A Light Against the Darkness: Chanukah, Terror Plots and Jewish Resilience

Recorded on December 22: Mike and Laureen reflect on the eight days of Chanukah and what it means for the Jewish community to be a light in a darkening world. From 18,000 people gathering at Brooklyn's Barclays Center to massive Chanukah solidarity events in Amsterdam and controversy in London as the city's mayor attempted to halt a vigil for the Bondi victims — the week underscored both resilience and resistance. Amid rising threats, the FBI thwarted a New Year's Eve terror plot involving multiple bombings in the Los Angeles area, while Australian authorities intercepted seven men en route to Bondi Beach, highlighting the global scope of ongoing security concerns. This week's guest, Benham Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warns that Iran and its threat to Israel are not getting the attention they deserve because attention is being diverted to Venezuela. The hosts also examine troubling moments of antisemitism at the Turning Point USA conference, where Ben Shapiro pushed back against the rhetoric, and unpack Tucker Carlson being named Antisemite of the Year by Stop Antisemitism — along with other notable figures and incidents making headlines. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to The Third Opinion Podcast.