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Unholy Media

Yonit Levi of Israel's Channel 12 News and Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian are two of the most prominent journalists in the world today. They are also Jews. Each week, join what MSNBC's Rachel Maddow calls "two great, smart smart smart hosts" as they dissect and debate current events shaping Israel, Jewish life - and the wider world.
Their blend of nuanced discussion and sparkling conversation, featuring a dazzling range of guests, is why New Yorker editor David Remnick calls himself a “proud, avid listener," why Ira Glass says he "completely enjoys this show" and why Malcolm Gladwell calls it an "incredibly fun podcast".
For a weekly fix of globally informed talk – including nominations for the greatest act of chutzpah and outstanding mensch of the previous seven days – there’s only one destination. Make every Friday morning Unholy. 
Contact us via: unholy@unholy-media.com

Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Yonit and Jonathan digest the terror attack which killed two British Jews at prayer during Yom Kippur services in Manchester. Where does this leave the British Jewish community - and what does it say about diaspora Jewish life in increasingly vexed times?

 
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Yom Kippur Terror attack in Manchester, UK

In this emergency update, Jonathan and military affairs analyst Amos Harel discuss the recent unveiling of Donald Trump's historic peace plan. They analyze the implications of the plan for both Israel and Hamas, the complexities surrounding Netanyahu's acceptance of the deal, and the potential influence of Qatar and other Arab states. 

 

 

 
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Emergency update: Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s peace plan - what comes next? with Amos Harel

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/QrN9l4AKLB0

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

As world leaders gather in Manhattan for the UN General Assembly, the message is clear: growing support for Palestinian statehood. As the diplomatic clamour gets louder, Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his own appearance on the world stage — but not before receiving a sharp satirical blow from no other than Kyle’s mother of South Park.

Meanwhile, New York hosts another drama. Mayor Eric Adams marks Rosh Hashana with a bold fashion statement, as his would-be successor Zohran Mamdani proves his social media game extends even to Hebrew pronunciation. Plus: a chutzpah award that may flatter its recipient, while this week’s mensch proved a ratings winner.

 
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Recognition at the UN, South Park roasts Bibi, the New York mayoral race for Rosh Hashana

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/B2BofINE4pw

 

As Israel’s ground operation in Gaza City escalates, Prime Minister Netanyahu briefly suggests the country must become economically self-sufficient — only to backtrack, rattling markets in the process. Meanwhile, cultural boycotts mount, from the Emmys to Eurovision.

Yonit and Jonathan unpack the political spin, economic fallout, and the global cultural backlash. They’re also joined by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl for our Rosh Hashana tradition — reflecting on moral accountability in Gaza, the meaning of the High Holy Days in wartime, and the challenge of unity in a divided Jewish world.

Plus: Yonit joins from Paris, where she sat down for an interview with French President Emmanuel Macron, in which he lays out his thinking on recognition of a Palestinian state — and answers the question: why now?

 
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IDF enters Gaza City, Super Sparta and Reflections for the new year - with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4oq27AXCEbU

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

 

In this special Unholy episode, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by former Mossad chief, Yossi Cohen. In a wide-ranging conversation, Cohen reflects on what went wrong before October 7th — and who bears responsibility. He critiques the risk-averse mindset within Israel’s security establishment and doesn’t shy away from addressing Netanyahu’s strained ties with regional leaders. From stalled Saudi normalization to the ever-present shadow of Iran, Cohen offers a rare look into the calculations behind Israel’s next moves — and whether Israel is truly prepared for what’s coming. 
 

 
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A conversation with Yossi Cohen

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Teq1Qe9EEyM

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

Order "The Traitors Circle" by Jonathan Freedland - linktr.ee/jonathanfreedland

As America reels from the shocking assassination of the pro-Trump activist and organiser Charlie Kirk, Yonit and Jonathan assess the rising menace of political violence in the U.S. — from toxic rhetoric to loose gun laws. Meanwhile, the region is rocked by Israel’s first-ever airstrike on Qatar, raising fears of escalation and fury in the Gulf.

Jonathan wears two hats this week — both co-host and guest — as he reflects on the release of his new book The Traitors Circle, which tells an astonishing true story of courage, resistance and betrayal during the Third Reich.

Plus: a Chutzpah award that dominates the headlines, and a Mensch nominee whose pronunciation sparks an unexpected debate.

 
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The fallout of the Israeli attack on Doha and the killing of Charlie Kirk - with special guest Jonathan Freedland

Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Haaretz military affairs analyst Amos Harel as they discuss Israel’s unprecedented bombing of the Hamas negotiating team in Doha.

 

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

 
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Emergency update - Strike on Hamas in Qatar

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/LxyLZMMobcE

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

 

On Day 700 of the war, Israel prepares for a threatened push into Gaza City — a move the IDF’s Chief of Staff warns could see the imposition of martial law on the Strip. Donald Trump claims Israel is “losing the PR war,” as a ceasefire and hostage release deal remains as elusive as ever.

In a special pair of conversations, Yonit and Jonathan speak with two Israeli reservists — one refusing to return to Gaza, the other still serving — about loyalty, conscience and the cost of war.

Plus: a Chutzpah award for a lawyer with an awkward past - and an MVP turned Mensch.

 
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Day 700: Plans for Gaza City conquest and the IDF reservists’ dilemma

Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-live

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/BHz5D_p5upQ

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

Follow Yonit and Jonathan on Instagram

As Israeli protesters return to the streets in force, calling for a hostage deal and an end to the war, the Israeli cabinet refuses to even discuss a partial agreement — despite earlier demanding one. At the same time, Netanyahu’s closest advisor is in Washington talking “day after” strategy, while back home, reservists are called up yet again and political priorities appear increasingly out of step with public sentiment.

This week, Yonit and Jonathan reunite to assess a stalled political process, shifting American pressure, and the increasingly surreal spectacle of Haredi pilgrims preparing to fly abroad — even as they continue to avoid military service. Plus: Unholy heads to New York, and Jonathan becomes an unlikely Instagrammer.

 
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Israeli protests, White House talks and a pilgrimage sparks fury - with Shira Efron

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xJooo1JvDqs

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon 

 

As part of our journey through Jewish communities around the world, we land this week in Buenos Aires — home to the largest Jewish population in Latin America. Yonit and Jonathan speak with Pablo Mendez Shiff, freelance journalist and scholar, about Argentina’s stance on Israel, and what it means to live Jewish life in today’s Argentina.

Plus – we revisit two of our previous guests: Ilanit Spinner from Germany and Nomi Kaltmann from Australia, and find a moment of optimism.

 
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Unholy Around the Globe: Being Jewish in Buenos Aires with Pablo Mendez Shiff

Increased speculation on a hostage/ceasefire deal, a disturbing account of alleged IDF misconduct in Gaza and the fallout of two shocking attacks on synagogues in Montreal and Melbourne. Plus: a conversation that ranges from Damascus to Limerick and all points in between with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. Finally Yonit and Jonathan salute a French heroine - and decry the Syrian prisoner who never was.

Join our Patreon community - a special Christmas bonus episode coming up this Tuesday!

Find us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Linkedin, YouTube, X)

 
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Time and time again - with Simon Sebag Montefiore

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