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Ryan Reynolds
You're listening to an iHeart podcast.
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Hi and welcome back to the Carol.
Carol Markowitz
MARITZ show on iHeartradio.
Unknown
I heard from a lot of you about my last monologue on the pressure to have to be a type of person, maybe a girl boss or a trad wife. When I said that most people really are somewhere in between, most agreed with me that living your life in this box, it's impossible. And really, no one's life is like that. No one's life looks like it does on Instagram. But I'll read you the one listener email who somewhat disagreed with Carol. I enjoyed the segment, but I don't think you're exactly right. Men get put into a so called box all the time. We know we have to be providers, caretakers, upstanding members of society. We don't get to try on a lot of different personalities before choosing one. What would your advice be to a man who felt pigeonholed by this? Well, that's interesting because I've long agreed with that. I always said that women are so lucky no one asks a man, hey, what do you plan to do after the baby comes? Women get options, it's true. But this note did make me think, what's the standard that we expect from women? There really isn't one. Not every woman wants to be a stay at home mom, but we just assume that men don't, right? Can a man be happy staying home and raising his children? Of course. And more men make that choice today than ever before. But do we really think there would be a tipping point where more men will be pulled to that than women are? Unlikely, right? I've written before, but it's long been a cliche that women get offended when they are asked how they manage to do it all. It's a question that men aren't asked because there's no expectation for men to be heavy hitters at work while also making cupcakes for their kids school bake sale. It's only women who are presented with the idea that they must be, you know, at the top of their game at work and at home to have it quote unquote all I don't know which way is easier and it might be that women are looking for this rigid confines of a brand, maybe a path, because it's easier that way. If you choose to be a girl boss, then you're devoting yourself attention to work. And I hate the term girl boss, by the way. I think it's condescending, but it's descriptive and I get what it means. It means you're a go getter at work. Or if you choose to be a tradwife, then you're, you know, you have a sourdough starter and maybe some chickens in the backyard and there's a path and you know when you're on it and it's easier because you're not trying to do both things. The last listener who wrote in, she implied that she found it easier to pick that future path and then just move towards it without ever imagining that she could switch it up. And what I said to her was, life is long and you don't know where you'll end up. But I get that choices can be hard sometimes. But yes, this listener is right, that men just get fewer of them. Thanks for listening. Coming up next, an interview with Daron Spielman. Join us after the break.
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Carol Markowitz
Hi and welcome back to the Carol Markowitz show on iheartradio. My guest today is Dorone Spielman. Daron is the author of the newly released book when the Stones Speak. Hi Jeron. So nice to have you on.
Ryan Reynolds
Thank you for having me, Carol. It's a real pleasure to see you.
Carol Markowitz
So I'm loving this book. I think it's so interesting. It's a historical record of the city of David. How would you describe to somebody who doesn't know what the City of David is, what it is?
Ryan Reynolds
It's really something that is Indiana Jones. I mean, it's. It's the actual Indiana Jones that we grew up with and we loved. I mean, this is a story where Queen Victoria wants to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to England. She sends this navy captain to go into the old city of Jerusalem. He wanders down a hillside outside the old city walls, and he sees a spring of water. And he goes into this spring of water that goes into the belly of a mountain. And there he uncovers an actual underground city. And the city of David is the actual site of Jerusalem from the Bible, sitting beneath the ground, pristinely protected because it's not inside the old city walls. And in one word, it really is Disney World. But it's true. It's the place your dreams come true. It's actually the city of the Bible.
Carol Markowitz
So who did you write this book for? Because it has the historical component, of course, but it' such a perfect moment for this kind of book. Did you have that in mind at all? I know you did hundreds of interviews for the book. Did you think at all that you were going to be releasing it at this kind of moment in our history?
Ryan Reynolds
I'll tell you, Carol, I wrote the book twice. I don't know how many books have been written twice. The first time I wrote the book was in early 2023, about the amazing archaeological discoveries and how unfortunately, terror groups and people have been pushing a false narrative that the Jews are colonialists, tried to cover up the excavations. So that was the initial motive to bring the truth to light. However, I have to tell you, on October 8th, I was standing in southern Israel in my military uniform in the morning at 9 in the morning on the 8th, in a highway of abandoned cars by myself with two other soldiers. The cars were smoking, and it looked like a tidal wave had washed in and washed out and taken the bodies with it. And at that moment, I looked around me and I said, my God, my book that was talking about historical denialism.
Unknown
Right.
Ryan Reynolds
This is where that leads. And when the after 100 days of the war, I got a bit of a respite, and we'll talk about a healthy life and how one recovers from that. I'm still figuring it out.
Carol Markowitz
Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
I looked back at my book and I said, wait, you know, this is different now. I'm different now. And I wrote it again a second time.
Carol Markowitz
Wow.
Ryan Reynolds
To be appropriate for now for those kids who are on campus for the parents, for Jews everywhere and Israel supporters everywhere, that feel like the very essence of what we stand for is under attack.
Carol Markowitz
So what changed in. When the Stones speak? What changed in the book?
Ryan Reynolds
You know, originally it was. I don't want to say it was more academic and intellectual, but there was to some degree, okay, they're saying we haven't been here. Here's the proof that we're not colonialists, that this is actually our land. What changed on October 7 is that this is actually a battlefront. This is not an academic argument. This is an argument that we should have known, based on the Holocaust, that if someone comes to erase your history, the next step, Carol, is going to be. And whoever it is, but especially the Jews, they're coming to erase you. And as I stood there, I. I realized, okay, this is actually a front in the war. It's a front that we've ignored. You know, we often talk about as military, you know, that we. We miss the intelligence. It's not only the intelligence that we miss. We. We ignore decades of the erasure of the Jewish connection to the land of Israel. And that's what those kids in Gaza grew up believing. That's why they became terrorists and. And invaded Israel's borders.
Carol Markowitz
Do people who deny that Jews are indigenous to the country of Israel, are they even reachable? Can minds still be changed?
Ryan Reynolds
You know, I've seen both. I've had people come to me, students, with, like, a glossy kind of look in their eyes that, you know, they. It looks like they took either a drug or they've truly been brainwashed. And you can wave your eye, your hand in front of their face, and there's no reaction. But I'll give you an example. I had the Duke Law association come to me, and this was a few years ago, and I told them the story of how we have Arab workers that worked for us and how it was Hamas who threatened those workers to stop working on the excavations. And the workers were working together with Jews and Christians on the excavations.
Carol Markowitz
Right.
Ryan Reynolds
And I said to them, I said, you know, you just met with one of these supposed human rights groups. Where were they? Because I've raised charity, charity to give to these families now that don't have a job. And, you know, at the end, a person came up to me, and he said, you know, I was expecting something different. You're not the monster I thought you were. And, you know, if one person says that, I'm hoping maybe there were two or three in the group of around 15, 20, I think that there is a group of people who are out there that can be reached, but the most important group are that in between group, there are so many people that are under attack. Whether they're on campus or they turn on TV and they hear what the United nations says, or, you know, they see the marches and they, how can this. How can this be happening if we really have a connection to the land? Maybe we are colonialists, right? And. And that is the group that I, I hope will read the. This book and their grandparents will give it to them and their parents and they'll read it as well to realize, no, you know what? You're indigenous to the land of Israel, maybe more indigenous here than any other people, and you should be proud of this and be willing to defend it.
Carol Markowitz
Were there any surprises in writing when the stones speak?
Ryan Reynolds
You know, what was surprising is the rapid firing against us of Israel's enemies. When I took a step back, girl, and I looked at it out of the context of the City of David, I said, my God, like, how did we. It's not going into the ring against one fighter. You go against one fighter, which is the Muslim Brotherhood. And as soon as you're victorious, all of a sudden, NGOs come and take you to court on fallacious legal charges. And just as you're about to win, they recruit the State Department, who doesn't even know what they're talking about, and they recruit a White House. And what really became clear to me as I wrote the book was, my God, this is a concerted campaign. And I, who had been living in it, was in survival mode for so long, just the fight to keep the excavations going with my close compadres who were. Who were doing this with me, that really, when I wrote the book, I saw that. And the other thing I saw as I took a step back were the heroes, the incredible heroes that stood up for us, whether they were members of the Israeli government. David Friedman from the United States, wonderful guy, wonderful person who changed the dial and declared the City of David a United States historical site. We're the only one in Israel. Eliana Ros Lightner, also from Florida. And all of these heroes are donors. And ultimately, speaking, I left writing the book feeling very good because. Good. Ultimately, even when it was dark, like being underneath the ground and you come out of the ground and they were fighting, good, ultimately wins.
Carol Markowitz
Are you optimistic? That sounds like a lot of optimism right now when things seem pretty dark for the Jews around the world.
Ryan Reynolds
You know, I'll tell you something. I just sat around the dinner table with my daughter, my eldest daughter, Neshama. And she said, look, Abba, you know, shama means soul. For those who don't know she, it does. And she's a big soul. And she said that we were all sitting around with the kids and there's always a fiery conversation. She said, abba, listen, the recruitment levels, more than a hundred percent of all of all people called up, you know, showed up for duty. And you ask yourself in Israel, first of all, you know, it's been in 19 months of war, our friends have died. Literally, my friends have died. And unfortunately their sons have died. And we have children in the army and we have ballistic missiles and we make life as good as we can. And yet why are 100 people, 100% showing up? Because there's. There's a power, a strength that has been released not only in Israel, but the battleground is not Israel. It's Israel and overseas, it's the diaspora, whether you're in France or whether you're in New York. And therefore I actually feel, Carol, that this kind of woke us up. And what you see is there's a choice now. Either I'm going to do, I'm just going to simply disappear, or I'm going to decide to be a Jew or support Israel for non Jews. And drawing that line in the sand was critical because people were slowly fading out. Now there's a line. Which side are you going to stand on? I'm very optimistic that most people, Jews, Christians and other people, will take a stand with Israel and ultimately that will be vindicated.
Carol Markowitz
What do you want people to take away from when the stones speak?
Ryan Reynolds
There's a challenge against us. That is an entire narrative that has been constructed, goes back more than 100 years, goes to the founding of the Palestinian nationalist movement by Hajime Al Husseini, who was aligned with Hitler himself. And the very, very famous picture, it's taken root in the media. I faced the media. I was on 60 Minutes. I've done all of these things. It's on university campuses and one could have the sense of maybe giving up. However, we have to understand that if what they're saying is true, we have to leave. If actually what their claim is about us is true, we have no right to the land of Israel. It means biblical values aren't true, Christian values aren't true, and the foundation of the United States isn't true. Meaning Israel is not just about Israel, it is about the foundation of the Western values. Unfortunately for them, our history is actually true. And what I want this book to do is to tell people there's there. This is the time where you need to take a stand and realize that this is what's at stake. It's not Israel, just like with Iran. It's not just about Israel. It's about the West. What happens here has massive shockwaves. It's your story wherever you are. And if you listen to the stones, this is why the book is called when the Stones Speak. Because the archaeologists in the City of David, when there was arguing about the history of a site, was it King David? Was it 100 years after King David?
Unknown
Right.
Ryan Reynolds
She would step back a lot, Mazar, and she would say, you know what? Let the stone speak. And same thing with what's happening now in the world. Let the stone speak. Let them tell you our story. We are indigenous, stand strong, and we have Western values and Judaism, and there's a positive future ahead of us. That's what I want people to get is really sense of what do people.
Carol Markowitz
Generally misunderstand about Israel?
Ryan Reynolds
I think the most common thing that people understand misunderstand about Israel is they think that we're a bunch of depressed. You know, there is some depression, but that, you know, we have mental health issues. Every single person, and there's plenty of them, but. But not for the reasons they're saying. Mostly because of the way Israelis drive. And at the end of the day.
Carol Markowitz
I was gonna make a Jewish mom's joke, but I won't do that.
Ryan Reynolds
Exactly. You know, there's a little neuroticism amongst the Jewish people that's kind of built in. I think it goes back to the Passover cleaning issue, which just exacerbates it. However, I think at the end of the day, people, you know, they write to me like, well, how's. How is life there? And the irony is, you know, I tried going to Aroma today. Aroma is the coffee shop, and Israel best coffee. Right? And I'm standing in line, and there's such a long line.
Carol Markowitz
There's Israel. I thought you just cut in front of each other and hope for the best.
Ryan Reynolds
Well, you know, I was born in America, so I'm still trying to. To bring a bit of that gentrification. Wow. But, you know, you drive around the coffee shops, you drive around the restaurants, you can't even get in. And life, even with all the tragedy. And again this week, I already went to a memorial ceremony for a friend's son who was killed. And at the end, you know, what we did, he said, everyone come over to his house. And there was like a party at his house for his son because his son, he said, died for the Jewish people. I'm sorry to be tragic, but there's life. And all these young people were there just drinking and telling stories and having fun. And Israel is so full of life. The vibrancy of being here is so great that I think that's what's most misunderstood.
Carol Markowitz
What do you worry about?
Ryan Reynolds
I worry about us not learning the lesson, Carol. That's really what I worry about. I worry about us slipping back again from October 7th. You know, we almost were plummeled in the, in the, in the Yom Kippur war and we had all these takeaways how you can never underestimate your, your enemy. You have to be super strong. And then we built a beautiful high tech country and you know, and we forgot about our enemies and we forgot about how strong we have to be and that there's a price to pay to live here. It might be more taxes, it might be serving the army. It might be, you have to be on, on a stronger defense. And my, my biggest fear is that we're going to allow ourselves to slip back into the realm of complacency. Because being Jewish and being in the land of Israel, if you read through the Bible, you go all the way back. There has never, ever been a time of complacency ever. And that's my biggest fear. We have to stay alert. And I believe the way to do it is to constantly see our lives here as a continuation of a thousands and thousands of years journey. The people who died in the Holocaust, the people who died in the pogroms, going back to the second Temple, the first temple, the children who ran around this land right in their bare feet. And there's the sense that it's alive. And if it's alive, you can never go to sleep. Your job here is to be alive. It's a 24 hour a day experience. It's exhausting and exciting, as you know. And, and that's the cure, that's, that's the solution, I think is just this vibrancy, to live it.
Carol Markowitz
Do Israelis see what a remarkable thing the City of David is? Or are they just surround by history all the time anyway? And so you know, what you write about in when the stones speak, that's their lives anyway, or do they see that this is something really special and unique?
Ryan Reynolds
It's a great question and your framing is, is absolutely brilliant. Israelis had become accustomed to knowing they were living in an older country. However, when they Came to the City of David. It was like a miracle happened. It began with Israelis. You know, Israelis are spread all over the political spectrum, right? It's. It's kind of a Jewish trait. There's like a perfect formula. When they come to the City of David, whether they're from a high tech company or they're in charge of missile defense, or their family living on the periphery, they leave different, absolutely different. Having felt like, and I hear this time and time again, that they went back in time and connected to something. And when they re entered this world, they realized, wait a second, I'm part of a story. And that is the power of the City of David. And it has kind of broken this old adage of Israelis that, yeah, we live in an old country. No, it's not enough to say you live in an old country. It's critical that you realize you are indigenous to this land. And that is an important word that we don't like to say. We kind of take it for granted. Everyone knows we're here. No, Right. When you go to the City of David, are you going. Is it like going to the method or is it like going to a place that is your ancestral home? And, and that is the kiddush, the insight with Israelis today that, you know, if you pull. I take this from many of our enemies, I'm sorry to say, you pull any Palestinian off the street, I don't mean to be overly political, but they're all part of this narrative that they have constructed and been told is true. You have pull an Israeli off the street, they have this great guy or girl, but they're arguing and, and therefore the power of the City of David for them. And my recommendations for them in the Hebrew book at least, is you've got to really own that indigenous nature. We have to teach our children that they are indigenous. And Israelis, it says in the El Al plains, be an ambassador. When they walk off that plane, you need to every single person, this is my ancestral indigenous land. Because that's what this boils down to. And that's why this place is so important for Israelis.
Carol Markowitz
Did you always want to write about archaeology or history, or is this kind.
Unknown
Of new for you?
Ryan Reynolds
No, I wanted to write fiction, actually. I really love fantasy and science fiction. Lord of the Rings and, you know, I can reread the series every single year. When I came to Israel, I kind of felt like it was our own Lord of the Rings and maybe working underground. But I'll tell you, the. The time that I really decided fiction's going in the back burner after a number of failed attempts. And I'm, I'm going for this is, I had a 60 Minutes interview. And during the interview, I realized the manipulation that was taking place with Leslie Stahl. And she came and she was crying and everything else until the cameras turned on, of course. And then everything she'd been crying about didn't make it into the Beast. And I said, you know what? If I don't write the story, then it will never be told because this is the story they don't want you to know. And so now I've written the story that they don't want you to know. And the intrigue of writing the story is sounds like fiction, but it's real and it's an adventure. People ask me, summarize it. I say, this is Indiana Jones meets Homeland. It's such an exciting adventure and it involves intimidation as well and many of the things that have taken place. But at the end of the day, it's real. And that's the miracle of this entire story. And so it was clear after I owe it to Leslie Stahl, that amazing once she finished, I said, okay, Leslie, I'm going to write my own book.
Carol Markowitz
And I hope she hears this. I want her to know that she's responsible.
Ryan Reynolds
I hope so. I should send her a free copy.
Carol Markowitz
You really should sign it.
Ryan Reynolds
Exactly.
Carol Markowitz
We're going to take a quick break and be right back on the Carol Markowitz Show.
Walton Goggins
Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn more@discover.com credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report.
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Carol Markowitz
What advice would you give your 16 year old self doing this all over again?
Ryan Reynolds
Well at 16 I had been bit by the Israel bug and was not sure what to do with my life and most pressure told me not to do it. And this is the advice I give. My brother called me. My older brother who's no longer alive but he's called me and he said you know what? Stop living mom and dad's dreams and go live your dream. And it was that final push that he gave me that set me on a course with an enormous amount of unknown. But it led me to where I am today. And my biggest piece of advice is you only live once. Follow your dreams you'll figure it out along the way. And you really only have one life to do it. You don't want to wake you up when you're 95 years old and I am a testament. I believe my life is proof. Having come from nowhere in Michigan, a disconnected Jew, didn't know much, followed my dream, and God provides. It was like, you know, one teacher and you look around yourself. People who have followed their dreams, they will all attest that once you leap. Right, Carol? Like, once you leap, someone catches you. And I think that's the most important thing to do.
Carol Markowitz
I love it. God led you to aroma and making them try to form a line in Israel. I mean, you really are doing God's work over there.
Ryan Reynolds
He didn't split the line for me like the Red Sea, but he led me to the line.
Carol Markowitz
Right. Well, I've loved this conversation. Your book is so great. When the Stones Speak, I think that it's a real marvel. I want everybody to read it. I highly recommend it. Check out Daron's book. Leave us here with your best tip for my listeners on how they can improve their lives.
Ryan Reynolds
One of my kids said to me the other day, I was nervous about the book, to be honest with you, about the book release. And what does all this mean? I'm going to be interviewed by Carol and all these other people. Even though I've stood up in front of the army and been pretty much verbally shot at by every major news network, I was nervous. And my daughter Ariella. This one's Ariella. She said to me, don't forget what you're doing this for. You know, just. Just. She literally caught me and said, abba, like, you know, your health is more important than this.
Carol Markowitz
Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
And I think that that's the key, like, to step back and remember, what are you doing this for? So I keep asking myself this question after Ariel said that to me, what. And ultimately, I know for me, I'm doing this for the Jewish people, for God, for my family and for myself.
Daron Spielman
And.
Ryan Reynolds
And once you do that, kind of the pressure goes away because, you know, I'm surrendering. Like, I'm just doing what I can. And I think that for me is the tip is just continually trying to ask yourself, what am I doing this for? Not just to do it. What am I doing it for?
Carol Markowitz
I love that he is Jerome Spielman. Get when the Stones speak anywhere you buy your books. Thank you so much for coming on, Jerome.
Ryan Reynolds
Carol, it's an honor. Thank you.
Unknown
Thanks so much for joining us on the Carol Markowitz Show. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Daron Spielman
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Unknown
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Welcome to the W where elite athletes are redefining the game of basketball. From buzzer beating shots, jaw dropping defense and logo threes, the WNBA delivers non stop action and world class talent every game. These athletes don't just play the game, they elevate it. The New York Liberty are the reigning champions and the Golden State Valkyries are the newest team to join the league since 2008. This season will be the first with Kelsey Plumb on the Los Angeles Sparks, Jewel Lloyd on the Aces and Alyssa Thomas in Phoenix. Whether you're a lifelong basketball fan or new to the game, the WNBA invites you to be a part of something bigger. Catch live games, follow your favorite teams and witness history in the making. Watch the WNBA this this season on ABC, CBS, ESPN, ION and Prime starting May 16.
Carol Markowitz
This message comes from Greenlight. Ready to start talking to your kids about financial literacy? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app that teaches kids and teens how to earn, save, spend wisely and invest. With your guardrails in place with Green Light, you can send money to kids quickly, set up chores automate allowance, and keep an eye on what your kids are spending with real time notifications. Join millions of parents and kids building healthy financial habits together on Greenlight. Get started risk free@greenlight.com iheart as America's most trusted movers, Mayflower has seen it.
Unknown
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All right, here we are.
Carol Markowitz
Oh, it's perfect. To first steps and fixer uppers from starter homes.
Unknown
So guess what? We're having another.
Another. We definitely need more space to more practical homes.
Carol Markowitz
Yes, Mayflower has been there for it all and will always have your back. Every moment, every move, every step of the way.
Unknown
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Carol Markowitz
Com.
Ryan Reynolds
You're listening to an iHeart podcast.
Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Karol Markowicz Show: When the Stones Speak with Doron Spielman
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In this compelling episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation between Carol Markowitz and Daron Spielman, the author of the recently released book, When the Stones Speak. The episode delves into the rich historical narrative of the City of David and its significance in contemporary times.
Exploring the City of David
Daron Spielman begins by introducing the City of David, describing it as “the actual Indiana Jones that we grew up with and loved” ([10:42]). He paints a vivid picture of the underground city discovered beneath Jerusalem, emphasizing its biblical roots and historical authenticity. Spielman shares his fascination with the archaeological marvels, likening the discovery to a real-life adventure where “Queen Victoria wants to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to England” ([10:42]).
Audience and Timely Relevance
Markowitz inquires about Spielman’s intended audience and the timing of his book’s release. Spielman reveals that he wrote the book twice to address the evolving political and social climate, especially in light of recent conflicts. He explains, “Originally it was more about disproving the narrative that Jews are colonialists” ([11:55]), but events like the October 7th conflict shifted his focus to a more urgent and personal narrative.
Impact of Recent Conflicts on Historical Narratives
Spielman shares a transformative moment during his military service: “I was standing in southern Israel... and I saw the aftermath of an attack” ([12:49]). This experience deepened his understanding of the stakes involved in defending historical truths and spurred him to rewrite his book to resonate with those who feel their heritage and existence are under threat.
Debunking Misconceptions About Jewish Identity
A significant portion of the discussion centers on combating misconceptions about Jewish and Israeli identity. Spielman asserts, “We are indigenous to the land of Israel, maybe more indigenous here than any other people” ([15:05]). He emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, hoping his book will enlighten those who are undecided or misinformed about the historical and cultural ties to the land.
Personal Reflections and Optimism
Spielman's optimism shines through as he reflects on the resilience and unity within the Jewish community. He recounts a heartfelt conversation with his daughter, Ariella, who advised him to remember his purpose, saying, “What am I doing this for?” ([33:07]). This moment encapsulates his dedication to his cause and reinforces his belief that standing firm in one’s identity and heritage is crucial.
The Role of the City of David Today
When asked about how Israelis perceive the City of David, Spielman notes that visiting the site instills a profound sense of belonging and historical continuity: “When they come to the City of David... they realize, wait a second, I'm part of a story” ([24:48]). He highlights that the City of David serves as a powerful symbol of indigenous presence and historical legitimacy, bridging ancient narratives with modern identity.
Key Takeaways
Historical Significance: When the Stones Speak offers a deep dive into the City of David, revealing its archaeological and biblical importance.
Relevance to Current Events: Spielman connects historical narratives to present-day conflicts, illustrating the ongoing struggle to preserve cultural and historical truths.
Combating Misconceptions: The book and the discussion aim to debunk myths about Jewish and Israeli identities, reinforcing their indigenous ties to the land.
Personal Motivation: Spielman's personal experiences and conversations, especially with his family, underscore his commitment to his heritage and the broader Jewish community.
Optimism and Resilience: Despite challenges, Spielman remains hopeful that increased awareness and understanding will support the preservation of Jewish history and identity.
Notable Quotes
Daron Spielman on the Book’s Evolution:
“I wrote the book twice... to be appropriate for now for those kids who are on campus for the parents, for Jews everywhere and Israel supporters everywhere, that feel like the very essence of what we stand for is under attack” ([12:49]).
Spielman’s Optimism:
“There's a power, a strength that has been released not only in Israel, but the battleground is not Israel. It's Israel and overseas...” ([17:58]).
On Standing Firm:
“We are indigenous to the land of Israel, maybe more indigenous here than any other people” ([15:05]).
Personal Advice from Spielman:
“What am I doing this for?” ([33:07]).
Conclusion
Carol Markowitz and Daron Spielman's conversation in this episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show offers listeners a profound exploration of Jewish history, identity, and resilience. Through his book, When the Stones Speak, Spielman not only recounts the remarkable discovery of the City of David but also ties it to the pressing issues facing the Jewish community today. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and the enduring spirit of a people determined to preserve their heritage.
About the Author
Daron Spielman is an esteemed author and historian dedicated to uncovering and preserving Jewish history. His latest work, When the Stones Speak, offers an enthralling account of archaeological discoveries in the City of David and their implications for contemporary Jewish identity and heritage.