Jared Armstrong: Fighting Hate Through Basketball

Eighty years after World War II, October 7 has reopened fears many thought were long behind us. On this ILTV Podcast, author and journalist Aaron Heller discusses the story behind his new book, Zaidy’s Band, an 11-year journey uncovering the untold legacy of 1.5 million Jewish soldiers who fought in the Allied armies. Heller shares how his grandfather’s silence, trauma, and eventual openness reshaped his understanding of Jewish resilience, and why those lessons matter now more than ever.

IDF reservists are coming home from the front lines and launching Israel’s next generation of deep tech startups. In this ILTV Podcast, Kerem Nevo, VP Growth at the Israel Innovation Authority, explains to Executive Editor Maayan Hoffman why investment in Israeli deep tech is surging despite war, politics and rising antisemitism ... and why Israel is now “the next hub after the US.” She also addresses tax reforms, the risk of brain drain and what it will take to keep big, mature companies rooted in Israel.

Pastor Dumisani Washington issues a stark warning: Biblical illiteracy is leaving millions of Christians open to dangerous anti-Israel messaging from voices like Tucker Carlson. In this ILTV conversation with Executive Editor Maayan Hoffman, Washington explains why he calls Tucker “one of the most dangerous” figures in America today, how Jew-hatred is a spiritual phenomenon, and why Israel has become the defining fault line in the church. He also tackles Black–Jewish relations and Christian Zionism.

On this episode of the ILTV Podcast, host Maayan Hoffman sits down with Yizhar Hess, vice chair of the World Zionist Organization, for a revealing look inside the 2025 World Zionist Congress. Hess explains why liberal Zionists scored major wins, how a new leadership balance was struck, and why October 7 pushed Jews worldwide to reengage with Zionism. From army service equality to safeguarding Israel’s Declaration of Independence, Hess lays out the Congress’s most impactful resolutions, and what they mean for Israel and world Jewry moving forward.

Nevo Abutbul, the youngest mentalist in the world, joins The ILTV Podcast with Executive Editor Maayan Hoffman to share how he learned to “read minds” … without actually reading them. From forging his parents’ signature to get on Israel’s Got Talent to performing for IDF soldiers and now taking his act to the U.S., Abutbul reveals the mix of intuition, body language, and psychology behind his craft. Hear how he uses illusion to inspire others to chase their dreams, think positively, and believe in their own magic.

Iranian journalist and influencer Pantea Modiri joins The ILTV Podcast with host Maayan Hoffman to share a stunning perspective: many Iranians trust Israel more than their own government, and some even want Israel to help topple the regime. In a candid, emotional conversation, Modiri talks about fear, courage, and the power of storytelling to spark change.

On this episode of the ILTV Podcast, host Maayan Hoffman sits down with Olga Deutsch, vice president of NGO Monitor, to ask a pressing question: Has anything really changed since October 7? Deutsch discusses Israel’s military victories, the global perception battle, and the urgent need to reshape education and discourse in the region.

On this episode of the ILTV Podcast, host Maayan Hoffman speaks with Gabe Groisman, former mayor of Bal Harbour, Florida, about what comes next for Israel and the Middle East. Groisman says the war may be winding down, but a new era is just beginning — one defined by shifting alliances, weakened enemies, and cautious optimism. Can Israel and the West navigate this new geopolitical reality? Groisman shares a clear-eyed yet hopeful outlook on Israel’s next chapter.

In this episode of The ILTV Podcast with Maayan Hoffman, professional basketball player Jared Armstrong shares his powerful story of faith, identity, and resilience. From growing up in Philadelphia to living under rocket fire in Ashkelon, Jared has turned hardship into purpose, using basketball to help Israeli children heal from trauma and to bridge divides across faiths and backgrounds. He opens up about his fight for Israeli citizenship, his father’s 9/11 survival, and how sports can build peace where politics fails.

In this episode of The ILTV Podcast with Maayan Hoffman, regional analyst Ahmed Khuzaie breaks down the latest developments surrounding Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza ceasefire and peace plan. As Israel and its neighbors stand at a historic crossroads, Khuzaie discusses what the “morning after” might look like, whether Hamas can ever truly disarm, and how Arab states, from Qatar to Saudi Arabia, are responding.