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Shul Runnings: Ice Tracks, Identity and Israeli Pride

Show recorded on 2.16.26: This week, Mike dives into stories shaping Israel’s identity at home and abroad. Aylana Meisel-Diament, former Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, breaks down the significant and controversial policy shift in renaming of Judea & Samaria and non-Arabs ability to purchase land in the region and why it has sparked fierce debate both inside Israel and abroad.

Later in the episode, he shares podcaster Meira K’s inspirational account of the unlikely underdogs – Israel’s Olympic bobsled team’s rise to the world stage. The determined squad — comprised of five Jews, one Druze athlete and even a Shina Ibu breed dog — proudly dubbed themselves “Shul Runnings.” Robbed of their belongings in the Olympic Village, the team persevered. In a powerful tribute, one member competed wearing a kippah embroidered with the names of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics. Representing a nation far better known for sunshine than snow, their journey is a story of resilience, identity, and pride under pressure.  

We also examine mounting calls to remove UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese following her controversial remarks that “Israel is contrary to humanity,” and discuss broader concerns about rising white nationalist rhetoric influencing upcoming elections.

From Olympic ice tracks to international diplomacy, this episode tackles identity, policy and politics at a pivotal moment.

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