Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US reporter Luke Tress joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Following Thursday's demonstration at The New York Times building regarding the Nicholas Kristof column about alleged systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian inmates in Israel, Tress notes that protestors discussed concerns about slanted coverage that can instigate violence against Jews or Israel-related targets.

As New York's New School student government tries to defund its local Hillel chapter, accusing it of violent international crimes following recent student trips to Israel, Tress discusses the dispute and the trend toward colleges attempting to exclude chapters of the international Jewish student organization.

An anti-Israel protest held in Midwood, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, showed the ability to get more personal and ugly than those held at public spaces, reports Tress.

The presence of swastika graffiti has become more prevalent around New York City, notes Tress, and comes from both the far left, who want to demonize Israel and from far-right pro-Nazi movements.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Jews protest at New York Times office against column alleging systematic sexual abuse of Palestinians

Accused of ‘blood libel,’ NYT defends column alleging Israeli rape of Palestinian inmates

Citing Israel’s ‘international crimes,’ NYC student government trying to defund Hillel

Anti-Zionist protesters march through NYC Jewish neighborhood, chanting for intifada

On synagogues, playgrounds: In NY, swastika graffiti is increasingly common and rarely prosecuted

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. (ToI)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/luke-tress/">US reporter Luke Tress</a>&nbsp;joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/">host Jessica Steinberg</a> for today's episode.
Following Thursday's demonstration at The New York Times building regarding the Nicholas Kristof column about alleged systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian inmates in Israel, Tress notes that protestors discussed concerns about slanted coverage that can instigate violence against Jews or Israel-related targets.
As New York's New School student government tries to defund its local Hillel chapter, accusing it of violent international crimes following recent student trips to Israel, Tress discusses the dispute and the trend toward colleges attempting to exclude chapters of the international Jewish student organization.
An anti-Israel protest held in Midwood, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, showed the ability to get more personal and ugly than those held at public spaces, reports Tress.
The presence of swastika graffiti has become more prevalent around New York City, notes Tress, and comes from both the far left, who want to demonize Israel and from far-right pro-Nazi movements.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-17-2026/">Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.</a>
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/jews-protest-at-new-york-times-office-against-column-alleging-abuse-of-palestinians/">Jews protest at New York Times office against column alleging systematic sexual abuse of Palestinians</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/nyt-pushes-back-on-israeli-criticism-of-column-alleging-rape-of-palestinian-inmates/">Accused of &lsquo;blood libel,&rsquo; NYT defends column alleging Israeli rape of Palestinian inmates</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/citing-israels-international-crimes-nyc-student-government-trying-to-defund-hillel/">Citing Israel&rsquo;s &lsquo;international crimes,&rsquo; NYC student government trying to defund Hillel</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/anti-zionist-protesters-march-through-nyc-jewish-neighborhood-chanting-for-intifada/">Anti-Zionist protesters march through NYC Jewish neighborhood, chanting for intifada</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/on-synagogues-playgrounds-in-ny-swastika-graffiti-is-increasingly-common-and-rarely-prosecuted/">On synagogues, playgrounds: In NY, swastika graffiti is increasingly common and rarely prosecuted</a>
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-times-of-israel-daily-briefing/id1547404042"> Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1vhvFPvN0fFn5YRHCEcxrn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMbb0w1n0Ev0orcVkufgZ89">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.
IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. (ToI)

Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what&rsquo;s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

The Daily Briefing

Pro-Israel groups protest NYT sexual abuse op-ed, say it foments hatred 

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

While Israel's ceasefire with Lebanon was extended for 45 days, Fabian reports that on the ground, IDF troops and Hezbollah continue to trade attacks, fighting on a more limited scale, but still active.

The Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip demarcates 53% of territory under Israel's control, and Fabian notes that the IDF has added another 7% of territory with the new 'Orange Line' placed just below the Yellow Line, enabling the coordination of the movement of humanitarian aid or convoys.

The IDF has repeatedly warned of a severe personnel shortage, and Fabian discusses that the only way to solve it is with government legislation before the upcoming elections, including the Haredi draft law, extending mandatory service time, and clarifying reservist duty, rather than relying on emergency call-up orders.

After a soldier was jailed for having a 'Messiah' patch on his uniform, Fabian reports that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir came across the enlistee during a routine troop visit, and views this transgression as an example of IDF discipline issues that he wants to improve.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

4 IDF troops wounded, one severely, by roadside bomb in south Lebanon

‘Now 60%’: Netanyahu admits Israel taking more territory in Gaza, despite ceasefire

IDF warns of severe personnel shortages, last window to solve crisis with legislation

Soldier jailed, commanders penalized after IDF chief calls out ‘Messiah’ patch

In first remarks on ‘Messiah’ patch incident, IDF chief says ‘path to victory’ goes through a disciplined military

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (ToI)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/">Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian</a> joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/">host Jessica Steinberg</a>&nbsp;for today's episode.
While Israel's ceasefire with Lebanon was extended for 45 days, Fabian reports that on the ground, IDF troops and Hezbollah continue to trade attacks, fighting on a more limited scale, but still active.
The Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip demarcates 53% of territory under Israel's control, and Fabian notes that the IDF has added another 7% of territory with the new 'Orange Line' placed just below the Yellow Line, enabling the coordination of the movement of humanitarian aid or convoys.
The IDF has repeatedly warned of a severe personnel shortage, and Fabian discusses that the only way to solve it is with government legislation before the upcoming elections, including the Haredi draft law, extending mandatory service time, and clarifying reservist duty, rather than relying on emergency call-up orders.
After a soldier was jailed for having a 'Messiah' patch on his uniform, Fabian reports that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir came across the enlistee during a routine troop visit, and views this transgression as an example of IDF discipline issues that he wants to improve.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-18-2026/">Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.</a>
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/4-idf-troops-wounded-one-severely-by-roadside-bomb-in-south-lebanon/">4 IDF troops wounded, one severely, by roadside bomb in south Lebanon</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/now-60-netanyahu-admits-israel-taking-more-territory-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire/">&lsquo;Now 60%&rsquo;: Netanyahu admits Israel taking more territory in Gaza, despite ceasefire</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-warns-of-major-personnel-shortages-last-window-to-solve-crisis-with-legislation/">IDF warns of severe personnel shortages, last window to solve crisis with legislation</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/soldier-jailed-commanders-penalized-after-idf-chief-calls-out-messiah-patch/">Soldier jailed, commanders penalized after IDF chief calls out &lsquo;Messiah&rsquo; patch</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/in-first-remarks-on-messiah-patch-incident-idf-chief-says-path-to-victory-goes-through-a-disciplined-military/">In first remarks on &lsquo;Messiah&rsquo; patch incident, IDF chief says &lsquo;path to victory&rsquo; goes through a disciplined military</a>
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-times-of-israel-daily-briefing/id1547404042"> Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1vhvFPvN0fFn5YRHCEcxrn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMbb0w1n0Ev0orcVkufgZ89">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.
IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (ToI)

As personnel crisis looms, IDF needs Knesset legislation

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.

We roll out with three Jangles -- news with a Jewish angle. Borschel-Dan gives her favorite actress, 96-year-old June Squib, a shoutout for her recent Tony nomination for "Marjorie Prime." Hoffman discusses his recent discovery of a famous Jewish porn star and also the new reboot of "Lord of the Flies" which hints that one of the boys is Jewish.

We then turn to "Cast a Giant Shadow," the 1966 biopic of Colonel Mickey Marcus. David Daniel "Mickey" Marcus was a complicated character who was foundational to the organization of what became the Israel Defense Force.  The United States Army colonel, who was later dubbed Israel's first general, was also instrumental at the Nuremberg Trials.

Kirk Douglas plays Marcus and the rest of the all-star cast includes Senta Berger, Yul Brynner, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Angie Dickinson.

The movie maven and our host disagreed about the film, so stick around to see if "Cast a Giant Shadow" gets an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze.

The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jordan-hoffman/">Jordan Hoffman</a> and host <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/">Amanda Borschel-Dan</a>, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.
We roll out with three Jangles -- news with a Jewish angle. Borschel-Dan gives her favorite actress, 96-year-old June Squib, a shoutout for her recent Tony nomination for "Marjorie Prime." Hoffman discusses his recent discovery of a famous Jewish porn star and also the new reboot of "Lord of the Flies" which hints that one of the boys is Jewish.
We then turn to "Cast a Giant Shadow," the 1966 biopic of Colonel Mickey Marcus. David Daniel "Mickey" Marcus was a complicated character who was foundational to the organization of what became the Israel Defense Force. &nbsp;The United States Army colonel, who was later dubbed Israel's first general, was also instrumental at the Nuremberg Trials.
Kirk Douglas plays Marcus and the rest of the all-star cast includes Senta Berger,&nbsp;Yul Brynner,&nbsp;John Wayne,&nbsp;Frank Sinatra&nbsp;and&nbsp;Angie Dickinson.
The movie maven and our host disagreed about the film, so stick around to see if "Cast a Giant Shadow" gets an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze.
The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

'Cast a Giant Shadow': A 1966 ode to Israel’s first general, Mickey Marcus

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

The New York Times printed a bombshell accusation against Israel this week. An op-ed by columnist Nicholas Kristof alleged widespread sexual abuse and rape against Palestinian prisoners.

The column alleged “a pattern of widespread Israeli sexual violence against men, women and even children — by soldiers, settlers, interrogators in the Shin Bet internal security agency and, above all, prison guards.” Palestinians quoted in the piece said they’d even been mounted and raped by specially trained dogs.

Israel called the article “one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel," and promised to sue the NYT.

Some of the more extreme claims seem highly unlikely, to say the least, but could a group of guards -- or a prison commander -- be abusing prisoners in violation of the law?

Israel's Prison Service is not a well-understood security organization, as bodies like the IDF, the Shin Bet, Mossad, and police garner far more attention. But IPS holds thousands of hardened terrorists from groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and is an important part of the fight against those organizations.

To better understand the IPS, its oversight, and how prisoners are treated, we speak to Col. Dakar Eilat, who ran two prisons in Israel.

He explains the changes in the prison service's approach to terrorist prisoners that took place two decades ago, removing their ability to order terror attacks from inside prison, and then again after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks.

There is no question that after October 7, conditions for terrorists have been reduced to the minimum required by law, he says. But guards can't do whatever they want. Everything that happens in prison is recorded by cameras, says Eilat, with footage then sent to prison service headquarters.

Eilat shares some of his personal experiences as a prison commander and the use of force. He says that one of his predecessors had been caught using illegal force on prisoners, and the prison commissioner brought him in to end the phenomenon.

That doesn't mean that prisoners were treated lightly. There were strip searches of prisoners, and if they resist with force, "they will be met with force," says Eilat.

Still, there are multiple oversight mechanisms, he says. Some 130 organizations -- both Israeli and international -- carry out inspections and oversight of prisons, and during some weeks, he had 5 snap inspections of his prisons.

As for the NYT allegations, he calls them "bullsh*t". He says that -- beyond the cameras -- doctors in prisons have an independent chain of command and reporting mechanism, and they would catch signs of abuse. Dog training is overseen by animal rights groups, and official investigations of the prison service are carried out by the Justice Ministry and the police.

Covering up systematic abuse like that described in the Kristof piece would take hundreds of conspirators, says Eilat.

Lazar Focuscan be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/">Lazar Focus</a>. Each Friday, join host&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/">diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman</a> for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.
The New York Times printed a bombshell accusation against Israel this week. An op-ed by columnist Nicholas Kristof alleged widespread sexual abuse and rape against Palestinian prisoners.
The column alleged &ldquo;a pattern of widespread Israeli sexual violence against men, women and even children &mdash; by soldiers, settlers, interrogators in the Shin Bet internal security agency and, above all, prison guards.&rdquo; Palestinians quoted in the piece said they&rsquo;d even been mounted and raped by specially trained dogs.
Israel called the article &ldquo;one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel," and promised to sue the NYT.
Some of the more extreme claims seem highly unlikely, to say the least, but could a group of guards -- or a prison commander -- be abusing prisoners in violation of the law?
Israel's Prison Service is not a well-understood security organization, as bodies like the IDF, the Shin Bet, Mossad, and police garner far more attention. But IPS holds thousands of hardened terrorists from groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and is an important part of the fight against those organizations.
To better understand the IPS, its oversight, and how prisoners are treated, we speak to Col. Dakar Eilat, who ran two prisons in Israel.
He explains the changes in the prison service's approach to terrorist prisoners that took place two decades ago, removing their ability to order terror attacks from inside prison, and then again after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks.
There is no question that after October 7, conditions for terrorists have been reduced to the minimum required by law, he says. But guards can't do whatever they want. Everything that happens in prison is recorded by cameras, says Eilat, with footage then sent to prison service headquarters.
Eilat shares some of his personal experiences as a prison commander and the use of force. He says that one of his predecessors had been caught using illegal force on prisoners, and the prison commissioner brought him in to end the phenomenon.
That doesn't mean that prisoners were treated lightly. There were strip searches of prisoners, and if they resist with force, "they will be met with force," says Eilat.
Still, there are multiple oversight mechanisms, he says. Some 130 organizations -- both Israeli and international -- carry out inspections and oversight of prisons, and during some weeks, he had 5 snap inspections of his prisons.
As for the NYT allegations, he calls them "bullsh*t". He says that -- beyond the cameras -- doctors in prisons have an independent chain of command and reporting mechanism, and they would catch signs of abuse. Dog training is overseen by animal rights groups, and official investigations of the prison service are carried out by the Justice Ministry and the police.
Covering up systematic abuse like that described in the Kristof piece would take hundreds of conspirators, says Eilat.
Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht.

Pro-Israel groups protest NYT sexual abuse op-ed, say it foments hatred

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