A Week of Fire, Protests and Power Plays

Mike and Laureen break down the major U.S. and international stories shaping the week, examining the arson attack on a 160-year-old synagogue in Mississippi, where Torah scrolls were burned, but a Holocaust Torah survived. The hosts also discuss a pro-Hamas protest held outside a Queens, New York synagogue during Shabbat and controversy surrounding an event for preschoolers in New York City co-hosted by Mamdani and Miss Rachel.

In a featured interview with John Anderson, journalist and author Douglas Murray explains why much of the Arab world shows little concern for the Palestinian cause. Ben Shapiro weighs in on why it appears the Arab world is winning the global public-relations battle. The episode also covers protests across Iran as the regime shuts down internet access and satellite connections.

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Examining Christian Nationalism and Doctors Without Borders in Gaza

This week’s show opens with a look at NYC Mayor Mamdani’s first week in office and actions taken that make it a less safe place for Jews. Mike and Laureen examine the growing push for Christian Nationalism and its implications for Jewish communities, featuring Wall Street Journal reporter Aaron Zitner’s interview with Pastor Doug Wilson of Christ Church, a leading advocate for merging church and state. The hosts also unpack why Israel has barred Doctors Without Borders from operating in Gaza, arguing the organization is not what it claims to be, with analysis drawn from a narrative by Quillette’s Zoe Booth.

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Facts, Fiction and Fear: Israel, Antisemitism and the Battle for Truth

A powerful clip from Beginning Within’s Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein examines a revealing exchange between Penn State University’s Sam Richards and his students during a lecture asserting that “Palestine did not exist 200 years ago,” a claim that stunned students who view it as their ancestral homeland. Rabbi Weinstein unpacks why historical literacy matters and how emotional narratives often replace facts in today’s discourse.

The program also features Australian television host Julia Hartley-Brewer in conversation with author and commentator Melanie Phillips, examining why the Gaza ceasefire continues to falter as Hamas refuses to disarm and what that means for Israel’s security and regional stability.

Mike then turns to New York City, focusing on growing security concerns for Jewish residents and institutions as mayor-elect Mandami prepares to take office.

Throughout the episode, Mike underscores the urgent need for a proactive, positive campaign in support of Israel. He addresses and debunks accusations of genocide and apartheid, discusses the sharp rise in antisemitism in Australia following the Bondi Beach attack on Jews celebrating Chanukah, and raises alarms about the growing belief that the United States is a “Christian nation” and the troubling implications such thinking may hold for American Jews. In a lighter, seasonally fitting moment, he also reviews 11 classic Christmas songs written by Jewish composers.

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