The Israel Connection
by 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.
Episodes
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The Israel Connection: Ghosts of a Holy War - Yardena Schwartz
Send us Fan Mail In the season three finale of The Israel Connection, host Esti Zenati sits down with Emmy-nominated producer and journalist Yardena Schwartz. Drawing from her book, Ghosts of a Holy War—newly optioned for film—Yardena exposes how international media bias and historical...
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The Israel Connection: The Unfiltered Reality of Israeli Gen Z - Rotem Pe'er and Michal Trachtenberg
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, host Esti Zenati sits down with two Gen Z Israelis—Michal Trachtenberg, American-Israeli who made aliyah just two weeks before October 7th, and Rotem Pe’er, who narrowly avoided the Nova Festival where eight people she knew were killed—to explore the raw...
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The Israel Connection: From the Knesset to the Frontlines - Yoni Heilman
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Esti Zenati sits down with TamidGroup CEO Yoni Heilman to discuss a life shaped by diplomacy, identity, and frontline service. Growing up between the US and Israel, Yoni shares insights from his time working inside the US House of Representatives and the...
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The Israel Connection: Choosing Israel - Michael HarPaz
Send us Fan Mail From Detroit roots to Israeli superstardom, Michael HarPaz joins host Esti Zenati to share an incredible journey through the heart of Hebrew pop culture. The former Israeli boyband, High Five, heartthrob reflects on the classified ad that launched his career and the lasting…
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The Israel Connection: The Architect of ChaiFlicks - Neil Friedman
Send us Fan Mail From the courtrooms of entertainment law to the front lines of indie cinema, Neil Friedman has spent decades championing stories that matter. In this episode, Esti sits down with the founder of Menemsha Films and ChaiFlicks to discuss his journey of building a 3,000-hour library…
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The Israel Connection: A Lifelong Zionist - Ben Kreshtool
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…
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The Israel Connection: The Front Line of Israeli Advocacy - Hillel Fuld
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...
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The Israel Connection: The Jewish Jet - Jared Firestone
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Bonus Episode - Israel & US vs Iran
Send us Fan Mail 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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The Israel Connection: The Unbroken Voice - Leat Corinne Unger
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: Unfiltered Defense - Abraham Hamra
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: Advocacy in Crisis - Dana Cwaigrach
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: Finding a Place for Us - Ari Axelrod
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Rabbi Steven Schwartz
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: Shai Davidai - The Fight for Jewish Safety
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Saving Abigail - Liz Hirsh Naftali
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: #ImThatJew - Eitan Chitayat
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: The Best Israeli Food - Yossef's Laffa-Milia
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Jonathan Conricus - Former IDF International Spokesperson
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: Adeena Sussman
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Jewish Education - Cantor Emily Ellentuck and Rina Liebeskind
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: They're Home!
Send us Fan Mail 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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The Israel Connection: Jay Shofet - Protecting Israel's Nature
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Making a Difference with Na'ama Ore
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Israel Connection: Jotam Confino
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Israel Connection: My Life - Shahar Cohen
Send us Fan Mail In the Season 3 premiere of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Israeli comedian, Shahar Cohen. They talked about Shahar's rise to fame with his 'America vs. Israel' videos, his popular characters like 'Nofar,' and the impact of social media on his career. He also…
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The Israel Connection: Israel vs. Iran
Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Ben Kreshtool and Jill Suffel from Beth El to unpack the rapidly evolving war between Israel and Iran. They explore the surprising alliances forming in the Middle East, what this conflict means for Israel’s future, and offer...
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The Israel Connection: Israeli Ambassador - Dr. Yechiel Leiter
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Esti Zenati interviews Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the 21st Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Leiter reflects on his return to public service after the tragic loss of his son, Major Moshe Leiter, who was killed leading IDF forces into Gaza on November…
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The Israel Connection: I Survived the Nova Festival Attack - Mazal Tazazo
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the brutal terrorist attacks at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. Mazal, a 35-year-old mother from Southern Israel, recounts her life before the incident, the harrowing details of the...
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The Israel Connection: Matan Peretz - Influencing through Comedy
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati interviews Israeli stand-up comedian, content creator and IDF reservist, Matan Peretz. They discuss Matan's comedy journey, the therapeutic role of comedy - particularly during the war, and his rise to global recognition. Matan also shares insights from his recent…
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The Israel Connection: Rabbi Dana Saroken, Back by Popular Demand!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati revisits with Rabbi Dana Saroken, Beth El's own rabbi and founder of the Soul Center. They explore her inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to spiritual leader, discuss her efforts to connect Israel and America, and the...
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The Israel Connection: Erin Molan
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati sits down with a very special guest, Erin Molan—renowned Australian TV and radio presenter, and former host of the prime-time show Erin on Sky News. Widely recognized for her unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, Erin shares the story behind her viral...
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The Israel Connection: Israel's Story with Guy Flavian and Iris Hillel
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by two special guests straight from Israel: Guy Flavian and Iris Hillel, co-heads of the Israel's Story initiative. Israel's Story was a hasbara project launched immediately after the October 7 attacks, rapidly growing to involve over 200 volunteers and...
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The Israel Connection: Yuval David
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati speaks with Yuval David, an Emmy-winning Israeli-American journalist, actor, and LGBT activist. They discuss Yuval’s advocacy for Israel, the Jewish community, and LGBT rights, as well as his role in promoting Jewish representation in media. The conversation explores...
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The Israel Connection: Elkana Cohen
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by guest, Elkana Cohen, author of the book OCT 7: The War Against Hamas Through the Eyes of an Israeli Commando Officer, which is based on Elkana's diary entries during the war in Gaza. Esti and Elkana talk about his personal experience of what it's like...
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The Israel Connection: AJ Edelman
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by Israeli-American Winter Olympian AJ Edelman for an insightful conversation about his journey to Israel and his path to the Winter Olympics. AJ shares his experience making aliyah to Israel in 2016, his journey to the 2018 Winter Olympics, and his...
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The Israel Connection: Moran Stela Yanai
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by special guest, Moran Stela Yanai. Moran was held hostage by Hamas for 54 days, after being kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and released on November 29, 2023, during the first hostage release deal. They talk about Moran's October...
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The Israel Connection: Ran Bar-Yoshafat
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati hosts attorney Ran Bar-Yoshafat, who also serves in the IDF reserves as a combat Special Forces soldier. Ran shares his experience fighting in Gaza, Northern Israel, and Judea & Samaria since October 7, 2023, all while balancing life as a newlywed and a first-time...
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The Israel Connection: Here's Modi!
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by guest co-host, Ben Kreshtool, and special guest, comedian Modi Rosenfeld! They talk about Modi's career in comedy, his favorite places to perform in Israel and his current US tour, Pause for Laughter. Modi will be performing in Baltimore at The Lyric on...
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The Israel Connection: Hen Mazzig
Send us Fan Mail Esti is joined by Hen Mazzig, a globally recognized speaker, educator, author, and digital influencer who has become a trusted voice on Jewish issues and Israel, appearing as an expert in media across four continents, including outlets like BBC, CNN, The Washington Post, SkyNews,...
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The Israel Connection: Mitch Gold
Send us Fan Mail Esti talks to guest, Mitch Gold, founding member of FIDF Baltimore and member of the FIDF National Board. They talk all things FIDF and Mitch shares his experience in Israel during the past year and as a child, living in Be'er Sheva with his family in the 1960's and during the…
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The Israel Connection: Howard Libit
Send us Fan Mail Esti is joined by Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. They talked about the important role the Jewish Council plays within the Jewish community, the rise in antisemitism and The Associated Antisemitism Task Force. Howard shares his experience working...
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The Israel Connection: The New Shinshinim - Part II
Send us Fan Mail In this Part II of The New Shinshinim episode, Esti is joined by Baltimore Shinshinim, Shachar and Itamar, for a fun conversation! They talk about their road to becoming Shinshinim, their personal connections to October 7th and how it affected their lives. And lastly, they share...
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The Israel Connection: The New Shinshinim - Part I
Send us Fan Mail Esti is joined by one of the new Baltimore Shinshinim, Yahel, for this Part I of the conversation with the 2024-2025 Shinshinim. They talk about Yahel's experience in Baltimore, growing up in Israel and her personal connection to the October 7 attack and the hostages.
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The Israel Connection: Dalia Ziada
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by Dalia Ziada, Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. They discuss Dalia's support for Israel and its fight against radical Islam, the...
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The Israel Connection: Jonah Platt
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by special guest, Jonah Platt. Jonah is an actor, artist, Jewish advocate for Israel and the Jewish people, and the host of his newly released podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Jonah and Esti talk about being Jewish in today's climate, Hollywood's...
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The Israel Connection: Meet Blake Flayton
Send us Fan Mail Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by Jewish writer, activist and co-host of the We Should All Be Zionists podcast with Dr. Einat Wilf. They talk about Blake's activism experience and why he has chosen to be active in the fight against antisemitism, Zionism, his recent aliyah…
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The Israel Connection: Dr. Einat Wilf
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati is joined by a special guest, Dr. Einat Wilf. They discuss the importance of Zionism, the right path to peace in the Middle East, and her latest book, We Should All Be Zionists.
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The Israel Connection: Summer in Israel & Sleepaway Camp
Send us Fan Mail Esti is joined by her own 9-year-old daughter, Jazz, and Beth El's Executive Director, Ben Wachstein, to talk about Esti & Jazz's trip to visit their family in Israel this summer and Jazz's upcoming first time at a sleep away camp. Stay tuned for a trip & camp recap in August!
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The Israel Connection: Idan Tzameret
Send us Fan Mail Esti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool talk to our special guest, Idan Tzameret, owner of Kitchen Design by Idan on Falls Rd in Baltimore and Beth El member, about the experience he had with antisemitism in early May, his life as an Israeli, including his years in the IDF, and the current...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Beth El Congregation of Baltimore