IsraelCast Episode 131

During the Gulf War, Israelis looked for stability amidst the fear and chaos of a constant barrage of missiles from Iraq. As an IDF spokesperson, Dr. Nachman Shai served as the calming voice that told them when it was safe to exit their bomb shelters. Now, as Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Shai looks to build bridges between Israeli Jews and Jews from all over the world. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Shai to discuss the importance of being honest with Israelis during the Gulf War, the differences between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, and the importance of reaching out to Jews everywhere to ensure their safety from old and new forms of anti-Semitism.

Dr. Nachman Shai is Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs. He served as a member of the Knesset representing the Labor party from 2009-2019, where he founded and co-chaired the "Caucus for Strengthening the Jewish People." Dr. Shai previously served as the Israel Defense Force Spokesperson with the rank of Brigadier General and was Commander and Editor-in-Chief of Israel Army Radio. He also held several positions in government, including Director General of the Ministry of Science, Culture, and Sport, and served as the senior vice president and director general of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) in Israel. Dr. Shai has published three books focused on Israeli diplomacy, media, and security.