Israel Story
- Episodes
- 229
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Sep 20, 2026
About the podcast
Israel Story is an award-winning podcast that tells true stories you won't hear on the news. Hosted by Mishy Harman, the weekly show brings you extraordinary tales about ordinary Israelis. The show is produced in partnership with The Jerusalem Foundation and The Times of Israel. For Hebrew episodes, see סיפור ישראלי, or go to our website: israelstory.org
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Episodes 229
175: My Brother's Keeper
When Mario Karpuj walked out of his brother Jorge's wedding, he didn't know it would take him years to find his way back into his life.Our end song is Cholem B'Sfaradit ("I Dream in Spanish") by Shlomo …
Show notes
When Mario Karpuj walked out of his brother Jorge's wedding, he didn't know it would take him years to find his way back into his life.
Our end song is Cholem B'Sfaradit ("I Dream in Spanish") by Shlomo Yidov.
The episode image is courtesy of the Karpuj Family
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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174: Tea with Rachel
Touching history while sipping tea with someone who reminds you of your grandma - an afternoon with Rachel Rabin Yaakov, Yitzhak Rabin's little sister, who just died at 101.Our end song is BaGalil ("In the …
Show notes
Touching history while sipping tea with someone who reminds you of your grandma - an afternoon with Rachel Rabin Yaakov, Yitzhak Rabin's little sister, who just died at 101.
Our end song is BaGalil ("In the Galilee") by Arik Einstein.
The episode image is courtesy of the Israel National Photo Collection.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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173: Confessions of a Reluctant Dish Heiress
This Rosh HaShana, as we pour tea from our great-grandma’s precious pot into our grandma’s delicate china and do our very best not to drip any honey on our mother’s favorite tablecloth, we’ll be aware …
Show notes
This Rosh HaShana, as we pour tea from our great-grandma’s precious pot into our grandma’s delicate china and do our very best not to drip any honey on our mother’s favorite tablecloth, we’ll be aware - somewhere in the back of our minds - of the passage of time.
Our end song is Ima ("Mom") by Elai Botner and Yaldei Hachutz.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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172: It's a Date!
Just in time for Tu Be'Av, the Jewish Valentine's Day, we bring you stories of dates that could only happen in this crazy corner of the globe. Our end song is Chof Mivtachim ("Safe Shore") by Yogev Glusman …
Show notes
Just in time for Tu Be'Av, the Jewish Valentine's Day, we bring you stories of dates that could only happen in this crazy corner of the globe.
Our end song is Chof Mivtachim ("Safe Shore") by Yogev Glusman, with Ninet Tayeb.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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171: 68 and Counting - Part II
Here's the second half of our double episode from 2016, where each story is separated by a decade, and takes place on Israeli Independence Day.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up …
Show notes
Here's the second half of our double episode from 2016, where each story is separated by a decade, and takes place on Israeli Independence Day.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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170: 68 and Counting - Part I
On the tenth anniversary of our 2016 Yom Ha'Atzmaut (or Independence Day) project, we want to revisit the stories we shared from Yom Ha'Atzmaut over the years.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and …
Show notes
On the tenth anniversary of our 2016 Yom Ha'Atzmaut (or Independence Day) project, we want to revisit the stories we shared from Yom Ha'Atzmaut over the years.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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169: Oath of Blood
Today is Yom HaZikaron, Memorial - or Remembrance - Day, here in Israel. And as such, we wanted to share our 2017 episode, Oath of Blood.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our …
Show notes
Today is Yom HaZikaron, Memorial - or Remembrance - Day, here in Israel. And as such, we wanted to share our 2017 episode, Oath of Blood.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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168: A Tale of Two Sisters
Two sisters, straddling the ninth decade of their lives, suddenly find themselves as unexpected roommates during a war.Our end song is Shalom Achot ("Hey Sister") by Aya Korem.Stay connected with us on …
Show notes
Two sisters, straddling the ninth decade of their lives, suddenly find themselves as unexpected roommates during a war.
Our end song is Shalom Achot ("Hey Sister") by Aya Korem.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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167: Flower Power
Black markets, propaganda, and ... wildflowers - the story of the most successful marketing campaign in Israel's history.Our end song is Waltz Lehaganat HaTzome'ach ("Waltz for the Protection of the Flora") by …
Show notes
Black markets, propaganda, and ... wildflowers - the story of the most successful marketing campaign in Israel's history.
Our end song is Waltz Lehaganat HaTzome'ach ("Waltz for the Protection of the Flora") by Jane Bordeux and Aya Zahavi Feiglin.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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166: Frankly, My Deer
Fine caviar, Persian carpets, the malignant presence of a possibly former-Nazi zookeeper, a cameo from a sensuous Mossad agent and cold-blooded murder. This is the improbable, totally true story of a flying …
Show notes
Fine caviar, Persian carpets, the malignant presence of a possibly former-Nazi zookeeper, a cameo from a sensuous Mossad agent and cold-blooded murder. This is the improbable, totally true story of a flying Dutchman and some of the last "olim" to leave Iran before the Revolution.
Our end song is Gan Eden Shel Ha'Adam ("Man's Paradise") by Gilad Segev.
Image licensed from Dragan Ilic at Dreamstime.com
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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165: Sorry, Not Sorry
A never-aired Yom Kippur episode from before the war that asks what does it mean to be sorry?Our end song is Lu Yehi ("Let It Be") performed by HaGashash HaHiver.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram …
Show notes
A never-aired Yom Kippur episode from before the war that asks what does it mean to be sorry?
Our end song is Lu Yehi ("Let It Be") performed by HaGashash HaHiver.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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164: Wartime Diaries - Pazit Noyberger and Radwan Abu Arara
In the messy tension of war, Pazit had to make a life-or-death decision for someone else.The end song is "Hymn to the Soul" by LAOR.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our …
Show notes
In the messy tension of war, Pazit had to make a life-or-death decision for someone else.
The end song is "Hymn to the Soul" by LAOR.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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163: Iran to Israel, Tehran to Tel Aviv
In the middle of a war, we reached out to the other side. They answered.Note: The content in this episode was written by real people. To protect the anonymity of participants, some audio voices were produced by …
Show notes
In the middle of a war, we reached out to the other side. They answered.
Note: The content in this episode was written by real people. To protect the anonymity of participants, some audio voices were produced by AI.
Episode art credit: Reuters.
The end song is Dror Yikra ("Proclaim Freedom") performed by Mike Rauss, Yael Dagon, and Ardavan Hatami.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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Bonus: 90 Seconds
Just a moment to decide what's most important.The end song is Od Chozer HaNigun ("The Melody Returns") by Chava Alberstein.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at …
Show notes
Just a moment to decide what's most important.
The end song is Od Chozer HaNigun ("The Melody Returns") by Chava Alberstein.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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162: Israel to Iran, Tel Aviv to Tehran
We thought the people of Iran should get the chance to hear the voices of regular Israelis, describing daily life in this war within a war.And we want to hear from Iranians too. What is your daily life like …
Show notes
We thought the people of Iran should get the chance to hear the voices of regular Israelis, describing daily life in this war within a war.
And we want to hear from Iranians too. What is your daily life like right now? What do you want us to know? Send us your voice notes on social media, Whatsapp (+972-58-540-8822), or Signal (@JayLevi.59).
Episode art photo credit: Yossi Zamir
The end song is Boker Tov Iran ("Good Morning Iran") by Aviv Geffen.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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34: The Hasbara Hero
While all kinds of very unwanted things are flying to Israel from Iran these days, we wanted to remind you of someone wonderful who came here from Iran.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by …
Show notes
While all kinds of very unwanted things are flying to Israel from Iran these days, we wanted to remind you of someone wonderful who came here from Iran.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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161: Wartime Diaries - Amir Ofer
An unlikely intergenerational friendship between two soldiers tasked with freeing civilian hostages.The end song is HaCholmim Achar Hashemesh ("Those Who Dream of the Sun") performed by David Lavi and Tamar …
Show notes
An unlikely intergenerational friendship between two soldiers tasked with freeing civilian hostages.
The end song is HaCholmim Achar Hashemesh ("Those Who Dream of the Sun") performed by David Lavi and Tamar Philosof.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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40: “The Wall” Part I – Operation Hulda
In honour of the 58th anniversary of soldiers in war running to help, we bring you a story of twisting journeys and changing identities.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our …
Show notes
In honour of the 58th anniversary of soldiers in war running to help, we bring you a story of twisting journeys and changing identities.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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35: Whither Thou Goest
Ruth the Moabite said she'd follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, anywhere. That blind devotion has since made her an enduring symbol of loyalty, faith and determination. And, just in time for Shavuot, we're playing …
Show notes
Ruth the Moabite said she'd follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, anywhere. That blind devotion has since made her an enduring symbol of loyalty, faith and determination. And, just in time for Shavuot, we're playing a favourite episode of ours from the vault.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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160: The Hebrew Hobbit - A Passover Special
There and Back Again: the story of a small group of Israelis who - more than half a century ago - experienced their own exodus from Egypt, and their own journey from captivity to freedom.Stay connected with us …
Show notes
There and Back Again: the story of a small group of Israelis who - more than half a century ago - experienced their own exodus from Egypt, and their own journey from captivity to freedom.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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159: Wartime Diaries - Oran Almog
In the impossible arithmetic of hostage transfers, how does it feel to be told that the terrorist who shattered your world will walk free?The end song is Achshav Tov ("Good Now") by Gilad Segev.Stay connected …
Show notes
In the impossible arithmetic of hostage transfers, how does it feel to be told that the terrorist who shattered your world will walk free?
The end song is Achshav Tov ("Good Now") by Gilad Segev.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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Wartime Diaries: Karina is Home
After 477 days in captivity, Karina is home. Here's a look back to day 5, with her sister Sasha. Photograph courtesy of the Israel Defence Forces. The end song is Nekuda Tova (“Good Point”), by Shuli Rand with …
Show notes
After 477 days in captivity, Karina is home. Here's a look back to day 5, with her sister Sasha. Photograph courtesy of the Israel Defence Forces. The end song is Nekuda Tova (“Good Point”), by Shuli Rand with Ehud Banai.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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158: Wartime Diaries - Sarah Tuttle-Singer
What do lovers do when under attack from both sides of an unimaginable war? The end song is Prayer of the Mothers by Yael Deckelbaum. Photograph by Yitz Woolf, courtesy of Sarah Tuttle-Singer.Stay connected …
Show notes
What do lovers do when under attack from both sides of an unimaginable war? The end song is Prayer of the Mothers by Yael Deckelbaum. Photograph by Yitz Woolf, courtesy of Sarah Tuttle-Singer.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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Telling Israel's Story in 2025
By supporting Israel Story, you’re saying that ordinary people matter, and that stories have the power to enter our hearts and change our minds.https://causematch.com/israel-story-24For prizes and rewards …
Show notes
By supporting Israel Story, you’re saying that ordinary people matter, and that stories have the power to enter our hearts and change our minds.
https://causematch.com/israel-story-24
For prizes and rewards during the campaign, check out our Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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157: Wartime Diaries - Robbie Gringras
Grateful for his safety and relative comfort in this war, one man says goodbye to his personal paradise.The end song is Pizmon LeYakington ("Hymn to the Hyacinth") by Yehudit Ravitz.Stay connected with us on …
Show notes
Grateful for his safety and relative comfort in this war, one man says goodbye to his personal paradise.
The end song is Pizmon LeYakington ("Hymn to the Hyacinth") by Yehudit Ravitz.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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156: Wartime Diaries - Shaked Kestleman
A citizen runs to stop a terrorist, and is tragically shot by friendly fire. How does this happen? And what does his family do next?The end song is Karma Police, performed by Shefita, originally by …
Show notes
A citizen runs to stop a terrorist, and is tragically shot by friendly fire. How does this happen? And what does his family do next?
The end song is Karma Police, performed by Shefita, originally by Radiohead.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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155: Wartime Diaries - Anwar Ben Badis
How do you raise a child who is on both sides of a war? The end song is Yalda Sheli Ktana ("Little Girl of Mine") by Idan Raichel.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our …
Show notes
How do you raise a child who is on both sides of a war? The end song is Yalda Sheli Ktana ("Little Girl of Mine") by Idan Raichel.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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154: Wartime Diaries - Gadi Ezra
When war needs you in two very different capacities, how on earth do you decide what to do?The end song is Ana Efneh ("Where Shall I Turn?") by Erez Lev Ari.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by …
Show notes
When war needs you in two very different capacities, how on earth do you decide what to do?
The end song is Ana Efneh ("Where Shall I Turn?") by Erez Lev Ari.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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A Year Later: Ariel Markose
Today we’re releasing something new for us - a short video - in which we returned to Ariel Markose, exactly one year after profiling her on "Wartime Diaries." You can find the video hereStay connected with us …
Show notes
Today we’re releasing something new for us - a short video - in which we returned to Ariel Markose, exactly one year after profiling her on "Wartime Diaries." You can find the video here
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
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153: Wartime Diaries - One Year
Families, lovers, fighters, and more: one year of Wartime Diaries.The end song is B'Shana Haba'ah ("In the Next Year") by Shiri Maimon.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our …
Show notes
Families, lovers, fighters, and more: one year of Wartime Diaries.
The end song is B'Shana Haba'ah ("In the Next Year") by Shiri Maimon.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
These are the latest 40 of 229 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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