Bridging Cultures Through Basketball: Jared Armstrong’s Journey from Philly to Eilat

In this uplifting episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with professional basketball player Jared Armstrong, whose inspiring journey has taken him from Philadelphia to the southern Israeli city of Eilat. Jared shares how his love for basketball and deep sense of purpose led him to Israel, where he plays professionally and runs JAB Camp—an initiative that brings together youth from diverse backgrounds through basketball, education, and dialogue. As a Black Jewish athlete, Jared reflects on his unique identity, his advocacy work following October 7, and his efforts to bridge communities both in Israel and the U.S. through sport. Hear how he's using the game he loves to teach life skills, build connections, and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams with purpose and resilience.

Where are the Jewish people truly from? On this thought-provoking episode of IsraelCast, join host Steven Shalowitz as he welcomes back celebrated author, Holocaust scholar, and pioneering voice of the Modern Jewish Pride Movement, Ben M. Freeman. Ben introduces his groundbreaking new book, The Jews: An Indigenous People, unpacking the powerful and historically undeniable truth of Jewish indigeneity to the Land of Israel. With eloquence, warmth, and abounding intellectual curiosity, Ben explores how centuries of exile couldn't diminish the Jewish people's bond to their ancestral homeland—a bond now celebrated in a modern miracle, the State of Israel. Delving into history, language, culture, and even the nuances of identity, this illuminating conversation encourages listeners to rediscover Jewish pride and embrace a vibrant heritage that has withstood millennia. Tune in to hear why Jewish history isn’t just about belief—it’s about unshakable facts that empower our present and guide our future.

While Jew hatred in America and Europe has been at the forefront recently, the reality is Jews everywhere are under siege. This is especially true in Australia, where attacks on Jews have ranged from doxxing and vandalism to arson, including the horrific firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, to discuss the deteriorating situation for Jews in Australia, the investigations into the various attacks, and how everything has brought the local Jewish community closer together.

From Mel Brooks to Jerry Seinfeld, there is a proud lineage of Jewish comedians who use their experience and wit to make the world laugh. However, since October 7, those laughs can feel hollow, knowing how many of our brethren are suffering. Others, though, view comedy as a coping mechanism to deal with the pain and trauma. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Author and Comedian Joel Chasnoff to discuss the link between comedy and tragedy, life in Israel post-October 7, and what we can learn from how Israelis communicate.

IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Simon Newton-Smith, Senior Vice President of the Americas for EL AL Israel Airlines, to discuss the airline’s extraordinary role in keeping Israel connected amid unprecedented challenges. Simon shares insights into EL AL's resilience and operational strategies following October 7, detailing how the airline has continued flying at record levels despite a significant portion of its workforce serving in the IDF reserves. He also highlights the security measures, contingency planning, and logistical precision that have allowed El Al to remain Israel’s lifeline to the world. And, an exciting announcement—IsraelCast is now available on all EL AL flights worldwide, bringing the voices of Israel to the skies!

As one of the most recognizable and outspoken advocates for Israel, particularly in the wake of October 7, Michael Rapaport has given a voice to millions of Zionists worldwide. Known for his unfiltered commentary, Rapaport delves into his Jewish identity, the challenges facing Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and the vital role of humor during difficult times. He also discusses the current climate in Hollywood regarding Israel, the importance of reclaiming Zionism with pride, and his personal experiences in Israel. Join us for an insightful discussion that blends passion, advocacy, and the power of Jewish pride.

Even before the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks exacerbated life for Jewish students, universities were already hostile to anything related to Israel. Six months prior, when Dr. Ronen Shoval, head of the Israeli Argaman Institute, was lecturing at Princeton University, he required a police escort due to threats from protesters. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Shoval to fighting bias at an American Ivy League University, the broader issues with the current ideology of colleges in America, and his new book, “Holiness and Society,” on political lessons learned from the Torah.

From his time on the ground in the Israeli special forces to his bridge-building efforts as the National Public Diplomacy Unit Director, Gadi Ezra has dedicated his life to serving his country. From his time in Gaza in 2008 to his recent engagement after being called up from the reserves, Ezra is intimately familiar with war and how Hamas operates. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ezra to discuss how Hamas operates, the mindset of Gaza, and how Israel should approach both combat and the hostage situation.

The history of relations between black and Jewish Americans has always been complicated, often oscillating between solidarity and distance. While the communities have historically been close, there is now a much more rampant pro-Palestinian sentiment in black populations, in addition to accusations of antisemitism. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dana W. White, the Managing Director at Juno Collective, to discuss the Jewish presence in the civil rights movements and historically black universities, her own family’s surprising ties to the Jewish community, and what can be done to improve relations today.

Currently on display at the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum at New York’s Temple Emanu-El, the All About Herzl Exhibition showcases a wide array of original Herzl documents, ephemera, and artifacts. The exhibition includes materials drawn from the collections of the Theodor Herzl Archive at the Central Zionist Archives in Israel, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, and from David Matlow – holder of the world’s largest private collection of Herzl memorabilia. On this special episode of IsraelCast Matlow takes Host Steven Shalowitz through a tour of the exhibit on location, from Herzl’s diaries, photos, and even report cards while discussing Herzl’s journey towards advocating for a Jewish State.