“Cleopatra” (1963), a four-hour epic starring Elizabeth Taylor as the titular queen, is legendary in the history of filmmaking. Its notoriously troubled production made it one of the most expensive movies ever made and brought 20th Century Fox on the verge of collapse, but Taylor’s portrayal has defined the image of Cleopatra in pop culture for over sixty ye ... Show More
Jul 30
107: Jews and Judaism from Alexander the Great to Antiochus III
In this episode, we delve into the history of the Jews – both in the homeland of Judea and the many communities of the Diaspora. From the conquests of Alexander, the Jews navigated through a new paradigm that favored “Greekness” and embraced many aspects of Hellenistic culture, w ... Show More
45m 44s
Mar 2025
105: The Sixth Syrian War and Day of Eleusis
War over Coele Syria breaks out yet again. With the death of Cleopatra I, her three very young children (Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II) are raised to the throne by their ambitious ministers Eulaios and Lenaios, who lead campaign of reconquest against Antiochus IV Epi ... Show More
36m 23s
Jun 2022
18. The Hidden Message of the Persian Exile
In this episode, we learn about the hidden messages or "Secret Code" of the Books of Daniel, and Esther and we learn about the Decree of Cyrus. The course of Jewish History changes because the Persian Empire takes over the Babylonian Empire, Jews go from a position of subservienc ... Show More
55m 47s
Dec 2024
How Zionism Perpetuates Antisemitism w/ Dr. Ariella Aïsha Azoulay
In this episode of Palestine Debrief, I speak with Dr. Ariella Aïsha Azoulay, a renowned scholar, filmmaker, and author whose work focuses on the intersections of colonialism, photography, and historical narratives. Ariella was born in Israel but rejects the Israeli identity, whe ... Show More
40m 50s
Sep 2023
History of Everything: Atilla The Hun, The Scourge of God
Also called Flagellum Dei, or the “scourge of God,” Attila was known to Romans for his brutality and a penchant for sacking and pillaging Roman cities. He's considered one of the greatest “barbarian” rulers in history, having successfully expanded the rule of the Huns and maintai ... Show More
1h 13m
Feb 2025
Judaism is 6000 years old. It can outlive Zionism | Rabbia Alissa Wise
Is Judaism itself an anti-Zionist religion?
According to Rabbi and organiser Alissa Wise, it's precisely the teachings of her faith that informs her stance against Israel, and her advocacy for a free Palestine.
Rabbi Wise is a former organiser with Jewish Voice for Peace, an ... Show More
47m 1s
May 13
Episode 13: John Spencer on war, morality, politics and the fight for the future.
After a delay (Haviv got a bad flu), we're happy to share a great panel with Haviv and Prof. John Spencer that took place at the Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, New York on May 7.Thank you to Rabbi Jason Fruithandler and Rob Dwek for hosting, and to the Malin family for spons ... Show More
1h 19m