(205) Israel, Power, and the Case for Real Self Sufficiency

On this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach sit down with Geopolitical Scholar Dr. Raphael BenLevi for a frank conversation about why Israel must be able to stand on its own. They explore the difference between partnership and dependence, the strategic risks of relying too heavily on other nations, and what true national resilience looks like in a dangerous region. If you care about Israeli security, Jewish strength, and moral clarity in foreign policy, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pesach and Doug sit down with recurring guest and military analyst Elliott Chodoff for a deep dive into the latest developments in the Middle East. They unpack the emerging peace framework, the complex roles of Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt in Gaza, and what it will take to militarily finish off Hamas once and for all. Will Trumps pragmatic and economic approach to peace create a lasting framework for peace in the region or more headaches with broader conflicts? Clear-eyed, candid, and grounded in both faith and facts — this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug and Pesach sit down with Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, to pull back the curtain on the United Nations' troubling record toward Israel and the West. From the UN's response to October 7th, to the ongoing funding of UNRWA despite its deep ties to Hamas, Neuer exposes the systemic bias that fuels global misinformation. We also discuss why Christian persecution gets little to no attention at the UN, how Western nations keep enabling the problem, and what must change for true human rights to prevail.

We're all grateful to see precious hostages reunited with their families. But what did this ceasefire really buy—and what did it quietly spend? In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach and Pastor Doug unpack the new Israel–Hamas agreement and President Trump's twenty-point plan. Pesach shares a decidedly pessimistic take on the trade-offs: deterrence, leverage, and what this deal signals for the next phase in Gaza. Doug presses on the moral calculus, strategic risks, and whether the plan's promises are achievable or dangerously vague. It's a sober conversation that celebrates life saved while asking hard questions about the price paid—security, justice, and the precedent set. If you want clarity beyond the headlines and a frank assessment of where this road could lead, don't miss this one.

In this special rooftop conversation overlooking Jerusalem, Doug and Pesach sit down with two pastors from the Eagles' Wings trip—Pastor Joe Green and Pastor Mike Omoniyi—to reflect on their journey through the Land of Israel. Pastor Joe, a longtime advocate for Israel, shares the origin story of how his connection to the Jewish people began. Pastor Mike, a dynamic young leader from London, recounts his first trip to Israel just a year ago and how it led him to return with five members of his own church. Together, they discuss what drew them into the Israel conversation, the challenges they've faced along the way, and why experiencing Israel transforms faith from 2D to 3D. 🎙 Recorded on a Jerusalem rooftop, this is Shoulder to Shoulder at its best—authentic, insightful, and alive with the sounds of the city that tells God's story.

In this special 200th episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed take a look back at four years of dialogue, debate, and discovery. They share their most memorable moments, reflect on what has made the journey so meaningful, and discuss the lessons learned along the way. With humor, honesty, and gratitude, Pesach and Doug celebrate the great times they've shared — and look ahead to the next chapter of building bridges and exploring faith together.

In this heartfelt episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed reflect on the legacy of Charlie Kirk — a man of deep integrity and conviction, whose belief in giving everyone a platform was both admirable and, at times, complicated. Pesach shares personal memories of his relationship with Charlie, including a moving story about their very first conversation, when Pesach explained a teaching on the Sabbath and the Ten Commandments that left a lasting impression. Together, Doug and Pesach honor Charlie's impact while honestly acknowledging where they agreed and where they differed, offering a nuanced tribute to a figure who left a significant mark on those who knew him.

When Rabbi Pesach Wolicki visited Pastor Doug Reed in Buffalo, the two shared a passionate, no-holds-barred conversation about one of the most entrenched ideas in global politics: the Two-State solution. Far from offering peace, they argue it would be a disaster for Israel and the world. And as for the common warnings that without it the Middle East will "explode"? In their view, those fears aren't just exaggerated — they're completely misguided. Join our hosts for a live conversation - this time in person - about one of the most contentious issues of our time.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug, Pesach, and Dr. Nathan Bonilla—author, academic, and new Israel Education Director for the Israel Christian Nexus—discuss the need for pastors to be educated on Israel. Dr. Bonilla brings fresh perspective on how education and faith can build stronger bridges between Christians and Israel.