A New Method of Israel Engagement

Israel engagement is changing—and perhaps the old playbook no longer works. In this episode of the Fifth Question Podcast, Rabbi Daniel Levine sits down with Yoni Heilman, CEO of TAMID Group, to discuss a new model for connecting young people to Israel through entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and real-world relationships rather than traditional advocacy. They explore why many college students are disengaging from conventional Israel education, how TAMID has built one of the most successful Israel engagement movements on North American campuses, and what lessons the Jewish community can learn from shifting generational attitudes toward identity, politics, and affiliation. The conversation then turns to Yoni’s personal experience as an Israeli reservist following October 7, serving months in and around Gaza and later in Lebanon. Together they discuss the growing divide between American and Israeli Jewish experiences, the psychological impact of war, antisemitism in the United States, the meaning of Jewish agency, and the ongoing debate surrounding Haredi military service in Israel. Topics include: • Israel engagement and Jewish identity • TAMID Group and Israel’s startup ecosystem • College campuses after October 7 • Jewish students and Israel education • BDS and anti-Israel activism • The Abraham Accords • Israel-Diaspora relations • Life as an Israeli reservist • Gaza War and Lebanon front • Antisemitism in America • American vs Israeli Jewish perspectives • Haredi draft controversy • Israeli politics and social cohesion • Zionism, Jewish peoplehood, and the future of Israel If you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to support more long-form discussions on Israel, Jewish history, antisemitism, politics, religion, and contemporary issues facing the Jewish world. #israel #zionisme #jewishhistory #jewishidentity #IsraelEngagement #TAMID #collegecampus #Antisemitism #October7 #IsraelPolitics #MiddleEast #DiasporaJews #jewishpodcast #RabbiDanielLevine #YoniHeilman #idf #IsraelEducation #abrahamaccords #jewishcommunity #jewishthought