Shabbos Kestenbaum and Daniel Mael on Why Jewish Nonprofits Are Failing Our Soldiers
In this episode of the Mael Time Podcast, Daniel Mael and Shabbos Kestenbaum discuss the effectiveness of Jewish nonprofits, particularly in the wake of the October 7th crisis. They critique organizations like Friends of the IDF (FIDF) for their inefficacy and bloated overhead costs, arguing that direct support to soldiers and grassroots organizations is more impactful. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, transparency, and reform within these organizations to better serve the community and address urgent needs. Kestenbaum shares personal experiences of grassroots fundraising and the desire of young American Jews to contribute directly to causes they care about, highlighting a disconnect between donors and the actual needs on the ground. The episode concludes with a call for a more efficient and cause-driven approach to fundraising and support within the Jewish community.
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29:48
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29:48
FIDF Strikes Back - Steven Weil Speaks!
Breaking down the latest spin from FIDF's CEO Steven Weil.Is he on the way out?
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1:01:55
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1:01:55
Wrongfully Accused: The Case of Ohad Fisherman
In this episode of the Mael Time podcast, host Daniel Mael discusses the case of Ohad Fisherman, who faced serious allegations of sexual assault that were ultimately dismissed. Joined by defense attorneys Nora Lewis and Juan Michelen, the conversation delves into the failures of the prosecution, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the challenges of defending against historical allegations. The attorneys highlight the importance of thorough investigations, the inconsistencies in witness testimonies, and the broader implications of the case on the criminal justice system. They also discuss the difficulties of rebuilding a reputation after false allegations and offer advice on how individuals can protect themselves in similar situations.
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48:37
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48:37
Make FIDF Great Again
If I might offer some unsolicited, but thoroughly needed PR advice to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), it would begin with this: Stop gaslighting soldiers and donors alike. Trust is not merely earned; it is fragile, easily shattered by insincerity and manipulation.
On this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, we dive into the explosive YNET investigation that has rocked Friends of the IDF (FIDF) to its core. The report, based on internal documents and whistleblower testimony, alleges a pattern of deep dysfunction: extreme centralization of power, conflicts of interest, and the silencing of internal dissent. At the center is Chairman Morey Levovitz, who allegedly assumed de facto control of the organization without proper oversight, handpicked management committees, and steered business toward personal associates—most notably the travel company Ortra. The investigation also uncovered inflated reimbursements, donor misrepresentation, and a toxic internal culture where employees feared retaliation. Senior board member Garry Sobol accused leadership of trying to erase the committee’s findings and suppress accountability. While FIDF publicly claims transparency and impact, this scandal exposes troubling cracks in its credibility and raises a hard question: who is FIDF really serving—Israel’s soldiers, or its own power structure?
Daniel Mael dives into the most pressing issues pertaining to Israel and the IDF in a post-10/7 world.
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