Bonus: 90 Seconds

Fine caviar, Persian carpets, the malignant presence of a possibly former-Nazi zookeeper, a cameo from a sensuous Mossad agent and cold-blooded murder. This is the improbable, totally true story of a flying Dutchman and some of the last "olim" to leave Iran before the Revolution. Our end song is Gan Eden Shel Ha'Adam ("Man's Paradise") by Gilad Segev.Image licensed from Dragan Ilic at Dreamstime.comStay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A never-aired Yom Kippur episode from before the war that asks what does it mean to be sorry?Our end song is Lu Yehi ("Let It Be") performed by HaGashash HaHiver.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the messy tension of war, Pazit had to make a life-or-death decision for someone else.The end song is "Hymn to the Soul" by LAOR.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the middle of a war, we reached out to the other side. They answered.Note: The content in this episode was written by real people. To protect the anonymity of participants, some audio voices were produced by AI.Episode art credit: Reuters.The end song is Dror Yikra ("Proclaim Freedom") performed by Mike Rauss, Yael Dagon, and Ardavan Hatami.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a moment to decide what's most important.The end song is Od Chozer HaNigun ("The Melody Returns") by Chava Alberstein.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We thought the people of Iran should get the chance to hear the voices of regular Israelis, describing daily life in this war within a war.And we want to hear from Iranians too. What is your daily life like right now? What do you want us to know? Send us your voice notes on social media, Whatsapp (+972-58-540-8822), or Signal (@JayLevi.59).Episode art photo credit: Yossi ZamirThe end song is Boker Tov Iran ("Good Morning Iran") by Aviv Geffen.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While all kinds of very unwanted things are flying to Israel from Iran these days, we wanted to remind you of someone wonderful who came here from Iran.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An unlikely intergenerational friendship between two soldiers tasked with freeing civilian hostages.The end song is HaCholmim Achar Hashemesh ("Those Who Dream of the Sun") performed by David Lavi and Tamar Philosof.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honour of the 58th anniversary of soldiers in war running to help, we bring you a story of twisting journeys and changing identities.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth the Moabite said she'd follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, anywhere. That blind devotion has since made her an enduring symbol of loyalty, faith and determination. And, just in time for Shavuot, we're playing a favourite episode of ours from the vault.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.