Shows
Unpacking ZionismFrom Above: Helen Diller Family Foundation with JAWS UCSCIn this episode of “From Above,” we discuss the Helen Diller Family Foundation – an organization that claims to support “global Jewish needs.” And while it indeed funds Jewish Studies Programs as well as hospitals, art museums, and playgrounds, what the Helen Diller Family Foundation is actually invested in is Zionist global needs. We will talk about the Helen Diller Family Foundation’s massive financial contributions to Zionist, reactionary, and far-right white supremacist organizations directly responsible for the genocide in Palestine. Our guest today is an organizer with JAWS, Jews Against White Supremacy, at UC Santa Cruz, Max Sárosi.Max Sáro...2025-05-1229 min
Complexity WelcomeIsrael/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land?In this episode, Ilan Troen, historian and founding scholar of the field of Israel studies, speaks about his new book, Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land? He examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of religion and argues that religious perspectives should be considered alongside studies of nationalism and geopolitics as essential components of the conflict. Ethan Katz moderates the conversation. This episode was recorded in late November 2024.Featuring:Ilan Troen, Professor Emeritus and Founding Director, Schusterman Center, Brandeis University; Professor Emeritus, Ben Gurion UniversityEthan Katz (Moderator), Associate Professor...2025-02-071h 20Complexity WelcomeCountries at a Crossroads: Reporting on Israel and the US in Times of Crisis (Part II)In this episode, Nadav Eyal (prominent Israeli author and journalist) and Professor Kenneth Bamberger (Berkeley Law) discuss the fast-changing developments in Israel and in the region – including the continuing hostage crisis, the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israeli society and the burdens of reserve service in the 14th month of war, and the reelection of Donald Trump in relation to Israel and the Netanyahu government. This episode was recorded in mid-November 2024.Featuring:Nadav Eyal, Senior Columnist, Yediot Ahronot; Senior Commentator, Keshet 12; 2024–2025 Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia School of International and Publ...2025-02-061h 12Complexity WelcomeModeling Shared Society in IsraelIn this episode, leading expert on Jewish-Arab relations in Israel Mohammad Darawshe, and Professor Masua Sagiv (Koret Visiting Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies at the Helen Diller Institute) discuss the challenges and opportunities for building shared society in Israel post-October 7. The events of October 7 and the Israel-Hamas War have had a unique impact on Jewish and Arab-Palestinian communities across Israel, and have posed significant challenges for intergroup relations. Darawshe and Sagiv discuss Darawshe’s vision for a way forward at this precarious juncture. This episode was recorded in November 2024. Mohammad Darawshe, Director of Strategy, Center for...2025-02-051h 22Complexity WelcomeSongs for the BrokenheartedIn this episode, Israeli author and memoirist Ayelet Tsabari and Professor Yael Segalovitz (Israel Institute Visiting Professor at the Helen Diller Institute) discuss Tsabari’s newly released, debut novel Songs for the Brokenhearted, a poignant story about family, loss, and lost family stories, and the unbreakable bonds between a mother and a daughter. They also explore Tsabari’s writing process, literary choices, and the social, political, and historical contexts in which the stories of this Yemeni Israeli family unfold. This episode was recorded in October 2024. Ayelet Tsabari, Israeli author of The Art of Leaving; Finalist, Writer’s Trust...2025-02-041h 17Complexity WelcomeLayers of Trauma and Paths to HealingIn this episode, Israeli author and clinical psychologist Ayelet Gundar Goshen and Professor Yael Segalovitz (Israel Institute Visiting Professor at the Helen Diller Institute) discuss the fragile emotional state of Israeli society one year after October 7, and in the wake of the murders of hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat. With a keen interplay of literary and psychological sensibilities, they explore in depth Gundar Goshen’s clinical work with October 7th survivors and the impact of trauma and war on her literary process. This episode was recorded in October 2024....2025-02-031h 26Complexity WelcomeMeaning-Making after TraumaIn this episode, Professor Keren Friedman-Peleg (College of Management-Academic Studies) and Dr. Rebecca Golbert discuss Friedman-Peleg’s ongoing ethnographic fieldwork examining processes of meaning-making after trauma among October 7th survivors. They also explore the fragile mood of Israeli society following the murder of six hostages in Gaza. This episode was recorded in October 2024.Featuring:Keren Friedman-Peleg, Spring 2025 Helen Diller Institute Visiting Professor; Senior Lecturer and Dean of Students at the College of Management-Academic StudiesRebecca Golbert (Moderator), Executive Director, Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel StudiesAbout th...2025-02-021h 09Complexity WelcomeCountries at a Crossroads: Reporting on Israel and the US in Times of Crisis (Part I)In this episode, Nadav Eyal (prominent Israeli author and journalist) and Professor Kenneth Bamberger (Berkeley Law) discuss the fast-changing developments in Israel and in the region — including in Gaza and in Lebanon — and consider Iran’s response as well as U.S. foreign policy in advance of the U.S. election. This episode was recorded in late September 2024.Featuring:Nadav Eyal, Senior Columnist, Yediot Ahronot; Senior Commentator, Keshet 12; 2024–2025 Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs; Winner, Sokolov AwardKenneth Bamberger, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundati...2025-02-011h 10
Israel from the Inside with Daniel Gordis"We were born into the opportunity to build this state. Whatever happens, how could I choose not to participate?"Before we get to today’s podcast, I’m taking the liberty of remembering a treasured teacher, colleague and friend. Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, who served for many years as the President of the Hebrew Union College, died in New York one year ago this week, in the early months of the war. His death left me wordless, and though I’d intended to write something about him last year, I couldn’t. A year later, I still feel his absence more than I might have imagined I would. I often recall the first ti...2024-12-1142 min
Israel from the Inside with Daniel Gordis"We were born into the opportunity to build this state. Whatever happens, how could I choose not to participate?" [Excerpt]Before we get to today’s podcast, I’m taking the liberty of remembering a treasured teacher, colleague and friend. Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, who served for many years as the President of the Hebrew Union College, died in New York one year ago this week, in the early months of the war. His death left me wordless, and though I’d intended to write something about him last year, I couldn’t. A year later, I still feel his absence more than I might have imagined I would. I often...2024-12-1107 minComplexity WelcomeDebates over Zionism and the Future of the Palestinian-Israeli ConflictIn this episode, Israeli author Yossi Klein Halevi joins Ethan Katz (UC Berkeley) for an in-depth discussion on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, exploring the deep-rooted challenges and what it will take to move beyond the current stalemate. Together, they examine potential pathways to peace and the critical steps needed to overcome the enduring obstacles in this complex and long-standing conflict. This episode was recorded in April 2024.Featuring: Yossi Klein Halevi, Author; Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute in JerusalemEthan Katz, Associate Professor of History and Jewish Studies; Faculty Director, Center for Jewish Studies, U...2024-10-301h 30Complexity WelcomeSexual Violence Committed by Hamas on October 7thContent Warning: This episode features explicit description of sexual violence. After October 7th, it quickly became clear that Hamas had committed acts of sexual violence during their attack on civilians in Israel. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, Former Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, soon found herself on the front lines of a campaign to communicate the severity and scope of these crimes to the United Nations. In this episode, she tells the story of what happened in the days following the attack, the evolution of international responses, advocacy for an i...2024-10-301h 11Complexity WelcomeIsrael before International Law MechanismsThe Israel-Hamas War has sparked serious questions about the rule of law in international relations and the effectiveness of international law in conflict situations. These issues are further complicated by the involvement of numerous international legal bodies, including the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and various UN human rights mechanisms. In this episode, Yuval Shany (Hebrew University) and Elena Chachko (Berkeley Law) will examine the scope and nature of these legal proceedings, highlighting the challenges and limitations they face.They discuss whether, and under what conditions, legal interventions can genuinely influence the conduct of wars to...2024-10-301h 03Complexity WelcomeOur Golden Age: American Judaism, In TransitionAmerican Judaism stands at a critical juncture, balancing the successes of the past with the uncertainties of the future. The political, economic, and ideological conditions of postwar liberalism in the 20th century allowed many Jews to thrive in America, fostering a distinctive American Judaism that wove together American and Jewish values. However, today's rapidly changing world challenges this coherence, raising essential questions: Are liberalism, American Jewish values, and Zionism still compatible? How can American Judaism respond to the growing threats of polarization and hyper-partisanship? Can “the Jewish community” endure as a collective entity? In this episode, Yehuda Kurtzer, President of t...2024-10-301h 22Complexity WelcomeThe Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on the Arab-Palestinian Community in Israel: Part IIArab-Palestinians make up 21% of Israel’s population, and the events of October 7 and the Israel-Hamas War have uniquely impacted these communities, challenging the vision of a shared society. While Arab citizens have faced the same dangers as their Jewish counterparts, they have also encountered distinct forms of discrimination, with their loyalties questioned and basic rights denied by authorities and parts of the Israeli population. This two-part series delves into Arab-Palestinian experiences in wartime Israel from various perspectives—legal, social, political, and educational. In this episode, education scholar Ayman Agbaria (University of Haifa) joins Masua Sagiv to discu...2024-10-301h 06Complexity WelcomeThe Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on the Arab-Palestinian Community in Israel: Part IArab-Palestinians comprise 21% of Israel’s population, and the events of October 7 and the Israel-Hamas War have profoundly affected these communities, challenging the vision of a shared society. While Arab citizens have faced the same hardships as their Jewish counterparts, they have also been subjected to unique forms of discrimination, with their loyalties questioned and their rights under the law compromised by authorities and segments of the Israeli population. This two-part series explores Arab-Palestinian experiences in wartime Israel from various perspectives—legal, social, political, and educational. In this episode, legal scholar Manal Totry-Jubran joins Masua Sagiv to discu...2024-10-301h 01Complexity WelcomeIran and Israel: Strategic Vision and GoalsHow should we understand Iran’s evolving relationship with Israel? Where do their interests diverge and where do they clash? In this episode, Professors Abbas Milani (Stanford University) and Ron Hassner (UC Berkeley) discuss Iran’s vision for the region; its influence on proxy forces such as Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis; and Israel's policy towards Iran. This episode was recorded in February 2024. Featuring: Abbas Milani, The Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies, Stanford UniversityRon Hassner, Chancellor's Professor of Political Science and Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studie...2024-10-301h 11Complexity WelcomeReport on the Ground: Pressing Dilemmas in Wartime IsraelIn this episode, recorded in February 2024, Haviv Rettig Gur and Professor Kenneth Bamberger discuss the state of the Israel–Hamas War during its fourth month. Featuring:Haviv Rettig Gur, Senior Analyst, Times of IsraelKenneth Bamberger, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Professor of Law; Faculty Co-Director, Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies, UC Berkeley About the Helen Diller Institute:The Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies provides a rich academic forum for our nation’s future leaders to explor...2024-10-221h 15
The Z3 PodcastThe Battle for Jewish Identity on Campus - Roundtable Talk (Z3 Podcast Ep. 26)In this special episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by two guests involved with Jewish life at UC Berkeley: Rav Maya Zinkow, Campus Rabbi, and Dr. Masua Sagiv, Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies and Senior Faculty member at the Shalom Hartman Institute. In this roundtable discussion, all three reflect on their recent visits and experiences in Israel and explore the emotional and political divide between the realities on the ground in Israel and the discourse in the U.S., particularly on college campuses.
The conversation dives into the challenges Jewish...2024-10-081h 19
Identity/CrisisA Sleep-in Against AntisemitismAntisemitism on college campuses has seen a dramatic uptick in recent months. In an attempt to pressure U.C. Berkeley’s administration to address this issue, Ron Hassner, a professor of political science and the Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies, is staging a sleep-in protest. In this week’s episode, Yehuda Kurtzer talks with Ron about his act of protest, what he wants from the Berkeley administration, and the importance of free speech, especially on university campuses. You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. 2024-03-1949 min
Kehillat Israel PodcastsNavigating Deep Crisis as a People: Law, Politics and AntisemitismNearly four months after 10/7, uncertainty, loss, and pain continue unabated in Israel and antisemitism is on the rise in North America and around the world. As the war continues and hostages are still held in Gaza, the ICJ is hearing a case against Israel for Genocide, and calls for ceasefire are increasing. How has this war reshaped our Jewish identity? What are the roles of law and politics in Israel, the US, and internationally? And what are the ways for American Jews and Israelis to move forward, both as separate communities and together as a people?
These...2024-02-0953 min
Growing Pains with Nicholas Flores#162 - Ron HassnerRon Hassner is the co-director of the Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies, holds the Berkeley's Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies and holds a Chancellor's Chair in political science at U.C. Berkeley.
2023-11-101h 31
Utrecht UniversityBook talks: The Anatomy of Torture with Ron HassnerIn this episode, former TPV editor Lawrence Rubin interviews Ron Hassner, who is Chancellor’s Professor of Political Science at Berkeley were he also holds the Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies. He researches the role of ideas, practices and symbols in international security, and he is interested in the relationship between religion and violence. He is a world leading scholar in his research about the politics of interrogational torture and for this episode he was interviewed about his recently published book Anatomy of Torture and his recently published article “Persuasive and Unpersuasive Arguments against Torture”.
Terrorism and Political Violen...2023-07-141h 01
CE Center PodcastsJason Frantzen of Herzog & de MeuronOverview: Jason Frantzen discusses Herzog & de Meuron’s projects around the world, from the UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center in San Francisco to the National Library of Israel. The Switzerland-based firm’s international architectural practice focuses on creating designs that take into account the specifics of place. Landscape, local materials, community culture, surrounding architecture, local history, and other factors provide inspiration and guidance for the firm’s designs. Frantzen provides examples of how Herzog & de Meuron considers atmosphere and occupant experience, tailoring the project to elements of nature or the artifacts of civiliz...2023-04-0343 min
Getty Art + IdeasCultural Heritage Under Attack: Monuments and War Zones“Protecting cultural heritage, like protecting civilians directly, had strategic import.”
How does the presence of a cultural heritage site on the battlefield change wartime decision making? In 1944, as Allied generals postponed an attack on an Axis stronghold—located at the culturally important Catholic abbey Monte Cassino—they had to consider the potential for loss of life, the cultural significance of the abbey, the negative propaganda they would face for attacking a religious site, and the possible strategic alternatives to an all-out attack. Political scientists Ron E. Hassner and Scott D. Sagan make the case that the presence of cultu...2023-02-0131 min
Getty Art + IdeasCultural Heritage Under Attack: Monuments and War Zones“Protecting cultural heritage, like protecting civilians directly, had strategic import.”
How does the presence of a cultural heritage site on the battlefield change wartime decision making? In 1944, as Allied generals postponed an attack on an Axis stronghold—located at the culturally important Catholic abbey Monte Cassino—they had to consider the potential for loss of life, the cultural significance of the abbey, the negative propaganda they would face for attacking a religious site, and the possible strategic alternatives to an all-out attack. Political scientists Ron E. Hassner and Scott D. Sagan make the case that the presence of cultu...2023-02-0131 min
The Research EvangelistMeet Dr. Ana Velázquez Mañana, medical oncology fellow at UCSF. She is a proud native Puerto Rican and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.On today's episode, meet Dr. Ana Velázquez Mañana. Dr. Velázquez is a medical oncology fellow at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prior to moving to the Bay Area, Dr. Velázquez completed her Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City, where she also was a former Chief Resident. She received her Masters Degree in Biomedical Sciences at the Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and her Medical Degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She has a long-standing commitment to serving vulnerable, underserved, and mino...2021-12-0240 min
Jewanced#54 Dr. Tomer Persico - Author, Philosophical & Spiritual Thinker, Jewish Thought Leader & ScholarNow, perhaps more than ever before in our lifetimes, humanity seems to be seeking answers to some of our biggest questions. What and where is God? How do spirituality and religion impact the uniqueness of humanity? What is the nature of reality? Will everything be ok?Fresh off the boat from Berkeley, CA, Dr. Tomer Persico takes us on a fascinating journey throughout the human landscape of the Jewish and Western worlds to help uncover the evolution of our shared spiritual, religious, and humanistic existence.Together with Tomer, this remarkable episode of the show explores top...2021-09-171h 51
Arab Talk with Jess & JamalPro-Israel Canary Mission Exposed, Secret Funders Unveiled - 4 Oct 2018Jess and Jamal discuss with Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi the recent exposé about Canary Mission. A shadowy online entity which publishes negative, often defamatory, portraits of activists, students and academics who are supportive of Palestinians, back the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement for Palestinian rights, or are critical of Israeli state policy in relationship to the Occupation of Palestine.
Canary Mission has received $100,000 in funds from the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a “supporting foundation” of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco.2018-10-0553 minArab Talk with Jess & JamalPro-Israel Canary Mission Exposed, Secret Funders Unveiled - 4 Oct 2018Jess and Jamal discuss with Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi the recent exposé about Canary Mission. A shadowy online entity which publishes negative, often defamatory, portraits of activists, students and academics who are supportive of Palestinians, back the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement for Palestinian rights, or are critical of Israeli state policy in relationship to the Occupation of Palestine.
Canary Mission has received $100,000 in funds from the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a “supporting foundation” of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco.2018-10-0553 min