For Heaven’s Sake: Episode Summary – "Famine"

Released July 30, 2025 | Host: Shalom Hartman Institute

In the episode titled "Famine," hosts Daniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi delve into the profound and harrowing consequences of the prolonged conflict in Gaza, specifically focusing on the emergence of famine as a dire humanitarian crisis. This comprehensive discussion examines the multifaceted causes, moral implications, and potential pathways for reconciliation and healing.

1. Introduction: The New Reality of War

The episode opens with Daniel Hartman introducing the grim reality of the ongoing war, now in its 662nd day. He emphasizes a shift in Israeli public discourse from solely focusing on military victory to grappling with unforeseen humanitarian consequences.

Daniel Hartman [00:00]: "For a very long time, the focus is on winning. And we're divided into two stories or two narratives of winning... but the consequences, the consequences in the world, the consequences to Gaza. It's like we're fighting a 660 day war under the myth that it's a six day or a 12 day war and all of a sudden the consequences, this reality of famine."

2. The Reality of Famine in Gaza

Yossi Klein Halevi acknowledges the unprecedented length of the conflict and its dire repercussions, notably the onset of famine in Gaza. The hosts discuss the initial denial by Israeli leadership and the subsequent admissions of the severe humanitarian crisis.

Yossi Klein Halevi [01:44]: "We've never fought a war this long, never."

Daniel Hartman [02:30]: "The prime minister of Israel who said there's no famine in Gaza admits things are bad in Gaza."

3. Causes of the Humanitarian Crisis

The discussion identifies several factors contributing to the famine in Gaza:

• Siege Strategy: The intentional blockade aimed at defeating Hamas has inadvertently created conditions ripe for famine.

  Daniel Hartman [09:06]: "What's the reality now? The reality now is that we are losing because we didn't."

• Role of Hamas: Hamas's control over Gaza's infrastructure and potential manipulation of information exacerbates the crisis.

  Yossi Klein Halevi [15:52]: "Clearly Hamas. But what we have to own is our share here."

• International Community and Media: The international response and media portrayal have been inconsistent, with instances of misinformation undermining the credibility of genuine humanitarian concerns.

  Yossi Klein Halevi [04:25]: "We don't know if Hamas is inventing numbers. Well, we can assume Hamas is inflating numbers."

4. Moral Failures and Societal Impact

Both hosts confront the moral failures of Israeli society and leadership in addressing the humanitarian needs of Gazans. They critique the suppression of moral discourse and the societal shift towards a "victim nation" mentality, which has led to moral blindness.

Daniel Hartman [08:09]: "What's reality now for you is something's come home... almost like joining the blood libel."

Daniel Hartman [11:37]: "What's the reality now? The reality now is that we are losing because we didn't."

5. Lack of Strategic Planning

The conversation highlights the absence of a long-term, strategic plan for Gaza beyond the immediate objective of defeating Hamas. This lack of foresight has significantly contributed to the humanitarian crisis.

Daniel Hartman [16:39]: "It's 662 days since we started to attack a densely populated area. And I don't believe at one time we actually thought through what we want to do, where we want to go, and what the consequences are."

6. The Moral Stain and Reclaiming Integrity

The hosts discuss the "asterisk" now associated with Israel and Zionism due to the famine crisis, suggesting a profound moral stain that threatens the legitimacy and moral standing of the nation. They advocate for acknowledgment of failures, repentance, and a commitment to profound change.

Daniel Hartman [37:21]: "We have to start by declaring openly, this has been a failure. We have sinned."

Yossi Klein Halevi [35:10]: "There was a letter... affirming the right of Israel to defend itself... but beyond that, it affirmed the legitimacy of this war."

7. Recommendations for Healing and Repair

To address and heal the moral and humanitarian crisis, the hosts propose several steps:

• Acknowledgment and Repentance: Openly admit the failures and moral shortcomings that led to the famine.

  Daniel Hartman [37:21]: "We have to say, yes, we fail in the midst of this crazy environment."

• Strategic Vision for Gaza: Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for Gaza that goes beyond military objectives to include humanitarian and societal rebuilding.

  Daniel Hartman [36:41]: "We must have a plan... a serious plan that represents some vision on recognition of our moral responsibilities for this war."

• Dual Communication Strategy: Speak compassionately internally while defending against external vilification, maintaining moral integrity.

  Yossi Klein Halevi [40:47]: "We need to learn to speak two languages about Israel... an internal language in which the existence of the lynch mob doesn't matter. What matters is our own moral integrity."

8. Final Thoughts

In concluding the episode, both hosts reflect on the necessity of confronting these harsh realities to reclaim moral integrity and ensure a just future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Daniel Hartman [42:21]: "Thank you."

Yossi Klein Halevi [42:21]: "I do too, Daniel."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Daniel Hartman [00:00]: Introduction to the episode's theme on famine amid prolonged war.

• Yossi Klein Halevi [01:44]: Acknowledges the unprecedented length of the conflict.

• Daniel Hartman [08:09]: Highlights the personal and societal realization of moral failure.

• Daniel Hartman [16:39]: Critiques the lack of strategic planning over 662 days of conflict.

• Daniel Hartman [37:21]: Calls for open acknowledgment of failures and repentance.

• Yossi Klein Halevi [40:47]: Advocates for a dual communication strategy to maintain moral integrity.

This episode serves as a critical introspection on the prolonged conflict's unintended consequences, urging Israeli society and leadership to embrace moral accountability and strategic planning to prevent further humanitarian disasters and restore ethical integrity.