Podcast Episode: Arab Israeli Vote Analysis

The Times of Israel released the seventh episode of its weekly podcast, A Mandatory Listen, on November 5. The installment features deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan in conversation with Samah Salaime, a Palestinian activist and writer. The dialogue centers on the implications of the recent elections for Arab Israeli citizens.

The episode addresses the specific political outcomes for this demographic. The Arab vote secured a combined total of 19 mandates for the Joint List and Ra'am parties. Salaime analyzes the factors that motivated these voters and explains the choices they made at the ballot box.

Salaime is a longtime contributor to +972 Magazine, where her work examines the intersection of feminism and Arab-Jewish relations. Born in the northern town of Tur'an, she moved to Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam in 2000. This mixed Jewish-Arab community is where she raised three sons.

Professionally, Salaime is a trained social worker with experience in academia and leadership. She served as a fellow at the Mandel School for Educational Leadership. In 2020, she received the Rappaport Prize for Longstanding Achievement.

During the discussion, Borschel-Dan and Salaime express frustration with the mutual distrust that has characterized Israeli society. They explore potential alternatives to this dynamic and discuss how a different path forward might look for the two communities. Yitzchak Ledee produced the episode as part of a series designed to address major questions facing Israel and the Jewish people.

The release coincides with a promotional offer from The Times of Israel. The publication is inviting readers to join its Community program, which includes a physical book curated by the editorial team. Options include When We See You Again by Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Out of the Sky by Matti Friedman. Membership also grants access to the DocuNation documentary series, an ad-free website experience, and the ability to comment on articles.