LISTEN: Radio meets bloggers, hilarity ensues

It was the best of years, it was the worst of years…. so the TOI bloggers and TLV1 stars got together to make fun of it all.

A blogger and a radio DJ walked into a bar…and the consequences were hilarious.

At the first of its kind, rather experimental event last week, the bloggers and reporters of Times of Israel came together with the stars of new English language Israeli internet radio TLV1.FM, to have a look back at the highlights and lowlights of 2013.

Hosted by the Jerusalem Press Club in the rustic Touro restaurant nestled in the beautiful Mishkenot Sha’ananim, we huddled into a side room to collectively poke fun at the last twelve months. A year in which the world buried Mandela and Thatcher, and welcomed Prince George and North West. A year in which Israel chose new governments, both locally and nationally, and a year in which we found out that whoever we are, from German Chancellor to regular Joe, there is a strong chance that the NSA is listening.

TOI Editor-in-Chief David Horovitz introduces the 2013 Mash Up (Photo: David Katz)

Yet for us, 2013 was a year of conversation. Whether on the fabulous blogs of the Times of Israel, or in the brand new broadcasts of TLV1.FM, this year so many more people, Jews and non-Jews, Israelis and others, have engaged with the important issues affecting Israel and the Jewish world.

The Pew Report of course left many aghast at the sad situation faced by American Jewry in particular, while the campaign to boycott Israel claimed what could be seen as a pyrrhic victory on US campuses. In Europe the threat of anti-Semitism and even – as in recent days – the use of Nazi salutes. These societal and political factors have forced many to consider carefully where their allegiances lie, and where they feel comfortable to reside, both politically and geographically.

Serious stuff right? It would be a good idea to address these issues seriously right?

Panelists from TOI and TLV1 mash out the highs and lows of 2013 (Photo: David Katz)

Well we didn’t, opting instead for the age old Jewish response – a wonderful mix of comedy and satire.

So, in honour of the New (Gregorian) Year, you are cordially invited to listen to the 2013 TOI-TLV1 Mash Up.

Enjoy!