Israel Underground

How do the many entrepreneurs in Israel run their businesses? How has the pandemic affected business culture in Israel? In this special feature, we take a deep dive into the world of small businesses - what makes them unique or challenging and what makes businesses here thrive. We're joined by speech therapist Anick Landau Ezer (fb.com/askanick), event planner Adena Mark Kapon (@AtoZEventsIsrael) and pickle connoisseur Chaim Davids (@ProhibitionPickle) who share their trials and tribulations owning small businesses in Israel.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Anick Landau Ezer, Adena Mark Kapon and Chaim Davids

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What's behind the drag scene in Israel? In this episode we spoke with the Artist Formerly Known as Anton for a look beyond the costumes and makeup of the drag world.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Zoya AKA the Artist Formerly Known as Anton

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Why are we as a society judgemental of those with bigger bodies, or worried about gaining weight ourselves? In this episode, we learn all about Fatphobia. We're joined by Shai Weiss and May Kimchi, two experienced health and [non]diet professionals, who explain the phenomenon, its repercussions and how pervasive it is in Israel and Western society at large. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to May Kimchi and Shai Weiss 

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Can we hope - or plan - to share the divided city of Jerusalem? In this episode, we discuss one person's perspective on life in Jerusalem, coexistence, ideology and the Temple Mount. We're joined by Noah Abramowitz, who shares his journey and unique perspective on some of the more contentious issues in Jerusalemite Israeli and Palestinian lives. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Noah E Abramowitz

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Where can you make friends with goats, cows, chickens, pigs and more? In this episode, we discuss the Freedom Farm Sanctuary, an educational and social center and a shelter for animals saved from the food industry. Chickens, cows, goats, pigs and sheep live on the farm, allowing people to get to know their worlds and personalities and develop compassion and empathy for them as well as for people that are different than us. We're joined by Dani, who tells us all about the farm, its (non-human) members, its (human) volunteers and how it fits into the thriving Israeli vegan community. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Dani and Freedom Farm Sanctuary

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

How will teens protesting on the streets on Fridays save the planet? In this episode, we discuss Israeli teens' participation in Strike for Future climate protests happening across the country. We're joined by Shani, who tells us all about the protests, their achievements and aspirations. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Shani

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this bonus mini episode, Rebecca Fox, the life-long home-schooler who we spoke to in our previous episode (Episode 14), answers some FAQs about home-school. 

Where else can your children go - or not go - to school in Israel? In this special feature, we discuss three different formats of alternative education. We're joined by Zip Winston, an educator who worked in a democratic school, Tami Jeffay, a parent involved in a bilingual school, and Rebecca Fox who was unschooled all her life. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Zip Winston, Tami Jeffay and Rebecca Fox

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Do you need a gender identity to live in Israel, and how do nonbinary people get along here? In this episode, we learn about what it's like to identify as gender nonbinary in Israel. We're joined by Kay Ruby, who shares their experience and insight into the nonbinary sub-sect of the Israeli LGBTQ community. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Kay Ruby

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Who is Nasser Al-Adra, an activist from Palestinian village A-Tuwani who recently stood trial by the military? Who is Harun Abu Aram, from the same area, crippled in an altercation over a generator? In this episode we're joined by Basel Adra, who shares these stories and more, giving insight into the lives of the people in his region. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Basel Adra

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode, we recap Season 1 of our show, discussing the overarching themes and sharing some of our favorite highlights.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this bonus mini episode, David Leitner, the disabled veteran who spoke to us in the previous segment, shares his insights on the issue of accessibility in Israel.

How does a disabled veteran of the IDF cope with a chronic pain disorder? In this episode, we hear the story of an American immigrant who made aliya, joined the army as a lone soldier, and today lives in Israel coping with pain from an injury sustained in training. We’re joined by David Leitner who shares his story, his coping tools, and his inspiration.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to David Leitner

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

How does a Catholic student of the priesthood become a Jewish Freemason in Jerusalem? In this episode, we learn about the life of a monk, the social order of the Freemasons and the international language of Esperanto. We're joined by Yehuda Miklaf, who shares his inspired journey of faith as well as his membership to the brotherhood of Freemasonry. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Yehuda Miklaf

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What is the "orthodox monopoly" and how does it affect non-orthodox Jews in Israel? In this episode, we discuss non-conforming and unlabelled Jewry in Israel, as a lifestyle and its communities. We're joined by Josh Cooper, a committed halakhic egalitarian Jew who shares his insights and values and how they mesh - or don't - with mainstream Israeli society.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Josh Cooper

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What should you ask Christian Arabs to better understand their beliefs and demographic? In this episode, we discuss different facets of their culture -  what's it like being both Arab and Christian? What do their villages and communities look like in Israel? What are the principles of their faith? We're joined by Hiba Jiryis, who anwers these questions and more. She shares the stigmas and challenges she's faced as a Christian Arab in Israel, and explains many misunderstood elements of Christianity.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Hiba Jiryis

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

What turns the average Anglo Zionist immigrant into an activist? In this episode, we hear the aliya story of an American immigrant who studied in yeshiva, served in IDF Special Forces and now works tirelessly to fight against Israeli occupation. We're joined by Benzi Sanders, who shares his personal journey, his beliefs and how they were shaped.

If you'd like to hear more about Benzi's activism, you can contact him at: benzi@bts.org.il. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Benzi Sanders

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Can Jews celebrate the Russian holiday of Novy God? In this episode, we discuss the experience, challenges and traditions of Russian Israelis. We're joined by Noy Kunda, Israeli Russian student, who shares her family's story, and expands on what it means to be Russian in Israel - from cultural gaps to religious stigmas.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Noy Kunda

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Why are the lights out at night in the Bedouin-Palestinian village of Umm Al-Khair? In this episode, we discuss the history of this village, the challenges it faces today and its community's beliefs and hopes for the future. We're joined by Awdah Hathaleen, long-time resident and advocate for the village, who shares his experiences and gives insight into life in Umm Al-Khair. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Awdah Hathaleen

Music:

Thinking Music Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Why does the charaidi community in Israel suffer from a greater infection rate of COVID-19? In this episode, we hear about the ultra-orthodox's unique perspective on the pandemic. We're joined by Mordechai Newmark, a charaidi man, who discusses with us issues of discrimination, trust in the government (or lack thereof) and how Rabbinic leadership can make a community strictly social distance, or try for herd immunity. 

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Mordechai Newmark

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Who are the people of the town of Kfar Qassim? In this episode, we discuss their community and history - from the massacre of 1956 to the founding of the Islamic Movement. We're joined by Fatima Amer, born and raised in Kfar Qassim, who shares her village's stories and ideals, what their community is like today, and gives insight on coexistence and the Arab-Israeli experience, from her unique perspective.  

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Fatima Amer

Music:

Bass Walker Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Is the healthcare system in Israel prejudiced against the LGBTQ community? In this episode, we're taking a deeper look into an issue that touches many members of the LGBTQ community - medical discrimination. We're joined by Rinat Tzuk-Bazak, activist, who helps us get a better understanding of Israeli healthcare issues (from patient mishandling to a lacking infrastructure)  that prevent community members' needs from being met.

Credits:

Hosted by Zachy Farber-Hennessey

Produced and written by Eden Farber-Hennessey

Special thanks to Rinat Tzuk-Bazak

Music:

Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

There's a lot going on in this tiny little powder keg of a nation, and a lot of important voices waiting to be heard. We aim to find those voices.