Episode 60: Does it matter what the world thinks? A conversation with Dr. Tal Becker

In this episode of "Ask Haviv Anything," host Haviv Rettig Gur interviews Dr. Tal Becker, a vice president at the Shalom Hartman Institute and former legal advisor to Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the current state of Israel in the context of rising antisemitism, regional power dynamics, and its relationship with the international community. They delve into the tensions within Zionism, contrasting the desire for normalization with the need for self-reliance and skepticism towards the world. Becker argues against giving up on engaging with the world, emphasizing the importance of Jewish agency, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future, while acknowledging the challenges and complexities of antisemitism and international relations. The conversation explores the balance between ensuring safety, seeking acceptance, and striving for exceptionalism in the context of Jewish identity and the Zionist project.