Ark Media listeners. The Fold is where you can dig into all of the issues Jews around the world are facing. There you can ask questions, hear other takes, keep talking about it with people who care as much as you do. Learn more and join us at arkmedia.org/subscribe Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Andrej Todorovski, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, Karina Logiohio, Leonardo Erhardt, Ignacio Herbojo, and Yuval Semo
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#566
October 6 · 7 min
3 Big Changes at Ark Media
Dan Senor and Ark Media CEO Ilan Benatar announce Ark+, our expanded membership; The Fold, our new private community; and the network's newest show, Chosen People Problems. Join Ark+ and The Fold: arkmedia.org/subscribe More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven's Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems (May need a link once the title is changed) Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on Social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok
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#565
October 4 · 58 min
Inside the Hostage Negotiations - with Brett McGurk
What really happened inside the negotiations to free the October 7th hostages? For 15 months, the Biden administration, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas negotiated over one impossible question: how do you bring the hostages home while also fighting a war? Brett McGurk, who was at the center of those talks, joins Dan Senor to take listeners inside the negotiating rooms—from the first backchannel with Qatar to the deals that repeatedly came within reach and fell apart. He explains what he believes Washington got wrong, why public pressure sometimes made negotiations harder, and how an unlikely Biden-Trump transition partnership helped finally get a deal over the line. Purchase Brett's book Brink - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/843630/brink-by-brett-mcgurk/ RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: What Washington knew in the first hours after October 7th How Qatar became the critical channel to Hamas Why the first hostage deal nearly collapsed over the younger women The impossible tradeoff between freeing hostages and maintaining military pressure Did public U.S. pressure on Israel make a hostage deal harder to reach? Why the deaths of six hostages changed McGurk’s view of the negotiations How the Biden and Trump teams worked together to close the final deal What the hostage crisis revealed about divisions inside Israeli society More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#564
October 1 · 50 min
How Fiction Will Remember October 7 - with Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff
How do you turn October 7th into fiction when it still feels like the present? For more than a decade, Fauda has turned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a global television phenomenon. But Season 5 takes on something different: two episodes that put its fictional characters inside the events of October 7th, while the trauma is still very much alive. Dan sits down with Fauda creators Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff to discuss the responsibility of dramatizing a real catastrophe, what they chose to show—and leave unseen—and what happens when fiction begins to shape how the world remembers history. Read John Aziz’s Atlantic piece on Fauda here. ___ RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. ___ This episode is sponsored by The Israel Democracy Institute: For resources on Israel's upcoming election and to learn more about IDI, visit https://en.idi.org.il/ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - How Fauda reconstructed the events of October 7th - How the co-creators determined the level of violence they could portray - Why the creators saw Season 5 as more than just another season of TV - Why Fauda is drawing a huge audience across the Arab world - Can a television show become part of the historical record that’s still being written? - In an era of misinformation and anti-semitism, why it’s important to tell this story during a still-living trauma ____ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#563
September 28 · 43 min
Is the Iran-Sanctions Playbook Coming for Israel? - with Mark Dubowitz
Could the financial warfare playbook built to isolate Iran be turned against Israel? Twenty-four hours after Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the UN, the organization expanded its settlement-business blacklist to more than 200 companies. It’s not a sanctions regime, but could it be the beginning of something much bigger? Dan sits down with Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who helped build the architecture used to isolate Iran, to discuss whether the same playbook could be used against Israel, how quickly targeted measures can escalate, and what Israel can do to stop it. Read Mark Dubowitz’s FDD report here. RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at afmda.org/callmeback. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - How anti-Israel sentiment could turn into financial pressure - Are sanctions against Israel already beginning? - How one designation can scare banks and investors - Would replacing Netanyahu reverse the momentum? - Can Israel’s economic strength protect it from sanctions? - How deeper U.S.-Israel ties, and cultural integration, could prevent financial isolation ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#562
September 26 · 9 min
Sneak Peek: Amit Segal on why Israel can't address its long-term problems, and more...
This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan and Amit Segal discuss the attack against Ambassador Leiter’s son, generational shift in American attitudes toward Israel, why Amit sees different forces driving younger Democrats and Republicans, and what Israel may need to change in its relationship with the United States. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Amit answer listener questions about: - What actually divides Israel’s left and right today? - What would Netanyahu do if he lost? - Can the IDF convince Haredim that military service won’t change who they are? - Is the Haredi political establishment starting to crack? - Why are some Israelis willing to spy for Iran? - Could the road to Saudi normalization run through Yemen? ____ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Devan Schwartz, Ryan Lohr, Brittany Cohen, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#561
September 24 · 46 min
Is Israel’s Global Standing on The (Israeli) Ballot? - with Amit Segal and Nadav Eyal
Is Israel’s growing isolation abroad becoming a political problem at home? As Benjamin Netanyahu heads to New York for a brief UN visit just weeks before Israel’s election, Israel’s standing in the United States is deteriorating, even as Netanyahu’s political position at home has improved. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal to ask whether Israeli voters see the country’s growing international isolation with the same urgency as diaspora Jews, and how that divide is shaping an increasingly complicated election. Read Rep. Brad Sherman’s warning about declining American support for Israel here. Read Mark Dubowitz’s FDD analysis on how the financial warfare model used against Iran could one day be turned against Israel here. RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at afmda.org. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: 05:48 Netanyahu’s UN speech is really aimed at Israeli voters 10:00 Why American support for Israel is eroding 17:00 Is Israel’s problem bigger than Netanyahu? 20:00 Do Israelis see a threat to Israel’s global standing? 24:00 Could a different government change Israel’s trajectory? 27:00 Why Israel’s electoral map may be shifting toward Netanyahu 34:00 Can Eisenkot win by simply being “not Netanyahu”? 38:00 What happens if neither side in Israel can form a government? ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Mindy Schaper, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#560
September 19 · 47 min
Naza: When a Film is the News
Can Israel confront what went wrong in Gaza when the accusations leave no room for conversation? In this special replay of For Heaven’s Sake, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi take on Naza, the explosive Israeli film accusing Israel of systematically disregarding civilian casualties in Gaza. After receiving a nearly 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, the film has ignited a firestorm over what happened in Gaza and how Israel’s conduct of the war should be judged. Donniel and Yossi wrestle with how to confront legitimate questions about Israel’s actions while rejecting a narrative they believe relies on unverifiable testimony, erases Hamas’ culpability, and leaves little room for moral reckoning. Subscribe to For Heaven's Sake. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - Why Naza became the news - The impact of the film’s 25-minute standing ovation - A missed opportunity for Israeli reckoning - Anonymous testimony and unverifiable claims - When criticism shuts down introspection - Erasing Hamas from the story of Gaza - Israel’s response to Naza and its filmmaker ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#559
September 17 · 52 min
Can Israel Learn the Lesson of 70 AD? - with Gidi Dar and Rabbi David Stav
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jerusalem fell after political and religious divisions among Jews spiraled into civil war. As Israel heads toward another election after years of political upheaval, October 7 and war, Dan speaks with filmmaker Gidi Dar and Rabbi David Stav, a leading voice in Israel’s religious Zionist community, about the history depicted in Dar’s film, Legend of Destruction, and its echoes in Israel today. Where does the comparison hold, where does it break down, and can Israelis learn from the past before their divisions become even harder to bridge? This episode features extended scenes from Legend of Destruction. Watch the conversation and clips on our YouTube channel. Watch the trailer for Legend of Destruction: https://youtu.be/DIvPLLijae0?si=O97Hx_3Xybo_Myuh Purchase or rent Legend of Destruction: Amazon DVD: https://link.amazon/B0i5kHIIe Amazon US TVOD: https://link.amazon/B0dj4d5bL iTunes: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/legend-of-destruction/umc.cmc.1x03f8yd00dkhofvrmxouwc6j GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Legend_of_Destruction?id=RRl6A4PyFKo.P&hl=en_US Amazon UK TVOD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0GXS755N5?ref_=atv_dp_share_cu_r The visuals for Legend of Destruction were created by Studio Potemkin. Learn more about their work here: https://www.studiopotemkin.com/ —- This episode is sponsored by the Jewish Communal Fund. Learn more about JCF’s donor advised funds at jcfny.org. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - Why Gidi Dar made his film, Legend of Destruction - The factions that divided ancient Jerusalem - Why ordinary Jews joined the revolt against Rome - How the revolt against Rome became a Jewish civil war - The story of how Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai saved Torah traditions and transformed Jewish life after the Temple’s destruction - The parallels between 70 AD and Israel today - Can Israelis disagree without destroying their whole society? - How diaspora Jews can support Israel in this fragile moment ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#558
September 14 · 42 min
Have we forgotten what we learned after 9/11? - LIVE with Douglas Murray
What happens when winning the war against terrorism leads us to forget why we were fighting it? Twenty-five years after the terror attacks of September 11, America has avoided another mass attack, but Manhattan Institute senior fellow and Free Press columnist Douglas Murray argues that success has come with different dangers: complacency, amnesia and turning many Americans against their own country. In a live conversation at the Manhattan Institute on September 8, Dan and Douglas look at what the West has forgotten about 9/11, why fringe conspiracy theories and anti-Western ideas have taken hold, and what Israel’s response to October 7 can teach us about a society’s willingness to defend itself. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by Birthright: Invest in the Jewish future today at onetripchangeseverything.com. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - What we’ve forgotten about the aftermath of 9/11 - Has the West lost the will to fight? - The miseducation that has led many Americans to degenerate and doubt the U.S. - Did America’s post-9/11 success lead to complacency? - October 7 and the West’s crisis of confidence - Iran, Saudi Arabia and the fight against extremism - How 9/11 conspiracy theories and other fringe ideas are reaching a new generation - The antidote to hate found in Israel and the heroes of 9/11 ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Devan Schwartz, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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#557
September 10 · 55 min
MBZ’s Warning to Netanyahu, Days Before Oct 7 - with Amit Segal and Nadav Eyal
Did Israel have enough warnings to prevent the devastation of the October 7th Hamas attacks? A new Haaretz investigative report alleges that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed personally called to warn Benjamin Netanyahu days before October 7 that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation, a report Netanyahu’s office calls “an absolute lie.” Dan is joined by Amit Segal and Nadav Eyal who debate the credibility and significance of the story, whether another warning could have changed Israel’s response, and if it will impact Israeli elections. Read the report in Haaretz. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by the Jewish Communal Fund. Learn more about JCF’s donor advised funds at jcfny.org. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - The alleged phone call from Mohammed bin Zayed warning about a Hamas operation - Amit and Nadav debate the report’s credibility - What Israeli intelligence forces knew before October 7 - Could another warning have prevented the Hamas attack? - Israel’s failed understanding of the goal and military power of Hamas - Who bears responsibility for the October 7 failures? - Why Israel didn’t eliminate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar – Will the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and response still be key issues in Israel’s election? ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
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