The Israel Connection

Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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The Israel Connection – Hosted by Esti Zenati, this engaging podcast explores all things Israel. Every other week, Esti welcomes a special guest with a unique connection to Israel—diving into culture, history, current events, and personal stories. Whether you’re deeply connected to Israel or just curious to learn more, this podcast offers insightful and meaningful conversations that bring Israel to life. 

  1. The Israel Connection: Unfiltered Defense - Abraham Hamra

    2D AGO

    The Israel Connection: Unfiltered Defense - Abraham Hamra

    Send a text In this episode of The Israel Connection, Esti Zenati sits down with Abraham Hamra—a Syrian Jewish ex-refugee turned powerhouse attorney and digital advocate. From the hushed, dangerous escape from Damascus in the early 90s to the high-stakes courtrooms of New York, Abraham shares a journey defined by resilience. Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, Abraham leverages his unique cultural vantage point to dismantle antisemitism and defend Jewish identity on the global stage. Tune in as he discusses the scars of growing up under oppression, the seismic shift in Jewish unity following October 7th, and his unfiltered take on Israeli governance and the future of Middle Eastern relations.

    1h 19m
  2. The Israel Connection: Advocacy in Crisis - Dana Cwaigrach

    FEB 5

    The Israel Connection: Advocacy in Crisis - Dana Cwaigrach

    Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati sits down with social impact leader, Dana Cwaigrach. From her roots in Tel Aviv to her high-level work at the Peres Center for Peace and the Ramon Foundation, Dana has spent her career driving change. Following the October 7 attacks, Dana co-founded the U.S. branch of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. She joins us to discuss the emotional weight of working with hostage families, navigating global advocacy amidst intense protests, and how she maintains a deep connection to Israel from New York. Tune in for a raw look at leadership, diplomacy, and the fight for human rights in a time of crisis. *Note: This episode was recorded prior to the recovery of Ran Gvili's remains in Gaza.

    33 min
  3. The Israel Connection: Finding a Place for Us - Ari Axelrod

    JAN 26

    The Israel Connection: Finding a Place for Us - Ari Axelrod

    Send us a text Celebrated Broadway star and activist, Ari Axelrod joins Esti Zenati to explore the intersection of the arts, activism, and Jewish identity. From his upbringing in Michigan to navigating antisemitism on college campus and later in the theater world, Ari shares how his trips to Israel transformed his sense of self and Jewish identity. We dive into the creation of his acclaimed show, A Place for Us, the Jewish roots of Broadway, and his response to the rise in antisemitism post-October 7th. Stick around for a special surprise at the end of the episode!

    1h 4m
  4. The Israel Connection: Rabbi Steven Schwartz

    JAN 15

    The Israel Connection: Rabbi Steven Schwartz

    Send us a text What does it take to lead a congregation for over 25 years? Rabbi Steven Schwartz joins Esti Zenati to reflect on his tenure at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore as he prepares for his next chapter in semi-retirement. From his childhood inspirations in upstate New York to his first transformative trip to Israel, Rabbi Schwartz explores the experiences that shaped his commitment to the Jewish diaspora. They dive into the challenges of the current moment, the resilience of community, and—in a delightful twist—how a love for The Grateful Dead has accompanied him through it all.

    39 min
  5. The Israel Connection: Shai Davidai - The Fight for Jewish Safety

    JAN 5

    The Israel Connection: Shai Davidai - The Fight for Jewish Safety

    Send us a text When the world shifted on October 7th, Shai Davidai—a social psychologist and former Columbia Business School assistant professor —refused to stay silent. In this episode, Shai joins Esti Zenati to share his journey from a 1980s Israeli childhood to the frontlines of campus advocacy. We dive deep into Shai’s transition from the classroom to full-time activism, his fierce public battle against antisemitism at Columbia, and his mission to mobilize a new generation of Jewish leaders. From the launch of his podcast Here I Am to building an activist core in NYC, Shai delivers a powerful message on why Jewish visibility and solidarity are our greatest strengths.

    52 min
  6. The Israel Connection: Saving Abigail - Liz Hirsh Naftali

    12/17/2025

    The Israel Connection: Saving Abigail - Liz Hirsh Naftali

    Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati is joined by Liz Hirsh Naftali, author and advocate, whose great-niece, 3-year-old Abigail Mor Idan was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, after her parents were murdered. Liz details the tragic events, her transformation into a global advocate and her efforts during the past two years to secure the release of hostages. She discusses the impact on her family, the broader community, and the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism. Her book, Saving Abigail, serves as a memoir and call to action for truth and resilience.

    44 min
  7. The Israel Connection: #ImThatJew - Eitan Chitayat

    12/07/2025

    The Israel Connection: #ImThatJew - Eitan Chitayat

    Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati interviews Eitan Chitayat, a global creative leader and brand builder known for his advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people. They discuss the origin of Eitan's viral movement I'm That Jew, which started as a reaction to the 2014 Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris and grew into a global Jewish advocacy movement. They delve into how the video, seen by millions worldwide, sparked a narrative focused on Jewish pride and self-identity. Chitayat also talks about the impact of the October 7th attack on his work and the Jewish community, stressing the importance of proactive narrative building and bridging gaps within Jewish communities worldwide. He highlights the need for Jewish storytelling and the role of parents in instilling Jewish identity in their children, while also addressing the challenges of countering antisemitism and false narratives.

    54 min
  8. The Israel Connection: The Best Israeli Food - Yossef's Laffa-Milia

    11/26/2025

    The Israel Connection: The Best Israeli Food - Yossef's Laffa-Milia

    Send us a text Join Esti Zenati for a delicious conversation with Yossef Shavi and his daughter Alona Shavi-Tajer, the family behind the local Yossef's Laffa-Milia kosher Israeli food truck. Learn the heartwarming story of how Yossef started the truck, the meaning of its unique name, and what makes their customer service exceptional. Yossef discusses Israeli cuisine as a "melting pot," their dynamic menu, and authentic spices. Hear how the family relies on community support to address anti-Semitic incidents. It’s a dive into food, family, and resilience!

    37 min
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About

The Israel Connection – Hosted by Esti Zenati, this engaging podcast explores all things Israel. Every other week, Esti welcomes a special guest with a unique connection to Israel—diving into culture, history, current events, and personal stories. Whether you’re deeply connected to Israel or just curious to learn more, this podcast offers insightful and meaningful conversations that bring Israel to life. 

Information

  • Creator
    Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Israel Connection
  • Show Website
    The Israel Connection

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