The Jerusalem Dispatch

The latest episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast delves into the growing concerns surrounding Jewish communities in the diaspora, particularly focusing on the atmosphere in the UK.Co-host Ruth Marks Eglash, back from a trip to London, shared her insights into the heightened sense of vulnerability among British Jews. Her visit coincided with a terrorist attack in Golders Green, sparking deeper conversations about the increased security measures around Jewish institutions and the growing discomfort felt by the community.

In this episode of the Jerusalem Dispatch, David Brinn, former managing editor of The Jerusalem Post, joins Calev Ben-David for a deep dive into the complexities surrounding Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. As the country commemorates its fallen soldiers during Memorial Day and transitions into Independence Day, David and Calev reflect on the emotional weight of these observances, especially in the midst of ongoing geopolitical challenges. The conversation explores how Israel’s political landscape is shifting, with new alliances and a fragile peace in the region. They also discuss the significance of Israel's Independence Day in a year marked by war, international tensions, and political uncertainty, offering insights into the national psyche and the hopes for a peaceful future. Don’t miss this thoughtful analysis of Israel’s independence, from its military history to the modern-day challenges it faces.

In this week’s episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast, co-hosts Ruth Marks Eglash and Calev Ben-David dive into the unfolding geopolitical tensions between Israel, Iran, and the United States. With a tentative ceasefire in place between Israel and Iran, the hosts discuss the uncertain future of the fragile peace, exploring whether the war has achieved its intended goals.

The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast hosts Calev Ben-David and Ruth Marks Eglash offer a window into daily life in Israel amid ongoing regional conflict, as well as broader strategic and societal implications.Speaking from Jerusalem, the hosts describe a reality in which missile alerts and shelter runs have become routine, though far from normalized. Civilians, particularly families with young children, face ongoing disruption, with schools closed and daily schedules shaped around the threat of incoming fire. The psychological toll on a generation that has already experienced COVID-19 and repeated rounds of conflict is a growing concern.

Join us for this episode of the Jerusalem Dispatch Podcast, where we dive into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Hosted by Ruth Marks Eglash, Editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Report, and Calev Ben-David, anchor of the ILTV Security Brief, they provide firsthand accounts of life under attack in Israel, including the emotional toll and resilience of those in the affected areas. We also discuss the international impact, with renewed attacks on Europe and the Gulf, and the evolving dynamics of Middle Eastern alliances. From airstrikes to diplomatic shifts, we cover it all in this crucial update on the region's escalating tensions. Don't miss out on this timely conversation as we analyze the broader implications of this war. Timestamp Highlights: 00:00 - Opening thoughts and personal accounts of life in Jerusalem during the conflict 05:23 - The real dangers of Israel’s air defense systems 20:25 - International reactions and shifting alliances 28:06 - Hope for a "new Middle East" amid chaos This episode features updates and insights on the escalating war and its effects on both Israel and the broader international community. 

Calev Ben David and Ruth Marks Eglash record remotely from their homes as Operation Roaring Lion enters its first days. The Jerusalem Post journalists break down what Israel and the US have achieved so far in their strikes on Iran, from the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei to the dismantling of Iran's missile defenses.They discuss daily life under ballistic missile fire, including the deadly strike in Beit Shemesh that killed nine, and why Israel's air defenses are effective but not foolproof. The conversation also covers Iran's surprise attacks on Gulf states, Cyprus, and the regional fallout reshaping alliances across the Middle East.Ruth shares insights from her interview with Israel's First Lady, Michal Herzog, on the ongoing denial of October 7th sexual violence, while Calev examines Trump's political challenges, including a looming War Powers Act vote in Congress.Recorded between active sirens, this episode captures a historic and uncertain moment in the region.

In the latest episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch, hosts Ruth Marks Eglash, editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Report, and journalist and news anchor Calev Ben-David, discuss the ongoing geopolitical dynamics surrounding Israel, Iran, and the United States.Their conversation revolves around the recent diplomatic discussions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

The latest episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast, hosted by Ruth Marks Eglash and Calev Ben-David, delves into the rising tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.The hosts discuss the looming possibility of a US attack on Iran and the defensive preparations in Tehran, including missile threats directed at Israel. 

In this week's episode, Elliot and Calev discuss the horrific terror attack that took place in Sydney Australia. They also cover some crucial Hanukah history, the Board of Deputies for British Jews, and Mansour Abbas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, a move that could reshape the legal and political landscape ahead of an election year.In this episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch, Calev Ben David and Elliot Jager break down what the request means, why it happened now, and how the White House’s involvement fits into the picture. The conversation also covers Thanksgiving, exploring why many American Israelis still mark the holiday, its themes of religious freedom and coexistence, and how those ideas resonate in today’s Israel.

From May 26, 2025On the eve of Jerusalem Day, Elliot delivers a state-of-the-city report: a young, divided, and surprisingly poor capital where Haredi and Arab students now outnumber Zionist-curriculum pupils. The hosts react to the terror attack on a DC synagogue and the leak of US plans to strike Iran. The episode closes with a birthday tribute to Bob Dylan, exploring his Jewish journey from "Neighborhood Bully" to "Forever Young"—with insights from Dylan's childhood friend Louis Kemp, now living in Jerusalem.

From May 12, 2025A new pope is elected—and Elliot examines the troubling antisemitic legacy of his namesake, Leo XIII. The hosts then turn to the Pulitzer Prize awarded to Gazan poet Mosab Abu Toha, whose social media posts denied Emily Damari's status as a hostage. They also credit Columbia University's new president for finally calling in police on masked protesters and debate whether Trump administration pressure deserves credit for the shift.

From April 28, 2025On the heels of Holocaust Remembrance Day and ahead of Yom HaZikaron and Independence Day, the hosts examine the painful overlap of national mourning and celebration during wartime. They offer a nuanced assessment of Pope Francis's complicated record on Israel and Jews—from denouncing antisemitism to criticizing the IDF without naming Hamas. The episode explores whether Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, could become the next pope.

From April 15, 2025Recording during Passover, Elliot and Kalev reflect on seders shadowed by the hostage crisis and mark the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. They explore Passover's historical roots and examine historian Richard Elliott Friedman's theory of Levite origins in the Exodus. The episode also tackles the Joe Rogan-Dave Smith interview on Israel, defends historian Tom Segev against accusations of anti-Zionism, and asks: has Zionism delivered on its promise of Jewish security?

From March 31, 2025The hosts unpack the bombshell Signal chat leak that exposed divisions within the Trump administration between isolationists and interventionists—and what it means for Israel. They examine the heated debate over Haredi military exemptions following a Supreme Court ruling, break down Israel's controversial new budget with its patronage spending and tax hikes, and pay tribute to industrialist and Zionist visionary Stef Wertheimer.

From March 18, 2025Elliot Jaeger and Kalev Ben-David launch The Jerusalem Dispatch from Jerusalem during Shushan Purim, exploring the tension between celebration and grief while hostages remain in Gaza. They discuss the sacred history behind the holiday, the dialectic of remembering and forgetting Amalek, and dive into the World Zionist Congress elections—including a controversial anti-liberal Haredi slate. The episode closes with praise for Gal Gadot's dignified response to antisemitic attacks amid the Snow White controversy.

In this episode, Calev Ben-David and Elliot Jager delve into some key current and historical events. Elliot takes us back 20 years to the Israeli disengagement, sharing insights on its motivations, outcomes, and lasting impact. Calev offers his own personal reflections on that pivotal time. The conversation then shifts to Day 674 of the October 7 War.Calev and Elliot discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s intentions, the role of the IDF’s Chief of Staff, and the ongoing humanitarian impact of the war, especially concerning captives held by Hamas. The discussion also touches on Israel's global standing, the situation for Palestinian non-combatants, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The episode draws parallels to the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan.Finally, Elliot reviews the End of Year Bezalel Exhibition, providing insight into Israel’s cultural scene. Time permitting, the episode concludes with a touching reflection by Billy Joel on his family’s tragic history in Auschwitz.Edited and produced by Yuval Barnea, Shifra Jacobs, and Maayan Alon.