Shows
From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaThe Journeys and Destinations of Young Jewish Anti-Zionist JewsIn the increasingly fractured landscape of contemporary Jewish life, few subjects trigger as visceral a reaction as the rising tide of anti-Zionism among young Jews.For many in the mainstream community, this shift is viewed with a mixture of bewilderment, betrayal, and deep-seated alarm. Seeking to move beyond the high-decibel rhetoric of social media and op-ed pages, Robbie Gringras and Abi Dauber Sterne of the organisation For the Sake of Argument embarked on an ambitious qualitative research project. Their report, “The Journeys and Destinations of Young Jewish Anti-Zionists,” offers a sobering yet necessary look at the internal schi...
2026-02-1946 min
PeaceCast#362: The Holy and the Broken - Ittay Flescher on the Pedagogy of Teaching PeaceIn this episode of PeaceCast, NJN's Maxxe Albert-Deitch is joined by Ittay Flescher, who some of our listeners may recognize as the Education Director of Seeds of Peace Jerusalem, others might recognize as the Jerusalem Correspondent for The Jewish Independent from Australia, and a deeply insightful analyst of Israeli politics. He has been published in Haaretz, The Age, ABC Religion and Ethics, Jerusalem Post, Fathom and last year brought the publication of his first book, The Holy and the Broken: A cry for Israeli-Palestinian peace from a land that must be shared. Buy the book: https://www.h...
2026-02-1036 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaTwo Years On - Moving from Yes But to Yes AndThis episode was recorded on October 7, 2025. A reflection of words and music, it explores what has been, the opportunities and challenges of the 20-point plan, and what can be. Feedback is welcome at: fromtheyarra@gmail.com
2025-10-0617 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaWill peace ever be possible?This episode is a conversation that took place on August 10, 2025 as part of the Torah 2020 series established by Tamra Aviva Wright. Ittay was interviewed by Dr Lindsay Simmonds, a Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) where she has lectured, written, and convened courses for over 20 years, focusing on women in Biblical narrative, the Talmud, and Jewish Law. In 2024, Lindsay completed a three-year project at the Religion and Global Society Unit at the London School of Economics (LSE), UK, where she led research on Women of Faith and Peacebuilding, examining the work of...
2025-08-261h 02From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaDr. Sari Nusseibeh and Ittay Flescher in conversationJerusalem Book Launch for The Holy and the BrokenDr. Sari Nusseibeh and Ittay Flescher in conversation at the Albright Institute on the evening of July 7, 2025.Introduction by Lana Ikelan from Kids4Peace, with closing remarks by Mahmoud Muna. The Educational Bookshop and the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research sponsored the event. Feedback is welcome at: fromtheyarra@gmail.comFor more info on upcoming book events in the UK, visit ittay.au
2025-07-0839 min
Haaretz PodcastI get called naive every day after October 7. But I won’t stop trying to build Israeli-Palestinian peace'Ittay Flescher, like most peace activists who devote their lives to cultivating Israeli-Palestinian dialogue, has gotten used to being called dangerously deluded and naive. “I hear it at least five or six days a week. Recently, there have been thousands of online comments saying that I am naive,” he told host Allison Kaplan Sommer on the Haaretz Podcast, in a conversation about his newly published book “The Holy and the Broken: a cry for Israeli-Palestinian peace from a land that must be shared.” After teaching about Israel and the Middle East in his native Australia, Flescher i...
2025-04-2131 min
The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcastRebuilding the relationship between Palestine and IsraelRebuilding relationships between Israelis and Palestinians in a land they're fated to share.An impossible task, you might think, as the war in Gaza grinds on.But one Israeli-Australian author, educator and peace-builder won't let go of his vision for harmony in Israel and Palestine.And he has a plan to achieve it.ITTAY FLESCHER runs joint education programs for Jewish and Arab students in Jerusalem.His new book is The Holy and the Broken: A cry for Israeli-Palestinian peace from a land that must be shared.
2025-04-1825 min
EylON the RecordMUST HEAR ENDING - Debate Meltdown | Shattering Truth About the Future of PeaceSend a textIs peace still possible after October 7th and who is even left to fight for it? In this explosive episode, Ittay Flescher, a longtime peace activist and educator, sits down for a raw and revealing conversation about the Israeli government’s communication strategy, the failures of peace movements, and the deep ideological divide in Israeli-Palestinian relations. But what starts as a respectful debate takes an unexpected turn… Key Topics Covered in This Episode:How October 7th shattered long-held beliefs about peaceThe failures of peace activism and uncomfortable truths about Hamas’ supportInside the Isr...
2025-03-2549 min
Towards UnderstandingIttay Flescher - The Holy and the BrokenClayton welcomed Ittay Flescher into the studio during a recent visit to Melbourne. Ittay is the Education Director at Kids4Peace Jerusalem, an interfaith movement for Israelis and Palestinians, which is a program of Seeds of Peace. He is also the Jerusalem correspondent for Melbourne’s Jewish Independent and co-host of the podcast From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea. For more resources on how those in Australia & NZ can promote peace check out ittay.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-03-0939 min
The Third SpaceIttay Flescher: The Land That Must Be SharedIttay Flescher is Education Director at Kids4Peace Jerusalem, as well as a peace activist, political analyst and author. His new book is titled The Holy And The Broken: A cry for Israeli-Palestinian peace from a land that must be shared.Our conversation spans a range of topics including the nature of Man, facilitating dialogue, what it’s like to be in the room at Kids4Peace, what the Oslo peace negotiations got wrong, alternative lenses to view the conflict through, and more.Ittay's website Buy Ittay's boo...
2025-03-0938 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaWrestling with RevengeThis episode features a Dvar Torah for Parshat Mishpatim shared by Ittay at Kehilat Kolenu in Melbourne on February 21, 2025 It deals with issues of hostage-taking, revenge, justice and peace.
2025-02-2509 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaMelbourne Book Launch - The Holy and the BrokenThis is a live recording of the Melbourne Book Launch of 'The Holy and the Broken,' hosted by the ACJC and TJI. It features music from Beth Riordan and Or Sagiv followed by a conversation between Sidra Kranz Moshinsky and Ittay Flescher. Thanks to John Circosta for arranging the sound setup at the Malvern Town Hall on February 9, 2025. 'The Holy and the Broken' is now on sale in bookshops across Australia and online. For more information on the book, see www.ittay.auFeedback is welcome to fromtheyarra@gmail.com
2025-02-2357 min
Ashamed to AdmitEpisode #30 The Holy and The Broken, with Ittay FlescherTo celebrate the highly anticipated release of The Holy and The Broken, Tami and Dash talk to the author himself: TJI's Jerusalem Correspondent & Australia’s favourite peacebuilder Ittay Flescher. Plus Dash celebrates Tami's accidental foray into the shmatte business. Articles relevant to this episode: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/book-review-a-brave-plea-for-two-peoples-to-turn-their-faces-towards-peacehttps://thejewishindependent.com.au/ittay-flescher-the-greatest-obstacle-to-peace-is-dehumanisationEmail your feedback and voice memos here: ashamed@thejewishindependent.com.auSubscribe to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.auTami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_writer_celebrant and dash...
2025-02-1741 min
Don’t Miss An Eye-Opening Full Audiobook And Elevate Your Mindset.The Holy and the Broken by Ittay FlescherPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/130340to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Holy and the Broken
Author: Ittay Flescher
Narrator: Ittay Flescher, Zev Levi
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 02-10-25
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Israel & Palestine
Publisher's Summary:
For over twenty years, Ittay Flescher has worked as an educator, journalist and peacebuilder in Melbourne and Jerusalem. When he woke up on the morning of October 7, 2023 to the sounds of rocket sirens over Jerusalem and later saw the devastation of Gaza in response, the grief and sadness that engulfed him—and so many others—compelled him to a...
2025-02-109h 04
Don’t Miss The Edge-Of-Your-Seat Full Audiobook Now, Book-Lovers!The Holy and the Broken by Ittay FlescherPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/46356to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Holy and the Broken
Author: Ittay Flescher
Narrator: Ittay Flescher, Zev Levi
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 02-10-25
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 2 ratings
Genres: Politics & Government
Publisher's Summary:
For over twenty years, Ittay Flescher has worked as an educator, journalist and peacebuilder in Melbourne and Jerusalem. When he woke up on the morning of October 7, 2023 to the sounds of rocket sirens over Jerusalem and later saw the devastation of Gaza in response, the grief and sadness that engulfed him—and so many others—compelled him...
2025-02-109h 04Escape To This Must-Listen Full Audiobook — Perfect This Weekend.The Holy and the Broken by Ittay FlescherPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/49818to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Holy and the Broken
Author: Ittay Flescher
Narrator: Ittay Flescher, Zev Levi
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 02-10-25
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 2 ratings
Genres: Judaism
Publisher's Summary:
For over twenty years, Ittay Flescher has worked as an educator, journalist and peacebuilder in Melbourne and Jerusalem. When he woke up on the morning of October 7, 2023 to the sounds of rocket sirens over Jerusalem and later saw the devastation of Gaza in response, the grief and sadness that engulfed him—and so many others—compelled him to a...
2025-02-109h 04Embrace Audiobooks Essentials — Soothing Package.Ittay Flescher's The Holy and the BrokenPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/130340 to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Holy and the Broken
Author: Ittay Flescher
Narrator: Ittay Flescher, Zev Levi
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 02-10-25
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Israel & Palestine
Publisher's Summary:
For over twenty years, Ittay Flescher has worked as an educator, journalist and peacebuilder in Melbourne and Jerusalem. When he woke up on the morning of October 7, 2023 to the sounds of rocket sirens over Jerusalem and later saw the devastation of Gaza in response, the grief and...
2025-02-109h 04
Beyond The ZeroEnd of Year Show Part 7Bram Presser
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2024-12-253h 12From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaFinale: The Holy and the BrokenOne year on from October 7, Hannah and Ittay reflect on the past year, expressing their fears, hopes and disappointments. And a very exciting announcement: Ittay has written a book! "The Holy and the Broken: A cry for peace from a land that must be shared" is now available for pre-order at ittay.au 2025 Australian Book Tour Dates:Perth - February 2Sydney - February 6Melbourne - February 9Podcast feedback is always welcome at fromtheyarra@gmail.comFor more updates and special events, follow us at @fromtheyarra
2024-10-0232 minAshamed to AdmitEpisode #15 When There is Peace with Ittay FlescherUpon hearing the news of the murder of six Israelis who were held hostage in Gaza on Sept 1st, Jewish communities were thrust into mourning. Since then, it has been very difficult for many to speak about these deaths and it’s a rare gift to be able to communicate articulately while in the depths of grief. With his striking capacity for empathy and hope, TJI’s Jerusalem correspondent Ittay Flescher joined Tami and Dash to describe the despair many in Israel in the Jewish world feel. ‘The Holy and the Broken’ by Ittay Flescher is now available...
2024-09-0934 min
NIF Australia PodcastOne State, Two States or a Land for All? What is the rationale behind each of the dominant solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, who supports and opposes each, and which is most popular today? Writer, educator and journalist in Jerusalem, Ittay Flescher, explores alternatives for the State of Israel at one of the toughest moments in the country’s history.
2024-08-281h 17Ashamed to AdmitEpisode #5 Ultra Orthodox army exemptions, bicycle curses and unpunctuated feedbackIn this week’s episode, Tami and Dash ask TJI’s Jerusalem Correspondent Ittay Flescher all the questions you’re embarrassed to ask about the Ultra-Orthodox exemption from the IDF, which could end in the coming months. Plus Jewish Anzacs, a family curse and we receive unpunctuated feedback from a ‘passionate’ listener of the show. TJI articles discussed in this episode:https://thejewishindependent.com.au/haredims-refusal-to-fight-a-moral-stainhttps://thejewishindependent.com.au/election-2024-looks-likely-but-dont-bet-against-bibihttps://thejewishindependent.com.au/ittay-flescher-hidden-anzac-grave-sparks-hunt-in-israelhttps://thejewishindependent.com.au/i-went-ou...
2024-04-3044 minAshamed to AdmitEpisode #4 Passover Special with the wise son, the simple son and Eliyahu Hanavi (TJI Jerusalem correspondent Ittay Flescher)In this week's episode of ATA, Dash (the wise son) and Tami (the simple son) interview Jerusalem-based journalist, educator and peacemaker Ittay Flescher (aka. The Aussie Eliyahu Hanavi?) about Passover and his experience on April 14th when Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel. Plus Tami shares 10 reasons why the 10 plagues need trigger warnings and they manage to squeeze in everyone’s favourite segment … kvetch of the week! SHOW NOTES TJI articles discussed in this episode:https://thejewishindependent.com.au/fears-and-dreams-from-my-night-under-iranian-attackhttps://thejewishindependent.com.au/ten-ways-to-make-seder-2024-relev...
2024-04-2341 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaAnnouncement to our listeners - Be apart of our final episode!Hello listeners,For our final episode of From The Yarra to the Mediterranean Sea, we want you to be a part of the conversation. We have created a survey, which will take 3 minutes to complete (we timed it). We will be speaking about the results on our last episode which we plan to record this weekend so have your say and be part of the conversation.https://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/148SPRz8In peace from Melbourne and JerusalemHannah and Ittay
2024-03-2202 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 10: Conversations over cancelling with Ahmed Fouad Al-khatibIn our tenth episode, Ittay speaks with Ahmed Fouad Al-khatib, a U.S. citizen from Gaza and a Middle East political analyst. Ahmed has a master’s degree in intelligence studies from American Military University and has written and contributed extensively to publications on Gaza’s affairs in U.S., Israeli, Jewish, and Arab outlets.In this episode, Ahmed speaks to Ittay about his childhood experience attending the UNWRA schools of Gaza, which is a timely discussion as we have been hearing and seeing a lot about UNWRA in the news. ( For those unaware, UNWRA is the Unite...
2024-03-1556 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 9: Unapologetically, From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaIn this episode, we have teamed up with the incredible Ibrahim and Amira, co-hosts of the podcast "Unapologetic - The Third Narrative" to bring you "Unapologetically, From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea". Ibrahim and Amira are Palestinian-Israeli Citizens, who are unapologetic about their views and vision for a better future for all those who live between the river and the sea.In this episode we have honest conversations about what the term "resistance" means, the Boycott Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement, Zionism, Justice and so much more. We are so proud of...
2024-02-251h 22From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 8: Strong Opinions, Weakly Held with Elica Le BonIt’s the episode we know many of you have been waiting for. Welcome to episode 8 of From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea: “Strong Opinions, Weakly Held with Elica Le Bon”. Elica is an Iranian attorney, activist and artist who is currently living in LA. She has over 150,000 followers on Instagram which is where we discovered her in the weeks following October 7 sharing content from “both sides”. In this conversation, we explore Elica’s experience of looking through the current war through the eyes of an Iranian who wants justice, freedom and equality fo...
2024-02-1054 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 7: One State, Two States or a Land For All?Following on from our conversation with Moaz Inon in the previous episode, Hannah and Ittay closely examine the various "solutions" that currently exist in the public domain that can help us move from a state of war to a state of peace.RECOURCESHaaretz Video featuring maps of all solutions explored: "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: One state, two states and other possible solutions"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpBHYkra_qsNot Two States, Not One State: A New Way Out of Disaster for Israelis and Palestinians, By Dahlia Scheindlin, Nov 30, 2023
2024-01-2751 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 6: Creating Hope with Maoz InonIn this episode, we welcome Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon onto the podcast. Maoz lost both his beautiful parents, Bilha and Yakovi Inon on October 7. They were two of the first people killed on that horrific day when a Hamas rocket landed directly on their house in Moshav Nativ Ha’asara. Since suffering the pain of their loss, Maoz has been campaigning against revenge and for reconciliation.Maoz speaks about his life before the war as a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Abraham Hostel’s network and shares how he saw his whole life as pr...
2024-01-2145 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 5: Building Trust with Lana IkelanWelcome back to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea - Episode 5: Building Trust Lana Ikelan is a Palestinian Journalist and graduate of the Tomorrows Women peace building dialogue program. In this episode, she speaks about her experiences growing up in Jerusalem, how this war has shaped her relationships with Jewish friends, and her hopes for the future.RECOURCES:For more information about Tomorrow's Women: https://tomorrowswomen.orgVideo on the status of East Jerusalem https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-of-jerusalem-the-maqdasyin/Comments and feedback are welcome at fro...
2023-12-261h 07From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 4: Mapping Empathy with Mushon Zer AvivIn this episode of "From the Yarra River the Mediterranean Sea", we interview Israeli map designer and peace builder Mushon Zer Aviv. We first came across Mushon after reading a powerful article he wrote called “Your Empty is Killing us” which explores the importance of holding space for YES AND statements during this war.In the second half of the episode, we have a discussion between ourselves about what it means to be connected to land and the links we have seen between Palestinians, Israelis and Australia's First Peoples. We also discuss the Australian Left and ho...
2023-12-171h 11From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 3: October 7 War DiaryThis episode will likely comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable, so have a listen to it in a space where you can breathe, process and reflect.In this episode, we discuss:A brief history of the disengagement from Gaza and the seige that has been in place since Hamas' rise to powerIttay's experience of October 7 in JerusalemHannah's experience of October 7 in MelbourneHow October 7th broke Israel's "conception" of Hamas and how Israel's response has broken Hamas' "conception" of IsraelRESOURCESFor further reading, we recommend looking at this piece by Adam Raz a...
2023-12-101h 14From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 2.2: Where did it all begin?Welcome to part 2 of Where did this all begin?In this episode we discuss:what the Nakba is;whether Israel is an apartheid State and what that actually means; andprevious offers for peace since 1947.For more resources:Letter from Dr. Theodore Hertzl to M. Youssuf Zia Al-Khalidi, Mayor of Jerusalemhttps://aldeilis.net/english/letter-from-herzl-to-mayor-of-jerusalem-1899/Maps showing peace offers made by both Israeli and Palestinian negotiators over the past 30 years.https://www.shaularieli.com/en/maps/negotiations/More information about breaking the silence...
2023-12-0451 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 2.1: Where did it all begin?Welcome back to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea.This is the first of a two part episode where we deep dive into the history of Israel/Palestine.In part 1, we discuss:why we were only taught one half of the Israeli/Palestinian narrative at our Jewish day schools and the impact that has had on this current war;who is "indigenous" to the land; the first wave of Jewish immigration to Palestine from Russia in the 1880s and how those settlements were established;the term "colonialism" and whether or not Zionism s...
2023-12-0440 minFrom the Yarra River to the Mediterranean SeaEpisode 1: Jews who swipe leftWelcome to From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea.In this first episode, we explore what motivated us both to create this podcast.We also discuss where we are getting our news from and how you can differentiate between what is most likely real news and what is most likely fake news.We finish by explaining the reasoning behind the name of this podcast.For those who want to inform themselves through other news sources, podcasts, books etc. here is a list put together by Ittay: https://thesocialblueprint.org.au...
2023-12-0434 min2023-12-0301 min
Jewish Ideas to Change the WorldIs Peace Possible in Jerusalem?ABOUT THE EVENT:In this session, Ittay Flescher will share his reflections about the different identities of Jewish, Muslim and Christian youth through his experience co-leading a youth movement for Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem. There will also be opportunities to ask questions about the benefits and challenges of interfaith dialogue between diverse populations.ABOUT THE SPEAKER:Ittay Flescher is the Education Director at Kids4Peace Jerusalem, an interfaith movement for Israelis and Palestinians and Israel Correspondent for Plus61J Media. He also frequently teaches on gap year programs about the identity, narratives...
2022-06-3054 min
Socially DemocraticEp.92: The Israel/Palestine War with Ittay FlescherDunn Street founder Stephen Donnelly was joined by Jerusalem based journalist for Plus 61J and Education Director for multi-faith community organisation, Kids for Peace - Jerusalem, Ittay Flescher.Ittay returns to Socially Democratic to break down the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine, giving the historical context to a highly complex and confronting dispute that led to the recent round of hostilities in the region. Shalom and Salam.To learn about interfaith organisations operating in Israel and Palestine, check out: https://k4p.org/jerusalem/For extensive, detailed and...
2021-05-2859 minSocially DemocraticEp.84: Elections in Israel with Ittay FlescherDunn Street founder Stephen Donnelly was joined by the Jerusalem Correspondent for Plus61J Media, Ittay Flescher. Last week, Israeli’s returned to the polls for the fourth time in two years. Ittay discusses the fall out from the elections, unpacks the pro and anti Netanyahu blocks, could an Arab-Israeli party become the king maker, and how new Labor leader Merav Michaeli brought the party back from the brink to win 7 new seats in the Knesset.Ittay also reflects on the rise and fall of Labor and what is required to return the party and the...
2021-04-021h 02
Neil Lazarus talks IsraelIsrael's Protest MovementProtesting has always been an essential part of Israel's political fabric. In this fascinating podcast keynote speaker, Neil Lazarus from awesomeseminars.com, interviews journalist and educator Ittay Flescher. They discuss the simple question: what can we learn about Israeli society by examining its protest movements?
2021-01-2617 min
The Promised PodcastThe "Labor Savers?" EditionAllison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and journalist and educator Ittay Flescher discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Labor Savers Young Turks, Old Guard, and Stern Generals battle for control of Israel's Labor Party. Who has the best chance of saving from extinction the party of David Ben Gurion, Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin? Good Checkpoints Make Good Neighbors? New tricked-out hi-tech checkpoints that dramatically reduce the time it takes for Palestinians laborers to enter Israel, and...
2019-06-131h 18