Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/QrN9l4AKLB0 Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon As world leaders gather in Manhattan for the UN General Assembly, the message is clear: growing support for Palestinian statehood. As the diplomatic clamour gets louder, Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his own appearance on the world stage — but not before receiving a sharp satirical blow from no other than Kyle’s mother of South Park. Meanwhile, New York hosts another drama. Mayor Eric Adams marks Rosh Hashana with a bold fashion statement, as his would-be successor Zohran Mamdani proves his social media game extends even to Hebrew pronunciation. Plus: a chutzpah award that may flatter its recipient, while this week’s mensch proved a ratings winner

As Israel’s ground operation in Gaza City escalates, Prime Minister Netanyahu briefly suggests the country must become economically self-sufficient — only to backtrack, rattling markets in the process. Meanwhile, cultural boycotts mount, from the Emmys to Eurovision. Yonit and Jonathan unpack the political spin, economic fallout, and the global cultural backlash. They’re also joined by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl for our Rosh Hashana tradition — reflecting on moral accountability in Gaza, the meaning of the High Holy Days in wartime, and the challenge of unity in a divided Jewish world. Plus: Yonit joins from Paris, where she sat down for an interview with French President Emmanuel Macron, in which he lays out his thinking on recognition of a Palestinian state — and answers the question: why now?

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4oq27AXCEbU Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon In this special Unholy episode, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by former Mossad chief, Yossi Cohen. In a wide-ranging conversation, Cohen reflects on what went wrong before October 7th — and who bears responsibility. He critiques the risk-averse mindset within Israel’s security establishment and doesn’t shy away from addressing Netanyahu’s strained ties with regional leaders. From stalled Saudi normalization to the ever-present shadow of Iran, Cohen offers a rare look into the calculations behind Israel’s next moves — and whether we’re truly prepared for what’s coming.

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Teq1Qe9EEyM Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Order "The Traitors Circle" by Jonathan Freedland - https://www.amazon.com/Traitors-Circle-Resistance-Germany_and-Betrayed/dp/0063373203 As America reels from the shocking assassination of the pro-Trump activist and organiser Charlie Kirk, Yonit and Jonathan assess the rising menace of political violence in the U.S. — from toxic rhetoric to loose gun laws. Meanwhile, the region is rocked by Israel’s first-ever airstrike on Qatar, raising fears of escalation and fury in the Gulf. Jonathan wears two hats this week — both co-host and guest — as he reflects on the release of his new book The Traitors Circle, which tells an astonishing true story of courage, resistance and betrayal during the Third Reich. Plus: a Chutzpah award that dominates the headlines, and a Mensch nominee whose pronunciation sparks an unexpected debate.

Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Haaretz military affairs analyst Amos Harel as they discuss Israel’s unprecedented bombing of the Hamas negotiating team in Doha. Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/LxyLZMMobcE Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon On Day 700 of the war, Israel prepares for a threatened push into Gaza City — a move the IDF’s Chief of Staff warns could see the imposition of martial law on the Strip. Donald Trump claims Israel is “losing the PR war,” as a ceasefire and hostage release deal remains as elusive as ever. In a special pair of conversations, Yonit and Jonathan speak with two Israeli reservists — one refusing to return to Gaza, the other still serving — about loyalty, conscience and the cost of war. Plus: a Chutzpah award for a lawyer with an awkward past - and an MVP turned Mensch.

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/BHz5D_p5upQ Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Follow Yonit and Jonathan on Instagram As Israeli protesters return to the streets in force, calling for a hostage deal and an end to the war, the Israeli cabinet refuses to even discuss a partial agreement — despite earlier demanding one. At the same time, Netanyahu’s closest advisor is in Washington talking “day after” strategy, while back home, reservists are called up yet again and political priorities appear increasingly out of step with public sentiment. This week, Yonit and Jonathan reunite to assess a stalled political process, shifting American pressure, and the increasingly surreal spectacle of Haredi pilgrims preparing to fly abroad — even as they continue to avoid military service. Plus: Unholy heads to New York, and Jonathan becomes an unlikely Instagrammer.

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xJooo1JvDqs Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon As part of our journey through Jewish communities around the world, we land this week in Buenos Aires — home to the largest Jewish population in Latin America. Yonit and Jonathan speak with Pablo Mendez Shiff, freelance journalist and scholar, about Argentina’s stance on Israel, and what it means to live Jewish life in today’s Argentina. Plus – we revisit two of our previous guests: Ilanit Spinner from Germany and Nomi Kaltmann from Australia, and find a moment of optimism.

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon After ministers vote to approve the reoccupation of Gaza, tensions erupt between Israel’s political leaders and the military establishment. With senior IDF officials voicing unease, the divide between the cabinet and the high command deepens. This week, Jonathan is joined by Channel 11’s diplomatic correspondent Suleiman Maswadeh to unpack the political and military implications — and to discuss how the war is likely to shape the Arab vote in Israel’s next elections. And we continue our summer tour of the world’s Jewish communities with a focus on Australia, courtesy of a conversation with Nomi Kaltmann. Plus: “Locksgate” earns this week’s Chutzpah award, while a rare exponent of civility earns the Mensch prize

As Israel signals its intent to reoccupy Gaza, the public conversation around the Strip is beginning to shift — but how far, and in which direction? Meanwhile, the battle over the draft bill continues to simmer, exposing deep divisions within Israeli society. This week, Jonathan is joined by New Yorker journalist Ruth Margalit to break down the latest developments on both fronts, and to launch a new series of conversations from across the Jewish world. First up: Ilanit Spinner, a German journalist, reflects on what it means to be Jewish in Germany in 2025 — and how the war is shaping daily life far beyond Israel’s borders.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VCcIpEYOqr4 Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Don't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform! As the war in Gaza grinds on, a rift appears between two familiar allies: Donald Trump breaks ranks with Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledging the scale of hunger in Gaza. Meanwhile, the UK moves to formally recognise a Palestinian state, prompting a diplomatic storm. This week, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Haaretz’s senior military analyst Amos Harel to assess the state of negotiations, the burden borne by Israeli reservists, and the stark realities on the ground for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Plus: a crowded field for this week’s Chutzpah and Mensch awards — and a nod to our listeners who treat Unholy as an English-language workout.

As the war nears its 21st month, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens — with harrowing footage of children searching for food sparking growing outrage, even among Israel’s staunchest allies. Meanwhile, the Israeli government prepares to push forward a controversial draft bill, fuelling an already volatile political climate. This week, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman for a wide-ranging conversation on the war, Donald Trump, his thoughts on the man who might be New York's next mayor: Zohran Mamdani and the question everyone’s asking: is there a way out?

As the war in Gaza passes its 650th day, Yonit and Jonathan delve into the political and personal forces keeping the conflict going—from ceasefire talks that lead nowhere, to new revelations about Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to heed warnings ahead of October 7. Plus: new cracks in Israel’s ruling coalition, how criticism of the country is now coming from the American MAGA right, what’s behind the latest IDF strikes on Syria—and the return of one of Unholy’s favourite guests, the legendary Israeli journalist Ilana Dayan.

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbqe4AWNxzE Don't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform! Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Social links, shop and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As the war in Gaza grinds on, Yonit and Jonathan unpack the politics behind Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and the fragile state of ceasefire and hostage negotiations. They discuss the plan for Gaza proposed by Israel’s defence minister that has stirred trenchant opposition inside and outside the country - and the military draft bill splitting an already divided Knesset. They are also joined by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was murdered while a captive of Hamas, for a conversation about grief, belief and the future of Israel.

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Social links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod This week, Jonathan returns to the podcast as he and Yonit assess the public mood in Israel in the aftermath of the war with Iran, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and renewed talk of a potential ceasefire. They also discuss the political fallout at home and abroad —including a moment at the Glastonbury music festival that saw a collision of protest and prejudice.

As the dust settles from the war between Israel and Iran, Yonit sits down with Nuseir Yassin to unpack what just happened—and what it all means. From shifting regional power dynamics to the role of social media in shaping global narratives, they go deep on war, peace, and the politics of perception. They also touch on the democratic mayoral elections in New York, the conflicts elsewhere that could either ignite or resolve in the coming years, and—above all—ask what future the region might still have. Is there room for cautious optimism, or are we simply bracing for the next round?

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Social links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod The Israel–Iran war may be behind us, for now, but one of the most critical questions is only just beginning to surface: what really happened to Iran’s nuclear program? To begin unpacking that, Yonit spoke with someone uniquely positioned to offer insight: Zohar Palti, former Head of the Political-Military Bureau at Israel’s Ministry of Defense and a longtime senior official in the Mossad. With years of experience at the heart of Israel’s security establishment, Palti helps us explore what’s known, what’s rumored, and what may still be unfolding behind the scenes.

A few hours after the U.S. Army, under orders from President Donald Trump, bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities, Yonit sat down for an in-depth conversation with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed the ongoing operation in Iran, the aftermath of October 7th, the ICC arrest warrant—and even found a glimpse of optimism for the region’s future.

It’s day seven of the Israel-Iran war, and the world is waiting on President Trump’s next move. Will he or won’t he strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. Yonit is joined this week by CNN anchor and senior global affairs analyst Bianna Golodryga; together they speak with former senior adviser to President Biden, Amos Hochstein, about what could happen if the U.S. joins the war. Plus: a chutzpah award you’ll enjoy, and a next-generation mensch.

Day five of the war with Iran, and the world is holding its breath. With President Trump abruptly leaving the G7 and urging Tehran’s citizens to evacuate, the next chapter remains uncertain — escalation or ceasefire? Yonit speaks with Beni Sabti, an expert on Iran, to look beyond the headlines, to explore what life looks like for ordinary Iranians: under fire, and under a theocracy that has shaped daily reality for nearly half a century.