The "losing faith" edition

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance, and end with an anecdote each about something in Israel that made them smile this week.   Tax and shend We discuss the decision of the Israeli government to withhold half a billion shekels of Palestinian tax money. Is this just one of a bunch of clever strategies Israel can employ at will, or does it show that in international diplomacy we are plum out of ideas? Losing faith The Israel Democracy Institute's annual report shows that Israelis are losing faith in all their institutions, save the army. Why should this be? Why do Arab Israelis trust the police more than any other institution except the Supreme Court? Primary education The recent Likud primary produced a list of candidates some have hailed as a great improvement. We ask whether the parties that pick their Knesset candidates through democratic primaries produce better results than the parties run by autocrats.   Playlist: All songs by The Betty Bears, in honor of their kick-ass show ringing in the New Year at the Pasáž! After You’re GoneIf You’re A ViperJack, I’m MellowWhen I Get Low