Unholy: Two Jews on the News
Genesis of a Scandal - with Matti Friedman and Anthony Julius
As Qatar-gate gathers momentum—following the arrests of two of Netanyahu’s closest advisors and an Israeli journalist—the scandal inches closer to the heart of power. Netanyahu names a new Shin Bet chief and rescinds his decision within hours. Meanwhile, the IDF expands its military operations in Gaza, raising questions about next steps on multiple fronts. We are joined by acclaimed writer and journalist Matti Friedman ("The Free Press") to discuss a dramatic week for Israel. Plus: A conversation with Lawyer, author and scholar Anthony Julius, whose new book casts a piercing light on one of the Bible’s most elusive and troubling figures—Abraham.
3 abr 2025 - 01 Std 13 Min 10 Sek
Distress Signal
Israel is once again at war on multiple fronts – and yet, the domestic political drama shows no sign of slowing. As the government barrels ahead with its judicial overhaul, Prime Minister Netanyahu has now shown the door to both the head of Shin Bet and the attorney general, prompting yet more questions about the independence of Israel’s key institutions. Yonit and Jonathan unpack the growing turmoil, and turn to what’s fast becoming known as Signal-gate – the extraordinary story of a journalist who was accidentally added to a Signal group discussing the US operation in Yemen. Plus: a chutzpah award for the antisemitism conference that invited antisemites, and a Mensch who’s larger than life. Join our Patreon community and get access to exclusive content and more: www.patreon.com/unholypod Social links, Unholy store and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod
27 mar 2025 - 47 Min 04 Sek
War on every front - with Amos Harel
In the space of a week, Israel is once again at war in Gaza, Ben Gvir is back in government, and Netanyahu is moving to oust the head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, the Shin Bet. Meanwhile, the U.S. strikes the Houthis, the Houthis strike Israel, and rockets from Gaza target central Israel. With tensions escalating on multiple fronts, Yonit and Jonathan turn to Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel to make sense of the renewed fighting and the wider political-military turmoil. Plus: A Mensch award for the record-breaking Israeli tech giant Wiz, and a Chutzpah winner for the podcaster who crossed the line.
20 mar 2025 - 01 Std 01 Min 03 Sek
Special update - The ceasefire is over
Yonit and Jonathan break down today's major news: the ceasefire is over. As Israeli airstrikes resume in Gaza leaving hundreds dead and fears grow for the remaining hostages, this short update tackles the most urgent question—what explains what just happened?
18 mar 2025 - 11 Min 39 Sek
Special update - Netanyahu fires head of Shin Bet Ronen Bar
Yonit and Jonathan unpack the latest drama in Israel which many are calling a moment of truth for the country’s democracy: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to remove Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet. What’s behind the move, what does it mean for Israel’s security, and how do the US and Qatar fit into the picture?
17 mar 2025 - 21 Min 20 Sek
Jewish Comedy - with Alex Edelman
As tensions rise between Israel’s prime minister and his intelligence chiefs over the scandal known as Qatargate, a former head of the Shin Bet breaks his silence on Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Meanwhile, the UN levels a grave accusation against Israel, sparking outrage and debate. And since it’s Purim, who better to turn to than one of the sharpest comedic voices of his generation? Alex Edelman stops by to talk about Jewish humour, identity, and the fine art of making people laugh (even in the darkest times). Join our Patreon community (promo code for Purim weekend: PURIM25) to get access to bonus episodes (like Saturday Night Live), live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/GfuwjGHoC8U Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Alex Edelman is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer known for his razor-sharp wit and incisive storytelling. His hit solo show, Just for Us , a deeply personal yet wildly funny take on modern Jewish identity and anti-Semitism, earned critical acclaim on Broadway and in London’s West End. A regular on late-night television and a favourite on the stand-up circuit, Edelman has cemented his place as one of the most exciting comedians of his generation. Catch Alex on stage (for tickets, visit https://www.alexedelmancomedy.com ): Sunday March 30, 2025 / Providence, RI Wednesday April 9, 2025 / Austin, TX Thursday April 17, 2025 / Pittsburgh, PA Friday April 18, 2025 / Columbus, OH Friday May 2, 2025 / Ridgefield, CT Saturday June 14, 2025 / Westhampton, NY Monday June 16, 2025 / La Jolla, CA Thursday June 19, 2025 / Seattle, WA Friday June 20, 2025 / Vancouver, BC Saturday June 21, 2025 / Portland, OR Thursday June 26, 2025 / Chicago, IL Friday June 27, 2025 / Madison, WI Saturday June 28, 2025 / St. Paul, MN Unholy is going live in London! Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and surprises—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive
13 mar 2025 - 01 Std 24 Min 14 Sek
Trump Redux - with special guest co-host David Remnick and Michael Milshtein
This week – New Yorker editor David Remnick partners up with Yonit as guest co-host. As Trump reshapes the global order—strengthening ties with Putin, unsettling NATO, and proposing a radical reimagining of Gaza—Hamas expert Michael Milstein joins us to break down the latest developments in the region. Meanwhile, the Israeli government officially launches the plan to oust the attorney general , we talk about The New Yorker's centenary, Jeff Bezos’ influence on The Washington Post, and the Oscar-winning documentary ״No Other Land״ sparks debate. Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes (like Saturday Night Live), live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod ---- David Remnick is an award-winning journalist, author, and the editor of The New Yorker since 1998. Michael Milstein is a leading expert on Hamas and Palestinian affairs, with extensive experience in Israel’s security and intelligence sectors. A former senior analyst in the Israeli military’s intelligence division, he specializes in Palestinian society, politics, and regional dynamics.
6 mar 2025 - 01 Std 15 Min 09 Sek
Handle the Truth - with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
As Israel mourns the return of four hostage bodies, pressure mounts ahead of negotiations for the next stage of the deal. Meanwhile, Donald Trump lays out his vision for Gaza in a bizarre, AI-generated video. At the same time, new IDF investigations into October 7th reveal years of misreading Hamas, leaving southern Israel dangerously exposed. Yonit and Jonathan speak with Ahmed Fouad Al-Khatib, an expert on Hamas, to understand what Gazans really want—and how perceptions on the ground differ vastly from those imagined in Tel Aviv or New York. Plus: a literary Chutzpah and a stardust Mensch. Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes (like Saturday Night Live), live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod
27 feb 2025 - 01 Std 10 Min 07 Sek
Mourning in Israel, Elections in Germany - with Meron Mendel
One of Israel’s darkest days since October 7th, as four hostages return home in coffins—two of them children. Yonit and Jonathan reflect on the profound impact of this moment on the nation and what it means for the fragile negotiations over a second stage of the hostage deal. Meanwhile, as Germany heads to the polls this Sunday, the far-right AfD party is on the rise. With the help of Israeli-German social scientist Meron Mendel, we examine what this surge means for Germany, for Europe, and for Jewish communities watching with unease. Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod
20 feb 2025 - 52 Min 04 Sek
The Longest Hour
As Israelis wait for noon on Saturday, and the promised release by Hamas of three more living hostages, Yonit and Jonathan talk through a nerve-wracking few days in which the deal teetered on the brink of collapse. They discuss a turbulent week and the ever-complicated Trump-Netanyahu relationship as the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, scandal as a close adviser to Netanyahu is reported to have been acting as a paid consultant for the Qatari government—while on the payroll at the Prime Minister’s office. Plus: a Chutzpah award that brooks no competition and a Mensch that’s truly man and woman’s best friend.
13 feb 2025 - 35 Min 44 Sek