One of Israel’s darkest days since October 7th, as four hostages return home in coffins—two of them children. Yonit and Jonathan reflect on the profound impact of this moment on the nation and what it means for the fragile negotiations over a second stage of the hostage deal. Meanwhile, as Germany heads to the polls this Sunday, the far-right AfD party is on the rise. With the help of Israeli-German social scientist Meron Mendel, we examine what this surge means for Germany, for Europe, and for Jewish communities watching with unease. 

Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, live zoom calls with Yonit and Jonathan, and more: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod 

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Afb3CKunIt4

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

As Israelis wait for noon on Saturday, and the promised release by Hamas of three more living hostages, Yonit and Jonathan talk through a nerve-wracking few days in which the deal teetered on the brink of collapse. They discuss a turbulent week and the ever-complicated Trump-Netanyahu relationship as the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance.

Meanwhile, scandal as a close adviser to Netanyahu is reported to have been acting as a paid consultant for the Qatari government—while on the payroll at the Prime Minister’s office.

Plus: a Chutzpah award that brooks no competition and a Mensch that’s truly man and woman’s best friend.

Our first Zoom session for Family Members is happening on February 23rd! Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes (like When Harry met Sally): https://www.patreon.com/unholypod

 Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5

 You can find our social links here:  https://linktr.ee/unholypod

As Israel waits for three more hostages to be released from Gaza, Donald Trump calls for the takeover and emptying out of the Strip—provoking both outrage and debate. This week, Yonit and Jonathan talk about that and much else with a towering figure of American politics: former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who served as ambassador to Japan until last month, joins Unholy.

Plus: our Chutzpah award goes to a TV host who’s already had the honour once before, while our Mensch of the week takes us straight back to the ’90s.

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes (like When Harry met Sally): https://www.patreon.com/unholypod

 Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: 

https://bit.ly/4gxErC5

 You can find our social links here: 

https://linktr.ee/unholypod

As Keith Siegel, 65, returns home after 484 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza—having been abducted from his home on October 7th—Yonit speaks with his wife, Aviva, who was also held hostage and released after 51 days.

The episode includes depictions of abuse and violence. 

----

 You can find our social links here: 

https://linktr.ee/unholypod

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/unholypod

This week, Yonit is joined by CNN anchor and global affairs analyst Bianna Golodryga, as scenes of joy and relief unfold with the return of seven more hostages. With another three set to be released on Saturday, they discuss the week’s key developments and speak with Dr. Einat Yehene, Head of the Rehabilitation Division at the Hostages Families Forum. Together, they examine the short  and long-term effects of captivity on the released hostages—and on an entire nation.

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes (like When Harry met Sally): https://www.patreon.com/unholypod

 Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: 

https://bit.ly/4gxErC5

 You can find our social links here: 

https://linktr.ee/unholypod

An American president is sworn in, an IDF chief of staff quits and Israel waits for a second group of hostages to be freed. Yonit and Jonathan take a deep dive into a dramatic week – and have no trouble at all in identifying what Elon Musk was doing with his arm.

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes (like When Harry met Sally): https://www.patreon.com/unholypod

 Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: 

https://bit.ly/4gxErC5

 You can find our social links here: 

https://linktr.ee/unholypod

As the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal unfolds, bringing home three women held by Hamas for 471 days, Yonit and Jonathan talk about the profound joy felt in Israel at seeing their return, and the politics - and trepidation - that surround the next moves.

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/Unholypod Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5 You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

After 15 long and terrible months, a deal is agreed that should bring the hostages home and end the fighting in Gaza. How did it come about, who and what made it possible and how will it play out - Yonit and Jonathan get into it all, and explore the background and the implications of a breakthrough moment with military analyst Amos Harel. Plus: those who emerge from this extraordinary week with great credit, and those guilty of outrageous chutzpah.

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/Unholypod

Get an exclusive TGIF Unholy Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5

 You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

In an in-depth interview, Yonit and Jonathan talk to Gen David Petraeus, the former Director of the CIA and onetime head of US Central Command about both his admiration for Israel's military successes against Iran and Hizbollah - and his concerns about its war in Gaza. Plus: the wait for a hostage deal goes on and on, the region braces for the second coming of Donald Trump - and a very specific reason why you need to see When Harry Met Sally.

Join our Patreon community as a Friend of the Pod, Family Member, or just get access to specific bonus episodes! This month we have Q&A (14.1) and When Harry Met Sally special (28.1). https://patreon.com/Unholypod

Get an exclusive  TGIF Unohly Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/4gxErC5

You can find our social links here: https://linktr.ee/unholypod

The resignation of former defense minister Yoav gallant and the death of an American president -- Yonit and Jonathan discuss the fallout of Yoav Gallant's exit from the Knesset and the passing of Jimmy Carter, who stayed engaged with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for more than five decades. Plus: they speak with Suzanne Maloney, one of the world's foremost analysts of Iran and the Middle East on what 2025 might hold. They also salute a veteran of Jewish journalism, while a chutzpah award is on its way to the English seaside. 

Join our Patreon community and get more from Unholy! www.patreon.com/unholypod

Get an exclusive Unholy Tote Bag

Follow us on social media

As the hostages held by Gaza spend their second Chanukah as captives of Hamas, Israel’s attorney general delivers a political bombshell — opening an investigation into Sara Netanyahu following revelations of her role in the attacks by Israel’s first family against its enemies. Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that and mark the start of Chanukah by looking for some light in the gloom, seeking out some reasons to be hopeful for 2025.

Join our Patreon community - a special Christmas bonus episode is now available!

Order your exclusive Unholy Tote Bag!

Find us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Linkedin, YouTube, X)