The Multifaceted Role of Israel's Top Diplomat in Florida
Release Date: 06/10/2025
Facts, Fiction and Fear: Israel, Antisemitism and the Battle for Truth
Third Opinion Podcast
A powerful clip from Beginning Within’s Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein examines a revealing exchange between Penn State University’s Sam Richards and his students during a lecture asserting that “Palestine did not exist 200 years ago,” a claim that stunned students who view it as their ancestral homeland. Rabbi Weinstein unpacks why historical literacy matters and how emotional narratives often replace facts in today’s discourse. The program also features Australian television host Julia Hartley-Brewer in conversation with author and commentator Melanie Phillips, examining why the Gaza...
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A Light Against the Darkness: Chanukah, Terror Plots and Jewish Resilience
Third Opinion Podcast
Recorded on December 22: Mike and Laureen reflect on the eight days of Chanukah and what it means for the Jewish community to be a light in a darkening world. From 18,000 people gathering at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center to massive Chanukah solidarity events in Amsterdam and controversy in London as the city’s mayor attempted to halt a vigil for the Bondi victims — the week underscored both resilience and resistance. Amid rising threats, the FBI thwarted a New Year’s Eve terror plot involving multiple bombings in the Los Angeles area, while Australian authorities intercepted seven men en...
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When Celebration Turns to Terror: The Bondi Beach Attack
Third Opinion Podcast
Recorded December 15, 2025: Mike and Laureen dedicate this episode to the violent antisemitic attack targeting Australia’s Jewish community during a Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach. The show includes excerpts from Australian television coverage and firsthand witness accounts as events unfolded. They discuss statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cited earlier warnings to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about rising antisemitism, as well as updates from Sydney’s police chief, who labeled the incident terrorism and vowed accountability amid an ongoing...
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Eurovision Fallout, NYC BDS Ban and the Clooney Controversy
Third Opinion Podcast
This week, Mike and Laureen remember beloved Rabbi Gary Klein (z”l) and examine Hamas’ refusal to honor a disarmament agreement. They unpack George Clooney’s offhand comments about Amal Clooney’s involvement in drafting the Muslim Brotherhood’s constitution, an organization recently designated as a terrorist group in Florida and Texas. They cover major cultural flashpoints, including mainstream magazines boost of anti-Jewish messaging and Eurovision’s rejection of an Israeli boycott that triggered the withdrawal of Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ireland. The hosts spotlight...
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Rebuilding Gaza, Revisiting History and the Rise of AI Nonsense
Third Opinion Podcast
Week of 12/1/25: This week on the show features an in-depth conversation with “The Economist’s” Middle East reporter Gregg Carlstrom and correspondent Rosie Blau, who explain why Gaza is unlikely to be rebuilt any time soon and explore various plans for overcoming barriers. The hosts discuss JTV’s Ollie Ansfeld report on reasons why some Jews supported Hitler during the 1930s in hopes of their own survival. Mike and Laureen look at the week’s major headlines including an AI-generated top 10 “Best Books of 2025,” that included three titles that don’t exist; Hamas...
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Palestinian Persistence, Terror Financing and the Ideological Fight on American Soil
Third Opinion Podcast
Week of 11/24/25: Mike and Laureen break down the recent high-profile Oval Office meeting between NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Trump, focusing not just on what was discussed, but what was left unsaid. The episode features a compelling clip from political commentator Ken LaCorte, who explains why Palestinians continue their struggle despite overwhelming losses. The hosts discuss a conversation between CBS’ Major Garrett and the Free Press’ Tanner Nau and analyze Nick Fuentes’ efforts to influence the Republican Party by mobilizing young right-wing voters through a new...
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From Capitol Hill to New York to Gaza: Political Shift, Viral Disinformation and the Rise of Hate
Third Opinion Podcast
This week, Mike and Laureen dive deep into the recent election of Zohran Mamdani and the immediate, alarming warnings that followed, suggesting this political shift could place New York's Jewish community in danger and on high alert. A special interview with Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the former Consul General of Israel to Florida, Puerto Rico, Kansas, and Missouri, offers a powerful and sobering perspective on the alarming rise of antisemitism across the US and globally, underscoring the real-world violence fueled by hate. A look at the week’s headlines reveals “lies of genocide” being...
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From NYC to Gaza: The Rising Wave of Antisemitism and Political Polarization
Third Opinion Podcast
This week, the hosts tackle the fallout from Zohran Mamdani’s election in NYC and the controversy over CAIR’s support. Jewish leaders including Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and Amb. Michael Oren and voices including Sen. Ted Cruz and commentator Ben Shapiro warn of growing threats, as the ADL and AJC closely monitor Mamdani’s activities. In the Middle East, a fragile Gaza ceasefire leaves Hamas fighters trapped in Rafah tunnels, with Rabbi Pesach Wolicki questioning the ceasefire’s durability and Netanyahu rejecting a state inquiry regarding October 7. Across the Atlantic, the episode...
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From New York to Gaza: Politics, Propaganda and the Price of Truth
Third Opinion Podcast
This week, the hosts dive into the New York mayoral race and what’s driving voters in the city. Laureen speaks with Jerusalem Post editor Yaakov Katz, who doesn't pull any punches about what Netanyahu's legacy will be because of October 7. They also discuss British podcaster Tommy Robinson’s visit to an Arab business district in Israel and asks how they feel about their county. Mike and Laureen unpack headlines from the previous week, including reports of a U.S. high school group’s reenactment of the October 7 attacks, CENTCOM footage of Hamas stealing aid in Gaza and Ben...
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Fragile Peace, Fraught Politics and Finding Belonging
Third Opinion Podcast
Recorded 10/27/2025: This episode unpacks a tense moment in world and local affairs. We begin with the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza and what it means for regional stability. Then, the hosts turn to New York City, where early voting in the mayoral race is underway and the frontrunner's record has sparked considerable concerns about anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Finally, we sit down with Miryam Kabakov, Executive Director of Eshel, to discuss how her organization supports LGBTQ Orthodox Jews navigating questions of faith and identity and community.
info_outlineIn this episode, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Consul General of Israel in Miami, reflects on his four years serving as a diplomat in Florida. And as the number of deadly antisemitic incidents rise, Mike and Laureen debate the First Amendment rights and the threats of antisemitic activities across the country.
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