Daniel-Ryan Spaulding: Fighting Antisemitism with Comedy and Courage

Can comedy be one of the most powerful tools for standing up against antisemitism? On this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes comedian, writer, and outspoken Israel advocate Daniel-Ryan Spaulding for a candid conversation about comedy, courage, and the power of speaking out. Daniel-Ryan shares how his experiences visiting Israel transformed his understanding of the country and how the October 7 attacks inspired him to use his platform to challenge antisemitism, misinformation, and political hypocrisy.

As antisemitism continues to rise around the world, what forces are driving its spread, and how are they shaping public attitudes toward Jews and Israel? On this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Charles Asher Small to explore the historical roots and modern evolution of antisemitism. Charles examines the influence of extremist ideologies, the Muslim Brotherhood, and foreign funding from countries like Qatar on universities and Western institutions. Drawing on ISGAP's research, he discusses how antisemitic narratives spread through education, media, and society, and the growing challenges facing Jewish communities. Listen as Steven and Charles explore why understanding these influences, confronting dangerous ideologies, and strengthening education are essential to combating antisemitism and protecting democratic values.

In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Sarit Zehavi for an in-depth conversation about Israel's security challenges, the ongoing threat of Hezbollah, and the battle against misinformation. Zehavi addresses the controversial documentary Naza, offering her perspective on its portrayal of Israeli military operations and explaining the complexities of military decision-making and efforts to protect civilians. She also examines Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon, its extensive propaganda network, and Iran's role in supporting the terrorist organization.

Host Steven Shalowitz speaks with former hostage Tal Shoham, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7 and held in Gaza for 505 days. Tal recalls the terrifying moments of barricading with his family and ultimately surrendering to prevent a deadly attack—an instinct he later learned likely saved their lives. After an initial period of solitary confinement and transfers between apartments, he was moved underground, where he spent over eight months in tunnels.

On this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Catherine Perez-Shakdam for a candid conversation on extremism, antisemitism, and the forces shaping the Middle East and the West. Drawing from her firsthand experiences, Catherine discusses the influence of Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Qatar, as well as the role propaganda can play in shaping attitudes toward Israel and the Jewish people. She also reflects on October 7, the rise of antisemitism, and why knowing our history and strengthening Jewish identity are so important for the next generation. A powerful conversation about confronting hatred, understanding the world around us, and standing proudly in who we are. 

On this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz and Professor Roberta Rosenthal Kwall explore the growing polarization within American Jewry and the political, religious, and ideological divides shaping the Jewish community today. From debates over Israel, Zionism, and antisemitism to the impact of labels and ideological "teams," Professor Kwall examines what is driving Jews further apart and how respectful disagreement can help bridge those divides. Together, they discuss finding common ground, strengthening connections across denominations, and fostering a greater sense of shared Jewish peoplehood.

In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Captain (Res.) Bar Reuven for an inside look at Unit 669, the Israeli Air Force's elite combat search and rescue unit. Bar reveals what it takes to earn a place in one of the IDF's most selective units, where thousands compete for only a handful of spots and training prepares soldiers for everything from battlefield evacuations to underwater, cliff, and aerial rescues. Bar reflects on the unprecedented demands placed on Unit 669 following October 7, its role in evacuating wounded soldiers and assisting rescued hostages, and the split-second, life-or-death decisions its members carry with them long after a mission ends.

What compels a young man from Long Island to leave behind the comforts of home and enlist in the Israel Defense Forces as a Lone Soldier? In this powerful episode of IsraelCast, Ira Kohler shares the extraordinary journey that took him from studying economics at the University of Delaware to serving in the IDF's elite 890th Paratroopers Battalion after making Aliyah in 2022. When Hamas launched its devastating October 7 attack, Ira found himself thrust into some of the war's fiercest fighting, including the battle for Kibbutz Be'eri, before spending more than 100 days operating inside Gaza. He reflects on the realities of combat, the bonds forged between soldiers, the sacrifices of those who fell—including his childhood friend Omer Neutra—and the enduring sense of purpose that carried him through war. Now back in the United States, Ira has transformed his experiences into his memoir, Once a Paratrooper, and has become a sought-after public speaker, sharing an intimate and deeply personal perspective on courage, service, resilience, and the profound connection between the Jewish people and Israel.

In this episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz sits down with author, policy advisor, and Israel advocate Aryeh Green to discuss his new book, Finding Peace in the Promised Land. Drawing on decades of experience in public diplomacy, policy, and regional engagement, Green presents a new approach to resolving the Arab Israel conflict through five transformative principles: humility, acceptance, gratitude, forgiveness, and purpose. Green explains how these ideas were inspired by his personal experiences and expanded through years of working to promote freedom, democracy, and stronger relationships across the Middle East. The conversation explores the role of education, religious leadership, media, governance, and grassroots engagement in creating the conditions for lasting peace. Green also reflects on the lessons of the Abraham Accords, the challenges that continue to shape the region, and why meaningful change requires both courageous leadership and cultural transformation.

In this episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz speaks with Rawan Osman about her extraordinary personal journey and the experiences that transformed her understanding of Israel, Judaism, and the Middle East. Growing up in Lebanon and Syria, Rawan was taught to view Israel and the Jewish people as enemies. She shares how an unexpected encounter with members of the Jewish community led her to question those beliefs, setting her on a path of research, self-discovery, and ultimately, conversion to Judaism. The conversation also explores the impact of October 7, the future of the Abraham Accords, the possibility of peace between Israel and its neighbors, and the challenges posed by rising extremism and misinformation. Through her unique perspective, Rawan offers a compelling look at the power of education, dialogue, and personal relationships to challenge deeply held assumptions and build a more hopeful future.