(73) Understanding Israel's Biggest Controversy: Is Israeli Democracy at Risk?

In this week’s episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug and Pesach reconnect while Doug is in the heart of Washington, D.C. for a jam-packed week of advocacy and prayer. Doug shares his firsthand reflections from the National Day of Prayer events, the Israel Embassy gathering, and Israel Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. But that’s just the beginning. The conversation shifts to the pressing situation in Gaza, where Doug and Pesach tackle the question few are willing to ask: What is the endgame? With Israel gaining confidence in not just defending itself by conquering and occupying Gaza.  Is the world ready for an Israel that no longer plays defense? Should Israel become more comfortable with a permanent presence in Gaza? Doug and Pesach don’t hold back as they explore the deeper implications of a shifting Middle East and what it means for Jews, Christians, and freedom-loving people everywhere. This episode is a powerful blend of current events, theological insight, and bold questions. You won’t want to miss it.

In this provocative episode, Doug and Pesach sit down with Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and a prominent voice on radical Islam and its impact on the West. Spencer shares the history of the caliphate, and explains how the current map of the Middle East is a direct result of a specific historical event, and has little do to with ethnicity or even logic. He shares his views on the theological and political dimensions of the Muslim Brotherhood, the role of ideology in contemporary conflicts, where Iran and Qatar fit into this belief system, why Americans need to care about fundamentalism in the Middle East, and the challenges Israel - and all liberal democracies - face in responding to religious extremism.

In this powerful episode, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed speak with Colonel John Spencer—Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point and a globally recognized expert on modern combat—to unpack the complexities of Israel's war against Hamas. Colonel Spencer offers a clear-eyed analysis of urban warfare, the ethical challenges faced by democratic militaries, and the rigorous standards of international law. Together, they address the widespread misinformation fueling anti-Israel sentiment and explain why much of the global criticism ignores the realities of combat and the legal obligations Israel upholds on the battlefield.

Doug and Pesach explore a major Jewish Holiday journeying through the Seder meal, symbolism, traditions, and the personal nature of Passover. Doug asks questions and shared his experience of hosting a “Christian” Seder dinner at his church while Pesach responds to this idea.

In this fascinating episode, Pesach and Doug sit down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author Mark Gerson. Mark is the co-founder and chairman of United Hatzalah of Israel, a revolutionary volunteer emergency medical service saving lives every day. He also co-founded African Mission Healthcare, a groundbreaking organization that supports Christian medical missionaries serving the poorest communities in Africa. We discuss Mark’s best-selling book The Telling: How Judaism’s Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of Life — an insightful guide to the Pesach Haggadah that has inspired readers of all backgrounds. Then, Mark gives us a preview of his soon-to-be-released book God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah is True. We explore powerful examples from the book — from the biblical wisdom about marriage and clothing to modern scientific studies that now confirm the Torah’s ancient truth. This is a rich and inspiring conversation about faith, generosity, entrepreneurship, and the enduring wisdom of the Bible.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pesach and Doug sit down with Barak Swarttz—elite basketball trainer, social media influencer, and passionate Israel advocate. Barak shares his journey from spending two formative years in Jerusalem as a child to training over 20 NBA players and using basketball as a bridge for meaningful conversations about Israel. Tune in as we explore his faith, career, and how he’s leveraging his platform to stand up for Israel on and off the court.

Doug and Pesach sit down with Pastor Stephen Martin of Vintage Church, a fast-growing multi-campus in Texas. Stephen shares about his connection to Israel, his bold approach to politics and faith, and most of all, his monumental decision to start a full K through 12 school out of his church. In a world where secular ideologies dominate education, Christian schools have a unique opportunity to shape the next generation with a foundation of faith, truth, and moral clarity. By reclaiming education as a battleground for biblical values, we can equip young minds to stand firm in their beliefs and transform the culture around them. You won't want to miss this powerful conversation.

Pesach flies solo and welcomes Sara Lamm, author of Into The Fire: Stories of Heroism from October 7th, published by Israel365. And Pesach also shares his thoughts on the US attacks on the Houthis, and some controversy surrounding the ongoing elections for the World Zionist Congress.

In this episode, Pesach and Doug sit down with Member of Knesset Ohad Tal to discuss the critical issues facing Israel today—from the ongoing threats of Hamas and Syria to a groundbreaking new bill in the Israeli parliament seeking to extend Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. Whether he's defending Israel against its enemies or reclaiming the land God promised in the Bible, MK Tal is taking bold steps to remind Israel of its identity and destiny. Surprisingly, he has found encouragement from an unexpected source: Evangelical Christians. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on faith, sovereignty, and the future of Israel.

Israel support among Christians is aging—but can the next generation carry the torch? In this episode, Doug and Pesach sit down with Dimas Guaico of Generation Zion to explore how his movement is mobilizing Gen Z and Gen Alpha to stand with Israel on college campuses across the U.S. We discuss the shifting demographics of Christian Zionism, the challenges of engaging young believers, and why physically showing up is more important than ever. Don’t miss this crucial conversation on the future of Israel advocacy.