Tal Shoham – Life in Gaza’s Tunnels: A Survivor’s Story

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.

Episode: 234 - Host Steven Shalowitz welcomes multi-hyphenate entertainer and podcaster Jonah Platt for a candid conversation about Jewish representation, advocacy, and dialogue in a polarized era. Platt argues that contemporary Jews are often flattened on screen—either as Holocaust victims, ultra-Orthodox stereotypes, or casual cultural references. He points to Shtisel and Fauda as refreshing because they tell compelling stories first, with characters who happen to be Jewish, which humanizes modern Jewish life.

Episode 233: In this eye-opening episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Shabbos Kestenbaum—student activist, writer, and lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit against Harvard University over pervasive antisemitism. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish family and having studied at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem, Shabbos entered Harvard Divinity School expecting intellectual exchange but instead encountered systemic bias against Jews and Israel. From professors who excluded Israeli voices in the classroom to student groups blaming Israel after October 7th, his experiences exposed a troubling double standard in higher education.

Episode 232:  In this insightful episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, to explore the challenging landscape of university campuses today. Dr. Romirowsky sheds light on how “cancel culture” has begun to restrict open debate—particularly around Israel—making it increasingly difficult for students and faculty to engage in nuanced discourse on Israel and the Middle East.

In this high-octane episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Alon Day, Israel’s trailblazing professional race car driver and four-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion. Speaking from North Carolina, Day shares his dramatic journey from Israel to the American racetrack—literally sailing from Ashdod to Cyprus to escape closed airspace following Iranian attacks on Israel, all in pursuit of his dream to race in the U.S.

In this inspiring episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center (GMC), to discuss the groundbreaking innovations and unwavering resilience of Israel’s northernmost hospital. Broadcasting from just five miles south of the Lebanese border, Dr. Sheleg reveals how GMC transformed wartime challenges into opportunities for technological and humanitarian leadership. Dr. Sheleg—an accomplished ophthalmologist, medical administrator, and decorated Israel Defense Forces officer—shares how GMC’s underground, missile-proof facilities enabled continuous care during recent conflicts. He also spotlights the hospital’s innovation hub, “GMC Playground,” which has launched dozens of health-tech collaborations and startups, with support from Microsoft and Viz.ai. A vocal champion of diversity, Dr. Sheleg describes how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians work side-by-side at GMC, treating soldiers and civilians alike—including over 3,000 wounded Syrians during their civil war. His call to action is clear: support Israel’s Galilee, where health-tech meets heart, and where healing transcends borders.   Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, MD, MBA, serves as Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center, overseeing emergency preparedness and founding the hospital’s renowned Innovation Program. An ophthalmologist by training, he continues to perform cataract surgeries and was recognized for his leadership as COVID-19 project manager. A decorated IDF officer, Dr. Sheleg serves as medical director of the IDF Field Hospital and has led humanitarian missions to Haiti, Nepal, and Turkey. He earned his medical degree from Ben-Gurion University and an executive MBA from Tel Aviv University. Born in Tel Aviv, he lives in Mitzpe Hila with his wife and two children.

In this episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Amotz Eyal, founder and CEO of TPS-IL recounts how his early life under fire in the Israeli town of Psagot—and even his time as an entrepreneurial pizza delivery man—shaped his resolve to bring a new, innovative approach to how global media outlets cover Israel.

In this gripping episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz is joined by Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, for an unflinching look at Israel’s operations against the Iranian regime. Roman, a seasoned geopolitical strategist and former adviser in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense, offers an insider’s breakdown of Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and proxy threats. From covert Mossad operations and drone manufacturing hubs inside Iran to the cyber and psychological warfare unfolding behind the scenes, Roman reveals the staggering scale and sophistication of Israel’s strategy. The episode also delves into global reactions—from European equivocation to Arab states’ quiet approval—and what the path to regime change might look like. Packed with real-time analysis and sobering reflections on global security, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity on one of the most consequential conflicts of our time.

In this gripping episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Jonathan Harounoff, Israel’s international spokesperson to the UN and acclaimed journalist. Harounoff reflected on the challenges Israel faces in the hostile halls of the United Nations, where his mission is to be a “light in a den of darkness.” He shared how first-hand testimonies from former hostages and their families have transformed global discourse on Israel’s war against Hamas. A Harvard, Cambridge, and Columbia graduate, Harounoff also unpacks the alarming rise of antisemitism on elite college campuses and discusses his upcoming book, Unveiled: Inside Iran's #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt, which chronicles the courage of Iranian women fighting for freedom. From the UN’s double standards to Iran’s regional ambitions, Harounoff brings clarity, candor, and hope. His parting message? Israel must remain at the table—despite adversity—to shine light, share truth, and secure justice.

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Israel’s dynamic Consul General to New York, reflects on his first year in the role and the unprecedented challenges facing Israel and the global Jewish community post-October 7. Akunis discussed the vital importance of sharing Israel’s truth amid waves of misinformation, especially on college campuses and in the media. He also emphasized the importance of outreach to all Jewish communities, engagement with U.S. leaders, and the need to counter rising antisemitism. From his work advancing science and tech in Israel—including the Beresheet moon mission—to his diplomatic efforts with the Abraham Accords, Akunis shared fascinating insights on unity, resilience, and Israel’s bright future. With passion and clarity, he underscored that Israel and America share democratic values—and together must confront those who oppose those values.