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PODCAST

The Israel Connection

Beth El Congregation of Baltimore

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.

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

30:43

The Israel Connection: A Lifelong Zionist - Ben...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/03/30

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Beth El’s Ritual Director, Ben Kreshtool, to explore a lifelong journey of Zionist identity rooted in family history and his grandmother’s legacy as a Holocaust survivor. Ben recounts the "electrifying" experience of his first trip to the Kotel, his time confronting anti-Israel animosity on a college campus during the Second Intifada, and his recent post–October 7 mission to Israel. From the spiritual significance of Har Herzl to th...

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43:15

The Israel Connection: The Front Line of Israeli...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/03/19

Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati hosts American-Israeli tech advisor Hillel Fuld for a powerful conversation about shifting from Silicon Valley marketing to full-time online advocacy for Israel post-October 7th. With billions of impressions generated, Fuld shares his strategy for engaging a "middle audience" open to civil debate, the urgent need for a cohesive and positive Jewish narrative, and his deep frustration with the silence of tech leaders. A warning about rising Western anti-Semitism and...

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33:56

The Israel Connection: The Jewish Jet - Jared Firestone

The Israel Connection ·

2026/03/09

Send a text From a life-altering mini-stroke in 2014 to the high-octane ice tracks of the Olympic circuit, Jared Firestone—known as the “Jewish Jet”—has redefined what it means to slide against the odds. In this gripping episode, host Esti Zenati sits down with the attorney-turned-Skeleton star to explore the grit and grace of representing Israel on the world stage. Jared opens up about the heartbreak of narrowly missing Beijing 2022, the technical mastery of the "push," and his renewed missi...

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23:15

The Israel Connection: Bonus Episode - Israel & US vs...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/03/02

Send a text Esti Zenati is joined by Ben Kreshtool to discuss the current war with Iran. We keep you updated on all that's been happening since Saturday, February 28.

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60:28

The Israel Connection: The Unbroken Voice - Leat...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/02/26

Send a text When Omer Shemtov was kidnapped from the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023, his cousin, Leat Corinne Unger became his global voice alongside his parents and siblings. In this raw conversation with Esti Zenati, Leat recounts her 500-day battle for Omer’s freedom—from the halls of the UN to a pivotal meeting at Mar-a-Lago. The most chilling revelation? While in the tunnels, Omer saw footage of Leat’s advocacy on Al Jazeera. In a place where captors told him he was forgotten, his...

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79:10

The Israel Connection: Unfiltered Defense - Abraham...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/02/16

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 ...

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32:42

The Israel Connection: Advocacy in Crisis - Dana...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/02/05

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 ...

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64:14

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

The Israel Connection ·

2026/01/26

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-O...

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39:09

The Israel Connection: Rabbi Steven Schwartz

The Israel Connection ·

2026/01/15

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 commun...

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51:36

The Israel Connection: Shai Davidai - The Fight for...

The Israel Connection ·

2026/01/05

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 leade...

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44:26

The Israel Connection: Saving Abigail - Liz Hirsh...

The Israel Connection ·

2025/12/17

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 Ab...

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54:01

The Israel Connection: #ImThatJew - Eitan Chitayat

The Israel Connection ·

2025/12/07

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 a...

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37:00

The Israel Connection: The Best Israeli Food -...

The Israel Connection ·

2025/11/26

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-Se...

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38:30

The Israel Connection: Jonathan Conricus - Former IDF...

The Israel Connection ·

2025/11/17

Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati is joined by former IDF Lieutenant Colonel & International Spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, who joins us to dissect the global media landscape after 24 years of service. Drawing on his dual Israeli-Swedish background, Conricus offers a sharp critique of UN and humanitarian organizations, highlighting issues of corruption and media bias against Israel. He stresses the need for improving media strategy by leveraging intelligence and discusses the ...

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26:52

The Israel Connection: Adeena Sussman

The Israel Connection ·

2025/11/07

Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati is joined by Adeena Sussman, a New York Times bestselling author known for her Israeli cookbooks. Adeena shares her journey from working in television to becoming a renowned food writer, her creative process for writing cookbooks, and the impact of living near Tel Aviv's Carmel market on her culinary inspirations. She discusses the balance between authenticity and accessibility in Israeli recipes and the importance of family traditions in her cookin...

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45:37

The Israel Connection: Jewish Education - Cantor...

The Israel Connection ·

2025/10/27

Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati is joined by Cantor Emily Ellentuck, Director of the Berman-Lipavsky Religious School at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore and Rina Liebeskind, Education Director at Kol Ami Synagogue of Tucson, AZ. They talk about creating engaging learning experiences, fostering a love for Judaism and Israel, and addressing challenges like antisemitism. They emphasize age-appropriate Israel education and the significance of firsthand experiences. The discussion al...

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31:56

The Israel Connection: They're Home!

The Israel Connection ·

2025/10/13

Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by Rabbi Dana Saroken, Jill Suffel, Ben Kreshtool and Amanda Beitman for this celebratory special episode in honor of the release of the last 20 living hostages from Gaza and 4 of the 28 deceased hostages.

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39:58

The Israel Connection: Jay Shofet - Protecting...

The Israel Connection ·

2025/09/29

Send us a text Join Esti Zenati for an inspiring chat with Jay Shofet of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), the nation's oldest and largest environmental NGO. Jay reveals how SPNI has protected Israel's biodiversity since 1953, embedding a love for nature through science and education. Hear about the vital "Nature Heals" program, which uses Israel's green spaces to aid trauma recovery post-October 7, alongside crucial efforts to rewild wetlands and tackle climate chang...

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34:40

The Israel Connection: Making a Difference with...

The Israel Connection ·

2025/09/17

Send us a text In this episode, Esti is joined by Na'ama Ore, the CEO of SparkIL, a social FinTech startup providing crowdfunded, interest-free loans to small Israeli businesses. The episode highlights the impact of SparkIL, in particular, emergency loan funds for businesses owned by IDF reservists and others hugely affected by the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war, and the role of mentors and support networks in helping business owners. Nama also shares personal anecdotes, such as her ch...

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50:42

The Israel Connection: Jotam Confino

The Israel Connection ·

2025/09/08

Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by journalist, Jotam Confino for an unfiltered conversation on The Israel Connection to break down media bias, journalistic integrity, and the complexities of covering Israel and Gaza for a European audience. From the fallout of October 7th to the failures of international reporting, Jotam offers sharp insights, personal stories, and bold critiques—plus a fun look at his favorite Israeli quirks.

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