The “IDF: Inspiring Despite Failing?” Edition

01/18/24 • 77 min

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Why Did the Army Fail Us?—

The first job of the army is to protect us at our borders.

—Why Do We Still Believe In the IDF?—

Even after everything went wrong, and so many people died, we still trust the IDF. Why?

—A New “Normal”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What’s it like for us to try to get back to some sort of “normal”?

All that and a sad voice calling in the wilderness, plus new music for our times by some of the grand eminences of Israeli music.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Why Did the Army Fail Us?—

The first job of the army is to protect us at our borders.

—Why Do We Still Believe In the IDF?—

Even after everything went wrong, and so many people died, we still trust the IDF. Why?

—A New “Normal”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What’s it like for us to try to get back to some sort of “normal”?

All that and a sad voice calling in the wilderness, plus new music for our times by some of the grand eminences of Israeli music.

Previous Episode

The “South Africa v. Israel” Edition

Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Phase III—

The last phase of the Israel-Hamas war is starting. Why don’t we feel relieved?

—South Africa v. Israel—

Eighty years after the Holocaust ended, Israel is on trial for genocide.

—How Do You Podcast a War?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How do you podcast this war? (With Jen Richler, genius producer “Can We Talk?”)

All that and the music of Idan Amedi, who was injured badly this week as an IDF reservist in Gaza.

Next Episode

The “Generals and Genocides” Edition

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—General Malaise—

Former IDF Chief of Staff and member of Israel’s “War Cabinet” says the government is not telling us the truth or making the right decisions when it comes to the war. What now?

—In the Shadow of the Shoah—

Seventy-nine years after the Nazis surrendered, there’s more talk of the Holocaust than ever. How come?

—Sending Your Kid off to the Army When the Country’s At War—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to drop your kid off at an army induction camp?

All that and new, soulful music of our time.