In this episode, Shai Davidai sits down with Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, to discuss the complexities of the Middle East and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. Gregg shares insights from his personal and professional journey, explores the intersection of Jewish and American values, and explains why the Middle East remains central to global politics. The conversation covers the history and mission of the Middle East Forum, the region’s influence on energy, religion, and geopolitics, and the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. and its allies.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Gregg Roman

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Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions

Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://givebutter.com/HIA50thEpisode COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Melinda Strauss Linktree (all links): linktr.ee/melindastrauss In this Season 5 premiere, host Shai Davidai sits down with Melinda Strauss, a modern Orthodox Jewish creator and author with over 1.5 million followers. Melinda shares her journey from starting a food blog to becoming a prominent voice on Jewish life, faith, and food across social media. The conversation covers her approach to answering questions about Judaism, building inclusive communities, and addressing misconceptions—ranging from kosher food to Jewish identity and cultural appropriation. Melinda emphasizes the importance of curiosity, education, and making personal choices in religious practice, while also discussing the diversity within the Jewish community. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of Jewish culture, social media influence, and the power of sharing authentic stories.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwith... Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #MelindaStrauss #JewishLife #JewishFaith #JewishFood #Kosher #ModernOrthodox #JewishCommunity #JewishIdentity #SocialMediaInfluencer #JewishCulture #JewishHeritage #JewishRecipes #JewishTradition #CulturalDiversity #AskAJew #JudaismExplained #JewishEducation #JewishPride #JewishWomen #JewishCreator #JewishPodcast #JewishQuestions #JewishLearning #JewishVoices #JewishInspiration #JewishCookbook #JewishTikTok #JewishInstagram #JewishInfluencer Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai COMING SOON BUY MERCH! NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Wendy Sachs Link to Documentary: https://www.october8film.com/ Instagram: @wendysachs / https://www.instagram.com/wendysachs Twitter/X: @wendysachs / https://x.com/wendysachs In this episode, Emmy Award-winning producer and director Wendy Sachs joins host Shai Davidai for an insightful conversation. Wendy shares her journey as a secular Jew with a strong Jewish identity, reflecting on her formative experiences at a Jewish day school in Miami and her transformative trip to Israel as a teenager. She discusses her early activism, her passion for journalism, and how her love for Israel shaped her career path. Wendy and Shai dive into the making of her documentary film "October 8th," exploring the personal and political impact of recent events in Israel and the U.S. Wendy recounts her experience on October 7th, the reactions within her professional and social circles, and the challenges of navigating identity, activism, and journalism in today’s climate. The episode offers a candid look at Jewish identity, the complexities of political alliances, and the power of storytelling. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAmPodcast #ShaiDavidai #WendySachs #October8thFilm #JewishIdentity #JewishFilmmaker #JewishDirector #JewishProducer #JewishMedia #JewishInfluence #JewishPerspective #JewishNarrative Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Simon Deng Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Deng Website: https://africanjewishalliance.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/africanjewishalliance/?hl=en In Part 2 of 2 of "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," host Shai continues his powerful conversation with Simon Deng, a former Sudanese slave and human rights activist. Simon shares his journey from Sudan to the United States, his advocacy through the Sudan Freedom Walk, and his efforts to raise awareness about genocide and human rights abuses. The episode explores Simon’s solidarity with victims worldwide, including his recent walk in Israel to support hostage families, and his reflections on hope, faith, and the universal fight against evil. Don’t miss this moving conclusion to Simon’s inspiring story. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SimonDeng #HumanRights #SudanFreedomWalk #Sudan #Darfur #GenocideAwareness #RefugeeStories #AntiSlavery #Activism #SocialJustice #HopeAndFaith #NeverAgain #JewishCommunity #Israel #HostageFamilies #Unity #AgainstInjustice #SurvivorStories #Podcast #Inspiration #Freedom #Advocacy #Humanitarian #Peace #Solidarity #Empathy #Resilience #GlobalAwareness Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Simon Deng Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Deng Website: https://africanjewishalliance.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/africanjewishalliance/?hl=en In this powerful episode (Part 1 of 2) of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Simon Deng, a former South Sudanese slave and renowned human rights activist. Simon shares his harrowing childhood experiences—growing up in a war-torn village, witnessing violence, and ultimately being kidnapped and forced into slavery at the age of nine. He recounts the trauma of being separated from his family, the brutal realities of life as a child slave, and the resilience that helped him survive. Simon also reflects on his journey to freedom and his mission to be a voice for the voiceless, using his story to advocate for human rights and justice. This deeply moving conversation sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by many and the enduring power of hope and activism. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SimonDeng #HumanRights #SouthSudan #Survivor #Slavery #ChildhoodStories #Inspiration #Freedom #Activism #HumanRightsActivist #SurvivorStory #AfricanHistory #Sudan #Resilience #Hope #Justice #Awareness #Podcast #Interview #TrueStory #Motivation #OvercomingAdversity #VoiceForTheVoiceless #RealLifeStories #modernslavery #slavery Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Dan Khan IG: https://www.instagram.com/its_dankhan/?hl=en In this episode of "Here I Am," Shai Davidai sits down with Danyal Khan—a Muslim-American U.S. Army veteran, founder of the American Peace Committee, and interfaith leader. Danyal shares his journey from a small village in Pakistan to the United States, reflecting on his experiences as an immigrant, his family’s challenges after 9/11, and his decision to join the U.S. military at a young age. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the impact of propaganda, and the importance of standing up against discrimination. Danyal discusses his motivations for supporting the Jewish community, raising his children with pride, and fostering interfaith dialogue. This candid discussion offers unique insights into resilience, allyship, and hope for a more inclusive future. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #DanyalKhan #Podcast #MuslimAmerican #USArmyVeteran #InterfaithDialogue #AmericanPeaceCommittee #ImmigrantStory #JewishCommunity #Allyship #AntiSemitism #Islamophobia #Identity #Propaganda #Peace #Inclusion #Diversity #Resilience #Family #Community #TexasToNYC #Post911 #MilitaryLife #SocialJustice #Tolerance #Empathy #Unity #HumanRights #PersonalJourney #pakistan Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Yardenne Greenspan IG: https://www.instagram.com/yardennegreenspan/?hl=en In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with his wife, Yardenne Greenspan, for an intimate and powerful conversation. Together, they reflect on their personal experiences as Israeli Jews, the impact of October 7th, and the challenges of maintaining identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Yardenne shares her journey of self-discovery, the complexities of being openly Israeli, and the difficult choices many Jews face in today’s world. The episode also touches on their family’s response to crisis, community activism, and the importance of authenticity and empathy. Join Shai and Yardenne for a moving discussion about identity, courage, and the meaning of belonging. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #YardenneGreenspan #Podcast #JewishIdentity #IsraeliJew #October7th #Resilience #JewishCommunity #PersonalStory #JewishLife #Israel #JewishPride #JewishVoices #Family #Authenticity #JewishExperience #JewishPodcast #JewishWomen #JewishHistory #JewishTrauma #JewishResilience #JewishDiaspora #JewishCulture #Empathy #Belonging #JewishActivism #HostageAwareness #JewishSolidarity #JewishCourage #JewishSupport Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW ORDER MERCH!! https://here-i-am.printify.me/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadyxrG4LjvtjdxST9OlPhLrlkc98L0bnOwVevbq-B4YRP33yIQgwimjqE5bYw_aem_HDn3ScZcGWRnbD_8A36Zlg NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Sheikh Musa Drammeh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheikhmusadrammeh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/halalfinder_com/ In Part 2 of a powerful conversation on "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," host Shai Davidai continues his discussion with Sheikh Musa Drammeh. Together, they explore complex topics including community safety, the impact of 9/11, racial profiling, and the challenges of bridging divides in New York City. Sheikh Drammeh shares his unique perspective as a Black Muslim imam, reflecting on his experiences with activism, interfaith work, and efforts to promote peace and understanding across diverse communities. This episode is the second of a two-part series—be sure to check out Part 1 if you missed last week’s episode! 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SheikhMusaDrammeh #MuslimsIsraelDialogue #ImamMusa #PeacefulCoexistence #InterfaithDialogue #Activism #SocialJustice #Equality #AntiMisogyny #WomenEmpowerment #Islam #Judaism #Israel #Palestine #MiddleEastPeace #ReligiousTolerance #HumanRights #CommunityLeadership #Podcast #Interview #FaithLeaders #Coexistence #DialogueForPeace #MuslimVoices #JewishVoices #PeaceInitiative #ReligiousActivism #Inspiration Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com