Show Notes
Overview In this episode, Paul Maleary sits down with retired judge and barrister HHJ Nigel Lithman KC to discuss Lithman’s personal background, legal career, and his life after making Aliyah (moving to Israel). The conversation spans political commentary on both UK and Israeli leadership, cultural observations of Israeli society, and reflections on Jewish traditions .
Key Discussion Points Nigel Lithman’s Legal Career: Lithman reflects on what motivated him to enter the law, noting that after a somewhat lazy academic start and family upheavals, he pursued an external London law degree . He explains that while Jewish cultural roots often emphasize fairness, his motivation to become a judge later in life was driven by a desire to introduce kindness, equality, and decency into the courtroom . He highlights a 40-year career that included participating in roughly 100 murder trials before taking Silk (becoming a QC) in 1997.
Political Commentary (UK & US): Lithman offers sharp criticisms of former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, recalling a personal anecdote from the Old Bailey where he found Starmer to be a "non-entity" focused strictly on his future career He critiques Starmer’s leadership, U-turns, cabinet choices (mentioning David Lammy), and unconditional recognition of a Palestinian state while hostages were still held . He also briefly addresses potential political directions under Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch, and comments on Donald Trump's shifting, unpredictable stances regarding Israel and Iran.
Life and Culture in Israel: Echoing a phrase from a local barista, Lithman repeatedly notes that "Israel is complicated" but praises its vibrant economy, pointing out that the shekel remains highly resilient. He describes Israel as a massive cultural melting pot comprising Muslims, Druze, Christians, and Jews from all geographic backgrounds . He contrasts the modern reality of Israeli life against external "gaslighting" media narratives that label it a colonizing state .
Traditional Jewish Weddings vs. Reality: Lithman details his recent experience attending an outdoor wedding at a moshav (a cooperative agricultural community) He breaks down the deep historical symbolism of Jewish wedding traditions, such as the bride walking seven circuits around the groom, the lifting of the veil (originating from the Biblical story of Jacob being tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel), and the stomping of the glass to remember the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem .
Art, Film, and Historical Memory: The hosts discuss the consumption of media in Israel, with Lithman recalling his amusing experience watching E.T. in an Israeli cinema in the 1980s . They touch upon the documentary The Commandant's Shadow (detailing Rudolf Höss’s daughter) and discuss how historical atrocities like the Holocaust are processed by Israelis who are simultaneously dealing with modern conflicts . Lithman emphasizes that the foundational ethos of Israel remains a firm commitment to "leave no one behind" . Book Promotion: At the close of the episode, Maleary promotes Lithman's book, Nothing Like the Truth, which is available on Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Shalom From Tel Aviv with Paul Maleary & Nigel Lithman KC
Episode 17: Lessons from History, Modern Commemorations, and Global Controversies Reflecting on Holocaust Memorials, Brexit Inconveniences, and the Fine Line in Political Comedy Executive Summary & Episode Precis
Shalom from Tel Aviv: Politics, Perceptions, and the West Bank Episode Summary In this 16th episode of the podcast, hosts Paul Maleary (in England) and Nigel Lithman KC (in Tel Aviv) reconnect after a busy few weeks. The conversation opens with a warm exploration of the Hebrew word "Shalom" and its versatile meanings—hello, goodbye, double hello/how are you, and peace. Paul shares a brief update from London, including a celebrity encounter with actor Jeff Goldblum, before the hosts pivot into a detailed discussion on international politics, anti-Semitism, and cultural caricatures.
In this episode of Shalom from Tel Aviv, hosts Paul Maleary and Nigel Lithman deliver an engaging, wide-ranging conversation bridging historical memory, contemporary political tensions, and daily life in Israel and the UK. The hosts kick off the discussion with lighthearted personal anecdotes—ranging from personal training and Jon Bon Jovi’s international tours to family connections with classic comedy acts like Bernie Winters.
Congratulations to Emily Damari We extend our warmest collective congratulations to former hostage Emily Damari on her marriage to Danielle Amit. After enduring unspeakable trauma for over a year following the October 7th attacks, her wedding stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. Highgate Synagogue had previously kept a dedicated seat reserved in her honour until her return.
Subtitle: Paul Maleary and Nigel Lithman KC discuss global travel, police procedures, the legal reality of genocide claims, and the quirks of life between London and Tel Aviv. In this episode of Shalom from Tel Aviv, hosts Paul Maleary and Nigel Lithman KC reunite after Nigel's return to Israel. The duo dives into a wide-ranging conversation covering personal anecdotes, high-profile legal cases, policing challenges, and modern political discourses. Key Topics Covered Travel & Security: Nigel reflects on returning to Israel from London Heathrow via El Al, noting the unique, observational security questions asked by Israeli security personnel. He also recounts the humorously stressful experience of dealing with a broken-down car and a leaking pool upon his return. High-Profile Legal & FBI Cases: Paul shares memories of visiting the FBI training center in Quantico with a colleague during a fiber-transfer case investigation. They reminisce about historic artifacts held at Quantico, including weapons from John Dillinger and Bonnie and Clyde, alongside the frustrations of past courtroom verdicts. Police Deterrence & Modern Protocols: The hosts examine recent deadly dangerous-driving incidents involving police pursuits. They discuss the lack of a visible police presence today, the shift toward taking witness statements over the phone, and the importance of supporting law enforcement. Religious Observances & Cultural Protocols: Nigel explains the upcoming High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazic penitential traditions, and how post-mortem procedures are adapted in the UK to accommodate Jewish and Muslim traditions requiring prompt burial. Media Narratives & Geopolitics: The conversation turns to public discourse surrounding Israel and Gaza. They detail a recent interview with former ICJ President Joan Donoghue clarifying the legal definition of "plausible risk" versus an official finding of genocide. They also touch upon media double standards, football fans' reactions to Israeli players like Manor Solomon, and historical ties such as Chaim Weizmann's role in the Balfour Declaration. #ShalomFromTelAviv #PodcastSummary #NigelLithmanKC #PaulMaleary #LegalInsights #FBIMemories #PolicingInTheUK #RoshHashanah #Geopolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.