For Heaven's Sake

What is Hanukkah? A military victory by Maccabean heroes? A miracle of light in the darkest of times? This year it’s something more complicated.   In this episode Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi consider how Hanukkah’s classical Zionist narrative of power and sovereignty was challenged by October 7th, and how the Festival of Lights has changed again after Israel’s recent war victories.   This episode is sponsored by Lois Kohn-Claar and Gary Claar.   JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Thoughtful debate elevates us all. Partner with us to continue these important conversations. Make a gift now.

Now that Israel has succeeded in defeating the Iranian axis on its borders, Netanyahu—and Hamas—seem earnest about a ceasefire deal. Can all the hostages and the remains of those deceased be returned? And how will Israelis heal from the lingering trauma of October 7th? In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi consider the harsh likelihood of a partial hostage deal and analyze how Ben Gvir and Netanyahu are jockeying for the hearts of Israelis as the war winds down. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Less than two weeks after Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a ceasefire deal, the Assad regime in Syria was overthrown by rebel militias and Hamas is showing more openness to a hostage deal than ever before. As Iran’s siege along the borders of Israel unravels, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi ask in this episode: are Israelis ready for the war to wrap up? They discuss the new geopolitical reality in the region, the success of the judicial system in bringing Netanyahu to trial, and the fate of Gaza post-war in the minds of Israelis who are deeply divided. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

What is motivating Netanyahu’s coalition government to undermine Israel’s democratic checks and balances, even as a ceasefire with Hamas becomes a serious possibility?   In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi examine how the Jewish State’s early decades under Labor Party rule influenced the current government’s actions, and explore how Israel can heal from deepening partisan rifts.   JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.