For Yom HaShoah, we step away from our usual conversations on war, politics, and identity to do something far more personal.

In this special episode, I sit down with my mother, Sharon Spira, to tell the story of my grandparents, Holocaust survivors whose lives shaped everything I understand about resilience, faith, and what it means to be part of the Jewish people.

We speak about my grandmother’s survival, from forced labor to a 470 kilometer death march where only a handful lived. We speak about my grandfather’s journey through Auschwitz, the impossible choices he was forced to make, and the quiet strength that defined the rest of his life.

But this is not only a story about the past. It is about what comes after. What it means to rebuild. What it means to raise children in the shadow of unimaginable trauma. And what it means for us, today, as a nation still fighting for our future.

This conversation is about memory, but more importantly, it is about continuity. About the responsibility to carry these stories forward. And about the unbreakable spirit of a people who refuse to disappear.

On this Yom HaShoah, we remember. And we continue.

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari sits down with Alex Traiman, CEO of the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), for a behind-the-scenes look at the media battlefield, Israel’s leadership, and the shifting global order since October 7th.

Alex shares what it’s really like to be “in the room” with decision-makers—from Prime Minister Netanyahu to President Trump—and unpacks how Israel’s strategic posture has transformed during the war. The conversation dives into media bias, the role of JNS in countering global narratives, and the growing influence of Israel on the world stage.

They explore bold ideas shaping the future of the Middle East, including regional alliances, energy corridors, and the potential for historic economic cooperation. Along the way, they tackle the internal culture war within Israel, the resilience of Israeli society, and why—despite the challenges—there’s real reason for optimism.

As Pesach approaches, the episode closes with a powerful message about strength, purpose, and the possibility of a new era of peace in Israel.

In this episode of Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel, Shaun and Ari break down the latest developments in the ongoing war with Iran. As Israel and the United States deliver major blows to Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure, missiles are still falling on Israel, though at a noticeably slower pace.
They examine what this shift could mean for the next phase of the conflict, whether American ground troops could become involved, and the emotional and economic toll the war is taking on Israeli society.
As always, the episode ends with hope. Shaun and Ari reflect on Israel’s extraordinary resilience, the strength of its people, and why, despite the hardships of war, the future of Israel still looks incredibly bright.
Thanks to our partners at the Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsor bethereisrael.com.