What Matters Now

I found this podcast about 6 months ago and I added it to my post-Oct 7 lifeline immediately. Amanda is a great interviewer and I love the variety of guests and range of topics she has on the show. I didn’t think I’d be interested in the prayer book episode but I ended up really moved by the 3 women and the book they put together. The podcast never disappoints! Always love a Haviv episode! I look forward to each new episode- a bright light during these dark times.

Every time I listen I learn something new. The tone is calm and focused and nuanced. I love that you hear from real people living real lives - thank you for your fantastic reporting.

Listening to May 30. Am sickened by the double victimization & blame the victim taking place against the Jewish & Israeli People. As an American Gentile, I am unable to sleep at night, having panic attacks, praying without ceasing for the hostages & their loved ones because of the extreme cruelty suffered by all at the hands of one of the worlds most evil terrorist groups, their supporters, & those whom protest or participate in the BDM out of sheer ignorance & lack of doing their homework in full. Or simple antisemitism. I have enough friends whom have served in US Special Forces alongside the IDF to speak of the integrity of IDF & their respect for humanity, including their own. Those were their loved ones. Their colleagues. Their children. Their parents. It’s inexcusable the response of the International Community & the UN. I have also heard these same speak of the unspeakable terrorist acts of cruelty committed by Hamas on a daily basis. The hatred of humanity - all humanity. I do believe you are correct in that a new level of cruel weaponization against women has been instigated by this horrid group & I see seeds of it popping up within factions showing up here. Too much of the media are or act antisemitic. They play to sensationalism & ruin lives where they have an opportunity to actually do good, they choose to do evil & that is what it is when reporting false rumors & blatant lies against Israel. Please know there are many more of us out here that are supporting Israel. Giving to your organizations to try to help. Sending you our love & prayers. As much as you must feel it, you are not alone. I wish I knew more what to do. For now, my tithe is going to Israel & my heart is broken beyond words at the pain you and your fellow Israelis are suffering daily. And for the excessive cruelty & war crimes being committed by Hamas & Hamas alone. May G-d bless you. May HaShem strengthen you & uphold you. And may He bind His arms around Israel giving you favor and strength and guidance in the days lain out before you. And may you feel love of the international community not being spoken for but those that do indeed support Israel and are in deep & fervent prayer for you. Shalom my friend. Thank you for the podcast.

Addressing only a part of this episode: Prof. Eugene Kandel several times referred to “productive” people—these were only the CEOs or entrepreneurs, and never the people who do the work at these companies below the top. It was distressing to hear the same disregard for the everyday worker that has plagued America with trickle down, Chicago School, utterly failed economics. His disdain for the Israel’s labor past, that built the country, is painful to hear.