IsraelCast Jewish National Fund

During the October 7 terrorist attacks, the first and often only line of defense for hours were the southern border communities’ Civil Security Squads, many of which were underfunded and underequipped, leading to the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives. Created in the wake of the massacre, Civil Squads of Israel is dedicated to properly equipping the civil defense units on the Gaza and Lebanon border and ensuring that they will be prepared for any more assaults. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Nir Alon, Co-founder and Chief Finance Officer of Civil Squads of Israel, to discuss his harrowing October 7 experience, and his determination to prevent another massacre by buying proper tactical gear for those that need it.

In the post-October 7 world, advocating for Israel can feel like an uphill battle. Trolls and antisemites attack pro-Israel posts on social media, and Zionists get banned merely for supporting Israel’s right to exist. Yet, the fight continues, and everyday, people are in the trenches spreading the truth about Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with actor and activist Yuval David to talk about getting deplatformed for discussing Zionism, the increased antisemitism in America and especially Hollywood, the danger of Jews who attack Israel, and practicing self-care when you feel like you can’t take a break.

Among everything else, Israel’s startup sector was heavily impacted by the October 7 terrorist attacks. Between inflation and Israeli protests, the attacks and subsequent war have been another setback in a series of extreme challenges for Israel’s entrepreneurs. Yet, the spirit of Israel perseveres, and its changemakers have continued to grow and thrive in this trying landscape. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Molly Livingstone, who operates at the heart of Israel’s innovation sector, to discuss how the attacks impacted Israel’s startup industry, how Israel’s innovators have responded, and several of her favorite ventures that she is a part of.

Israel’s war with Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre has reverberated throughout the world, resulting in a dynamic shift in the world. From Arab Israelis to Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East, from U.S. college campuses to the United Nations, Israel’s domestic and international relations have changed forever. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down once again with former diplomat and branding expert Ido Aharoni, who untangles the web of relationships in the Middle East and greater international community, explaining both why Arab Israelis are more supportive of Israel than ever and how the United Nations has failed Israel so soon after supporting its creation.

Ran Bar-Yehoshafat was set to speak at Berkeley about his experience as an IDF soldier and reservist, as well as his legal expertise as a former Knesset Legal Department member and the current deputy director of the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based, non-partisan think-tank dedicated to, among other things, promoting Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and defending its democracy. Unfortunately, the Berkeley faculty shut down his speech due to students rioting. Tune into the latest episode of IsraelCast to hear Bar-Yehoshafat discuss the Berkeley, his reaction to the October 7 massacre, and the lack of understanding in the west of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Michael Lucas wears many hats. Rising through the adult entertainment industry to become one of the top performers and producers, Lucas is also a passionate documentarian and lifelong activist. He has also, despite growing up in the antisemitic Soviet Union, been very connected to his Jewish heritage, and has always advocated for the State of Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Lucas to discuss how he got into the entertainment business, the antisemitism he faced while trying to document Israel’s gay life, and his support for Israel in the face of potential boycotts.