Unholy: Two Jews on the News
223 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 312 ratingsYonit Levi of Israel's Channel 12 News and Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian are two of the most prominent journalists in the world today. They are also Jews. Each week, join what MSNBC's Rachel Maddow calls "two great, smart smart smart hosts" as they dissect and debate current events shaping Israel, Jewish life - and the wider world.
Their blend of nuanced discussion and sparkling conversation, featuring a dazzling range of guests, is why New Yorker editor David Remnick calls himself a “proud, avid listener," why Ira Glass says he "completely enjoys this show" and why Malcolm Gladwell calls it an "incredibly fun podcast".
For a weekly fix of globally informed talk – including nominations for the greatest act of chutzpah and outstanding mensch of the previous seven days – there’s only one destination. Make every Friday morning Unholy.
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Episodes
A year gone bananas
January 07, 2022 03:30 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBThe Hebrew word of the year marks a good way to start 2022. Yonit and Jonathan discuss how Israel is losing its place as the trailblazer on COVID, allowing a more flexible policy on testing and policy of living alongside the pandemic. Benny Gantz is ruffling political feathers meeting with Arab leaders, including Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, cementing his position as an alternative to Bennett and Netanyahu. Also, we talk about the appearance of the Jew-goblins of Harry Potter, court...
Oy Vey 2022
December 31, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBOn the cusp of the new year, Yonit and Jonathan talk about what they dread and what they look forward to in 2022. As optimistic as we are, expect more of the former than the latter. Wishing us all a happier, healthier 2022. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Very Jewish Christmas
December 24, 2021 03:30 - 34 minutes - 32 MBOutside Israel, the world is preparing for the festive holiday period. In Israel, meanwhile, this is just another work week. Yonit and Jonathan catch up to discuss what Christmas is like for jews around the world. We also discuss the fallout of Donald Trump's comments on the Jewish community we aired last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A very Jewish Christmas
December 24, 2021 03:30 - 34 minutes - 32 MBOutside Israel, the world is preparing for the festive holiday period. In Israel, meanwhile, this is just another work week. Yonit and Jonathan catch up to discuss what Christmas is like for jews around the world. We also discuss the fallout of Donald Trump's comments on the Jewish community we aired last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump, Bibi and (some of my best friends are) Jews - with special guest Barak Ravid
December 17, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBYonit and Jonathan are joined by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid following his explosive interview with former President Donald Trump, including never before heard excerpts: What Trump thinks of the Jewish community, Sheldon Adelson and the New York Times? Speaking of U.S. Presidents – we pick one for mensch nominee of the week And what film did Jonathan embarrassingly admit to never seeing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump, Bibi and (some of my best friends are) Jews
December 17, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBYonit and Jonathan are joined by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid following his explosive interview with former President Donald Trump, including never before heard excerpts: What Trump thinks of the Jewish community, Sheldon Adelson and the New York Times? Speaking of U.S. Presidents – we pick one for mensch nominee of the week And what film did Jonathan embarrassingly admit to never seeing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump, Bibi and Some of My Best Friends Are Jews - with special guest Barak Ravid
December 17, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBYonit and Jonathan are joined by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid following his explosive interview with former President Donald Trump, including never before heard excerpts: What Trump thinks of the Jewish community, Sheldon Adelson and the New York Times? Speaking of U.S. Presidents – we pick one for mensch nominee of the week And what film did Jonathan embarrassingly admit to never seeing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump Blasts Bibi, People Love Dead Jews - special guest Dara Horn
December 10, 2021 03:30 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBNew quotes from Donald Trump shed a new and disturbing light on the relationship between the Former US President and Former Israeli PM. This week Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Dara Horn, acclaimed author of "People Love Dead Jews", the thought provoking book about the double standard when treating Jews and Jewish history. Boris Johnson is claiming Chutzpah again, and we have a new found group of Mensches. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump blasts Bibi, People Love Dead Jews - Special Guest Dara Horn
December 10, 2021 03:30 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBNew quotes from Donald Trump shed a new and disturbing light on the relationship between the Former US President and Former Israeli PM. This week Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Dara Horn, acclaimed author of "People Love Dead Jews", the thought provoking book about the double standard when treating Jews and Jewish history. Boris Johnson is claiming Chutzpah again, and we have a new found group of Mensches. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can’t Buy Me Life in Tel Aviv
December 03, 2021 03:30 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBNo one living in Tel Aviv was surprised it was crowned the most expensive city in the world; Yonit and Jonathan return to the topic of the high cost of living in Israel compared to the rest of the Western world. Anti-Vaxxers' campaign evoking insulting comparisons to the Holocaust even in Israel, A new BDS initiative in Canada aimed at kosher food. And we don't let you down -- the mensch award this week just has to be connected to the Beatles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
Hanukkah, vaccines for kids, return of the Bibi trial
November 26, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBAs we light our first candle, we deeply fry some Israel/Diaspora Hanukkah traditions. Yonit and Jonathan also talk about the lively discussion following Israel's project to vaccinate its children, and the new plot twist in the never ending Netanyahu trial. And how did Yonit end up in the Back to the Future Delorean? Happy Hanukkah everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hanukkah, Vaccines for kids, Return of the Bibi Trial
November 26, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBAs we light our first candle, we deeply fry some Israel/Diaspora Hanukkah traditions. Yonit and Jonathan also talk about the lively discussion following Israel's project to vaccinate its children, and the new plot twist in the never ending Netanyahu trial. And how did Yonit end up in the Back to the Future Delorean? Happy Hanukkah everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Why is Israel so expensive?" with special guest Guy Rolnik
November 19, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBAs the new Israeli coalition passes its budget, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Guy Rolnik, Founder of TheMarker, Israel's leading business publication and Professor at University of Chicago Booth School of Business. We ask how Israel has become one of the most expensive places to buy a house (or go to a restaurant?), why does it continue to attract so many foreign investments, and why isn't the economy on top of the political agenda for Israelis? Also - Yonit shares some interesting finds...
"Why is Israel So Expensive?"- with special guest Guy Rolnik
November 19, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBAs the new Israeli coalition passes its budget, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Guy Rolnik, Founder of TheMarker, Israel's leading business publication and Professor at University of Chicago Booth School of Business. We ask how Israel has become one of the most expensive places to buy a house (or go to a restaurant?), why does it continue to attract so many foreign investments, and why isn't the economy on top of the political agenda for Israelis? Also - Yonit shares some interesting find...
A Converstation - with special guest Yuval Noah Harari
November 12, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBWe are delighted to have Prof. Yuval Noah Harari as our special guest this week. Right before he leaves for a two month meditation retreat, Yuval gets together with Yonit and Jonathan for a conversation on pandemics, climate change, corporations vs. governments, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, trans rights and shares some interesting Bar Mitzvah experiences. Yuval's new book Sapiens: A graphic history is available now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with special guest Yuval Noah Harari
November 12, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBWe are delighted to have Prof. Yuval Noah Harari as our special guest this week. Right before he leaves for a two month meditation retreat, Yuval gets together with Yonit and Jonathan for a conversation on pandemics, climate change, corporations vs. governments, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, trans rights and shares some interesting Bar Mitzvah experiences. Yuval's new book Sapiens: A graphic history is available now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel's Life in Plastic and France's Far-Right Jewish Populist
November 05, 2021 08:43 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBIsraeli PM Bennett left quite an impression at COP26. In reality, Israel is nowhere near the environmental targets set, and the Israelis aren't doing much to get there.Yonit and Jonathan also discuss the alarming rise of the far right populist newcomer in France, who, unfortunately, can play the 'I'm Jewish' card. In Chutzpah, we re-enact a Jewish version of Succession, courtesy of an NYC synagogue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel's life in plastic, France's far-right Jewish populist
November 05, 2021 08:43 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBIsraeli PM Bennett left quite an impression at COP26. In reality, Israel is nowhere near the environmental targets set, and the Israelis aren't doing much to get there.Yonit and Jonathan also discuss the alarming rise of the far right populist newcomer in France, who, unfortunately, can play the 'I'm Jewish' card. In Chutzpah, we re-enact a Jewish version of Succession, courtesy of an NYC synagogue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's not easy being green, With special guest Ben Rhodes
October 29, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBAs world leaders come to Glasgow for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, Yonit and Jonathan talk to former Obama Advisor Ben Rhodes. We discuss the dynamics behind the scenes and what the US and the world are missing as we tackle this challenge. In Israel, PM Bennett's coalition is starting to show some cracks, only 4 months in and ahead of a crucial budget vote. Finally, Yonit reclaims her spot at the nominating committee of Mensch of the week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
It's not easy being green
October 29, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBAs world leaders come to Glasgow for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, Yonit and Jonathan talk to former Obama Advisor Ben Rhodes. We discuss the dynamics behind the scenes and what the US and the world are missing as we tackle this challenge. In Israel, PM Bennett's coalition is starting to show some cracks, only 4 months in and ahead of a crucial budget vote. Finally, Yonit reclaims her spot at the nominating committee of Mensch of the week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
It's Not Easy Being Green - with special guest Ben Rhodes
October 29, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBAs world leaders come to Glasgow for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, Yonit and Jonathan talk to former Obama Advisor Ben Rhodes. We discuss the dynamics behind the scenes and what the US and the world are missing as we tackle this challenge. In Israel, PM Bennett's coalition is starting to show some cracks, only 4 months in and ahead of a crucial budget vote. Finally, Yonit reclaims her spot at the nominating committee of Mensch of the week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
Israel's Dr. Fauci and Sally Rooney - with special guest Sharon Alroy-Preis
October 22, 2021 03:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBYonit and Jonathan are back together after meeting up in London! This week, we have an in depth conversation with the woman who leads the Israeli efforts to fight COVID, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, Head of Public Health Services at Israel's Ministry of Health. She shares how she makes decisions as a worldwide leader in vaccinations and booster shots, and her concerns of a fifth wave. Finally, we discuss why it's only the normal people who suffer from the Sally Rooney boycott scandal See omnystu...
Israel's Dr. Fauci and Sally Rooney
October 22, 2021 03:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBYonit and Jonathan are back together after meeting up in London! This week, we have an in depth conversation with the woman who leads the Israeli efforts to fight COVID, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, Head of Public Health Services at Israel's Ministry of Health. She shares how she makes decisions as a worldwide leader in vaccinations and booster shots, and her concerns of a fifth wave. Finally, we discuss why it's only the normal people who suffer from the Sally Rooney boycott scandal See omnystud...
The Mossad, Sarah Silverman and Saving a Synagogue - with special guest Ronen Bergman
October 08, 2021 02:30 - 31 minutes - 29 MBIsraeli PM Naftali Bennett reveals the Mossad's latest attempt to unearth information in a mystery that has haunted Israel for 35 years. We are joined by New York Times journalist Ronen Bergman to discuss the frustrating and futile search for missing Israeli Airman Ron Arad. In Hollywood – actress and comedian Sarah Silverman ignites a debate about the casting of non- Jewish actors in Jewish roles – Yonit and Jonathan discuss the provocative term "Jew-face". Also, the heartwarming story of h...
The Mossad, Sarah Silverman and Saving a Synagogue
October 08, 2021 02:30 - 31 minutes - 29 MBIsraeli PM Naftali Bennett reveals the Mossad's latest attempt to unearth information in a mystery that has haunted Israel for 35 years. We are joined by New York Times journalist Ronen Bergman to discuss the frustrating and futile search for missing Israeli Airman Ron Arad. In Hollywood – actress and comedian Sarah Silverman ignites a debate about the casting of non- Jewish actors in Jewish roles – Yonit and Jonathan discuss the provocative term "Jew-face". Also, the heartwarming story of ho...
Shalom, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye
October 01, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBThe high holidays are behind us and the news is back to some routine. Israeli PM Naftali Bennett spoke to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and with the US Jewish community: Jacob Kornbluh of The Forward was in the room and is joining us to share his insights. As Angela Merkel bids farewell, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the 'charged' emotions older and younger Jews in Israel and around the world have towards Germany. And... Jonathan realizes it's easier to choose a Chutzpah ...
Shalom, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
October 01, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBThe high holidays are behind us and the news is back to some routine. Israeli PM Naftali Bennett spoke to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and with the US Jewish community: Jacob Kornbluh of The Forward was in the room and is joining us to share his insights. As Angela Merkel bids farewell, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the 'charged' emotions older and younger Jews in Israel and around the world have towards Germany. And... Jonathan realizes it's easier to choose a Chutzpah n...
Unholy Sukkah - with special guest Kara Swisher
September 24, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBYonit and Jonathan are in festive Sukkot spirits and have invited rockstar journalist Kara Swisher for a conversation about tech, politics and Israeli unicorns. Happy holidays everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special Guest Kara Swisher joins the Unholy Sukkah
September 24, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBYonit and Jonathan are in festive Sukkot spirits and have invited rockstar journalist Kara Swisher for a conversation about tech, politics and Israeli unicorns. Happy holidays everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yom Kippur Fast
September 15, 2021 10:43 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBYonit and Jonathan catch up right before Yom Kippur with some tips for fasting and book recommendations. They also share experiences from their interviews with Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and Hillary Clinton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yom Kippur Fast Episode
September 15, 2021 10:43 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBYonit and Jonathan catch up right before Yom Kippur with some tips for fasting and book recommendations. They also share experiences from their interviews with Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and Hillary Clinton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yom Kippur fast episode
September 15, 2021 10:43 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBYonit and Jonathan catch up right before Yom Kippur with some tips for fasting and book recommendations. They also share experiences from their interviews with Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and Hillary Clinton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rosh Hashanah, Prison Break, 9/11
September 10, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBWe recover from Rosh Hashanah with the crazy Israeli prison break story. Six high risk Palestinian security prisoners escaped and left Israeli authorities puzzled. Yonit and Jonathan also look back at the effect of 9/11 on Jews and Israelis, and devise an alternative plot of The White Lotus starring... The Netanyahu Family. (Click here for Netanyahu's photo reading David Cameron's book) We'll see you next week on Wednesday for a special 'Pre-Fast' episode for Yom Kippur. See omnystudio...
Jewish New Year Special featuring Gal Gadot and Sacha Baron Cohen
September 03, 2021 03:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBYonit and Jonathan are back with a second season of UNHOLY, just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Sacha Baron Cohen and Gal Gadot choose their "Mensch of the Year", we ask how are President Biden and Israel PM Bennett doing regarding Afghanistan, Iran, COVID and... each other. And we finally learn Jonathan's not-so-secret nickname. Shana Tova everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV Made in Israel - with special guest Richard Plepler
July 01, 2021 15:16 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBFrom In Treatment to Fauda, Homeland to Shtisel - Israeli TV is now a global bingeing phenomenon. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Former Chairman and CEO of HBO, Richard Plepler, to talk about how Israeli stories have broken new ground with viewers around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israeli TV Special - with Special Guest Richard Plepler
July 01, 2021 15:16 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBFrom In Treatment to Fauda, Homeland to Shtisel - Israeli TV is now a global bingeing phenomenon. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Former Chairman and CEO of HBO, Richard Plepler, to talk about how Israeli stories have broken new ground with viewers around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Old Problems, New Leaders
June 25, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBCOVID is hitting back in Israel and Iran is presenting a new challenge to new PM Bennett and new-ish President Biden. In the US, progressive events are starting to shun Israeli participants. Finally, Yonit and Jonathan grade Quentin Tarantino's Hebrew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Old problems, new leaders
June 25, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBCOVID is hitting back in Israel and Iran is presenting a new challenge to new PM Bennett and new-ish President Biden. In the US, progressive events are starting to shun Israeli participants. Finally, Yonit and Jonathan grade Quentin Tarantino's Hebrew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bibi, Inside and Out
June 18, 2021 03:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBWhile the newly formed Bennett-Lapid government is taking its first steps, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the one who is stepping down. What did Benjamin Netanyahu's 12 consecutive years in power mean for Israelis and for Jews outside of Israel? Follow us on instagram @twojews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bibi inside and out
June 18, 2021 03:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBWhile the newly formed Bennett-Lapid government is taking its first steps, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the one who is stepping down. What did Benjamin Netanyahu's 12 consecutive years in power mean for Israelis and for Jews outside of Israel? Follow us on instagram @twojews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In with the new - and Special Guest Jake Tapper
June 11, 2021 03:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBAs a new political reality takes form in Israel, we try and estimate what a Netanyahu-Bennett handover would look like, and what are the challenges of this unusual coalition. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by CNN's Jake Tapper for a conversation about politics, Judaism, his new book and his semester at Tel Aviv University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In With the New - with special guest Jake Tapper
June 11, 2021 03:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBAs a new political reality takes form in Israel, we try and estimate what a Netanyahu-Bennett handover would look like, and what are the challenges of this unusual coalition. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by CNN's Jake Tapper for a conversation about politics, Judaism, his new book and his semester at Tel Aviv University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ch Ch Ch Changes
June 04, 2021 03:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBYonit and Jonathan explain the forces behind the historic coalition formed in Israel, and the forces that might stop it. What does the new President-elect Herzog mean for world jews? And no need to Google our Chutzpah nominee for this week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back to Normal? - with special guest Bianna Golodryga
May 28, 2021 05:28 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBEven though a ceasefire is maintained between Israel and Hamas, tensions are still high, especially around the world. Yonit and Jonathan are joined from New York by CNN's Bianna Golodryga, who called out antisemitic remarks by the Pakistani Foreign Minister - to present her with her mensch award! We also update on the looming threat of fifth elections, give some context on the who the next Israeli President will be, with a surprising Unholy cameo from one of the candidates. See omnystudio...
Back to normal? with Special guest Bianna Golodryga
May 28, 2021 05:28 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBEven though a ceasefire is maintained between Israel and Hamas, tensions are still high, especially around the world. Yonit and Jonathan are joined from New York by CNN's Bianna Golodryga, who called out antisemitic remarks by the Pakistani Foreign Minister - to present her with her mensch award! We also update on the looming threat of fifth elections, give some context on the who the next Israeli President will be, with a surprising Unholy cameo from one of the candidates. See omnystudio....
A Tale of Two Wars
May 21, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBThe war between Israel and Gaza is generating new hardships for jews in Israel and around the world. Yonit and Jonathan discuss how this escalation is different than those who came before it, and how influencers Gigi and Bella Hadid are dominating the global narrative against Israel. Finally - some vintage Freedland, celebrating the 50th anniversary of "You don't have to be Jewish", the monumental BBC Radio programme by Jonathan's late father, who hosted all the who's and jews of the time....
A tale of two wars
May 21, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBThe war between Israel and Gaza is generating new hardships for jews in Israel and around the world. Yonit and Jonathan discuss how this escalation is different than those who came before it, and how influencers Gigi and Bella Hadid are dominating the global narrative against Israel. Finally - some vintage Freedland, celebrating the 50th anniversary of "You don't have to be Jewish", the monumental BBC Radio programme by Jonathan's late father, who hosted all the who's and jews of the time. ...
A Land on fire
May 14, 2021 00:56 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBYonit and Jonathan get together at the end of a tumultuous week in Israel, which started with tensions in Jerusalem, and ended in an all-encompassing war: hundreds of rockets landing across Israel, destructive attacks on Gaza and riots by lynching mobs throughout the country. **Click here for Jonathan's interview with Dennis Ross** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Land on Fire
May 14, 2021 00:56 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBYonit and Jonathan get together at the end of a tumultuous week in Israel, which started with tensions in Jerusalem, and ended in an all-encompassing war: hundreds of rockets landing across Israel, destructive attacks on Gaza and riots by lynching mobs throughout the country. **Click here for Jonathan's interview with Dennis Ross** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Math of Israeli Politics
May 07, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBYair Lapid and Naftali Bennett are busy crafting a coalition that defies all rules of math, on their way to topple incumbent PM Netanyahu. The disaster at Mount Meron unearths big questions regarding the Israeli establishment's dealings with the Haredi community. In Chutzpah and Mensch, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the latest UK-France standoff, and offer some TV bingeing recommendations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.