Resources
Organizations and podcasts worth knowing
The major American Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, grouped by what they're best for, and the podcasts that will keep you informed enough to explain Israel well. The list spans a range of political views; inclusion is not endorsement.
Podcasts
Listen your way to fluency
Jewish and Israel-focused shows that reward regular listening. Share an episode instead of an argument.
Start hereCall Me Back with Dan SenorArk Media
Dan Senor, co-author of Start-Up Nation and The Genius of Israel, un-breaks the news affecting the Jewish world with deep-dive interviews on the structural forces shaping Israel and the Diaspora. The essential weekly listen for anyone trying to explain Israel.Listen
For Heaven's SakeShalom Hartman Institute · Ark MediaDonniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi revive the Jewish art of constructive disagreement about Israel, world Jewry and the future of Zionism.Listen Unholy: Two Jews on the NewsYonit Levi & Jonathan FreedlandIsrael's leading news anchor and The Guardian's columnist dissect the week in Israel, Jewish life and the wider world — one from Tel Aviv, one from London.Listen Unpacking Israeli HistoryUnpackedDr. Noam Weissman takes every side seriously in a weekly journey through the events and people that shaped Israel. Ideal for learning the history well enough to explain it.Listen Identity/CrisisShalom Hartman InstituteYehuda Kurtzer talks with leading thinkers about the issues facing contemporary Jewish life in North America and Israel.Listen Ask Haviv AnythingHaviv Rettig GurThe Times of Israel's senior analyst answers listener questions on history, identity and the information war with unusual candor.Listen Israel StoryIsrael StoryThe Israeli ‘This American Life’: human-interest storytelling about ordinary Israelis, useful for showing the country behind the headlines.Listen The Times of Israel Daily BriefingThe Times of IsraelA 20-minute daily audio update on Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world from ToI's reporters and editors.Listen The Commentary Magazine PodcastCommentaryJohn Podhoretz and the Commentary editors on politics, culture and Israel, daily.Listen Honestly with Bari WeissThe Free PressLong-form conversations that frequently turn to Israel, antisemitism and the campus wars.Listen 18Forty18FortyRabbi David Bashevkin on Jewish ideas, identity and the questions that keep thoughtful Jews up at night.Listen Jewish Insider podcastsJewish InsiderPolitical reporting and interviews from the intersection of Washington, Jerusalem and the Jewish community.Listen Organizations
Major American Jewish and pro-Israel organizations
Grouped by what each does best. Many offer speakers, campus programs, media alerts and advocacy tools you can use.
Community and advocacy
Umbrella bodies and advocacy organizations that represent and mobilize American Jews on Israel.
AIPACAmerica's pro-Israel lobby, working with members of Congress from both parties to strengthen the U.S.–Israel relationship.aipac.org American Jewish Committee (AJC)Global advocacy for the Jewish people and Israel; strong on diplomacy, interfaith and intergroup relations.ajc.org Conference of PresidentsThe coordinating body of major American Jewish organizations on Israel and international affairs.conferenceofpresidents.org Jewish Federations of North AmericaThe network of local Federations funding Jewish community life, Israel and emergency relief.jewishfederations.org Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)Community relations network connecting Jewish communities with civic partners.jewishpublicaffairs.org Zionist Organization of AmericaThe oldest pro-Israel organization in the United States.zoa.org Israel Policy ForumPolicy analysis and education in support of a secure, Jewish, democratic Israel and a two-state outcome.israelpolicyforum.org Democratic Majority for IsraelPro-Israel advocacy within the Democratic Party.demmajorityforisrael.org Republican Jewish CoalitionPro-Israel advocacy within the Republican Party.rjchq.org Jewish Democratic Council of AmericaThe voice of Jewish Democrats on Israel and domestic policy.jewishdems.org
Fighting antisemitism
Monitoring, legal action and education against antisemitism in all its forms.
ADLTracks antisemitic incidents, provides education and pushes for policy responses nationwide.adl.org Simon Wiesenthal CenterConfronts antisemitism, hate and terrorism; home of the Museum of Tolerance.wiesenthal.com Combat Antisemitism MovementA global coalition of organizations and individuals united against antisemitism.combatantisemitism.org Louis D. Brandeis CenterLegal advocacy for the civil rights of Jewish students and the Jewish community.brandeiscenter.com American Jewish CongressAdvocacy for Jewish interests and Israel through policy and public engagement.ajcongress.org
Media, facts and education
Where to check a claim, find a source, or learn the history well enough to explain it.
StandWithUsIsrael education and advocacy for students, campuses and communities; strong on shareable explainers.standwithus.com CAMERACommittee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis: monitors and corrects media coverage.camera.org HonestReportingMedia watchdog exposing bias and errors in coverage of Israel.honestreporting.com Jewish Virtual LibraryA deep encyclopedic reference on Jewish history, Israel and the conflict, with primary documents.jewishvirtuallibrary.org JINSAThe Jewish Institute for National Security of America: defense and security policy analysis.jinsa.org
Campus and young adults
Support for students and the next generation.
Hillel InternationalJewish life on more than 850 campuses, including Israel education and support for students facing hostility.hillel.org Israel on Campus CoalitionCoordinates pro-Israel organizations and student leaders across American campuses.israelcc.org Birthright IsraelFree educational trips to Israel for young Jewish adults.birthrightisrael.com
Connection to Israel
Organizations that connect American Jews and friends of Israel directly to the land and its people.
Jewish National Fund-USALand, water, community development and resilience projects across Israel.jnf.org HadassahThe Women's Zionist Organization of America; supports Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem.hadassah.org Friends of the IDFWellbeing and educational support for Israel's soldiers and their families.fidf.org The Jewish Agency for IsraelAliyah, Israel–Diaspora connection and emergency support for Jews worldwide.jewishagency.org Christians United for IsraelThe largest pro-Israel organization in the United States, mobilizing Christian support.cufi.org
Reading
The essays behind this site
Seth Eisenberg's writing at The Times of Israel on Israel, Jewish life, relationships and resilience.