Basic Law https://www.jns.org en JNS Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/580053a6-2bef-11f0-9fe7-134fce31fe8b/image/94781d32e069a7618bec301bc4e9474e.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Basic Law https://www.jns.org no episodic A deep dives into Israel’s legal system. JNS Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today. Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today.


]]> Jewish News Syndicate marketingsoftware@jns.org The Haredi Draft Crisis: Military Service and Israel’s Future Israel is heading toward a collision course that could reshape the future of the Jewish state forever. In this episode of Basic Law, you’ll uncover the battle between Israel’s secular and Haredi communities over military service, the Supreme Court and the very meaning of Jewish identity. From riots in Jerusalem to legal revolutions in the High Court, this episode reveals how decades of political compromises and cultural division have pushed Israel to a breaking point, and what the outcome could mean for national survival. Mon, 11 May 2026 07:23:00 -0000 full JNS Israel is heading toward a collision course that could reshape the future of the Jewish state forever. In this episode of Basic Law, you’ll uncover the battle between Israel’s secular and Haredi communities over military service, the Supreme Court and the very meaning of Jewish identity. From riots in Jerusalem to legal revolutions in the High Court, this episode reveals how decades of political compromises and cultural division have pushed Israel to a breaking point, and what the outcome could mean for national survival. Israel is heading toward a collision course that could reshape the future of the Jewish state forever. In this episode of Basic Law, you’ll uncover the battle between Israel’s secular and Haredi communities over military service, the Supreme Court and the very meaning of Jewish identity. From riots in Jerusalem to legal revolutions in the High Court, this episode reveals how decades of political compromises and cultural division have pushed Israel to a breaking point, and what the outcome could mean for national survival.

]]> 1255 no The Future of NATO: Has America Outgrown It? Is the alliance that defined global security for 75 years quietly becoming obsolete? In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn why NATO, once the backbone of Western unity, is now being seriously questioned in a world shifting toward nationalism and polarization. The episode unpacks President Donald Trump’s long-standing skepticism and a bold new vision of global strategy built on smaller, interest-driven alliances like the Abraham Accords. Whether you agree or not, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of how power and partnerships are being rewritten right now, and why the future of NATO could reshape everything from U.S. foreign policy to Israel’s security. Fri, 01 May 2026 08:49:00 -0000 full JNS Is the alliance that defined global security for 75 years quietly becoming obsolete? In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn why NATO, once the backbone of Western unity, is now being seriously questioned in a world shifting toward nationalism and polarization. The episode unpacks President Donald Trump’s long-standing skepticism and a bold new vision of global strategy built on smaller, interest-driven alliances like the Abraham Accords. Whether you agree or not, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of how power and partnerships are being rewritten right now, and why the future of NATO could reshape everything from U.S. foreign policy to Israel’s security. Is the alliance that defined global security for 75 years quietly becoming obsolete? In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn why NATO, once the backbone of Western unity, is now being seriously questioned in a world shifting toward nationalism and polarization. The episode unpacks President Donald Trump’s long-standing skepticism and a bold new vision of global strategy built on smaller, interest-driven alliances like the Abraham Accords. Whether you agree or not, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of how power and partnerships are being rewritten right now, and why the future of NATO could reshape everything from U.S. foreign policy to Israel’s security.

]]> 2037 no Can a Minister Be Removed Without Charges? Law and Power in Israel This episode explores the high-stakes Israeli Supreme Court battle that's exposing a shocking constitutional gray zone, where law, politics and power collide in ways most Western democracies would never allow. You’ll learn how the clash between Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Attorney General isn’t just about personalities but about who controls the police, how legal systems can quietly expand their own authority and what happens when trust in institutions starts to crack. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of judicial power, democratic limits and why this case could reshape Israel’s future and maybe even influence how you think about governance anywhere. Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:23:00 -0000 full JNS This episode explores the high-stakes Israeli Supreme Court battle that's exposing a shocking constitutional gray zone, where law, politics and power collide in ways most Western democracies would never allow. You’ll learn how the clash between Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Attorney General isn’t just about personalities but about who controls the police, how legal systems can quietly expand their own authority and what happens when trust in institutions starts to crack. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of judicial power, democratic limits and why this case could reshape Israel’s future and maybe even influence how you think about governance anywhere. This episode explores the high-stakes Israeli Supreme Court battle that's exposing a shocking constitutional gray zone, where law, politics and power collide in ways most Western democracies would never allow. You’ll learn how the clash between Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Attorney General isn’t just about personalities but about who controls the police, how legal systems can quietly expand their own authority and what happens when trust in institutions starts to crack. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of judicial power, democratic limits and why this case could reshape Israel’s future and maybe even influence how you think about governance anywhere.

]]> 1578 no The Illusion of Protection: Why Antisemitism Is Still Rising This episode is a wake-up call: what if everything we thought was protecting Jews from rising antisemitism… isn’t actually working? You’ll learn why record-breaking hate crimes, failing Holocaust education and shifting narratives about Israel may be leaving communities more vulnerable, not less, and how a bold reframing around identity and courage could change the game. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:56:00 -0000 full JNS This episode is a wake-up call: what if everything we thought was protecting Jews from rising antisemitism… isn’t actually working? You’ll learn why record-breaking hate crimes, failing Holocaust education and shifting narratives about Israel may be leaving communities more vulnerable, not less, and how a bold reframing around identity and courage could change the game. This episode is a wake-up call: what if everything we thought was protecting Jews from rising antisemitism… isn’t actually working? You’ll learn why record-breaking hate crimes, failing Holocaust education and shifting narratives about Israel may be leaving communities more vulnerable, not less, and how a bold reframing around identity and courage could change the game.

]]> 1003 no Israel’s Narrative Gap: Identity, Reality & Strategic Alignment What if the biggest threat to Israel isn’t external but the stories it tells itself? This episode dives deep into the powerful narratives that have shaped Jewish and Israeli identity, from Passover and national memory to startup success and military doctrine, and exposes where reality is starting to drift dangerously out of sync. You’ll come away with a sharper understanding of how identity, law, security, and culture intertwine, and why aligning Israel’s actions with its founding story may be the key to its future strength and survival. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:23:00 -0000 full JNS What if the biggest threat to Israel isn’t external but the stories it tells itself? This episode dives deep into the powerful narratives that have shaped Jewish and Israeli identity, from Passover and national memory to startup success and military doctrine, and exposes where reality is starting to drift dangerously out of sync. You’ll come away with a sharper understanding of how identity, law, security, and culture intertwine, and why aligning Israel’s actions with its founding story may be the key to its future strength and survival. What if the biggest threat to Israel isn’t external but the stories it tells itself? This episode dives deep into the powerful narratives that have shaped Jewish and Israeli identity, from Passover and national memory to startup success and military doctrine, and exposes where reality is starting to drift dangerously out of sync. You’ll come away with a sharper understanding of how identity, law, security, and culture intertwine, and why aligning Israel’s actions with its founding story may be the key to its future strength and survival.

]]> 894 no Decades in the Making: Missed Warnings Behind the Israel–Hezbollah Crisis 500 rocket attacks in days and the world is still arguing about “restraint.” In this episode, you’ll learn why the Israel–Hezbollah conflict didn’t suddenly erupt, but was decades in the making. From failed UN resolutions and ignored warnings to Hezbollah’s transformation into a global terror-crime network backed by Iran. We break down what the headlines leave out: the legal case for Israel’s response, the reality behind “ceasefire” arguments and how international inaction helped create the current crisis. If you want to actually understand what’s happening and what may come next, this is the context you’ve been missing. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:21:00 -0000 full JNS 500 rocket attacks in days and the world is still arguing about “restraint.” In this episode, you’ll learn why the Israel–Hezbollah conflict didn’t suddenly erupt, but was decades in the making. From failed UN resolutions and ignored warnings to Hezbollah’s transformation into a global terror-crime network backed by Iran. We break down what the headlines leave out: the legal case for Israel’s response, the reality behind “ceasefire” arguments and how international inaction helped create the current crisis. If you want to actually understand what’s happening and what may come next, this is the context you’ve been missing. 500 rocket attacks in days and the world is still arguing about “restraint.” In this episode, you’ll learn why the Israel–Hezbollah conflict didn’t suddenly erupt, but was decades in the making. From failed UN resolutions and ignored warnings to Hezbollah’s transformation into a global terror-crime network backed by Iran. We break down what the headlines leave out: the legal case for Israel’s response, the reality behind “ceasefire” arguments and how international inaction helped create the current crisis. If you want to actually understand what’s happening and what may come next, this is the context you’ve been missing.

]]> 800 no War and the Rule of Law: Trump, Netanyahu and Israel’s Pardon Debate Should a country at war pause its legal battles or prove its commitment to the rule of law by continuing them? In this episode, viewers dive into the debate surrounding calls for a potential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump during wartime. As Netanyahu juggles court appearances while leading Israel through war, the episode explores a deeper question: how democracies balance judicial independence, political pressure and national security in moments of crisis. Watch to understand the legal principles, political tensions and constitutional dilemmas shaping one of Israel’s most controversial debates. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:15:00 -0000 full JNS Should a country at war pause its legal battles or prove its commitment to the rule of law by continuing them? In this episode, viewers dive into the debate surrounding calls for a potential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump during wartime. As Netanyahu juggles court appearances while leading Israel through war, the episode explores a deeper question: how democracies balance judicial independence, political pressure and national security in moments of crisis. Watch to understand the legal principles, political tensions and constitutional dilemmas shaping one of Israel’s most controversial debates. Should a country at war pause its legal battles or prove its commitment to the rule of law by continuing them? In this episode, viewers dive into the debate surrounding calls for a potential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump during wartime. As Netanyahu juggles court appearances while leading Israel through war, the episode explores a deeper question: how democracies balance judicial independence, political pressure and national security in moments of crisis. Watch to understand the legal principles, political tensions and constitutional dilemmas shaping one of Israel’s most controversial debates.

]]> 954 no The Big Lie About the Iran War: What International Law Actually Says Politicians and pundits around the world are claiming that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran violate international law, but what if that narrative completely misunderstands how the law of armed conflict actually works? In this episode of Basic Law, Aylana Meisel is joined by Natasha Hausdorff, barrister and legal director of 'UK Lawyers for Israel' to break down the difference between jus ad bellum and jus in bello, the legal meaning of “imminent threats,” and why much of the international commentary may be misapplying the rules that govern war. Cutting through political rhetoric and legal buzzwords, this episode explains how context, ongoing conflict, and self-defense shape the legal framework behind modern military strikes—and why misinterpreting international law can ultimately undermine its credibility. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:39:00 -0000 full JNS Politicians and pundits around the world are claiming that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran violate international law, but what if that narrative completely misunderstands how the law of armed conflict actually works? In this episode of Basic Law, Aylana Meisel is joined by Natasha Hausdorff, barrister and legal director of 'UK Lawyers for Israel' to break down the difference between jus ad bellum and jus in bello, the legal meaning of “imminent threats,” and why much of the international commentary may be misapplying the rules that govern war. Cutting through political rhetoric and legal buzzwords, this episode explains how context, ongoing conflict, and self-defense shape the legal framework behind modern military strikes—and why misinterpreting international law can ultimately undermine its credibility. Politicians and pundits around the world are claiming that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran violate international law, but what if that narrative completely misunderstands how the law of armed conflict actually works? In this episode of Basic Law, Aylana Meisel is joined by Natasha Hausdorff, barrister and legal director of 'UK Lawyers for Israel' to break down the difference between jus ad bellum and jus in bello, the legal meaning of “imminent threats,” and why much of the international commentary may be misapplying the rules that govern war. Cutting through political rhetoric and legal buzzwords, this episode explains how context, ongoing conflict, and self-defense shape the legal framework behind modern military strikes—and why misinterpreting international law can ultimately undermine its credibility.

]]> 2084 no Tucker, the Law of Return, and the Story He Missed Tucker Carlson tried to pull the rug out from under Israel’s very foundation, but what if the real story completely flips the script? In this episode of "Basic Law", you’ll learn why the viral “gotcha” about Israel’s Law of Return and the Brother Daniel case doesn’t unravel the Jewish claim to the land, but actually reveals the deep, complex evolution of Jewish identity in the modern world. Aylana Meisel cuts through the half-truths, exposing how history, law, exile, survival and sovereignty collide in ways most commentators conveniently ignore. You’ll walk away understanding not just what the Law of Return really says, but what Israel’s identity debates teach the entire West about nationhood, borders and self-determination in an age allergic to all three. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:18:00 -0000 full JNS Tucker Carlson tried to pull the rug out from under Israel’s very foundation, but what if the real story completely flips the script? In this episode of "Basic Law", you’ll learn why the viral “gotcha” about Israel’s Law of Return and the Brother Daniel case doesn’t unravel the Jewish claim to the land, but actually reveals the deep, complex evolution of Jewish identity in the modern world. Aylana Meisel cuts through the half-truths, exposing how history, law, exile, survival and sovereignty collide in ways most commentators conveniently ignore. You’ll walk away understanding not just what the Law of Return really says, but what Israel’s identity debates teach the entire West about nationhood, borders and self-determination in an age allergic to all three. Tucker Carlson tried to pull the rug out from under Israel’s very foundation, but what if the real story completely flips the script? In this episode of "Basic Law", you’ll learn why the viral “gotcha” about Israel’s Law of Return and the Brother Daniel case doesn’t unravel the Jewish claim to the land, but actually reveals the deep, complex evolution of Jewish identity in the modern world. Aylana Meisel cuts through the half-truths, exposing how history, law, exile, survival and sovereignty collide in ways most commentators conveniently ignore. You’ll walk away understanding not just what the Law of Return really says, but what Israel’s identity debates teach the entire West about nationhood, borders and self-determination in an age allergic to all three.

]]> 717 no The case for a new democratic chamber—and why it could fix Israeli politics Israelis don’t just disagree about judicial reform, they’re losing faith in the entire governing machine: how laws get made, who actually represents voters and why unelected legal power keeps swallowing elected authority. Guest Amiad Cohen lays out a provocative “reset button” idea: a second legislative chamber, an Israeli-style Senate, built to slow legislation, force compromise, restore trust and break the hostage-taking dynamics of coalition politics, while also reshaping appointments, oversight and even how prosecutions of elected officials should work. You’ll come away understanding why the current system incentivizes chaos and why this proposed fix could either cool Israel’s internal civil war… or ignite an even bigger one. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:51:00 -0000 full JNS Israelis don’t just disagree about judicial reform, they’re losing faith in the entire governing machine: how laws get made, who actually represents voters and why unelected legal power keeps swallowing elected authority. Guest Amiad Cohen lays out a provocative “reset button” idea: a second legislative chamber, an Israeli-style Senate, built to slow legislation, force compromise, restore trust and break the hostage-taking dynamics of coalition politics, while also reshaping appointments, oversight and even how prosecutions of elected officials should work. You’ll come away understanding why the current system incentivizes chaos and why this proposed fix could either cool Israel’s internal civil war… or ignite an even bigger one. Israelis don’t just disagree about judicial reform, they’re losing faith in the entire governing machine: how laws get made, who actually represents voters and why unelected legal power keeps swallowing elected authority. Guest Amiad Cohen lays out a provocative “reset button” idea: a second legislative chamber, an Israeli-style Senate, built to slow legislation, force compromise, restore trust and break the hostage-taking dynamics of coalition politics, while also reshaping appointments, oversight and even how prosecutions of elected officials should work. You’ll come away understanding why the current system incentivizes chaos and why this proposed fix could either cool Israel’s internal civil war… or ignite an even bigger one.

]]> 2984 no Trump's Gaza Plan and His Big Hamas Problem Just when Israel finally closes the chapter on October 7th and brings every hostage home, a far bigger geopolitical gamble quietly takes center stage. In this episode of Basic Law, Middle East expert Dr. Mike Doran unpacks President Trump’s controversial new “Board of Peace” a sweeping international framework that could redefine how Gaza is governed, how Hamas is disarmed and even how global conflict is managed beyond the Middle East. Viewers will learn why this plan bypasses the UN, why Arab states are hesitant to enforce it and the uncomfortable truth about who (if anyone) is actually willing to take Hamas’s weapons away....revealing a high-stakes experiment that may shape Israel’s security and the future world order itself. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:38:00 -0000 full JNS Just when Israel finally closes the chapter on October 7th and brings every hostage home, a far bigger geopolitical gamble quietly takes center stage. In this episode of Basic Law, Middle East expert Dr. Mike Doran unpacks President Trump’s controversial new “Board of Peace” a sweeping international framework that could redefine how Gaza is governed, how Hamas is disarmed and even how global conflict is managed beyond the Middle East. Viewers will learn why this plan bypasses the UN, why Arab states are hesitant to enforce it and the uncomfortable truth about who (if anyone) is actually willing to take Hamas’s weapons away....revealing a high-stakes experiment that may shape Israel’s security and the future world order itself. Just when Israel finally closes the chapter on October 7th and brings every hostage home, a far bigger geopolitical gamble quietly takes center stage. In this episode of Basic Law, Middle East expert Dr. Mike Doran unpacks President Trump’s controversial new “Board of Peace” a sweeping international framework that could redefine how Gaza is governed, how Hamas is disarmed and even how global conflict is managed beyond the Middle East. Viewers will learn why this plan bypasses the UN, why Arab states are hesitant to enforce it and the uncomfortable truth about who (if anyone) is actually willing to take Hamas’s weapons away....revealing a high-stakes experiment that may shape Israel’s security and the future world order itself.

]]> 2990 no UN Shields Tyrants As U.S. Battleships Steam Towards Iran Iran’s streets are running red and the regime is trying to make it invisible, cutting the internet so mass killing becomes “plausible deniability.” This episode of "Basic Law" uses that horror to expose something bigger: how the post-1945 UN system, built to prevent catastrophe, too often rewards process over results, allowing tyrants to hide behind sovereignty, vetoes, “draft language” and endless investigations. You’ll learn why the UN repeatedly stalls when action is costly (from Rwanda and Srebrenica to Syria and Iran), how dictatorships can capture human-rights bodies and why the same institutions that move fast to condemn Israel can stay silent while Iranians are hunted in hospitals. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:18:00 -0000 full JNS Iran’s streets are running red and the regime is trying to make it invisible, cutting the internet so mass killing becomes “plausible deniability.” This episode of "Basic Law" uses that horror to expose something bigger: how the post-1945 UN system, built to prevent catastrophe, too often rewards process over results, allowing tyrants to hide behind sovereignty, vetoes, “draft language” and endless investigations. You’ll learn why the UN repeatedly stalls when action is costly (from Rwanda and Srebrenica to Syria and Iran), how dictatorships can capture human-rights bodies and why the same institutions that move fast to condemn Israel can stay silent while Iranians are hunted in hospitals. Iran’s streets are running red and the regime is trying to make it invisible, cutting the internet so mass killing becomes “plausible deniability.” This episode of "Basic Law" uses that horror to expose something bigger: how the post-1945 UN system, built to prevent catastrophe, too often rewards process over results, allowing tyrants to hide behind sovereignty, vetoes, “draft language” and endless investigations. You’ll learn why the UN repeatedly stalls when action is costly (from Rwanda and Srebrenica to Syria and Iran), how dictatorships can capture human-rights bodies and why the same institutions that move fast to condemn Israel can stay silent while Iranians are hunted in hospitals.

]]> 661 no The Crime Without a Definition: Fixing Israel’s Vague ‘Breach of Trust’ Law As Iran’s streets fill with protesters paying in blood for the basic right to vote, speak and dissent, Basic Law turns the camera inward and asks a sharper question: are Israelis, in the middle of their own democratic trench warfare, about to rewrite criminal law for principled reasons or for perfectly timed political gain? Host Aylana Meisel uses a “magic trick” to strip the personalities out of the debate and walk you through the real issue: Israel’s fraud and breach of trust offense is so vague it can turn “unethical” into “criminal” after the fact, empowering prosecutors and judges to enforce intuition instead of clear rules. You’ll learn why top legal scholars across Israel’s ideological spectrum have warned about this for decades, how a landmark Supreme Court case exposed the law’s arbitrariness and why global democracies are moving away from catch-all corruption charges. The result is a gripping framework for spotting the difference between rule of law and rule by headline...right when it matters most. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full JNS As Iran’s streets fill with protesters paying in blood for the basic right to vote, speak and dissent, Basic Law turns the camera inward and asks a sharper question: are Israelis, in the middle of their own democratic trench warfare, about to rewrite criminal law for principled reasons or for perfectly timed political gain? Host Aylana Meisel uses a “magic trick” to strip the personalities out of the debate and walk you through the real issue: Israel’s fraud and breach of trust offense is so vague it can turn “unethical” into “criminal” after the fact, empowering prosecutors and judges to enforce intuition instead of clear rules. You’ll learn why top legal scholars across Israel’s ideological spectrum have warned about this for decades, how a landmark Supreme Court case exposed the law’s arbitrariness and why global democracies are moving away from catch-all corruption charges. The result is a gripping framework for spotting the difference between rule of law and rule by headline...right when it matters most. As Iran’s streets fill with protesters paying in blood for the basic right to vote, speak and dissent, Basic Law turns the camera inward and asks a sharper question: are Israelis, in the middle of their own democratic trench warfare, about to rewrite criminal law for principled reasons or for perfectly timed political gain? Host Aylana Meisel uses a “magic trick” to strip the personalities out of the debate and walk you through the real issue: Israel’s fraud and breach of trust offense is so vague it can turn “unethical” into “criminal” after the fact, empowering prosecutors and judges to enforce intuition instead of clear rules. You’ll learn why top legal scholars across Israel’s ideological spectrum have warned about this for decades, how a landmark Supreme Court case exposed the law’s arbitrariness and why global democracies are moving away from catch-all corruption charges. The result is a gripping framework for spotting the difference between rule of law and rule by headline...right when it matters most.

]]> 1362 no How Can the Law Limit Mamdani’s Policy Agenda? New York City changed overnight and for many Jews, the warning signs are flashing red. The swearing-in of Mayor Zohran Mamdani set off a chain reaction: key antisemitism protections erased, BDS barriers dismantled and a political signal that leaves Jewish safety feeling negotiable. But panic isn’t the answer. Constitutional lawyer Mark Goldfeder lays out the real story behind the symbolism, the legal traps ahead and the surprisingly powerful tools still available. He lists everything New Yorkers can use to fight back when politics turn hostile: from federal civil rights law to the FACE Act. This isn’t a discussion about fear. It’s about leverage, law and what actually protects a community when the guardrails come down. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:50:00 -0000 full JNS New York City changed overnight and for many Jews, the warning signs are flashing red. The swearing-in of Mayor Zohran Mamdani set off a chain reaction: key antisemitism protections erased, BDS barriers dismantled and a political signal that leaves Jewish safety feeling negotiable. But panic isn’t the answer. Constitutional lawyer Mark Goldfeder lays out the real story behind the symbolism, the legal traps ahead and the surprisingly powerful tools still available. He lists everything New Yorkers can use to fight back when politics turn hostile: from federal civil rights law to the FACE Act. This isn’t a discussion about fear. It’s about leverage, law and what actually protects a community when the guardrails come down. New York City changed overnight and for many Jews, the warning signs are flashing red. The swearing-in of Mayor Zohran Mamdani set off a chain reaction: key antisemitism protections erased, BDS barriers dismantled and a political signal that leaves Jewish safety feeling negotiable. But panic isn’t the answer. Constitutional lawyer Mark Goldfeder lays out the real story behind the symbolism, the legal traps ahead and the surprisingly powerful tools still available. He lists everything New Yorkers can use to fight back when politics turn hostile: from federal civil rights law to the FACE Act. This isn’t a discussion about fear. It’s about leverage, law and what actually protects a community when the guardrails come down.

]]> 2067 no Israel's Legal Elite Have a Power Problem But A Solution Already Exists Most coverage of Israeli law gets one thing disastrously wrong and that misunderstanding is now shaping Israel’s political future. In this episode of "Basic Law", we pull back the curtain on the immense, largely unexamined power of Israel’s Attorney General, why reform efforts didn’t begin with today’s government and how decades of legal drift quietly reshaped Israeli democracy. From absurd media narratives to historic showdowns that changed elections, this conversation reveals why the real battle isn’t left versus right, but accountability versus unchecked authority. If you think this debate is new, partisan, or simple, this episode will force you to rethink everything. Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:36:00 -0000 full JNS Most coverage of Israeli law gets one thing disastrously wrong and that misunderstanding is now shaping Israel’s political future. In this episode of "Basic Law", we pull back the curtain on the immense, largely unexamined power of Israel’s Attorney General, why reform efforts didn’t begin with today’s government and how decades of legal drift quietly reshaped Israeli democracy. From absurd media narratives to historic showdowns that changed elections, this conversation reveals why the real battle isn’t left versus right, but accountability versus unchecked authority. If you think this debate is new, partisan, or simple, this episode will force you to rethink everything. Most coverage of Israeli law gets one thing disastrously wrong and that misunderstanding is now shaping Israel’s political future. In this episode of "Basic Law", we pull back the curtain on the immense, largely unexamined power of Israel’s Attorney General, why reform efforts didn’t begin with today’s government and how decades of legal drift quietly reshaped Israeli democracy. From absurd media narratives to historic showdowns that changed elections, this conversation reveals why the real battle isn’t left versus right, but accountability versus unchecked authority. If you think this debate is new, partisan, or simple, this episode will force you to rethink everything.

]]> 1286 no They 'Globalized the Intifada'...Should America Ban the Chant Now? Aylana Meisel-Diament sits down with former Palau Supreme Court Justice and U.S. constitutional scholar Greg Dolin to tackle one of the most uncomfortable and urgent questions facing Jewish communities today. As cities like London and possibly Sydney begin criminalizing antisemitic slogans, America’s First Amendment protections collide with real-world threats to Jews in public, at universities and even in religious institutions. Can free speech coexist with safety? Or is censorship feeding the very extremism it seeks to contain? And what course of action should American Jews pursue? Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:04:00 -0000 full JNS Aylana Meisel-Diament sits down with former Palau Supreme Court Justice and U.S. constitutional scholar Greg Dolin to tackle one of the most uncomfortable and urgent questions facing Jewish communities today. As cities like London and possibly Sydney begin criminalizing antisemitic slogans, America’s First Amendment protections collide with real-world threats to Jews in public, at universities and even in religious institutions. Can free speech coexist with safety? Or is censorship feeding the very extremism it seeks to contain? And what course of action should American Jews pursue? Aylana Meisel-Diament sits down with former Palau Supreme Court Justice and U.S. constitutional scholar Greg Dolin to tackle one of the most uncomfortable and urgent questions facing Jewish communities today. As cities like London and possibly Sydney begin criminalizing antisemitic slogans, America’s First Amendment protections collide with real-world threats to Jews in public, at universities and even in religious institutions. Can free speech coexist with safety? Or is censorship feeding the very extremism it seeks to contain? And what course of action should American Jews pursue?

]]> 2620 no A Quiet Israeli Ruling With Global Consequences A controversial court ruling in Israel collided with a global wave of antisemitic violence and the consequences may be far bigger than most people realize. As Jews mourn a brutal Hanukkah massacre in Australia and attacks surge across the West, Israel finds itself paralyzed by an unelected official wielding extraordinary power at the worst possible moment. In this episode, we explore why Israel’s internal political fracture isn’t just a domestic legal fight. Drawing on history, Hanukkah’s hard lessons and today’s alarming reality, this conversation asks a dangerous question: when Israel cannot fully govern itself, who ultimately pays the price? Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:32:00 -0000 full JNS A controversial court ruling in Israel collided with a global wave of antisemitic violence and the consequences may be far bigger than most people realize. As Jews mourn a brutal Hanukkah massacre in Australia and attacks surge across the West, Israel finds itself paralyzed by an unelected official wielding extraordinary power at the worst possible moment. In this episode, we explore why Israel’s internal political fracture isn’t just a domestic legal fight. Drawing on history, Hanukkah’s hard lessons and today’s alarming reality, this conversation asks a dangerous question: when Israel cannot fully govern itself, who ultimately pays the price? A controversial court ruling in Israel collided with a global wave of antisemitic violence and the consequences may be far bigger than most people realize. As Jews mourn a brutal Hanukkah massacre in Australia and attacks surge across the West, Israel finds itself paralyzed by an unelected official wielding extraordinary power at the worst possible moment. In this episode, we explore why Israel’s internal political fracture isn’t just a domestic legal fight. Drawing on history, Hanukkah’s hard lessons and today’s alarming reality, this conversation asks a dangerous question: when Israel cannot fully govern itself, who ultimately pays the price?

]]> 819 no Don't Look Away! Israel’s Next Battle: Death Penalty for Terrorists Israel is once again confronting the unthinkable: should terrorists be executed? Amid the chaos of political drama, like Itamar Ben-Gvir’s noose pin stunt, the real debate is getting lost. This episode of "Basic Law" slices through the noise to examine the moral, legal and strategic stakes of a renewed push for the death penalty. From historical trauma to October 7th, from Jewish law to the failures of past prisoner swaps, Aylana discusses all the factors behind this landmark debate in Israel. Is the bill a genuine shift or just a signal in an election year culture war? Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:47:00 -0000 full JNS Israel is once again confronting the unthinkable: should terrorists be executed? Amid the chaos of political drama, like Itamar Ben-Gvir’s noose pin stunt, the real debate is getting lost. This episode of "Basic Law" slices through the noise to examine the moral, legal and strategic stakes of a renewed push for the death penalty. From historical trauma to October 7th, from Jewish law to the failures of past prisoner swaps, Aylana discusses all the factors behind this landmark debate in Israel. Is the bill a genuine shift or just a signal in an election year culture war? Israel is once again confronting the unthinkable: should terrorists be executed? Amid the chaos of political drama, like Itamar Ben-Gvir’s noose pin stunt, the real debate is getting lost. This episode of "Basic Law" slices through the noise to examine the moral, legal and strategic stakes of a renewed push for the death penalty. From historical trauma to October 7th, from Jewish law to the failures of past prisoner swaps, Aylana discusses all the factors behind this landmark debate in Israel. Is the bill a genuine shift or just a signal in an election year culture war?

]]> 786 no Shedding Light On Israel's Need for Structural Reform Israel’s latest legal scandal isn’t just about one leaked video or one reckless military advocate general, it’s a flashing red warning light for the entire constitutional future of the Jewish state. In this episode of "Basic Law," Aylana Meisel-Diament exposes how a single alleged cover‑up spiraled into a labyrinth of judicial self‑policing, political power struggles and a legal system so insulated it may no longer answer to the people it governs. From Supreme Court justices sitting atop every major decision‑making body to a MAG office investigating itself, this case reveals a deeper crisis: can the rule of law survive when those who enforce it are accountable only to themselves? Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:34:00 -0000 full JNS Israel’s latest legal scandal isn’t just about one leaked video or one reckless military advocate general, it’s a flashing red warning light for the entire constitutional future of the Jewish state. In this episode of "Basic Law," Aylana Meisel-Diament exposes how a single alleged cover‑up spiraled into a labyrinth of judicial self‑policing, political power struggles and a legal system so insulated it may no longer answer to the people it governs. From Supreme Court justices sitting atop every major decision‑making body to a MAG office investigating itself, this case reveals a deeper crisis: can the rule of law survive when those who enforce it are accountable only to themselves? Israel’s latest legal scandal isn’t just about one leaked video or one reckless military advocate general, it’s a flashing red warning light for the entire constitutional future of the Jewish state. In this episode of "Basic Law," Aylana Meisel-Diament exposes how a single alleged cover‑up spiraled into a labyrinth of judicial self‑policing, political power struggles and a legal system so insulated it may no longer answer to the people it governs. From Supreme Court justices sitting atop every major decision‑making body to a MAG office investigating itself, this case reveals a deeper crisis: can the rule of law survive when those who enforce it are accountable only to themselves?


]]> 703 no Major Israeli Official Caught in Cover-Up and It's Getting Ugly! A scandal of historic proportions has rocked Israel’s legal system. The military’s top legal officer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, is accused of illegally leaking doctored security footage during wartime, allegedly to smear IDF reservists. The leak triggered riots, international outrage and a cover-up that reached all the way to Israel’s Supreme Court. Now, shocking evidence reveals a web of lies, destroyed phones and possibly a staged suicide attempt, all pointing to deep dysfunction and politicization inside Israel’s law enforcement elite. Legal scholar Yonatan Green joins Basic Law to unpack the explosive implications for civil-military relations, judicial supremacy and the future of Israeli democracy. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:49:00 -0000 full JNS A scandal of historic proportions has rocked Israel’s legal system. The military’s top legal officer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, is accused of illegally leaking doctored security footage during wartime, allegedly to smear IDF reservists. The leak triggered riots, international outrage and a cover-up that reached all the way to Israel’s Supreme Court. Now, shocking evidence reveals a web of lies, destroyed phones and possibly a staged suicide attempt, all pointing to deep dysfunction and politicization inside Israel’s law enforcement elite. Legal scholar Yonatan Green joins Basic Law to unpack the explosive implications for civil-military relations, judicial supremacy and the future of Israeli democracy. A scandal of historic proportions has rocked Israel’s legal system. The military’s top legal officer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, is accused of illegally leaking doctored security footage during wartime, allegedly to smear IDF reservists. The leak triggered riots, international outrage and a cover-up that reached all the way to Israel’s Supreme Court. Now, shocking evidence reveals a web of lies, destroyed phones and possibly a staged suicide attempt, all pointing to deep dysfunction and politicization inside Israel’s law enforcement elite. Legal scholar Yonatan Green joins Basic Law to unpack the explosive implications for civil-military relations, judicial supremacy and the future of Israeli democracy.

]]> 2240 no Inside Israel’s War Over the October 7 Commission of Inquiry In this episode of "Basic Law," host Aylana Meisel dives deep into the fierce legal and political battle over how Israel will investigate the failures of October 7. Featuring expert commentary from Dr. Yaakov Ben Shemesh, the show explores the clash between Israel's government, its Attorney General and the Supreme Court over the formation of a commission of inquiry. At stake: not only national accountability for one of Israel’s darkest days, but also the power to shape the official narrative. Will the inquiry be truly independent or will it be politically weaponized? Meisel and Ben Shemesh break down the two competing legal paths for forming such a commission, the historic precedents and the explosive tensions between Israel’s judiciary and executive branches. With elections looming and public trust eroding, this episode asks: who gets to write Israel’s history, and can the truth survive the politics? Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:19:00 -0000 full JNS In this episode of "Basic Law," host Aylana Meisel dives deep into the fierce legal and political battle over how Israel will investigate the failures of October 7. Featuring expert commentary from Dr. Yaakov Ben Shemesh, the show explores the clash between Israel's government, its Attorney General and the Supreme Court over the formation of a commission of inquiry. At stake: not only national accountability for one of Israel’s darkest days, but also the power to shape the official narrative. Will the inquiry be truly independent or will it be politically weaponized? Meisel and Ben Shemesh break down the two competing legal paths for forming such a commission, the historic precedents and the explosive tensions between Israel’s judiciary and executive branches. With elections looming and public trust eroding, this episode asks: who gets to write Israel’s history, and can the truth survive the politics? In this episode of "Basic Law," host Aylana Meisel dives deep into the fierce legal and political battle over how Israel will investigate the failures of October 7. Featuring expert commentary from Dr. Yaakov Ben Shemesh, the show explores the clash between Israel's government, its Attorney General and the Supreme Court over the formation of a commission of inquiry. At stake: not only national accountability for one of Israel’s darkest days, but also the power to shape the official narrative. Will the inquiry be truly independent or will it be politically weaponized? Meisel and Ben Shemesh break down the two competing legal paths for forming such a commission, the historic precedents and the explosive tensions between Israel’s judiciary and executive branches. With elections looming and public trust eroding, this episode asks: who gets to write Israel’s history, and can the truth survive the politics?

]]> 2293 no American Lawsuits Challenge Palestinian Terror and Campus Hate As the United States presses for a Gaza ceasefire and world powers search for “moderate” Palestinian leadership, a major legal development in American courts is challenging the very foundation of those diplomatic efforts. In this episode of “Basic Law,” host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, Founder of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, to discuss the extraordinary lawsuits now reshaping the conversation on terrorism and antisemitism in America. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:27:00 -0000 full JNS As the United States presses for a Gaza ceasefire and world powers search for “moderate” Palestinian leadership, a major legal development in American courts is challenging the very foundation of those diplomatic efforts. In this episode of “Basic Law,” host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, Founder of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, to discuss the extraordinary lawsuits now reshaping the conversation on terrorism and antisemitism in America. As the United States presses for a Gaza ceasefire and world powers search for “moderate” Palestinian leadership, a major legal development in American courts is challenging the very foundation of those diplomatic efforts. In this episode of “Basic Law,” host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, Founder of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, to discuss the extraordinary lawsuits now reshaping the conversation on terrorism and antisemitism in America.

]]> 2273 no The difficult conversation we're not having about hostage deals In one of the most emotionally charged weeks in Israel’s modern history, “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, confronts the hardest question of all: When life is sacred, how do you measure its worth?  As Israeli families rejoice at the return of their loved ones, the nation also grapples with the unbearable price: 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists, now walking free. This episode features Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, author of Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality, for a profound conversation about the moral, legal and spiritual costs of hostage exchanges in Israel’s ongoing struggle for security. Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:21:00 -0000 full JNS In one of the most emotionally charged weeks in Israel’s modern history, “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, confronts the hardest question of all: When life is sacred, how do you measure its worth?  As Israeli families rejoice at the return of their loved ones, the nation also grapples with the unbearable price: 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists, now walking free. This episode features Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, author of Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality, for a profound conversation about the moral, legal and spiritual costs of hostage exchanges in Israel’s ongoing struggle for security. In one of the most emotionally charged weeks in Israel’s modern history, “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, confronts the hardest question of all: When life is sacred, how do you measure its worth? 

As Israeli families rejoice at the return of their loved ones, the nation also grapples with the unbearable price: 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists, now walking free. This episode features Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, author of Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality, for a profound conversation about the moral, legal and spiritual costs of hostage exchanges in Israel’s ongoing struggle for security.

]]> 2041 no UN resolutions, sanctions and lawfare: What Palestinian recognition really means What does it really mean when countries like France, Britain and Australia “recognize” a Palestinian state, and how could it impact Israel’s sovereignty, diplomacy, and security? In this episode of "Basic Law," hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we take a deep dive into one of the most consequential debates shaping Israel’s future. Joining the discussion is International law expert Eugene Kontorovich, who explains why symbolic recognitions may seem hollow but could open the door to dangerous precedents at the United Nations, sanctions campaigns modeled on South Africa and pressure to erode Israel’s control over its own borders. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:11:00 -0000 full JNS What does it really mean when countries like France, Britain and Australia “recognize” a Palestinian state, and how could it impact Israel’s sovereignty, diplomacy, and security? In this episode of "Basic Law," hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we take a deep dive into one of the most consequential debates shaping Israel’s future. Joining the discussion is International law expert Eugene Kontorovich, who explains why symbolic recognitions may seem hollow but could open the door to dangerous precedents at the United Nations, sanctions campaigns modeled on South Africa and pressure to erode Israel’s control over its own borders. What does it really mean when countries like France, Britain and Australia “recognize” a Palestinian state, and how could it impact Israel’s sovereignty, diplomacy, and security? In this episode of "Basic Law," hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we take a deep dive into one of the most consequential debates shaping Israel’s future.

Joining the discussion is International law expert Eugene Kontorovich, who explains why symbolic recognitions may seem hollow but could open the door to dangerous precedents at the United Nations, sanctions campaigns modeled on South Africa and pressure to erode Israel’s control over its own borders.

]]> 2266 UN Report Shattered and Israel Genocide Claims Collapse (w/John Spencer) As Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza City intensifies, the UN Human Rights Council has once again leveled accusations of genocide against the Jewish state. Their newly released 72-page report, produced by a commission riddled with members already on record as anti-Israel, ignores Hamas’s crimes and skews casualty data to present a distorted narrative. Behind the headlines, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. In this episode of Basic Law, we cut through the noise clouding global discourse on Israel’s war of survival. Host Aylana Meisel is joined by John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum and Director of the Urban Warfare Institute. Together, they dissect the myths, the misused legal terminology and the unprecedented challenges Israel faces as it moves into one of the most complex urban battlefields in modern history. Spencer explains why terms like genocide, proportionality, and ethnic cleansing are being recklessly misapplied by international bodies and activists and why this undermines both critical thinking and the very laws of war. He also outlines the IDF’s extraordinary efforts to protect civilians, from mass evacuation warnings to daily humanitarian pauses and why Hamas’s strategy is less “human shielding” than deliberate “human sacrifice.” Learn how the truth of urban warfare, international law and Israel’s moral dilemmas differs from the headlines and why it matters for the future of democratic nations everywhere. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:26:00 -0000 full JNS As Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza City intensifies, the UN Human Rights Council has once again leveled accusations of genocide against the Jewish state. Their newly released 72-page report, produced by a commission riddled with members already on record as anti-Israel, ignores Hamas’s crimes and skews casualty data to present a distorted narrative. Behind the headlines, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. In this episode of Basic Law, we cut through the noise clouding global discourse on Israel’s war of survival. Host Aylana Meisel is joined by John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum and Director of the Urban Warfare Institute. Together, they dissect the myths, the misused legal terminology and the unprecedented challenges Israel faces as it moves into one of the most complex urban battlefields in modern history. Spencer explains why terms like genocide, proportionality, and ethnic cleansing are being recklessly misapplied by international bodies and activists and why this undermines both critical thinking and the very laws of war. He also outlines the IDF’s extraordinary efforts to protect civilians, from mass evacuation warnings to daily humanitarian pauses and why Hamas’s strategy is less “human shielding” than deliberate “human sacrifice.” Learn how the truth of urban warfare, international law and Israel’s moral dilemmas differs from the headlines and why it matters for the future of democratic nations everywhere. As Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza City intensifies, the UN Human Rights Council has once again leveled accusations of genocide against the Jewish state. Their newly released 72-page report, produced by a commission riddled with members already on record as anti-Israel, ignores Hamas’s crimes and skews casualty data to present a distorted narrative. Behind the headlines, the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

In this episode of Basic Law, we cut through the noise clouding global discourse on Israel’s war of survival. Host Aylana Meisel is joined by John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum and Director of the Urban Warfare Institute. Together, they dissect the myths, the misused legal terminology and the unprecedented challenges Israel faces as it moves into one of the most complex urban battlefields in modern history.

Spencer explains why terms like genocide, proportionality, and ethnic cleansing are being recklessly misapplied by international bodies and activists and why this undermines both critical thinking and the very laws of war. He also outlines the IDF’s extraordinary efforts to protect civilians, from mass evacuation warnings to daily humanitarian pauses and why Hamas’s strategy is less “human shielding” than deliberate “human sacrifice.”

Learn how the truth of urban warfare, international law and Israel’s moral dilemmas differs from the headlines and why it matters for the future of democratic nations everywhere.


]]> 2709 The UN, the PLO, and U.S. Law: Breaking Down the Palestinian Statehood Debate Visa denials, Palestinian statehood and the legal limits of diplomacy take center stage in this episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. As the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, the global push to recognize a Palestinian state reaches a tipping point, with major Western powers like France, Britain and Canada endorsing unilateral recognition. But the United States has pushed back on national security grounds, most notably by denying visas to over 80 Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas. Joining the episode to help us better understand the legal, diplomatic and historical dimensions of this high-stakes moment is Judge Abraham D. Sofaer, former U.S. District Court Judge and former Legal Adviser to the U.S. State Department. Together, Meisel and Sofaer explore the legal authority behind America's actions, the legacy of prior visa denials (including the pivotal refusal of entry to Yasser Arafat) and how international agreements like the UN Headquarters Agreement intersect with U.S. sovereignty and congressional mandates. Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:05:00 -0000 full JNS Visa denials, Palestinian statehood and the legal limits of diplomacy take center stage in this episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. As the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, the global push to recognize a Palestinian state reaches a tipping point, with major Western powers like France, Britain and Canada endorsing unilateral recognition. But the United States has pushed back on national security grounds, most notably by denying visas to over 80 Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas. Joining the episode to help us better understand the legal, diplomatic and historical dimensions of this high-stakes moment is Judge Abraham D. Sofaer, former U.S. District Court Judge and former Legal Adviser to the U.S. State Department. Together, Meisel and Sofaer explore the legal authority behind America's actions, the legacy of prior visa denials (including the pivotal refusal of entry to Yasser Arafat) and how international agreements like the UN Headquarters Agreement intersect with U.S. sovereignty and congressional mandates. Visa denials, Palestinian statehood and the legal limits of diplomacy take center stage in this episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. As the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, the global push to recognize a Palestinian state reaches a tipping point, with major Western powers like France, Britain and Canada endorsing unilateral recognition. But the United States has pushed back on national security grounds, most notably by denying visas to over 80 Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas. Joining the episode to help us better understand the legal, diplomatic and historical dimensions of this high-stakes moment is Judge Abraham D. Sofaer, former U.S. District Court Judge and former Legal Adviser to the U.S. State Department. Together, Meisel and Sofaer explore the legal authority behind America's actions, the legacy of prior visa denials (including the pivotal refusal of entry to Yasser Arafat) and how international agreements like the UN Headquarters Agreement intersect with U.S. sovereignty and congressional mandates.

]]> 2166 no October 7th's Hidden Crimes: The Fight to Rewrite International Law In this “Basic Law" episode, Aylana Meisel and Dr. Ilya Rudiak pull the camera tight on Oct. 7, 2023 and argue it wasn’t just a massacre, it was the deliberate weaponization of the family itself. They name the crime ‘Kinoside’ and trace six chilling patterns that repeat across the day: loved ones murdered before each other’s eyes, entire households erased, parents and children abducted as units, families torn apart by force, horrors live-streamed from victims’ own accounts and homes torched or desecrated as a final violation. Naming matters, they contend. Kinoside gives prosecutors a precise tool and gives victims the language to be heard. The conversation maps immediate legal pathways: crimes against humanity, war crimes, elements within genocide, and torture—showing how courts could recognize kinocidal conduct today under the Rome Statute’s “other inhumane acts” and cruel or inhuman treatment. Just as crucial, they draw a bright line between Kinoside and tragic but unintended civilian harm from lawful strikes. Finally, they chart the road ahead: judicial rulings, domestic codification and coalition-building among victims and scholars. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 15:36:00 -0000 full JNS In this “Basic Law" episode, Aylana Meisel and Dr. Ilya Rudiak pull the camera tight on Oct. 7, 2023 and argue it wasn’t just a massacre, it was the deliberate weaponization of the family itself. They name the crime ‘Kinoside’ and trace six chilling patterns that repeat across the day: loved ones murdered before each other’s eyes, entire households erased, parents and children abducted as units, families torn apart by force, horrors live-streamed from victims’ own accounts and homes torched or desecrated as a final violation. Naming matters, they contend. Kinoside gives prosecutors a precise tool and gives victims the language to be heard. The conversation maps immediate legal pathways: crimes against humanity, war crimes, elements within genocide, and torture—showing how courts could recognize kinocidal conduct today under the Rome Statute’s “other inhumane acts” and cruel or inhuman treatment. Just as crucial, they draw a bright line between Kinoside and tragic but unintended civilian harm from lawful strikes. Finally, they chart the road ahead: judicial rulings, domestic codification and coalition-building among victims and scholars. In this “Basic Law" episode, Aylana Meisel and Dr. Ilya Rudiak pull the camera tight on Oct. 7, 2023 and argue it wasn’t just a massacre, it was the deliberate weaponization of the family itself.

They name the crime ‘Kinoside’ and trace six chilling patterns that repeat across the day: loved ones murdered before each other’s eyes, entire households erased, parents and children abducted as units, families torn apart by force, horrors live-streamed from victims’ own accounts and homes torched or desecrated as a final violation.

Naming matters, they contend. Kinoside gives prosecutors a precise tool and gives victims the language to be heard.

The conversation maps immediate legal pathways: crimes against humanity, war crimes, elements within genocide, and torture—showing how courts could recognize kinocidal conduct today under the Rome Statute’s “other inhumane acts” and cruel or inhuman treatment.

Just as crucial, they draw a bright line between Kinoside and tragic but unintended civilian harm from lawful strikes. Finally, they chart the road ahead: judicial rulings, domestic codification and coalition-building among victims and scholars.


]]> 2051 no Democracy on trial: Is Australia sliding away from free speech? (MK Simcha Rothman) In this episode of “Basic Law,” host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with two special guests: Robert Gregory, head of the Australian Jewish Association, and Simcha Rothman, Member of Knesset, to unpack Australia’s shocking visa bans against mainstream Israeli political figures. Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:14:00 -0000 full JNS In this episode of “Basic Law,” host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with two special guests: Robert Gregory, head of the Australian Jewish Association, and Simcha Rothman, Member of Knesset, to unpack Australia’s shocking visa bans against mainstream Israeli political figures. In this episode of “Basic Law,” host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with two special guests: Robert Gregory, head of the Australian Jewish Association, and Simcha Rothman, Member of Knesset, to unpack Australia’s shocking visa bans against mainstream Israeli political figures.


]]> 2229 no Israel’s Legal Showdown In the Middle of War Israel’s legal system is colliding with wartime decision-making and the consequences could reshape the country’s future.  In this episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, veteran legal scholar Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shemesh returns to unpack a series of unprecedented legal interventions that are influencing Israel’s military and political strategies during the war in Gaza. Chapters 00:00 Clash of Powers in Israel 02:46 Legal World and Military Policy 06:08 Hostage Crisis and Legal Implications 08:56 Judicial Oversight and National Security 11:54 Attorney General Dismissal Controversy 14:41 Political Chaos and Legal Procedures 17:30 Impact of Academic Opinions on International Law 20:55 Crisis of Trust in Israeli Governance 23:41 Constitutional Crisis and Government Response 26:33 The Role of Academia in Shaping Public Opinion 29:26 Future of Israeli Legal and Political Landscape Thu, 14 Aug 2025 20:34:00 -0000 full JNS Israel’s legal system is colliding with wartime decision-making and the consequences could reshape the country’s future.  In this episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, veteran legal scholar Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shemesh returns to unpack a series of unprecedented legal interventions that are influencing Israel’s military and political strategies during the war in Gaza. Chapters 00:00 Clash of Powers in Israel 02:46 Legal World and Military Policy 06:08 Hostage Crisis and Legal Implications 08:56 Judicial Oversight and National Security 11:54 Attorney General Dismissal Controversy 14:41 Political Chaos and Legal Procedures 17:30 Impact of Academic Opinions on International Law 20:55 Crisis of Trust in Israeli Governance 23:41 Constitutional Crisis and Government Response 26:33 The Role of Academia in Shaping Public Opinion 29:26 Future of Israeli Legal and Political Landscape Israel’s legal system is colliding with wartime decision-making and the consequences could reshape the country’s future. 

In this episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, veteran legal scholar Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shemesh returns to unpack a series of unprecedented legal interventions that are influencing Israel’s military and political strategies during the war in Gaza.


Chapters


00:00 Clash of Powers in Israel

02:46 Legal World and Military Policy

06:08 Hostage Crisis and Legal Implications

08:56 Judicial Oversight and National Security

11:54 Attorney General Dismissal Controversy

14:41 Political Chaos and Legal Procedures

17:30 Impact of Academic Opinions on International Law

20:55 Crisis of Trust in Israeli Governance

23:41 Constitutional Crisis and Government Response

26:33 The Role of Academia in Shaping Public Opinion

29:26 Future of Israeli Legal and Political Landscape

]]> 2844 no Palestinian Statehood: Legal Challenges and Political Consequences for Israel Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, explores the critical legal and diplomatic implications of the growing international push for Palestinian statehood. As countries like Canada, the UK and France consider recognizing a Palestinian state, Israel is locked in its ongoing battle with Hamas and contemplating a major military strategy to end the conflict by fully conquering Gaza. What does this shift mean for international law, diplomacy and Israel’s future? Joining Aylana to explore these seismic developments is Elliott Abrams, Chairman of the Tikva Fund and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, one of America’s foremost voices on Middle Eastern diplomacy. Together, they examine the legal standards of statehood, the potential consequences of these recognitions and how these moves affect Israel's standing on the world stage. Chapters 00:00 Shifting Dynamics in Middle Eastern Diplomacy 03:02 Legal Standards and Symbolism of Palestinian Statehood 06:02 Implications of Recognition on Israel's Future 08:41 The Role of International Relations and Trade 11:37 The American Veto and Its Future 14:56 Israel's Assertiveness and Territorial Claims 17:39 The Question of Palestinian Statehood 20:34 Alternatives to the Two-State Solution 23:25 The Political Landscape of Palestinian Statehood 26:30 The Future of Palestinian Governance 29:05 U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Israel 32:31 The Intersection of Law and Politics 35:05 Concluding Thoughts on International Relations Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:08:00 -0000 full JNS Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, explores the critical legal and diplomatic implications of the growing international push for Palestinian statehood. As countries like Canada, the UK and France consider recognizing a Palestinian state, Israel is locked in its ongoing battle with Hamas and contemplating a major military strategy to end the conflict by fully conquering Gaza. What does this shift mean for international law, diplomacy and Israel’s future? Joining Aylana to explore these seismic developments is Elliott Abrams, Chairman of the Tikva Fund and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, one of America’s foremost voices on Middle Eastern diplomacy. Together, they examine the legal standards of statehood, the potential consequences of these recognitions and how these moves affect Israel's standing on the world stage. Chapters 00:00 Shifting Dynamics in Middle Eastern Diplomacy 03:02 Legal Standards and Symbolism of Palestinian Statehood 06:02 Implications of Recognition on Israel's Future 08:41 The Role of International Relations and Trade 11:37 The American Veto and Its Future 14:56 Israel's Assertiveness and Territorial Claims 17:39 The Question of Palestinian Statehood 20:34 Alternatives to the Two-State Solution 23:25 The Political Landscape of Palestinian Statehood 26:30 The Future of Palestinian Governance 29:05 U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Israel 32:31 The Intersection of Law and Politics 35:05 Concluding Thoughts on International Relations Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director at the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, explores the critical legal and diplomatic implications of the growing international push for Palestinian statehood. As countries like Canada, the UK and France consider recognizing a Palestinian state, Israel is locked in its ongoing battle with Hamas and contemplating a major military strategy to end the conflict by fully conquering Gaza. What does this shift mean for international law, diplomacy and Israel’s future? Joining Aylana to explore these seismic developments is Elliott Abrams, Chairman of the Tikva Fund and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, one of America’s foremost voices on Middle Eastern diplomacy. Together, they examine the legal standards of statehood, the potential consequences of these recognitions and how these moves affect Israel's standing on the world stage.

Chapters


00:00 Shifting Dynamics in Middle Eastern Diplomacy

03:02 Legal Standards and Symbolism of Palestinian Statehood

06:02 Implications of Recognition on Israel's Future

08:41 The Role of International Relations and Trade

11:37 The American Veto and Its Future

14:56 Israel's Assertiveness and Territorial Claims

17:39 The Question of Palestinian Statehood

20:34 Alternatives to the Two-State Solution

23:25 The Political Landscape of Palestinian Statehood

26:30 The Future of Palestinian Governance

29:05 U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Israel

32:31 The Intersection of Law and Politics

35:05 Concluding Thoughts on International Relations


]]> 3266 no Unmasking the media's lies about the Gaza aid story Host Aylana Meisel-Diamant, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, gets the facts straight on the complex and often misunderstood issue of humanitarian aid in Gaza. With global powers like France, the UK, and Canada now pushing for Palestinian statehood, Aylana is joined by international law expert and lawyer Yifa Segal to unravel the misleading narratives surrounding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza 09:42 International Law and Humanitarian Aid 19:59 The Role of Aid Organizations 29:48 The Impact of Misinformation on Public Perception Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:23:00 -0000 full JNS Host Aylana Meisel-Diamant, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, gets the facts straight on the complex and often misunderstood issue of humanitarian aid in Gaza. With global powers like France, the UK, and Canada now pushing for Palestinian statehood, Aylana is joined by international law expert and lawyer Yifa Segal to unravel the misleading narratives surrounding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza 09:42 International Law and Humanitarian Aid 19:59 The Role of Aid Organizations 29:48 The Impact of Misinformation on Public Perception Host Aylana Meisel-Diamant, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, gets the facts straight on the complex and often misunderstood issue of humanitarian aid in Gaza. With global powers like France, the UK, and Canada now pushing for Palestinian statehood, Aylana is joined by international law expert and lawyer Yifa Segal to unravel the misleading narratives surrounding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

09:42 International Law and Humanitarian Aid

19:59 The Role of Aid Organizations

29:48 The Impact of Misinformation on Public Perception


]]> 2631 no Weaponization of universal jurisdiction: The latest lawfare against Israel (w/Mark Zell) Host Aylana Meisel is joined by international lawyer Mark Zell, who sheds light on the weaponization of universal jurisdiction, a legal strategy that allows foreign courts to prosecute individuals for alleged crimes committed outside their borders. The show explores how this strategy is being used against Israeli citizens worldwide, with a focus on Belgium, Brazil and Spain, where laws are being misused to pursue political agendas. Mark discusses the implications for Israeli soldiers and the risks they face when traveling abroad, as well as the broader consequences for Israel and its supporters. This episode highlights the case of two Israelis who were detained in Belgium for alleged war crimes due to social media posts related to their IDF service in Gaza. Although they were released, this incident exemplifies a broader phenomenon where Israelis are increasingly being targeted by NGOs using legal frameworks to intimidate and prosecute them for their military service. Chapters 00:00 The Dangers of Lawfare Against Israelis 02:49 Understanding Universal Jurisdiction 06:05 Historical Context of Universal Jurisdiction 09:00 The Evolution of Lawfare Tactics 11:54 Israel's Response to Legal Warfare 15:12 The Role of NGOs in Targeting Israelis 18:02 Legal Remedies and Accountability 20:57 The Implications of Dual Citizenship 23:51 International Courts and Their Influence 26:46 The Future of Lawfare and Universal Jurisdiction Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:35:00 -0000 full JNS Host Aylana Meisel is joined by international lawyer Mark Zell, who sheds light on the weaponization of universal jurisdiction, a legal strategy that allows foreign courts to prosecute individuals for alleged crimes committed outside their borders. The show explores how this strategy is being used against Israeli citizens worldwide, with a focus on Belgium, Brazil and Spain, where laws are being misused to pursue political agendas. Mark discusses the implications for Israeli soldiers and the risks they face when traveling abroad, as well as the broader consequences for Israel and its supporters. This episode highlights the case of two Israelis who were detained in Belgium for alleged war crimes due to social media posts related to their IDF service in Gaza. Although they were released, this incident exemplifies a broader phenomenon where Israelis are increasingly being targeted by NGOs using legal frameworks to intimidate and prosecute them for their military service. Chapters 00:00 The Dangers of Lawfare Against Israelis 02:49 Understanding Universal Jurisdiction 06:05 Historical Context of Universal Jurisdiction 09:00 The Evolution of Lawfare Tactics 11:54 Israel's Response to Legal Warfare 15:12 The Role of NGOs in Targeting Israelis 18:02 Legal Remedies and Accountability 20:57 The Implications of Dual Citizenship 23:51 International Courts and Their Influence 26:46 The Future of Lawfare and Universal Jurisdiction Host Aylana Meisel is joined by international lawyer Mark Zell, who sheds light on the weaponization of universal jurisdiction, a legal strategy that allows foreign courts to prosecute individuals for alleged crimes committed outside their borders. The show explores how this strategy is being used against Israeli citizens worldwide, with a focus on Belgium, Brazil and Spain, where laws are being misused to pursue political agendas. Mark discusses the implications for Israeli soldiers and the risks they face when traveling abroad, as well as the broader consequences for Israel and its supporters. This episode highlights the case of two Israelis who were detained in Belgium for alleged war crimes due to social media posts related to their IDF service in Gaza. Although they were released, this incident exemplifies a broader phenomenon where Israelis are increasingly being targeted by NGOs using legal frameworks to intimidate and prosecute them for their military service. Chapters 00:00 The Dangers of Lawfare Against Israelis 02:49 Understanding Universal Jurisdiction 06:05 Historical Context of Universal Jurisdiction 09:00 The Evolution of Lawfare Tactics 11:54 Israel's Response to Legal Warfare 15:12 The Role of NGOs in Targeting Israelis 18:02 Legal Remedies and Accountability 20:57 The Implications of Dual Citizenship 23:51 International Courts and Their Influence 26:46 The Future of Lawfare and Universal Jurisdiction

]]> 2279 no Israel faces MASSIVE UPHEAVAL: Can it be saved? Is Israeli democracy cracking…or finally correcting course? Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shemesh, a leading constitutional law scholar, to unravel one of the most turbulent weeks in Israel’s political and legal history. From Ambassador Mike Huckabee's surreal appearance at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trial (with a Bugs Bunny doll in hand) to failed attempts to fire the Attorney General, to internal chaos within the coalition and a potential conservative revolt in Israel’s Supreme Court, this episode breaks down what it all means for Israeli democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law. Chapters 00:00 The Role of the Supreme Court in Israeli National Security 07:19 Judicial Influence on Military Operations 15:54 The 2018 Gaza Border Case and Its Consequences 28:11 Political and Military Perspectives on Security Threats 32:47 The Nature of Warfare and Terrorism 34:42 Legal and Moral Dilemmas in Counter-Terrorism 39:37 Humanitarian Aid in Conflict Zones 45:15 Judicial Influence on Military Operations 52:08 The Role of International Humanitarian Law 56:36 Responses to Judicial Intervention in National Security Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0000 full JNS Is Israeli democracy cracking…or finally correcting course? Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shemesh, a leading constitutional law scholar, to unravel one of the most turbulent weeks in Israel’s political and legal history. From Ambassador Mike Huckabee's surreal appearance at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trial (with a Bugs Bunny doll in hand) to failed attempts to fire the Attorney General, to internal chaos within the coalition and a potential conservative revolt in Israel’s Supreme Court, this episode breaks down what it all means for Israeli democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law. Chapters 00:00 The Role of the Supreme Court in Israeli National Security 07:19 Judicial Influence on Military Operations 15:54 The 2018 Gaza Border Case and Its Consequences 28:11 Political and Military Perspectives on Security Threats 32:47 The Nature of Warfare and Terrorism 34:42 Legal and Moral Dilemmas in Counter-Terrorism 39:37 Humanitarian Aid in Conflict Zones 45:15 Judicial Influence on Military Operations 52:08 The Role of International Humanitarian Law 56:36 Responses to Judicial Intervention in National Security Is Israeli democracy cracking…or finally correcting course?

Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shemesh, a leading constitutional law scholar, to unravel one of the most turbulent weeks in Israel’s political and legal history.

From Ambassador Mike Huckabee's surreal appearance at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trial (with a Bugs Bunny doll in hand) to failed attempts to fire the Attorney General, to internal chaos within the coalition and a potential conservative revolt in Israel’s Supreme Court, this episode breaks down what it all means for Israeli democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law. Chapters


00:00 The Role of the Supreme Court in Israeli National Security

07:19 Judicial Influence on Military Operations

15:54 The 2018 Gaza Border Case and Its Consequences

28:11 Political and Military Perspectives on Security Threats

32:47 The Nature of Warfare and Terrorism

34:42 Legal and Moral Dilemmas in Counter-Terrorism

39:37 Humanitarian Aid in Conflict Zones

45:15 Judicial Influence on Military Operations

52:08 The Role of International Humanitarian Law

56:36 Responses to Judicial Intervention in National Security


]]> 2990 no Israeli journalist has brutally honest message for Israel's Supreme Court Is Israel's judicial system endangering its national security? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with veteran investigative journalist Akiva Bigman to expose how unchecked judicial power has reshaped, and even weakened, Israel’s ability to defend itself. Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:00:00 -0000 full JNS Is Israel's judicial system endangering its national security? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with veteran investigative journalist Akiva Bigman to expose how unchecked judicial power has reshaped, and even weakened, Israel’s ability to defend itself. Is Israel's judicial system endangering its national security? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with veteran investigative journalist Akiva Bigman to expose how unchecked judicial power has reshaped, and even weakened, Israel’s ability to defend itself.

]]> 3698 no Military expert tears apart viral Gaza aid story (w/Andrew Fox) Former British military officer and Middle East specialist Andrew Fox joins the show this week to uncover the real story behind the viral “It’s a Killing Field” article. They explore how misleading media coverage, amplified by outlets like Haaretz and CNN, is fueling war-crimes accusations against Israel and threatening to distort legal proceedings in international courts. The conversation gives a thorough explanation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a joint U.S.-Israeli initiative working to deliver aid in a warzone while avoiding Hamas control. Fox, a former British paratrooper with firsthand experience inside Gaza and Lebanon during the war, shares what he saw in Rafah, the Netzarim Corridor and Hezbollah’s tunnel networks, offering rare insight into IDF tactics and conditions on the ground. Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:51:00 -0000 full JNS Former British military officer and Middle East specialist Andrew Fox joins the show this week to uncover the real story behind the viral “It’s a Killing Field” article. They explore how misleading media coverage, amplified by outlets like Haaretz and CNN, is fueling war-crimes accusations against Israel and threatening to distort legal proceedings in international courts. The conversation gives a thorough explanation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a joint U.S.-Israeli initiative working to deliver aid in a warzone while avoiding Hamas control. Fox, a former British paratrooper with firsthand experience inside Gaza and Lebanon during the war, shares what he saw in Rafah, the Netzarim Corridor and Hezbollah’s tunnel networks, offering rare insight into IDF tactics and conditions on the ground. Former British military officer and Middle East specialist Andrew Fox joins the show this week to uncover the real story behind the viral “It’s a Killing Field” article. They explore how misleading media coverage, amplified by outlets like Haaretz and CNN, is fueling war-crimes accusations against Israel and threatening to distort legal proceedings in international courts. The conversation gives a thorough explanation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a joint U.S.-Israeli initiative working to deliver aid in a warzone while avoiding Hamas control. Fox, a former British paratrooper with firsthand experience inside Gaza and Lebanon during the war, shares what he saw in Rafah, the Netzarim Corridor and Hezbollah’s tunnel networks, offering rare insight into IDF tactics and conditions on the ground.

]]> 1963 no Rules of War are NOT what you think (here's the fix) What happens when the rules of war no longer match the reality of the battlefield? In this episode of Basic Law, host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Professor Jeremy Rabkin, Professor Emeritus of Law at George Mason University, to tackle one of the most urgent legal and moral dilemmas of our time: Should why a nation fights change how it fights? Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:18:00 -0000 full JNS What happens when the rules of war no longer match the reality of the battlefield? In this episode of Basic Law, host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Professor Jeremy Rabkin, Professor Emeritus of Law at George Mason University, to tackle one of the most urgent legal and moral dilemmas of our time: Should why a nation fights change how it fights? What happens when the rules of war no longer match the reality of the battlefield? In this episode of Basic Law, host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Professor Jeremy Rabkin, Professor Emeritus of Law at George Mason University, to tackle one of the most urgent legal and moral dilemmas of our time: Should why a nation fights change how it fights?

]]> 2336 no Israel WAR CRITICS are WRONG! Here's the proof (w/Avi Bell) Is Israel’s war with Iran legal under international law—or is it a war of aggression? In this episode of “Basic Law,” international law expert Professor Avi Bell joins host Aylana Meisel to unpack the legal justification behind Israel’s historic preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear program. Together, they dive deep into the laws of armed conflict, the principle of self-defense, proportionality and how international legal frameworks apply to the war currently shaking the Middle East. Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0000 full JNS Is Israel’s war with Iran legal under international law—or is it a war of aggression? In this episode of “Basic Law,” international law expert Professor Avi Bell joins host Aylana Meisel to unpack the legal justification behind Israel’s historic preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear program. Together, they dive deep into the laws of armed conflict, the principle of self-defense, proportionality and how international legal frameworks apply to the war currently shaking the Middle East. Is Israel’s war with Iran legal under international law—or is it a war of aggression? In this episode of “Basic Law,” international law expert Professor Avi Bell joins host Aylana Meisel to unpack the legal justification behind Israel’s historic preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear program. Together, they dive deep into the laws of armed conflict, the principle of self-defense, proportionality and how international legal frameworks apply to the war currently shaking the Middle East.

]]> 2399 no Fighting the antisemitic 'peace' NGOs infiltrating America How can legal strategies, both in the U.S. and abroad, be deployed to confront the dangerous rise of antisemitic radicalism and terror-linked activism in the West? Anne Herzberg, Legal Counsel at NGO Monitor and the organization’s UN Representative, joins host Aylana Meisel to shed light on how the legal system is becoming a critical battlefield in the fight to protect Jewish communities and uphold Israel’s legitimacy. Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:34:00 -0000 full JNS How can legal strategies, both in the U.S. and abroad, be deployed to confront the dangerous rise of antisemitic radicalism and terror-linked activism in the West? Anne Herzberg, Legal Counsel at NGO Monitor and the organization’s UN Representative, joins host Aylana Meisel to shed light on how the legal system is becoming a critical battlefield in the fight to protect Jewish communities and uphold Israel’s legitimacy. How can legal strategies, both in the U.S. and abroad, be deployed to confront the dangerous rise of antisemitic radicalism and terror-linked activism in the West? Anne Herzberg, Legal Counsel at NGO Monitor and the organization’s UN Representative, joins host Aylana Meisel to shed light on how the legal system is becoming a critical battlefield in the fight to protect Jewish communities and uphold Israel’s legitimacy.

]]> 2080 no Fighting the antisemitic 'peace' NGOs infiltrating America How can legal strategies, both in the U.S. and abroad, be deployed to confront the dangerous rise of antisemitic radicalism and terror-linked activism in the West? Anne Herzberg, Legal Counsel at NGO Monitor and the organization’s UN Representative, joins host Aylana Meisel to shed light on how the legal system is becoming a critical battlefield in the fight to protect Jewish communities and uphold Israel’s legitimacy. Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:34:00 -0000 full JNS How can legal strategies, both in the U.S. and abroad, be deployed to confront the dangerous rise of antisemitic radicalism and terror-linked activism in the West? Anne Herzberg, Legal Counsel at NGO Monitor and the organization’s UN Representative, joins host Aylana Meisel to shed light on how the legal system is becoming a critical battlefield in the fight to protect Jewish communities and uphold Israel’s legitimacy. How can legal strategies, both in the U.S. and abroad, be deployed to confront the dangerous rise of antisemitic radicalism and terror-linked activism in the West? Anne Herzberg, Legal Counsel at NGO Monitor and the organization’s UN Representative, joins host Aylana Meisel to shed light on how the legal system is becoming a critical battlefield in the fight to protect Jewish communities and uphold Israel’s legitimacy.

]]> 2080 no Unprecedented Court Rulings Rock Israel’s Government Has Israel’s Democracy Been Hijacked? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Yonatan Green, Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for the Constitution and author of a forthcoming book on the Israeli legal system. Green is here to discuss two landmark judicial decisions that have intensified the high-stakes power struggle between Israel’s judiciary and elected officials. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:01:00 -0000 full JNS Has Israel’s Democracy Been Hijacked? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Yonatan Green, Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for the Constitution and author of a forthcoming book on the Israeli legal system. Green is here to discuss two landmark judicial decisions that have intensified the high-stakes power struggle between Israel’s judiciary and elected officials. Has Israel’s Democracy Been Hijacked?

Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Yonatan Green, Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for the Constitution and author of a forthcoming book on the Israeli legal system. Green is here to discuss two landmark judicial decisions that have intensified the high-stakes power struggle between Israel’s judiciary and elected officials.


]]> 3079 How to Prosecute the Worst Crime in Israel's History? w/ Maurice Hirsch Is Israel’s legal system prepared to deliver justice after the horrors of October 7, or is it paralyzed by outdated frameworks and political hesitation? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel sits down with Col. (Res.) Adv. Maurice Hirsch, former senior IDF prosecutor and Director of Legal Strategies at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs, to unpack the urgent need for a new legal response to the October 7 massacre. If you liked this video, you’re going to love @JNS_TV - don’t forget to hit the subscribe button!Catch every story from Israel and the Jewish World: Latest news: https://bit.ly/jewish_news_service Subscribe to our free newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribe_to_JNS You can also join the fight against media bias! Donate here: https://bit.ly/Support-JNS #BasicLaw #October7 #MauriceHirsch #Israel #Justice #Hamas #InternationalLaw #Nuremberg #IsraeliLaw #Terrorism #MemoryAndJustice The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. Chapters 00:00 The Quest for Justice Post-October 7 10:56 Understanding Israel's Legal Framework for Terrorism 20:02 The Unique Challenges of October 7 30:29 Proposed Legal Framework for Prosecution 37:01 Debating the Death Penalty and Sentencing 41:01 Current State of Legal Proceedings Sun, 25 May 2025 21:00:00 -0000 full JNS Is Israel’s legal system prepared to deliver justice after the horrors of October 7, or is it paralyzed by outdated frameworks and political hesitation? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel sits down with Col. (Res.) Adv. Maurice Hirsch, former senior IDF prosecutor and Director of Legal Strategies at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs, to unpack the urgent need for a new legal response to the October 7 massacre. If you liked this video, you’re going to love @JNS_TV - don’t forget to hit the subscribe button!Catch every story from Israel and the Jewish World: Latest news: https://bit.ly/jewish_news_service Subscribe to our free newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribe_to_JNS You can also join the fight against media bias! Donate here: https://bit.ly/Support-JNS #BasicLaw #October7 #MauriceHirsch #Israel #Justice #Hamas #InternationalLaw #Nuremberg #IsraeliLaw #Terrorism #MemoryAndJustice The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. Chapters 00:00 The Quest for Justice Post-October 7 10:56 Understanding Israel's Legal Framework for Terrorism 20:02 The Unique Challenges of October 7 30:29 Proposed Legal Framework for Prosecution 37:01 Debating the Death Penalty and Sentencing 41:01 Current State of Legal Proceedings Is Israel’s legal system prepared to deliver justice after the horrors of October 7, or is it paralyzed by outdated frameworks and political hesitation? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel sits down with Col. (Res.) Adv. Maurice Hirsch, former senior IDF prosecutor and Director of Legal Strategies at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs, to unpack the urgent need for a new legal response to the October 7 massacre.


If you liked this video, you’re going to love @JNS_TV - don’t forget to hit the subscribe button!Catch every story from Israel and the Jewish World: Latest news: https://bit.ly/jewish_news_service Subscribe to our free newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribe_to_JNS You can also join the fight against media bias! Donate here: https://bit.ly/Support-JNS #BasicLaw #October7 #MauriceHirsch #Israel #Justice #Hamas #InternationalLaw #Nuremberg #IsraeliLaw #Terrorism #MemoryAndJustice The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. Chapters 00:00 The Quest for Justice Post-October 7 10:56 Understanding Israel's Legal Framework for Terrorism 20:02 The Unique Challenges of October 7 30:29 Proposed Legal Framework for Prosecution 37:01 Debating the Death Penalty and Sentencing 41:01 Current State of Legal Proceedings

]]> 2771 Can America & Israel fix corrupt international organizations? (w/Eugene Kontorovich) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/Can-America--Israel-fix-corrupt-international-organizations--wEugene-Kontorovich-e32c7gi Is the United Nations broken beyond repair? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with renowned international law expert Professor Eugene Kontorovich to explore how international institutions like the UN, ICC, UNRWA and WHO have become politicized and weaponized against Israel and the West. Sun, 04 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000 full JNS <p><strong>Is the United Nations broken beyond repair? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with renowned international law expert Professor Eugene Kontorovich to explore how international institutions like the UN, ICC, UNRWA and WHO have become politicized and weaponized against Israel and the West.</strong></p> Is the United Nations broken beyond repair? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with renowned international law expert Professor Eugene Kontorovich to explore how international institutions like the UN, ICC, UNRWA and WHO have become politicized and weaponized against Israel and the West. Is the United Nations broken beyond repair? Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with renowned international law expert Professor Eugene Kontorovich to explore how international institutions like the UN, ICC, UNRWA and WHO have become politicized and weaponized against Israel and the West.

]]> 2321 no How Israel's legal system took center stage in a culture war https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/How-Israels-legal-system-took-center-stage-in-a-culture-war-e3289ke Israel’s democracy, judicial power and national identity take center stage in this episode of Basic Law, hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This week, Meisel sits down with leading Israeli thought-leader and podcaster Dr. Gadi Taub for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation filmed live at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem.In this special episode, Dr. Taub—one of the most compelling conservative voices in Israeli academia—traces the historical roots of Zionism and explains why Israel’s current constitutional crisis is about much more than legal reform. Together, Meisel and Taub unpack the rise of Israel’s “judicial aristocracy,” the political capture of unelected bodies like the Attorney General and Supreme Court and why Israel’s left has shifted power from the ballot box to the bench. Thu, 01 May 2025 19:30:00 -0000 full JNS <p>Israel’s democracy, judicial power and national identity take center stage in this episode of Basic Law, hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This week, Meisel sits down with leading Israeli thought-leader and podcaster Dr. Gadi Taub for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation filmed live at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem.In this special episode, Dr. Taub—one of the most compelling conservative voices in Israeli academia—traces the historical roots of Zionism and explains why Israel’s current constitutional crisis is about much more than legal reform. Together, Meisel and Taub unpack the rise of Israel’s “judicial aristocracy,” the political capture of unelected bodies like the Attorney General and Supreme Court and why Israel’s left has shifted power from the ballot box to the bench.</p> Israel’s democracy, judicial power and national identity take center stage in this episode of Basic Law, hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This week, Meisel sits down with leading Israeli thought-leader and podcaster Dr. Gadi Taub for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation filmed live at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem.In this special episode, Dr. Taub—one of the most compelling conservative voices in Israeli academia—traces the historical roots of Zionism and explains why Israel’s current constitutional crisis is about much more than legal reform. Together, Meisel and Taub unpack the rise of Israel’s “judicial aristocracy,” the political capture of unelected bodies like the Attorney General and Supreme Court and why Israel’s left has shifted power from the ballot box to the bench. Israel’s democracy, judicial power and national identity take center stage in this episode of Basic Law, hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This week, Meisel sits down with leading Israeli thought-leader and podcaster Dr. Gadi Taub for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation filmed live at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem.In this special episode, Dr. Taub—one of the most compelling conservative voices in Israeli academia—traces the historical roots of Zionism and explains why Israel’s current constitutional crisis is about much more than legal reform. Together, Meisel and Taub unpack the rise of Israel’s “judicial aristocracy,” the political capture of unelected bodies like the Attorney General and Supreme Court and why Israel’s left has shifted power from the ballot box to the bench.

]]> 1700 no How Israel can tackle UNWRA & the UN's terror problem https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/How-Israel-can-tackle-UNWRA--the-UNs-terror-problem-e31q1rh Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with leading international law expert Professor Avi Bell (University of San Diego, Bar-Ilan University, Kohelet Policy Forum and board member at NGO Monitor) for a powerful exposé on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its deeply controversial role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:52:00 -0000 full JNS <p>Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with leading international law expert Professor Avi Bell (University of San Diego, Bar-Ilan University, Kohelet Policy Forum and board member at NGO Monitor) for a powerful exposé on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its deeply controversial role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.</p> Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with leading international law expert Professor Avi Bell (University of San Diego, Bar-Ilan University, Kohelet Policy Forum and board member at NGO Monitor) for a powerful exposé on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its deeply controversial role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Host Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with leading international law expert Professor Avi Bell (University of San Diego, Bar-Ilan University, Kohelet Policy Forum and board member at NGO Monitor) for a powerful exposé on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its deeply controversial role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

]]> 2202 no Reform or repair: reflecting on Israel's constitutional crisis with MK Simcha Rothman https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/Reform-or-repair-reflecting-on-Israels-constitutional-crisis-with-MK-Simcha-Rothman-e31c784 In this must-watch episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we sit down with Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, for an in-depth conversation about the future of Israel's democracy and judicial reform. The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:04:00 -0000 full JNS <p>In this must-watch episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we sit down with Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, for an in-depth conversation about the future of Israel's democracy and judicial reform.</p><p>The Israel Law &amp; Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies.</p> In this must-watch episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we sit down with Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, for an in-depth conversation about the future of Israel's democracy and judicial reform. The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. In this must-watch episode of “Basic Law,” hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, we sit down with Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, for an in-depth conversation about the future of Israel's democracy and judicial reform.

The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies.

]]> 4234 no Israel’s deep state: Bureaucracy vs. Democracy explained w/Dr. Ran Baratz https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/Israels-deep-state-Bureaucracy-vs--Democracy-explained-wDr--Ran-Baratz-e3163cr Is Israeli democracy truly at the brink or are media-fueled doomsday warnings premature? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Dr. Ran Baratz, political scientist and former senior government official, to cut through the chaos and explain what’s really happening inside Israel’s legal, political and security institutions.🎯 In this episode:* The growing clash between Israel’s elected officials and its entrenched bureaucracy* How Israel’s security services gained unprecedented independence from political oversight* The unique Israeli definitions of terms like “rule of law” and “judicial independence”* The origins of Israel’s judicial revolution and how it shaped a new political culture* Whether fears of a looming Israeli civil war are justified or just political theater The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. Sun, 06 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0000 full JNS <p>Is Israeli democracy truly at the brink or are media-fueled doomsday warnings premature? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Dr. Ran Baratz, political scientist and former senior government official, to cut through the chaos and explain what’s really happening inside Israel’s legal, political and security institutions.🎯 In this episode:* The growing clash between Israel’s elected officials and its entrenched bureaucracy* How Israel’s security services gained unprecedented independence from political oversight* The unique Israeli definitions of terms like “rule of law” and “judicial independence”* The origins of Israel’s judicial revolution and how it shaped a new political culture* Whether fears of a looming Israeli civil war are justified or just political theater</p><p>The Israel Law &amp; Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies.</p> Is Israeli democracy truly at the brink or are media-fueled doomsday warnings premature? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Dr. Ran Baratz, political scientist and former senior government official, to cut through the chaos and explain what’s really happening inside Israel’s legal, political and security institutions.🎯 In this episode:* The growing clash between Israel’s elected officials and its entrenched bureaucracy* How Israel’s security services gained unprecedented independence from political oversight* The unique Israeli definitions of terms like “rule of law” and “judicial independence”* The origins of Israel’s judicial revolution and how it shaped a new political culture* Whether fears of a looming Israeli civil war are justified or just political theater The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies. Is Israeli democracy truly at the brink or are media-fueled doomsday warnings premature? On this episode of “Basic Law,” Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, sits down with Dr. Ran Baratz, political scientist and former senior government official, to cut through the chaos and explain what’s really happening inside Israel’s legal, political and security institutions.🎯 In this episode:* The growing clash between Israel’s elected officials and its entrenched bureaucracy* How Israel’s security services gained unprecedented independence from political oversight* The unique Israeli definitions of terms like “rule of law” and “judicial independence”* The origins of Israel’s judicial revolution and how it shaped a new political culture* Whether fears of a looming Israeli civil war are justified or just political theater

The Israel Law & Liberty Forum is proud to partner with JNS to offer a platform for conservative and classical liberal legal thought from within Israel. Any opinions stated are those of the speaker and not meant to represent the positions of the Forum or JNS. The Forum is an organization which fosters thoughtful conversation and debate on key issues in Israel law and democracy. The Forum takes no official positions regarding any specific policy issues nor does it advance specific policies.

]]> 3631 no How Israel can solve the Haredi draft issue w/Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Pfeffer https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/How-Israel-can-solve-the-Haredi-draft-issue-wRabbi-Dr--Yehoshua-Pfeffer-e30i25i The issue of Ultra-Orthodox (“Haredi”) draft into the Israel Defence Force has polarized Israeli society for decades. Since Oct. 7th, the conversation has heated up as the need for a larger army has become increasingly clear. In this episode of “Basic Law”, Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Pfeffer, rabbinical judge, legal scholar and founder of the Iyun Institute, for a deep dive into one of Israel’s most contentious legal and societal issues: the Haredi military draft exemption. Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:01:00 -0000 full JNS <p>The issue of Ultra-Orthodox (“Haredi”) draft into the Israel Defence Force has polarized Israeli society for decades. Since Oct. 7th, the conversation has heated up as the need for a larger army has become increasingly clear.</p><p>In this episode of “Basic Law”, Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Pfeffer, rabbinical judge, legal scholar and founder of the Iyun Institute, for a deep dive into one of Israel’s most contentious legal and societal issues: the Haredi military draft exemption.</p><p><br></p> The issue of Ultra-Orthodox (“Haredi”) draft into the Israel Defence Force has polarized Israeli society for decades. Since Oct. 7th, the conversation has heated up as the need for a larger army has become increasingly clear. In this episode of “Basic Law”, Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Pfeffer, rabbinical judge, legal scholar and founder of the Iyun Institute, for a deep dive into one of Israel’s most contentious legal and societal issues: the Haredi military draft exemption. The issue of Ultra-Orthodox (“Haredi”) draft into the Israel Defence Force has polarized Israeli society for decades. Since Oct. 7th, the conversation has heated up as the need for a larger army has become increasingly clear.

In this episode of “Basic Law”, Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum, is joined by Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Pfeffer, rabbinical judge, legal scholar and founder of the Iyun Institute, for a deep dive into one of Israel’s most contentious legal and societal issues: the Haredi military draft exemption.


]]> 3303 no Why Israel is Firing Its Most Powerful Official w/ Dr. Yaacov Ben-Shemesh https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-s32/episodes/Why-Israel-is-Firing-Its-Most-Powerful-Official-w-Dr--Yaacov-Ben-Shemesh-e309d91 Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today.🎙️ Guest: Dr. Yaacov Ben-Shemesh – Constitutional Law Scholar, Professor at Ono Academic College & Tel Aviv University⚖️ Topics Covered in This Episode:✅ The role and unprecedented power of Israel’s Attorney General✅ Why the Israeli government is moving to dismiss the AG✅ The clash between judicial activism and democracy in Israel✅ The debate over legal reform and the future of the Supreme Court✅ October 7th, the ICC, and legal challenges facing Israel’s leadership👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on Basic Law and Israel’s legal landscape! Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:29:44 -0000 full JNS <p>Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today.🎙️ Guest: Dr. Yaacov Ben-Shemesh – Constitutional Law Scholar, Professor at Ono Academic College &amp; Tel Aviv University⚖️ Topics Covered in This Episode:✅ The role and unprecedented power of Israel’s Attorney General✅ Why the Israeli government is moving to dismiss the AG✅ The clash between judicial activism and democracy in Israel✅ The debate over legal reform and the future of the Supreme Court✅ October 7th, the ICC, and legal challenges facing Israel’s leadership👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on Basic Law and Israel’s legal landscape!</p> Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today.🎙️ Guest: Dr. Yaacov Ben-Shemesh – Constitutional Law Scholar, Professor at Ono Academic College & Tel Aviv University⚖️ Topics Covered in This Episode:✅ The role and unprecedented power of Israel’s Attorney General✅ Why the Israeli government is moving to dismiss the AG✅ The clash between judicial activism and democracy in Israel✅ The debate over legal reform and the future of the Supreme Court✅ October 7th, the ICC, and legal challenges facing Israel’s leadership👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on Basic Law and Israel’s legal landscape! Welcome to “Basic Law,” the new JNS show hosted by Aylana Meisel, Executive Director of the Israel Law and Liberty Forum. This series dives deep into Israel’s legal system, dissecting the most pressing legal and constitutional issues facing the nation today.🎙️ Guest: Dr. Yaacov Ben-Shemesh – Constitutional Law Scholar, Professor at Ono Academic College & Tel Aviv University⚖️ Topics Covered in This Episode:✅ The role and unprecedented power of Israel’s Attorney General✅ Why the Israeli government is moving to dismiss the AG✅ The clash between judicial activism and democracy in Israel✅ The debate over legal reform and the future of the Supreme Court✅ October 7th, the ICC, and legal challenges facing Israel’s leadership👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on Basic Law and Israel’s legal landscape!

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