Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod This week, Jonathan returns to the podcast as he and Yonit assess the public mood in Israel in the aftermath of the war with Iran, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and renewed talk of a potential ceasefire.They also discuss the political fallout at home and abroad —including a moment at the Glastonbury music festival that saw a collision of protest and prejudice.

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As the dust settles from the war between Israel and Iran, Yonit sits down with Nuseir Yassin to unpack what just happened—and what it all means. From shifting regional power dynamics to the role of social media in shaping global narratives, they go deep on war, peace, and the politics of perception.They also touch on the democratic mayoral elections in New York, the conflicts elsewhere that could either ignite or resolve in the coming years, and—above all—ask what future the region might still have. Is there room for cautious optimism, or are we simply bracing for the next round?   Nuseir Yassin is a Palestinian‑Israeli video creator and entrepreneur best known as Nas Daily, the one‑minute daily vlogging phenomenon. Born in Arraba, Israel, he earned a Harvard degree in economics (with a minor in CS), then quit his Venmo software job in 2016 to launch a 1,000‑day video run that earned him over 13 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views. He’s since founded Nas Company—home to Nas Studios and Nas Academy—building a global creator ecosystem grounded in storytelling and cultural understanding  .

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodThe Israel–Iran war may be behind us, for now, but one of the most critical questions is only just beginning to surface: what really happened to Iran’s nuclear program?To begin unpacking that, Yonit spoke with someone uniquely positioned to offer insight: Zohar Palti, former Head of the Political-Military Bureau at Israel’s Ministry of Defense and a longtime senior official in the Mossad. With years of experience at the heart of Israel’s security establishment, Palti helps us explore what’s known, what’s rumored, and what may still be unfolding behind the scenes. 

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodA few hours after the U.S. Army, under orders from President Donald Trump, bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities, Yonit sat down for an in-depth conversation with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed the ongoing operation in Iran, the aftermath of October 7th, the ICC arrest warrant—and even found a glimpse of optimism for the region’s future.

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodSpecial episodes from the past week:On life in Iran with Beni Sabti (17/6) Sunday Update with Amos Harel (15/6)Friday update with dr. Suzanne Maloney (13/6)It’s day seven of the Israel-Iran war, and the world is waiting on President Trump’s next move. Will he or won’t he strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.Yonit is joined this week by CNN anchor and senior global affairs analyst  Bianna Golodryga; together they speak with former senior adviser to President Biden, Amos Hochstein, about what could happen if the U.S. joins the war.Plus: a chutzpah award you’ll enjoy, and a next-generation mensch.  Amos Hochstein is a veteran American diplomat and energy expert who has served as the U.S. Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security. Known for his deep involvement in Middle East affairs, Hochstein has advised multiple administrations on strategic energy and security issues, including delicate negotiations across the region.Bianna Golodryga is an acclaimed journalist and television anchor, currently serving as a senior global affairs analyst at CNN.

Bonus episode, Unholy store and social links: https://linktr.ee/unholypodDay five of the war with Iran, and the world is holding its breath. With President Trump abruptly leaving the G7 and urging Tehran’s citizens to evacuate, the next chapter remains uncertain — escalation or ceasefire? Yonit speaks with Beni Sabti, an expert on Iran, to look beyond the headlines, to explore what life looks like for ordinary Iranians: under fire, and under a theocracy that has shaped daily reality for nearly half a century.

After a night marked by a deadly Iranian attack that claimed the lives of Israeli civilians, Yonit sat down with military analyst Amos Harel for an update on the current situation and a look at what might unfold in the days ahead.

Following Israel’s wide operation in Iran, targeting nuclear sites and top officials, we bring you a special episode and talk to Dr. Suzanne Maloney, an expert on Iran and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution Center for Middle East Policy. 

The episode was recorded and released before the start of the Israeli operation in Iran.Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As speculation increases of an imminent attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Israel’s internal political turmoil shows no sign of calming. At the heart of the latest furore: the long-running debate over military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. Who should serve—and who shouldn’t?Yonit and Jonathan unpack the implications of this fiercely divisive issue, and look ahead to what it means for Israel’s future. Plus: a special conversation recorded at Unholy’s first-ever live event at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, with Yuval Noah Harari—historian, and one of Israel’s most original thinkers. Yuval Noah HarariYuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is best known for his bestselling books, including Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, which explore broad questions about history, technology, and the future of humanity. Oi Va VoiOi Va Voi is a British band known for blending Eastern European, Jewish, and indie music influences into a unique world fusion sound. Since their formation in London, they have gained a devoted following with their energetic performances and thoughtful lyrics.

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod A terror attack strikes a peaceful protest in Colorado calling for the release of hostages, while efforts to finalise a deal between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid begins to trickle into Gaza and a series of violent, and disputed, events ends in deadly consequences for Palestinian civilians.Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that, and also step back from the frontlines to look at the economic toll of a war that has lasted more than 600 days. They are joined by Dr. Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg, former deputy governor of the Bank of Israel, for a sobering conversation on the social and financial cost of protracted conflict—borne most heavily by those sent to fight, and those left waiting at home. Dr. Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg is a leading Israeli economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel, where she also served briefly as Acting Governor. A Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Ph.D., she has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors, including at Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, and Israel’s largest pension fund. She currently teaches economics at Reichman University and serves on several corporate boards, including Cellebrite. Known for her expertise in monetary policy and financial regulation, she is also married to economist and former Knesset member Manuel Trajtenberg.