The Olive Note

Yoni Macanian

5.0 (4)
Society & Culture

A Modern Sephardic Perspective

Jul 28

Why Sephardic Jews See America's Political Threats Differently

In this episode of The Olive Note, we examine why many Sephardic Jews see the current American political landscape through a very different historical lens. The conversation begins with Yoni' family history in Iran, including accounts of anti-Jewish violence, religious persecution, and the risks involved in learning Hebrew. We then challenge the idea that Sephardic families arrived in America with wealth, tracing how many built new lives through diners, flea markets, furniture businesses, property management, and risky real estate investments. How does that history affect the community's response to immigration and rising antisemitism? And what happens when political movements that appear friendly to Israel reveal a more hostile side? This episode considers threats from both the left and the libertarian right.
Jun 8

Ashkenazi vs. Sephardic Jews: The Political Divide Nobody Talks About

In this debut episode of The Olive Note, we explore the growing political divide between Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities in the United States. Why do Sephardic Jews tend to lean right while Ashkenazi Jews lean left? Why does that gap feel like it's widening? And what would it take for both sides to actually hear each other? This isn't about grievances or picking a side. It's about starting an honest conversation between two communities that share a faith but often see the world through very different lenses. We examine how geography, history, and lived experience shape where each community sees the real threats to Jewish life today, and why the answer might not be the same depending on who you ask.

2 Episodes

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

A Modern Sephardic Perspective

Creator

Yoni Macanian
Years Active

2026
Episodes

2
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Yoni Macanian
Show Website

The Olive Note