Citizenship, Cohesion, and a Path Forward with Mike Prashker

Educator and civic entrepreneur Mike Prashker joins Marc to chart a sober, hopeful roadmap for Israel after October 7. Prashker—founder of Merchavim (The Institute for Shared Citizenship) and co-founder/director of The London Initiative—argues that Israel’s future hinges on three linked commitments: mature liberal democracy, universal fairness, and secure peace. He explains why citizenship must be taken as seriously as security, how the “information sphere” shapes wars and politics, and what it will take—inside Israel and across world Jewry—to rebuild trust, rescue a shared future, and bring the hostages home.What we cover* Mike’s journey: London to Israel, IDF, pluralistic Jewish education, and founding Merchavim.* Why citizenship is the state’s core operating system—not a slogan.* The London Initiative: a 360-member network (Israelis, world Jewry, and allies) pushing a practical, values-based agenda.* Re-linking security and peace; pushing back against fragmentation and zero-sum politics.* The Overton window after Oct. 7: fear, fatigue, and how to move public opinion.* World Jewry’s role: speaking up, partnering, and supporting Israeli democrats without illusions.* A call for leadership that offers hope and a clear vision, not only resistance to what’s wrong.Timestamps* 00:00 – Marc welcomes Mike Prashker* 00:22 – From secular-Orthodox London to Israel; early career and Merchavim* 03:00 – The London Initiative: who’s in it and what it does* 04:30 – Three pillars: democracy, fairness, secure peace—why they rise or fall together* 07:10 – After Oct. 7: linking security to peace; shifting the Overton window* 12:45 – Responsibility, racism, and the dangers of superiority myths* 18:50 – Vision versus fear: selling a future Israelis can believe in* 25:00 – Institutions, legitimacy, and the information war* 37:00 – Where the war stands now; hostages, policy drift, and public exhaustion* 45:00 – Can we still win? Organizing a like-minded majority and leading with clarityListen for: a clear-eyed assessment, concrete civic tools, and a credible case for tying Israel’s democratic health to its security—and to the dignity of all who live between the river and the sea. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe