Josh Paul is a former U.S. State Department official who resigned in 2023 in protest of the Biden administration’s decision to dramatically expand military assistance to Israel at the start of the Gaza war. After spending more than a decade working on arms transfers, security assistance, and defense diplomacy, he has become one of the most prominent voices calling for a reassessment of U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestine.

In today’s episode, Josh joins me to discuss what led to his resignation, what he witnessed from inside the U.S. government, and why he believes the current debate over Israel and Palestine is fundamentally a political problem rather than a policy problem.

Josh explains the mission behind A New Policy, the advocacy organization he co-founded. He also shares details about proposed provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Intelligence Authorization Act, and discusses how they could impact U.S.-Israel integration.

We also talk about growing public opposition to unconditional military aid, shifting political dynamics in Washington, tensions between U.S. and Israeli interests regarding Iran, the expansion of executive power, and the impact of Israel-Palestine policy on civil liberties and free speech in America.

Join us as we explore the future of U.S.-Israel relations, congressional efforts to deepen military cooperation, the political forces driving American foreign policy, what these legislative proposals mean for the public, and how citizens can engage in the democratic process to influence policy decisions.

Miko Peled is an Israeli-American activist, author, speaker, and founder of Palestine House of Freedom in Washington, D.C. Born into one of Israel's most prominent military and political families, Miko grew up immersed in Apartheid ideology before embarking on a journey that completely transformed his understanding of Israel, Palestine, and justice.

In today's episode, Miko joins me to share what it was like growing up as the son of an Israeli general and the experiences that challenged everything he had been taught about the conflict.

We discuss the realities of segregation, occupation, and apartheid in Palestine, the personal tragedy that became a turning point in Miko's life, and why he believes genuine peace requires Israelis and Palestinians to live with equal rights under a single democratic state.

Miko explains why he believes the two-state solution is no longer viable, how Israeli politics have evolved over the years, and what the future may hold for the region as public opinion continues to shift in the United States and around the world.

Our conversation explores the growing tensions between Israel and the United States, the conflict with Iran, the future of Gaza and the West Bank, threats facing holy sites such as Al-Aqsa Mosque, and why Miko believes the current political system is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Join us today as we discuss Miko's transformation from an Israeli Apartheid insider to a Palestinian advocate, the realities of life under occupation, the future of Palestinian liberation, the changing political landscape in Washington, and what a just and lasting peace could look like for everyone living between the river and the sea.

Imam Taha Hassane is the Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County and one of the most influential Muslim institutions in Southern California. Tazheen Nizam is the Executive Director of CAIR San Diego and a longtime advocate for civil rights, civic engagement, and community empowerment.

In today’s episode, Imam Taha and Tazheen join me to discuss the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego and its impact on the community. They share the mosque’s history and its interfaith work.

Imam Taha reveals the heartbreaking events of the attack, the grief felt throughout the community, and the challenges of rebuilding after such a devastating loss.

Tazheen also talks about the level of support received from allies, faith leaders, and elected officials in the aftermath of the tragedy. She also addresses the growing concern over anti-Muslim hate, the importance of education and civic engagement, and the work required to restore a sense of safety and trust.

Our conversation also covers the connection between hateful rhetoric and violence, the importance of interfaith solidarity, mosque security, community resilience, and the role public institutions must play in combating bigotry.

Join us today as we discuss the San Diego mosque shooting, honoring the victims, confronting Islamophobia, strengthening community safety, building interfaith partnerships, promoting civic engagement, and finding hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.