Orthodox Jewish Voices in the Public Square - with Rabbi Yaakov Menken
On this episode of Coffee with Curtis Politics, Robert is joined by Rabbi Yaakov Menken, EVP for the Coalition for Jewish Values and a President Trump Appointee to the Advisory Board of Religious Leaders, U.S. Religious Liberty Commission. Rabbi Menken discusses his journey from a non-observant upbringing to becoming a leading voice in Jewish public advocacy. He shares insights on the Coalition for Jewish Values, the importance of religious values in public policy, and the challenges of combating anti-Semitism. The conversation also touches on the recent billboard campaign in Times Square, the implications of political candidates on Jewish communities, and the settlement with Columbia University regarding anti-Semitism. Rabbi Menken emphasizes the need for a unified Jewish voice in the public square and the importance of addressing anti-Semitic narratives.
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43:46
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43:46
Embracing Jewish Identity: I'm That Jew - with Eitan Chitayat
On this episode of Coffee With Curtis Politics, Robert is joined by Eitan Chitayat, Founder of Natie Branding agency, Creator of 'I'm that Jew', watched by over 250 million people online, and a prominent Israeli activist. Eitan discusses his journey and the evolution of 'I'm That Jew' as a response to rising antisemitism and the events of October 7th. He emphasizes the importance of openly embracing Jewish identity, the trauma experienced by the community, and the need for a unified narrative. Eitan advocates for building confidence in one's identity and the necessity of collaboration within the Jewish community to combat antisemitism and promote understanding. The discussion highlights the significance of resilience, hope, and the future aspirations of the 'I'm That Jew' movement.
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59:19
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59:19
Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Jew? - with Rabbi Raphael Shore
On this episode of Coffee with Curtis Politics, Robert is joined by Rabbi Raphael Shore, filmmaker, educator, and founder of OpenDor Media. Together, they explore the challenges of modern Jewish identity, the roots and persistence of antisemitism, and the role of storytelling in shaping how communities respond to hate. Rabbi Shore shares insights from his new book, Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Jew, and discusses his latest documentary, Tragic Awakening, which reexamines the world’s oldest hatred through a contemporary lens. The conversation ranges from the limits of Jewish advocacy to the deeper question of whether it’s the responsibility of Jews to “cure” antisemitism. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging dialogue about faith, resilience, and the narratives we choose to tell.Order Rabbi Shore's book - Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Jew? hereWatch Tragic Awakening - here
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50:55
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50:55
Fighting for the Community, Paying the Price: Mike Freer’s Political Story
On this episode of Coffee with Curtis – Politics, Robert is joined by former British MP and Government Minister, Mike Freer, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about his 14-year journey in Parliament, his reputation as a no-nonsense fixer, and the cost of standing up for the Jewish community. From cost-cutting reform in Barnet to life under threat after speaking out on Israel, Mike reflects candidly on public service, political culture, and why he ultimately chose to step down. A powerful episode about leadership, values, and the very real risks of doing what's right.
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1:13:43
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1:13:43
Ariella Steinreich, SVP Steinreich Communications on telling the story of The Abraham Accords
Ariella Steinreich, Senior Vice President at Steinreich Communications joins co-hosts Robert Curtis & Fleur Hassan-Nahoum on this episode of the Abraham Accords. Ariella has been working in the Middle East long before the normalization agreements and has been part of telling the ongoing narrative by helping companies, organizations and individuals communicate in the region. She shares her personal stories seeing the growth in tolerance, how PR and communications are driving the Abraham Accords and a review of some of the achievements of peace as we head to the first anniversary of the signing of the agreements.
Welcome to Coffee with Curtis Politics — I'm Robert Curtis. I love following politics and current affairs; it is an obsession you might say. So, each episode on this podcast, you'll find me in conversation with political leaders, community voices, and global thinkers in domestic and international affairs from around the world. This is where my passion for politics meets the people shaping it. Enjoy the show.