Send us a textEsti Zenati is joined by journalist, Jotam Confino for an unfiltered conversation on The Israel Connection to break down media bias, journalistic integrity, and the complexities of covering Israel and Gaza for a European audience. From the fallout of October 7th to the failures of international reporting, Jotam offers sharp insights, personal stories, and bold critiques—plus a fun look at his favorite Israeli quirks.
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The Israel Connection: My Life - Shahar Cohen
Send us a textIn the Season 3 premiere of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Israeli comedian, Shahar Cohen. They talked about Shahar's rise to fame with his 'America vs. Israel' videos, his popular characters like 'Nofar,' and the impact of social media on his career. He also shares insights into his U.S. tour and his mission to unite people through humor.Shahar is currently touring in the US. Get tickets here.
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The Israel Connection: Israel vs. Iran
Send us a textIn this special episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Ben Kreshtool and Jill Suffel from Beth El to unpack the rapidly evolving war between Israel and Iran. They explore the surprising alliances forming in the Middle East, what this conflict means for Israel’s future, and offer practical advice—and words of comfort—for tourists currently stuck in Israel who may be feeling anxious or unsafe.Whether you're looking for clarity, connection, or just a space to process everything that's happening, this conversation is for you.Have any questions about the current war? Please ask us on our social media platform, we're happy to answer!
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The Israel Connection: Israeli Ambassador - Dr. Yechiel Leiter
Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati interviews Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the 21st Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Leiter reflects on his return to public service after the tragic loss of his son, Major Moshe Leiter, who was killed leading IDF forces into Gaza on November 10, 2023. He outlines his key goals as ambassador, including defending Israel’s legitimacy during a seven-front war, strengthening bipartisan U.S. support, and uniting the diverse American Jewish community. The conversation also touches on the May 21st shooting of two Israeli diplomats, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, and the following security warning from the FBI to the Jewish and Israeli community in the US. Through personal stories and sharp insight, Ambassador Leiter offers a moving portrait of resilience, purpose, and leadership shaped by personal loss.
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The Israel Connection: I Survived the Nova Festival Attack - Mazal Tazazo
Send us a textIn this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the brutal terrorist attacks at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. Mazal, a 35-year-old mother from Southern Israel, recounts her life before the incident, the harrowing details of the attack, and how she survived while losing her two close friends. She shares her journey towards healing and resilience, driven by the need to provide a better future for her son and tells all about the dear friends she lost and what they meant for her. Mazal also discusses her efforts in advocacy and truth-telling, aiming to highlight the real issues at hand and foster a safer world. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Mazal's beloved friends, Danielle Cohen and Yochai Ben Zacharya, who were brutally murdered at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. May their memory forever be a blessing.
The Israel Connection – Hosted by Esti Zenati, this engaging podcast explores all things Israel. Every other week, Esti welcomes a special guest with a unique connection to Israel—diving into culture, history, current events, and personal stories. Whether you’re deeply connected to Israel or just curious to learn more, this podcast offers insightful and meaningful conversations that bring Israel to life.