Segment 1: Families Growing in Jerusalem
Yishai and Malkah reflect on the reaction to a recent article written by Yishai about Jonathan Pollard and the potential guilt we, as modern Jews, would face if he were to die in prison in the United States. Yishai ponders the strong emotions expressed in the many comments posted on the article published originally on JewishPress.com and then re-posted on Ynet. Malkah lets us in on a potential new career choice in stark contrast to her current position as an activist and journalist; and shares her exciting adventure helping a young family handle a new arrival on the holiday of Passover. Yishai and Malkah end the segment by talking about their recent tour around Jerusalem on Segways.
Segment 2: Why Are Israelis So Happy?!
Yishai and Malkah dig into the world’s ‘Happiness Index’ to see how Israel ranks in contrast to the world’s other countries. Yishai talks about African refugees living in Israel and a potential solution to house them and make them feel at home in Israeli society. On the flip side, Israeli migration to the United States has changed significantly over the last ten years and our hosts analyze why the change is good for both Israel and the United States. Yishai laughs out loud reviewing a recent article posted in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz written by Nehemia Shtrasler and Shtrasler’s premise that the Jewish People need to use the world’s guilt for the Holocaust in order to remain in good standing in the eyes in the rest of the world.
Segment 3: Political Analyst Mordechai Taub on the 2012 US Elections
Yishai is joined by Mordechai Taub, a political analyst who formerly worked for the Republican National Committee and now works for Israel’s Likud party, to discuss the American politics and the upcoming election. All candidates want to appear pro-Israel but what does this actually mean? Yishai and Mordechai examine the records of the Republican candidates in contrast with Israel policy advocated by President Barak Obama. In one example, the discussion hones in on former President Jimmy Carter’s behavior during the Camp David Accords towards former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin compared to President Obama’s behavior towards Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu. How does Israel and the Israeli people look at foreign powers? Are real policy differences between the two large parties in the US vis-a-vis Israel? Mitt Romney and other Republican candidates are discussed and Mordechai Taub gives his prediction on the presidential election. A recent report from Afghanistan completes this segment.
Segment 4: Beinart’s Closed Zion
Yishai comments on a recent interview from the Charlie Rose show featuring Peter Beinart, a well-known author, political pundit, and associate professor. Rose and Beinart discuss the current state of the “two-state solution” concept and factors, such as continued Jewish settlement, that affect potential implementation. Beinart presents his opinions on Middle East topics such as the Sinai and the US role in providing security in Israel, and the proposed Palestinian State. Yishai presents analysis of the interview throughout and reveals a completely different perspective.