Here’s another instant-favorite podcast on The Debrief that you won’t want to miss. Allow me to share a few comments from folks who caught my conversation with former Congressman Andy Levin live:
Wow. Just finished listening to this extraordinary interview with Andy Levin. Deep gratitude to both of you for this podcast and for your beautiful humanity with such deep care and justice… I, many of us, are hungry for truth, compassion, integrity. How you ended with such love and care melted me into my own loving heart with tears. - Jill
Your conversation with Andy Levin was well worth the price of our annual subscription! Thank you. - Dennis
One thing I’m thinking is that if Debra and Andy started a shul [synagogue], I would join it. Another is that I wish Andy were still in Congress fighting the good fight 100%. - Ellen
Andy Levin is a proud Jewish Michigander, former synagogue president, and the scion of a Michigan political dynasty. His father (Rep. Sander Levin) and uncle (Sen. Carl Levin z”l) each represented Michigan in Congress for 36 years. During his career, Levin has been a union organizer, human rights activist, workforce policy expert and green energy entrepreneur. From 1995-2006, he served as Assistant Director of Organizing at the national AFL-CIO.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Andy during his two terms in the House (2019-2023), working with him and his fantastic staff to change US policy on Israel-Palestine. Because of that work, AIPAC spent millions to defeat Andy in the 2022 election, which he lost to Rep. Haley Stevens (Abdul El-Sayed’s competition in the Michigan Senate primary).
This was one of the most delightfully Jewish conversations I’ve had on The Debrief (and I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few). The topics we discussed were serious, but the discussion was joyful and heartfelt. Andy is a mensch and it shows. Count me among the many who lament that he is no longer in Congress — including because I miss the social media videos of Andy taking yoga breaks in his House office.
The topics Andy and I discussed included:
The need to flip control of the Senate to check MAGA’s unconstrained power
Who Abdul El-Sayed is and how he feels about Jews (from a Jew who knows him)
Three lines of attack against Abdul El-Sayed and our reactions to them: his position on Israel, his commitment to Jewish safety, and the controversy over Hasan Piker
Support for Abdul El-Sayed among Jewish Michiganders
Fighting rising antisemitism and Islamophobia through solidarity — and why it’s a mitzvah for Jews to support the first-ever Muslim US Senator (inshallah)
Israel-Palestine: the question of Israel’s “right to exist as a Jewish state,” the legal situation and on-the-ground realities, and Andy’s debate with his fellow Michigander — Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib — over one state versus two states
Huge changes in US politics on Israel-Palestine
AIPAC and the corruption of money in politics
There you have it, folks. Where else are you going to read mitzvah and inshallah in the same sentence? That’s how we roll here on The Debrief. Can’t wait to read your comments on the podcast with Andy Levin!
ICYMI — Here’s my conversation with Abdul El-Sayed, recorded on July 14, before the Democratic primary:
TOMORROW (Friday, Sept 4) at 12pm Eastern:
OFFICE HOURS: Ask Dr. Shushan (Almost) Anything!
Ah, how I love Office Hours. They are YOUR time to drive the agenda.
You get your pressing Qs answered. They might be about Israel-Palestine, broader Middle East, US foreign policy, Jewish American politics, our local/global battle for democracy… or something else. Pretty much whatever is on your mind.
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We all get to spend an hour together and engage as a community.
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See you there!
NEW YEAR’S SALE + TECH UPGRADE FUNDRAISER
Kick Off 5787 with an Annual Subscription to The Debrief!
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is right around the corner. It begins at sundown on Friday, September 11 and starts the year 5787 on the Hebrew calendar. In honor of the New Year, this is the perfect time to treat yourself, or a friend, to a full year of full access to The Debrief.
If you benefit from the unique conversations, expertise, and insights The Debrief brings you — including my podcast with Andy Levin — please invest in this work as a paid subscriber.
» Tech Upgrades Required «
My podcast with Miles Taylor last week was a wake-up call.
My cell phone, from which I was podcasting, overheated and shut off in the middle of the live conversation. It took minutes to revive the phone and rejoin the live broadcast. Miles was a pro and saved the day, but the episode made clear that my current tech situation is inadequate and unsustainable.
I need to invest in tech equipment and software upgrades in order to bring you a great viewing experience on The Debrief.
A more professional tech set-up — including equipment, application subscriptions, and software — will cost approximately $4000.
I’m asking for your help in order to make this investment in the programming you value.
Here’s How You Can Help
Become a paid subscriber. Take advantage of the New Year’s sale on an annual paid subscription and help to fund tech upgrades. It’s a win-win!
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Thanks so much for your support and investment in The Debrief. To those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, I wish you an early chag sameach (happy holiday)!
SURVEY SAYS: Please share your feedback!
Speaking of improving The Debrief, I need your feedback in order to make this podcast, newsletter, and community the best they can be!
So I put this subscriber survey together — with some important questions. Your answers will influence The Debrief’s future.
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That’s it for now!
Looking forward to seeing folks in Office Hours tomorrow.
Fondly,
Debra
