Three Jews, Four Opinions

This week the Three Jews discuss Walter Russell Mead’s important new book “The Arc of a Covenant: The United States, Israel, and the Fate of the Jewish People”; while two cases of anti-Zionism – in Germany and the U.S. – prompt discussions on when criticism of Israel crosses the line into antisemitism, and whether Zionism constitutes a national identity for American Jews. There’s also Gabi’s latest update from Poland, Abe’s renaming of a Picasso masterpiece, and Paul’s “One Opinion” on the revelations in Jared Kushner’s tell-all White House memoir. The podcast will be on a break for a few weeks. Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast provider to make sure you don’t miss the next episode! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Why Does America Support Israel? Documenta to Remove Work Accused of Anti-Semitism Can the Palestinian Belong to a Universal History? USC Faces Investigation Over Alleged Student Harassment Kushner: Trump weighed endorsing Gantz after ‘fuming’ at Netanyahu’s annexation plan

This week the Three Jews discuss Biden’s Middle East trip, why Utah might well be secular Israel’s new favorite American state, and just who are “The New Puritans” of Noah Rothman’s new book. There are also digressions aplenty, including same-sex marriage and a joke that Paul hopes his wife won’t hear, and the (by now seemingly obligatory) multiple references to Andrew Sullivan. Gabi recommends a rival podcast, and Abe does a deep-dive into the left side of Israeli politics in his “One Opinion” segment. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross *And a special request: please help us grow our listener base by posting links to the podcast on your social media pages, and by rating and reviewing us wherever you get your podcast. Articles referred to can be found here: Biden Can Unite Israel and Saudi Arabia to Meet Iran Threat Why the pro-Palestinian Left Doesn't Want to Be Part of the 'Circle of Peace' Biden’s Visit Bodes Ill for Israel Court rules online civil marriages valid, upending Israel’s religious status quo Utah marriage ruling isn't civil marriage in Israel, but it's progress The New Puritans Latest Drama in the Elon Musk vs. Twitter Fight, with The Fifth Column Hosts (YouTube clip) The Effects of the Decline in Trust in Institutions, with the Red Scare Podcast Hosts (YouTube clip) Welcome to "Eyes on the Right" (Damon Linker’s new substack)

If you thought it was only debates around Israeli and American politics that caused paroxysms of outrage among the Three Jews, think again. Boris Johnson’s resignation as British prime minister is debated in a manner more akin to a soccer game brawl than an English tea party. Enjoy! Israel and the U.S. are also discussed of course; with intra-Jewish fighting over the egalitarian section of the Western Wall, and accusations of racism against Justice Clarence Thomas also on the menu. This week’s ‘One Opinion’ is Gabi’s lauding of an anthropology professor’s voluntary resignation from UCLA, over the woke persecution of one of his colleagues. And don’t miss our shout-out to the wonderfully named Joey Chestnut, for his extraordinary hot-dog-eating talents! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Harassment at a Western Wall bar mitzvah renews the fight over prayer spaces in Israel Boris Johnson plumbed the depths of degeneracy in his shabby carnival of misrule Why Bibi won’t do a Boris (Paul’s recent blog in the Times of Israel) What the reactions to Clarence Thomas post-Roe reveal about white liberals Why I'm Giving Up Tenure at UCLA

Israel has a new Prime Minister (for now), anti-Zionist Twitter has a new troll, and lovers of post-racial America have a new favorite movie (according to Gabi - and Michael Anton). The Three Jews argue over Yair Lapid's merits; debate the curious case of an Israel-bashing Jewish convert, and ponder what Top Gun: Maverick has to teach us about race in America. There's also a surprisingly long conversation about meat-based sandwiches, and a shout-out to the Pinsker Centre (yes, it is spelled that way, it's British!) Happy 4th July to all our American listeners! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Lapid has a chance to be what Israel needs in his turn as PM Only the center can hold: Democracy and the battle of ideas Avodah denies pressure caused it to fire anti-Zionist activist ‘Top Gun: Maverick’— A Boomer Fantasy

The collapse of Israel’s governing coalition is the first news story covered by the Three Jews this week, and there’s more on the still-unsolved mystery: “Who shot Shireen Abu Akleh”. Finally, a debate about Gabi’s friends, the National Conservatives; their official stated principles, and a possible liberal response to them in Francis Fukuyama’s new book – or perhaps in an old essay of Paul’s, once cited (he won’t tire of telling you) by Israel’s new prime minister Yair Lapid. And don’t miss Abe's unforgettable contributions to both the episode’s intro (trigger-warning required for astronauts), and conclusion. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Why the Israeli government failed but isn’t a failure The Workings of the Palestinian Propaganda Machine Why Israel’s 'Hasbara Queen' Failed Miserably to Explain Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing (Abe’s recent Haaretz article) National Conservatism: A Statement of Principles Authoritarianism is surging. Can liberal democracy fight back? The Case for Liberal Nationalism (Paul’s 2020 essay for The American Interest)

In this week’s episode, an Israeli government minister, the 45th President of the United States, and the contemporary American Jewish man, all go under the Three Jews’ microscope. You’ll hear the most understated criticism ever of the Second Intifada, and wildly differing views on Joshua Cohen’s novel The Netanyahus. You'll also learn why Gabi and Paul don't discuss Donald Trump when they want to meet for a friendly drink. Finally, a sneak peek into what Gabi’s been up to in Budapest. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Only Abbas Got Kahana Right What History Teaches Us About January 6th American Jewry's Stunted Sons Woman in Dark Times: Free as a Jew is a Memoir for Our Polarized Age (Gabi’s 2021 review of Ruth Wisse’s memoir)

In this week's episode, Abe leads the Three Jews in a tribute to the recently passed A. B. Yehoshua, one of Israel's greatest novelists - and a controversial contributor to the Israel-Diaspora debate. And speaking of controversy... Gabi lets us all know where he stands in the 'gender' culture war (as if we didn't know) with a full-throated recommendation of Matt Walsh's documentary "What is a Woman". Meanwhile Paul's discussion of Israel's dysfunctional politics somehow leads into an argument about primaries in the United States... go figure! And as usual, there's badinage aplenty. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Meretz activists protest outside rebel MK’s home, call for her resignation Yesha leader faces rebellion for backing coalition bill crucial to settlers A.B. Yehoshua, Politically Engaged Israeli Writer, Dies at 85 Courage & ‘What Is A Woman?’ Transgenderism And The Therapeutic Attitude

This week the three Jews debate two conflicts – of somewhat different historical proportions: Russia vs. Ukraine, and Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard. Does Russia need to be comprehensively defeated? How should the global south – and Israel! - be judged for refusing to go along with sanctions on Russia? What has Gabi got against Anne Applebaum? And how seriously can three people talk about a news story none of them were interested in? The answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode! Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: The War Won’t End Until Putin Loses Don’t romanticise the global south It's Amber Heard HERSELF who has proved a setback for women

It's the tenth episode of the podcast, so the Three Jews celebrate by... arguing of course! On today's over-heated menu is guns, Trump, and the (alleged) woke assault on academic freedom. There's also time for a digression into the topic of gay marriage (no scope for furious disagreement there!), and Gabi's nomination of Abe as the Democratic candidate for President in 2024. And for those wanting a little bit of Israel, Paul's 'Three Jews, One Opinion' is on the controversies of the Jerusalem Day celebrations. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: After El Paso shooting, Trump pushed again on gun control. His aides talked him out of it. Can A Cult Become A Movement? The Disgraceful Firing of Joshua T. Katz You can also read Abe's most recent article for Haaretz here: Why Israel’s 'Hasbara Queen' Failed Miserably to Explain Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing

Israel is the focus for the Three Jews this episode, as they discuss the tragic shooting of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, opposition politics in the Knesset, and President Biden's planned visit to the Jewish State. As you might expect of an agenda featuring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the state of the Democratic Party, things get just a little heated... Stay tuned until the end for our 'Three Jews, One Opinion' segment: a heartfelt  tribute from Gabi to the recently departed Midge Decter. Follow (and argue with) us on Twitter - @3Jews4Opinions @abesilbe @Brahmski @pauldgross Articles referred to can be found here: Abu Akleh's death is a stress test for the Abraham Accords Defying Netanyahu, Likud MKs want to back coalition bill on funding for IDF vets Now is a bad time for Biden to visit Israel