Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

French unrest reveals a society fraying at the edges, leading its citizens toward both political extremes. France’s inability to address its economy, immigration issues, and rising antisemitism aren’t going away anytime soon—and similar issues could be seen throughout Europe soon. Dan Senor speaks with Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, joining from Paris, and journalist Michael Moynihan, about the forces converging on France, the difficult choices facing French Jews, and the rise of political movements on both the left and right. Beneath the immediate crisis lies a bigger question: can Europe sustain the social and economic model it built after World War II, or is it reaching a breaking point? In this episode: Who’s really driving France’s unrest? Why antisemitism is a warning sign for Europe The European social contract is under pressure Do French Jews still have a future in France? Macron’s failure and Europe’s crisis of leadership Read Simone Rodan-Benzaquen’s article, The French Republic is Under Attack.…

The conventional wisdom is that the outcome comes down to two possibilities: Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power, or Gadi Eisenkot replaces him. But what if neither scenario happens? On this episode of Call Me Back, Dan Senor speaks with political analyst Gil Hoffman about three under-the-radar scenarios that could reshape Israel’s next government. In this episode: Could Eisenkot form a government without winning 61 seats? What role could President Isaac Herzog play in shaping the next government? Would a new and/or renewed war change the calculus for Netanyahu? What kind of a unity government might we see? Could Avigdor Lieberman somehow become prime minister? Read Gil’s book The Blood Libel Machine: Exposing the Anti-Israel Hate Network, and How to Fight Back. ___ This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at afmda.org/callmeback. ___ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22.…

Is this a turning point for Jews in America, and what happens if the country fails the test? Recorded live at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Dan Senor brings together New York Times columnist Bret Stephens and Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Hillary Scholten for a candid conversation about the rising tide of antisemitism, the political forces reshaping American life, and the choices facing Jews and their allies. In this live conversation: Dan explains the three-step playbook behind the blood libel that still plays out today Bret Stephens reflects on reactions to October 7th, what it revealed about the Jewish community’s allies, and the meaning of becoming an “October 8th Jew.” Stephens explores the uneasy parallels between Jewish success in the diaspora and the sudden rise of antisemitism. Stephens reflects on how societies that condemn the Jews end up much worse in the aftermath. Dan Senor, Gottheimer, and Scholten discuss the consequences for both parties when anti-Israel rhetoric moves…

The US seems to have won the Battle of Hormuz; what would it take to win the Iran War? Seven months into the war, the US and Iran are locked in a high-stakes test of endurance, with the Strait of Hormuz, the global economy, and the future of the Middle East hanging in the balance. Dan Senor brings together two leading Iran experts, Mark Dubowitz and Suzanne Maloney, who sharply disagree on whether America is gaining the upper hand–or paying too steep of a strategic price. Their debate gets to the hardest question of all: Can the US win the war militarily and still lose strategically? In this episode: Two experts, two very different verdicts: Is Iran running out of options, or is Washington getting trapped in a war with no clear endgame? The Strait of Hormuz was supposed to be Iran’s ultimate weapon. Has the US really taken that leverage away? Why the Houthi threat could pull America deeper into a conflict it can’t easily contain Can economic pressure bring down the Iranian regime—or are ordinary Iranians…

Dan Senor is joined by Yael Bar tur and ChayaLeah Sufrin, hosts of the new Ark Media podcast Chosen People Problems, for a wide-ranging Ask Me Anything. They tackle questions about the state of Jewish education, the appeal of anti-Zionism among young Americans, why Fauda is shaping perceptions of Israel globally, and what the rise of the European right means for Israel and Jews abroad. In this episode: What American Hebrew school gets wrong Why anti-Zionism is resonating with young Americans Will the language around “genocide” and anti-Zionism eventually change? Why Fauda succeeds in telling Israeli stories better than non-fiction means What the rise of the European right-wing means for Israel and European Jews The unlikely allies Israel may need to turn to Which American presidential candidates could effectively navigate Israeli issues What the 2026 midterms might reveal about the Democratic Party’s direction Read the article discussed in the episode.…

What does it mean for diaspora Jews to move forward from October 7th without becoming complacent or consumed by fear? Three years after October 7th, Dan Senor sits down with Rabbis David Ingber and David Wolpe to discuss what the aftermath has revealed about Jewish life in America. They discuss the growing sense of uncertainty among diaspora Jews, the tension between Jewish values and liberal democracy, the debate over Zionism, and how Jewish communities can respond with both moral clarity and openness. In this episode: Why October 8th became a turning point for diaspora Jews Has the relationship between liberal democracy and Jewish life fundamentally changed? The Jewish community remains divided over Israel, Zionism, and Jewish self-determination Can Jews hold onto hope without ignoring the warning signs around them? Re: Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s Kol Nidrei speech, does Zionism need to be reclaimed? How do you distinguish moral clarity from paranoia when it comes to Jewish safety? Why Jewish communities need…

Dan Senor and Ark Media CEO Ilan Benatar announce Ark+, our expanded membership; The Fold, our new private community; and the network's newest show, Chosen People Problems. Join Ark+ and The Fold: arkmedia.org/subscribe More Ark Media: Listen to: Call Me Back Listen to: Ark News Daily Listen to: For Heaven's Sake Listen to: Chosen People Problems (May need a link once the title is changed) Sign up for our weekly Newsletter Follow us on Social: Facebook I Instagram I X I TikTok

What really happened inside the negotiations to free the October 7th hostages? For 15 months, the Biden administration, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas negotiated over one impossible question: how do you bring the hostages home while also fighting a war? Brett McGurk, who was at the center of those talks, joins Dan Senor to take listeners inside the negotiating rooms—from the first backchannel with Qatar to the deals that repeatedly came within reach and fell apart. He explains what he believes Washington got wrong, why public pressure sometimes made negotiations harder, and how an unlikely Biden-Trump transition partnership helped finally get a deal over the line. Purchase Brett's book Brink - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/843630/brink-by-brett-mcgurk/ RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these…

How do you turn October 7th into fiction when it still feels like the present? For more than a decade, Fauda has turned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a global television phenomenon. But Season 5 takes on something different: two episodes that put its fictional characters inside the events of October 7th, while the trauma is still very much alive. Dan sits down with Fauda creators Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff to discuss the responsibility of dramatizing a real catastrophe, what they chose to show—and leave unseen—and what happens when fiction begins to shape how the world remembers history. Read John Aziz’s Atlantic piece on Fauda here. ___ RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call Me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. ___ This episode is sponsored by The Israel Democracy Institute: For resources on Israel's upcoming election and to learn more about IDI, visit https://en.idi.org.il/ Call Me Back is made…

Could the financial warfare playbook built to isolate Iran be turned against Israel? Twenty-four hours after Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the UN, the organization expanded its settlement-business blacklist to more than 200 companies. It’s not a sanctions regime, but could it be the beginning of something much bigger? Dan sits down with Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who helped build the architecture used to isolate Iran, to discuss whether the same playbook could be used against Israel, how quickly targeted measures can escalate, and what Israel can do to stop it. Read Mark Dubowitz’s FDD report here. RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at afmda.org/callmeback. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations…

This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan and Amit Segal discuss the attack against Ambassador Leiter’s son, generational shift in American attitudes toward Israel, why Amit sees different forces driving younger Democrats and Republicans, and what Israel may need to change in its relationship with the United States. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Amit answer listener questions about: - What actually divides Israel’s left and right today? - What would Netanyahu do if he lost? - Can the IDF convince Haredim that military service won’t change who they are? - Is the Haredi political establishment starting to crack? - Why are some Israelis willing to spy for Iran? - Could the road to Saudi…

Is Israel’s growing isolation abroad becoming a political problem at home? As Benjamin Netanyahu heads to New York for a brief UN visit just weeks before Israel’s election, Israel’s standing in the United States is deteriorating, even as Netanyahu’s political position at home has improved. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal to ask whether Israeli voters see the country’s growing international isolation with the same urgency as diaspora Jews, and how that divide is shaping an increasingly complicated election. Read Rep. Brad Sherman’s warning about declining American support for Israel here. Read Mark Dubowitz’s FDD analysis on how the financial warfare model used against Iran could one day be turned against Israel here. RSVP to our October 5th Virtual Announcement Event: https://arkmedia.org/rsvp/ Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Magen David Adom. You can support their important work at…

Can Israel confront what went wrong in Gaza when the accusations leave no room for conversation? In this special replay of For Heaven’s Sake, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi take on Naza, the explosive Israeli film accusing Israel of systematically disregarding civilian casualties in Gaza. After receiving a nearly 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, the film has ignited a firestorm over what happened in Gaza and how Israel’s conduct of the war should be judged. Donniel and Yossi wrestle with how to confront legitimate questions about Israel’s actions while rejecting a narrative they believe relies on unverifiable testimony, erases Hamas’ culpability, and leaves little room for moral reckoning. Subscribe to For Heaven's Sake. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's…

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jerusalem fell after political and religious divisions among Jews spiraled into civil war. As Israel heads toward another election after years of political upheaval, October 7 and war, Dan speaks with filmmaker Gidi Dar and Rabbi David Stav, a leading voice in Israel’s religious Zionist community, about the history depicted in Dar’s film, Legend of Destruction, and its echoes in Israel today. Where does the comparison hold, where does it break down, and can Israelis learn from the past before their divisions become even harder to bridge? This episode features extended scenes from Legend of Destruction. Watch the conversation and clips on our YouTube channel. Watch the trailer for Legend of Destruction: https://youtu.be/DIvPLLijae0?si=O97Hx_3Xybo_Myuh Purchase or rent Legend of Destruction: Amazon DVD: https://link.amazon/B0i5kHIIe Amazon US TVOD: https://link.amazon/B0dj4d5bL iTunes: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/legend-of-destruction/umc.cmc.1x03f8yd00dkhofvrmxouwc6j GooglePlay:…

What happens when winning the war against terrorism leads us to forget why we were fighting it? Twenty-five years after the terror attacks of September 11, America has avoided another mass attack, but Manhattan Institute senior fellow and Free Press columnist Douglas Murray argues that success has come with different dangers: complacency, amnesia and turning many Americans against their own country. In a live conversation at the Manhattan Institute on September 8, Dan and Douglas look at what the West has forgotten about 9/11, why fringe conspiracy theories and anti-Western ideas have taken hold, and what Israel’s response to October 7 can teach us about a society’s willingness to defend itself. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by Birthright: Invest in the Jewish future today at onetripchangeseverything.com. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand…

Did Israel have enough warnings to prevent the devastation of the October 7th Hamas attacks? A new Haaretz investigative report alleges that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed personally called to warn Benjamin Netanyahu days before October 7 that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation, a report Netanyahu’s office calls “an absolute lie.” Dan is joined by Amit Segal and Nadav Eyal who debate the credibility and significance of the story, whether another warning could have changed Israel’s response, and if it will impact Israeli elections. Read the report in Haaretz. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by the Jewish Communal Fund. Learn more about JCF’s donor advised funds at jcfny.org. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside…

What if Yom Kippur isn’t the peak of the Jewish holiday season, but the beginning of something more joyful? The Jewish holidays of Tishrei take us on a journey from judgement and reflection to vulnerability, gratitude and ultimately joy. Dan and Rachel Goldberg-Polin continue their annual exploration of the Jewish calendar and look at what Sukkot and Simchat Torah teach us about what really matters. They also reflect on what it means to hold onto that joy when Simchat Torah is now forever intertwined with October 7. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- For a brief video on American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs' (AFINS) Buddy Line program and to help struggling Israeli combat veterans find their way back, visit https://www.AFINS.us/warriorcare. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a…

This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Today, Dan himself answers listener questions about whether extreme views about a One State solution in Israel will find adherents because moderates don’t have a concrete plan, what it would take to find consensus for creating a Palestinian entity, and why the upcoming Israeli elections are clouding the issue. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan answers listener questions about: - What Dan has changed his mind about since October 7 - The Haredi draft fight and Israel’s unequal burden - Could Yoav Segalovich help an Eisenkot government even as a member of the Ra’am party? - Why Pakistan advocates for Iran - Would a Netanyahu defeat make it easier for American…

Is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict really at the center of the Middle East? In Part 2 of Dan’s conversation with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Cauldron, they trace how the balance of power in the Middle East shifted after 9/11, from Iran’s rise and its network of proxies to the emergence of Israel, Iran and Turkey as the region’s dominant military powers. They also ask whether the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has obscured a much larger struggle for power across the region, and what history can tell us about the possibility of peace. Purchase a copy of Simon’s book The Cauldron here. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- This episode is sponsored by The Israel Democracy Institute: For resources on Israel's upcoming election and to learn more about IDI, visit elections.idi.org.il/2026. This episode is sponsored by Citizen Cafe: Schedule your free intro session with Citizen Cafe today. Call Me Back is made possible by our…

How much of the Middle East’s history was actually shaped by the West? The story most of us learned about who created the modern Middle East is incomplete. Dan is joined by historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Cauldron, who argues that we give Western powers too much credit and the people of the region too little agency. In Part I of their conversation, they trace the forces that shaped the region, from the Ottoman legacy and the rise of nationalism to the Iranian Revolution and Islamism. Purchase a copy of Simon’s book The Cauldron here. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —-This episode is sponsored by RootOne. Help the Jewish teen in your life experience Israel for themselves. Visit RootOne.org to learn more. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me…

This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan is joined by Ark Media contributor Amit Segal to answer a listener question about the column he wrote calling Ben Gvir a disaster for Israel, why he holds Smotrich to a different standard, and why he argues that Israel pays an international price for a minister who sells publicity while delivering almost nothing on policy. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Amit answer listener questions about: Why Amit turned on Ben Gvir, and why he judges Smotrich differently When Amit’s own brother attacked him over settler violence What Shas is really selling with its campaign ad about a soldier coming home Ofer Winter, Hili Tropper, and the killing zone of the Israeli…

With a weaker Iran, do Turkey’s regional ambitions put it on a collision course with Israel? Dan and Nadav Eyal analyze the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, focusing on whether Turkey’s President Erdogan aspires to become a regional superpower given the vacuum left by a weaker Iran. They discuss whether Turkey’s military is trying to move further into Syria, crossing what Israel considers a “red line,” Israel’s recent response, and the emerging Sunni axis between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. —- Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode was sponsored by the Jewish Communal Fund. Learn more about JCF’s donor advised funds at jcfny.org. ___ In this episode: -Israel-Turkey relations and recent military…

How will current issues or past discrimination against Mizrahi Israelis influence this election? Dan and sociologist Mijal Bitton discuss the history, identity, and political narratives of Mizrahi Jews—whose families came to Israel from across the Middle East and North Africa—and how those narratives continue to shape Israeli politics. They unpack the factors of historical discrimination by an Ashkenazi elite, questions of economic opportunity, dignity and belonging of the Mizrahi community, and the Mizrahi devotion to maintaining the Jewish character of the state of Israel. —- Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode is sponsored by The Shalom Hartman Institute. Register for The Road to the Israeli Elections…

This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan is joined by Jon Polin to answer questions from young Jewish adults and teenagers about how to reconcile personal Zionism with those who commit violence against Palestinians in the name of Zionism. They also discuss the pressures and social costs faced by American young people who stand up for Israel and how to handle some of those tough conversations. Learn more about Jon’s new project, Foundry 515 here. Beyond Dispute by Daniel Taub Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Jon answer listener questions about: - The social cost for American teens and young adults who stand up for Israel - How to find Jewish joy outside…

Why have the classical liberal ideas that helped emancipate the Jews become so vulnerable? Dan is joined by Jonah Goldberg of The Dispatch to ask why classical liberalism, which is the political tradition that embraces equality, individual rights and restraints on government, has become so vulnerable. They discuss how the terms liberal, progressive and socialist got confused, and why they think the DSA agenda will fail. Goldberg also explains the economic and cultural forces he sees fueling populism on the left and right, whether America’s liberal tradition is strong enough to withstand them, and what its erosion could mean for Jews. Suicide of the West by Jonah Goldberg The Remnant podcast Capitalism and the Jews by Jerry Z Muller Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show…

What will it take to confront antisemitism at America’s elite universities? Dan is joined by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whose 2023 questioning of three Ivy League university presidents became a defining moment in the debate over antisemitism on college campuses. Drawing from her new book, Poisoned Ivies, Stefanik argues that the crisis reflects decades of systemic ideological bias, failed leadership and money from Arab countries buying academic influence. They discuss what it will take to confront antisemitism at America’s elite universities, and whether government intervention risks creating new problems of its own. Purchase Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s book here. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode was…

This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan is joined by Ark Media contributor Nadav Eyal to answer listener questions about the growing number of highly educated Israelis leaving the country, why Nadav believes it's not just military conflicts driving them away, and the deeper issues facing Israeli society. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Nadav answer listener questions about: - Would a new Israeli government actually be able to create significant systemic change? - How the past 3 years have dramatically changed attitudes and capabilities of the IDF - Can Israel’s moderate right reshape the election? - What do each of Israel’s Arab parties stand for and which might succeed? - Why a popular Jewish…

Why has antisemitism endured and how can Jews effectively combat it? Dan is joined by author Dara Horn to discuss her new book, The Final Solution to the Jewish Question: A Love Story for the Living. Five years after her book People Love Dead Jews diagnosed how society relates to Jewish suffering, Horn now addresses what can be done about it. She explains how AI is systematically targeting Jews, why traditional efforts to fight antisemitism are failing and outlines an approach to find a solution that could finally change everything. Explore Dara Horn’s new Tell Institute to combat antisemitism. Pre-order your copy of Dara’s book, The Final Solution to the Jewish Question: A Love Story for the Living. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center on October 22. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside…

Did disagreements between Mossad and the IDF help lead to systematic failure to deploy Kurdish fighters and to topple the regime in Iran? Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal who provides an in-depth analysis of Israel's covert plans to destabilize Iran, the role of Kurdish forces, and the internal decision-making failures that may have impacted the outcome of the war and regional security. This episode unpacks the complexities behind secret operations, disagreements between Mossad and the IDF, and the geopolitical implications for Israel and Iran. —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode is sponsored by The Shalom Hartman Institute. Register for The Road to the Israeli Elections webinar with the Shalom Hartman Institute's Tani Frank and Masua Sagiv. This episode is also sponsored by Hayarkon 70. Stay in the…

This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan and Tal Becker answer listener questions about why having an Arab party in Israel’s governing coalition is less acceptable now more than ever and what happened the last time it was tried. They also discuss how Israeli law addresses the separation of church and state and problems that creates.. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Tal answer listener questions about: What does the El-Sayed primary victory in Michigan mean for Democrats Jewish identity and the deep connection between Jews and Israel Barriers to including Arab parties in Israel’s governing coalition Issues created by the lack of an Israeli constitution The surprisingly strong alliance between…

Why did an Israeli-U.S. plan that counted on Kurdish fighters to help topple the Iranian regime fall apart? Dan is joined by investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker Itai Anghel who risked his life to follow Kurdish fighters in Syria, Iraq and Iran to document their guerrilla warfare tactics, explore how Kurdish leaders viewed Israel, why that trust fractured, and how those experiences shaped their views of the Israeli-U.S. secret plan for Kurds to fight inside Iran. The conversation also examines why Kurdish women fighters are key, and the military, political, and regional obstacles that doomed the plot from the start. On August 10th, Part 2 will examine the plan from Israel’s intelligence and military perspectives. Watch Itai Anghel’s documentary The Women Most Wanted in Iran ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside…

Why could the upcoming Michigan Democratic Senate primary signal a seismic shift about the Democratic party and U.S. policy on Israel? As Michigan Democrats prepare to choose a nominee for the U.S. Senate, Dan Senor sits down with political journalist Mark Halperin to discuss why this race has become a flashpoint in the debate over Israel, progressive politics, and the future of the Democratic Party. They examine why progressives are demonizing Israel and AIPAC, the role of The New York Times and other media in shifting the debate, and why Abdul El‑Sayed’s campaign may have implications that extend to the 2028 presidential election. ______ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode is sponsored by Citizen Cafe: Schedule your free intro session with Citizen Cafe today. ___ In this episode: 1. Why the Michigan…

What is next for America’s foreign policy, and what does it mean for Israel? President Trump has reshaped America's relationships with allies and adversaries alike, favoring leverage, pressure, and dealmaking over traditional alliances. But does coercion create lasting influence, or does it push allies to look elsewhere? Dan is joined by Ian Bremmer, president and founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, to debate whether Trump's foreign policy has reached its ceiling, what comes next for America's global alliances, and why Israel may be the ultimate test case. Learn more about Eurasia Group and GZERO Media. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - Has Trump's foreign policy peaked? - Where Trump's foreign policy succeeded and failed - Can America still count on its allies? - Has Trump lost…

Is a 3rd round of war with Iran now inevitable? After two wars, a failed agreement, and months of uneasy calm, the U.S. and Iran may once again be on the brink of direct conflict. Amit Segal and Nadav Eyal join Dan to assess why the US-Iran MOU has collapsed, would Israel’s military take part in it, what a 3rd round of fighting could look like, and how elections in both Israel and the United States could shape the decisions ahead. ___ This episode was sponsored by RootOne. Help the Jewish teen in your life experience Israel for themselves. Visit RootOne.org to learn more. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back Help shape what Ark Media builds next. Sign up to participate in listener interviews, focus groups, and product testing. Participation is voluntary, and space is limited. ___ In this episode: - Why the US-Iran…

In this conversation, Anne Neuberger, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, currently General Partner and Head of Global Affairs at venture capital powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz, joins What’s Your Number hosts Yael Wissner Levy and Yonatan Adiri to discuss how AI, cyber warfare, drones, and defense tech are reshaping geopolitics. As technology, commercial investment, and national security become increasingly intertwined, what will determine which countries, and which companies, thrive in this new era and how core values determine their use. ___ Subscribe here to: What’s Your Number? ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: - The new ingredients of national power - Why supply chains became a national security issue - The AI debate between Washington and…

Can historians win the fight against antisemitism and viral misinformation in the age of AI? Historian Niall Ferguson joins Dan to warn that fact-based historians are losing the battle with social media algorithms that spread false and antisemitic content to increasingly receptive audiences on both the right and left. He argues the rules of the fight have changed. Drawing on a new essay co-authored with AI researcher John-Clark Levin, Ferguson offers data on how algorithms, non-human bots, and AI are transforming how antisemitic ideas go viral, making traditional methods of exposing lies increasingly ineffective. If facts alone are no longer enough, what comes next? Read The Death of History by Niall Ferguson and John-Clark Levin. Books by Niall Ferguson including The War of the World and The Square and the Tower. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going.…

What does Tisha B'Av ask of us after October 7? Tisha B'Av is the saddest date on the Jewish calendar, but Rachel Goldberg-Polin argues it also offers hope and opportunity. In a conversation shaped by the personal and collective trauma of October 7, she explains why Jewish tradition gathers centuries of loss onto a single day, why it compels us to look inward, and how mourning is meant to become the first step toward repair. Rachel’s suggested reading: This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation by Rabbi Alan Lew ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode was sponsored by Birthright: Invest in the Jewish future today at onetripchangeseverything.com. ____ In this episode: - Why Tisha B'Av became Judaism's day of mourning - The original national failure:…

Can Israel break the paralysis over the Palestinian question without risking its own security? Israelis and Palestinians have been stuck for years, with no practical or diplomatic progress and little confidence that anything can change. Tal Becker argues that while the obstacles are real, accepting paralysis carries its own costs for Israel's security, regional relationships, international standing, and national moral identity. He lays out what he believes the next Israeli government can realistically do to start moving forward without ignoring the lessons and trauma of October 7. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: - Why Israelis and Palestinians are stuck in a cycle of paralysis - What a Palestinian state is supposed to solve - The urgent imperatives of why change must happen soon - Can…

What will it take to save the U.S.-Israel alliance? Dan is joined by Rahm Emanuel, a Democratic party powerhouse who was a former Chicago mayor, White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Dan challenges Emanuel on ideas from the speech he delivered in Tel Aviv that ignited debate across Israel and the United States. Emanuel argues that Israel's current course is putting the U.S.-Israel alliance at risk, while Dan presses him on whether October 7 fundamentally changed the assumptions behind his vision for Israel's future. They discuss Israel’s security, Palestinian statehood, the future of a more hostile Democratic Party, and whether Emanuel's message is ultimately an act of tough love or tough luck for Israel. Watch Rahm Emanuel’s Tel Aviv speech HERE. ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In…

Is the collapse of the U.S.-Iran deal the start of another war, or something messier in between? Dan is joined by Ark Media contributor and senior analyst for Yedioth Ahronoth, Nadav Eyal, as Iran and the U.S. launch missile and verbal attacks. They discuss the apparent end to the ceasefire, why Israel believes the MoU was destined to fail and how Tehran is calculating its next move. They also explore why Turkey's growing military and political influence could be Israel's next strategic challenge. ____ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: - Why the U.S.-Iran deal collapsed - Iran's power play in Hormuz - Who is really in charge in Iran? - Israel's "we told you so" moment - Why Turkey is becoming Israel's next big concern - Netanyahu's public fight against the U.S. selling F-35s to Turkey -…

As Americans mark Independence Day, we're revisiting one of the most popular episodes of What's Your Number?, a conversation that feels even more relevant today. Yonatan Adiri and Yael Wissner Levy are joined by Dan Senor, host of Call Me Back and co-author of Start-Up Nation which revolutionized the world’s respect for Israel and its entrepreneurial spirit and successes. Nearly two decades after the book's publication, Israel's tech sector is stronger than ever, yet the country's global brand faces unprecedented challenges. What does this mean for Israel’s reputation, innovation and its place in the world? Dan also remembers his young friend, the late Israeli entrepreneur and investor Zaki Djemal, whose final essay on Israel's future and memorial service are linked below. Read a tribute to Zaki Djemal and his white paper here. Watch Zaki Djemal’s memorial service here. ____ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world,…

Why have positions about Israel and Jews become a defining fault line in American politics? In part two of their conversation, Dan is joined by Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, and John Podhoretz, editor-in-chief of Commentary Magazine, to discuss what the victories of Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic Socialists reveal about the radicalization of politics of the American left. From the rise of anti-Zionist candidates to the weakening of political parties and norms, they explore why antisemitic or anti-Israel positions have become litmus tests in the transformation of American politics. Read the open letter from American Rabbis to Zohran Mamdani here. ____ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: - Why both political parties are losing control - What Zohran Mamdani and DSA…

____ Many supporters of the Iran War, both in the U.S. and in Israel, consider it a failure. Dan doesn't necessarily share that observation, at least not until the fate of the U.S.- Iran deal is clear. Jonah Goldberg and John Podhoretz, two thinkers that have been following every twist and turn of the Iran war and landed in that camp. So we wanted to conduct an autopsy of the Iran War, at least as where the war stands now. Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of the Remnant podcast. He’s also a senior fellow at AEI and author of a number of books, including Suicide of the West. and John Podhoretz, editor-in-chief of Commentary Magazine, host of the Commentary podcast and author of Hell of a Ride. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: What were the expectations vs…

Can Israel stop Iran if America decides to move on? As Washington pursues negotiations with Tehran, many Israelis are wondering what their country can still do to shape the outcome. Dan Senor is joined by Ark Media contributor and Channel 12 senior political analyst Amit Segal to discuss the state of the U.S.-Iran talks, why Israel is showing restraint in Lebanon, and what leverage Jerusalem still has as Washington pursues negotiations with Tehran. They also examine the growing debate inside Israel over President Trump and J.D. Vance, and whether Netanyahu can navigate a moment when many Israelis feel the military achievements against Iran have yet to translate into a lasting strategic gain. ____ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: - Why the U.S.-Iran talks may be headed for failure - Does…

Did Israel and the U.S. win the battle but lose the war? Israel and the United States achieved what many would consider a remarkable military success against Iran. But the agreement that followed has left many Israelis wondering whether battlefield gains translated into strategic victory. Dan Senor is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist and Hudson Institute senior fellow Walter Russell Mead to discuss the paradox at the heart of the new U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, what it reveals about President Trump's approach to power, and how leaders across the Middle East are recalculating their assumptions about America, Israel, and the future of the region. ____ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ____ In this episode: 03:42 - The paradox: military success vs. political disappointment 05:03 - Why so many…

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ What does the Iran deal mean for Israel, and for Netanyahu’s political future? Dan is joined by Ark Media contributor and Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal to assess the newly announced U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and the political questions it has unleashed in Israel. As negotiations begin and the fighting pauses, they discuss whether the war should be seen as a success, a missed opportunity, or something whose consequences are still unfolding. They also discuss the growing tension between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, the fight over Lebanon, and what all of it could mean for Israel's next election. This episode was sponsored by Birthright: Invest in the Jewish future today at onetripchangeseverything.com. In this episode: 04:03 - What worries Israel most about the new Iran deal? 06:18 - Trump’s unpredictability and the limits of certainty 13:15 - Is this a pause button or a rewind button for Iran? 18:42 - Does…

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Why is Israel’s next election being driven more by fear than hope? Dan is joined by For Heaven's Sake hosts Yossi Klein Halevi and Donniel Hartman to discuss the emotional forces shaping Israel's coming election. As Israelis prepare to vote, different communities are carrying different traumas, fears, and visions for the country's future, from tensions over Arab and Haredi political power to questions of national unity, leadership, and diminishing hope that life there can improve. They also consider whether Israelis can rediscover the unity of October 8th and what Israelis and diaspora Jews are each looking for in the country's next leader. In this episode: 04:36 - Why this is a fear-based election, not a hope-based election 10:30 - The fear of Arab parties in a post-October 7 Israel 16:21 - Can Arab parties become part of Israel's political mainstream? 18:09 - The role and concern over Haredi voters reshaping politics 27:09 - Is the…

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Can Gadi Eisenkot make the leap from one of Israel’s most trusted generals to its next prime minister? Gadi Eisenkot’s popularity is seeing a meteoric rise. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal to examine Eisenkot’s background, military record, decisions around October 7, and whether experience built on service and sacrifice can survive the rough-and-tumble of an election campaign. They also compare Eisenkot to previous generals who’ve tried this, and to his current viable political opponents. In this episode: 03:54 – Is Gadi Eisenkot's rise in the polls real? 05:42 – The Appeal of Israel's "Quiet General" 14:33 – From Eilat to IDF Chief of Staff 16:51 – Eisenkot's military legacy and the "war between wars" 23:27 – How much responsibility does he bear for October 7? 27:00 – The personal tragedy that shaped his public image 30:45 – What the War Cabinet Revealed About Eisenkot 38:30 – Can Eisenkot Unite the Opposition? More Ark Media: Want to join…

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Did the Iran war solve the problem, postpone it or make it worse? That fundamental debate has emerged over the outcome of the war with Iran. The campaigns degraded Iran's military infrastructure, but it also ended with a new, possibly more dangerous Supreme Leader in power, Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear capability largely intact. Dan is joined by former Israeli Military Intelligence chief Tamir Hayman and FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz to discuss whether the war was a strategic success, a missed opportunity, or an unfinished chapter in a conflict that is far from over. Listen to Mark’s podcast, The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz. In this episode: 04:51 - What is the most likely outcome of the U.S.-Iran negotiations? 08:00 - What were the tactical achievements of the US and Israeli attacks? 10:03 - Was the war strategically worth it? 19:42 - Can and will Trump still finish the job? 24:44 - Was the plan to have Kurds…

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Is President Trump saving Israel from a war it can’t win, or forcing it into a deal that leaves Hezbollah intact and Israeli soldiers and citizens vulnerable? President Trump announced a ceasefire in Lebanon. Hezbollah agreed to stop firing rockets into Israel. Israel agreed to not strike Beirut. Yet the fighting in southern Lebanon continues, IDF soldiers are being killed and injured by Hezbollah rockets and drones, and the strategic problem remains unsolved. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal to discuss Trump’s explosive phone call and pressures on Netanyahu, the link between Lebanon and the Iran negotiations, and whether this moment represents an off-ramp from an unwinnable conflict or a pause that leaves Israel’s hands tied and facing the same dangerous dilemma in southern Lebanon. In this episode: 04:48 - Trump's expletive-laced confrontation with Netanyahu over Lebanon 06:42 - What the new Lebanon "ceasefire" actually means…