Jonny Gould's Jewish State

Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and articles via his Substack channel. Support his efforts by buying him a coffee here. Our guest today is Almog Meir Jan — one of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. Almog was taken from where he hid in woods near the Nova Music Festival, where hundreds of young people were either murdered or abducted. For months, his mother Orit campaigned tirelessly around the world for his release. I interviewed her on TalkTV back in November 2023, and I remember telling her then that I believed her son would come home. Today, I have the privilege of sitting opposite Almog himself — here in London — alive, free, and ready to tell his story. Tragically, just hours before Almog was rescued and reunited with his family, his father died, never getting the chance to see his son return home. We’ll talk about October 7, the terror of captivity inside Gaza, the moment of rescue, what kept hope alive, and what he wants the world to understand now about the hostages still being held. This is a remarkable conversation — and one I’ll never forget. Jonny Gould is proudly supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet. Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and articles via his ⁠Substack⁠ channel. Support his efforts by ⁠buying him a coffee here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find all of Jonny's podcasts and articles via his Substack channel. You can support him by buying a coffee here. With thanks to the Anglo-Israel Association and ELNET UK, it was a pleasure to hear Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus. A former international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, where he served for 24 years as a combat commander, military diplomat and strategic communications officer, Conricus is now a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, specialising in Middle East security and regional affairs. As he often points out, he now speaks as an independent voice rather than on behalf of the Israeli government or military. In this concise briefing, Conricus gives a sobering yet at times cautiously hopeful assessment of the region. Gaza, despite the terrible bloodshed and the sacrifices being made by IDF forces, remains bleak and unresolved. On Lebanon, he noted signs that the weakening of Hezbollah may be allowing some Lebanese voices to express a very different attitude towards Israel. On Iran, he suggested there are still grounds for cautious optimism that internal pressure could eventually bring change. He also addressed the alarming worldwide surge in antisemitism since October 7th, which he described as having grown far beyond what many imagined possible. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find all of Jonny's podcasts and articles on his Substack. Before we start today’s episode, a quick note: our guest, Tomer Zadik from Tel Aviv and an Israeli Navy veteran, was just 23 when his life changed forever. He survived the horrific attack at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023 — a day meant for music and celebration that instead became a tragedy, claiming more than 270 lives and injuring thousands. Tomer’s story is one of survival, courage, and endurance in the face of unimaginable chaos. He faced moments most of us can barely imagine, and his experience at Nova has shaped him in profound ways — a story that spans trauma, resilience, and the human instinct to carry on." "For those in London, you can witness the impact of that day at the Nova Exhibition, from May 20th through July 2026. Titled ‘06:29 AM — The Moment Music Stood Still,’ the exhibition recreates the festival environment and memorializes those who were lost, offering visitors a powerful space to reflect and remember. In today’s episode, Tomer shares his personal account of survival at Nova Festival — the moments of fear, courage, and resilience that defined that day. Stay with us as we hear his story firsthand." Help Jonny make these episodes by buying him a coffee. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find all of Jonny's writing, podcasts and videos on his Substack. I had the incredible honor of sitting down with Sagi Muki—Olympic medalist, 2019 World Champion Judoka, two-time European Champion, and part of Israel’s bronze-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics. But this conversation went beyond medals. How he overcame a career-threatening back injury just before the Rio Olympics… how he stayed motivated at the very top of the sport… what it’s like to represent Israel on the global stage after October 7, and the untold story behind his extraordinary friendship with Iranian competitor Saeid Mollaei. This is Sagi Muki, in-depth, with thanks and gratitude to JNF UK, who made it all possible. Would you like to help Jonny makes his podcasts? Buy him a coffee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find all of Jonny's writing and podcasts on his Substack. It’s year four of our Schools Podcaster of the Year Award, presented by Dangoor Education — a project close to my heart because it’s about encouraging the next generation to think seriously about journalism, storytelling, and the power of asking the right questions. Today’s young people are growing up in a world saturated by TikTokers, YouTubers, influencers and instant opinion. News and current affairs reach them faster than ever, often through the pressure and noise of social media. Real journalism still matters. The heavy lifting of inquiry, accuracy, courage and curiosity remains fundamental to our democracy and freedoms. And this award is our way of encouraging high-minded journalistic ambition in the next generation. All three of our winners today come from North West London Jewish Day School. First, Maya Ryz and Leonore Gould quiz Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs. Jason's built an accomplished screen career, from Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter to acclaimed roles in The Patriot, Star Trek: Discovery and The OA, combining intensity, wit and remarkable range. Then Sarah Amsellem gets to grips with her cousin, Nathan Trochet. Jonny Gould's Jewish State proudly supports our North West London Jewish Day School Podcaster of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices