Ask Haviv Anything

Elizabeth R. Hyman, historian and author of The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto, uncovers the often-ignored stories of women's vital roles in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. She discusses the courage of female couriers like Zivia Lubetkin and their unique advantages in a perilous environment. Hyman explores the harsh realities inside the ghetto, the shift from cultural to armed resistance, and the lasting impact of their fight for dignity. She also addresses why these women’s contributions have been overshadowed in historical memory.

Why does America support Israel? Dive into the historical ties between U.S. backing and Jewish immigration policies. Discover Truman's swift recognition of Israel despite tensions and the country's early military independence. Explore the strategic dynamics of the Suez War and the emergence of Israel as a regional power post-1967. Unpack the impact of oil during the Yom Kippur War and how Israel became a key asset in U.S. intelligence efforts after 9/11. Finally, learn about the balance of support in contemporary politics and the pursuit of stability.

Barry Strauss, a military historian and Cornell professor, dives into the overlooked Jewish revolts against Rome from 66 CE to 135 CE. He argues that these uprisings were not mere folly, highlighting the Jews' military skills and hopes for Parthian support. Strauss discusses the internal divisions that plagued the Jewish efforts, the incredible Beit Horon ambush that defeated a Roman legion, and Masada's symbolism as a defiant stand. He concludes with the long-term effects of disunity on Jewish communities after the revolts.

This week, Moshe Koppel, a computer science professor and founder of the Kohelet Forum, delves into the heated topic of Israel's judicial reform. He highlights the deep divides it has caused in society, fueled by political missteps and inadequate dialogue. Koppel discusses the complexities of judicial appointments, the impact of judicial overreach, and the vital need for accountability in governance. He also sheds light on how recent conflicts have reshaped public perception and the political landscape, while advocating for a balanced approach to reform.

Adam Louis-Klein, an anthropologist and founder of the Movement Against Antizionism, discusses the complex dynamics of anti-Zionism. He asserts that anti-Zionism is not just criticism of Israel; it's a contemporary form of Jew-hatred with dangerous implications. Adam links it to violence against Jews and the deceptive narratives that mask its true nature. He offers insights on distinguishing legitimate critiques from bigotry, emphasizing the urgent need to recognize and combat anti-Zionism as a source of suffering for both Jews and Palestinians.

This installment dives into the significance of Hanukkah amid recent tragedy, tracing its origins and themes of resilience. The discussion highlights the miracles born from struggle, intertwining philosophical debates on divine intervention and human agency. Haviv draws attention to the values of gratitude and communal effort, linking them to the Jewish tradition. The episode also revisits the historical context of the Maccabean revolt and unpacks the rich customs surrounding the festival, affirming that light can persist even in the darkest of times.

Dive into the controversial world of BDS campaigns and their impact on Palestinians. Explore the origins and goals of this movement, and how it tries to exert psychological pressure on Israel. Hear about the limitations of BDS in swaying Israeli security perceptions and its potential to backfire on progressive Israeli voices. Discover how selective targeting can breed anti-Jewish sentiment and ultimately harm the very people BDS aims to support. A thought-provoking discussion that challenges the efficacy of boycotts in fostering real change.

Ashley Rindsberg, an investigative writer and senior editor focused on digital information integrity, shares insights on the troubling manipulation of online information. He reveals how a small group of editors has skewed Wikipedia's articles on Israel and Zionism, influencing Google's search results and AI outputs. Rindsberg discusses Reddit's role in spreading content, the infiltration of ideological networks into mainstream communities, and the systemic risks posed by algorithmic propaganda. This conversation uncovers the unseen forces shaping our digital landscape.

Izabella Tabarovsky, a scholar specializing in Soviet anti-Zionism and antisemitism, delves into how Soviet ideologies shaped today's discourse on Israel. She explores Stalin's early rejection of Jewish nationhood and the complex relationship between Soviet propaganda and Jewish identity. Key topics include the evolution of anti-Zionism from ideological critique to conspiratorial narratives, the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee's fate, and the impact of the Six-Day War on Jewish consciousness. Tabarovsky calls for grassroots activism and reclaiming Jewish dignity in the face of historical repression.

Noam Dworman, owner of the iconic Comedy Cellar and keen observer of New York's cultural pulse, dives into the implications of the city's shifting political landscape. He highlights the troubling rise of right-wing antisemitism, discussing figures like Tucker Carlson and the importance of nuanced Jewish narratives. Dworman also reflects on the psychological impacts of recent events on American Jews and critiques their initial defensive responses. He passionately advocates for better argumentation and civic engagement in the face of rising challenges.