www.paulalster.com
Israel-based broadcast journalist
Twitter: @paul_alster
Member of BAJ - British Association of Journalists
Latest articles and media
Paul's Gaza War Blog
(19th May, 2021)
I've been deeply affected by what's going on in Israel at the moment - both internally and on our borders. Finally, I felt I had to write something in response to the mainstream media assault on Israel's right to defend itself. This is my perspective on the situation in Israel at the moment:
Click here
Click here
Paul Alster interview on
Ireland's RTE Radio 1
May 1, 2021 - Yesterday lunchtime I was contacted by Ireland's RTE Radio 1 and asked to give an overview of the tragic events at Mount Meron on Thursday night. Here is a link to the interview on the Leap of Faith weekly show, presented by Michael Comyn:
https://www.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/html5/#/radio1/11302793
https://www.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/html5/#/radio1/11302793
Horses Heal PTSD
(March 31st, 2021)
Truly inspiring! Funny and heartbreaking in equal measure, my latest interview for Reel Israel is with the remarkable Dr. Anita Shkedi, recipient of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame "Award of Excellence" and author of the recently published Horses Heal PTSD. С официальным сайтом Мостбет ставки на спорт становятся еще более увлекательными.
Anita has dedicated her life to helping those (including many injured soldiers) suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and many other conditions via her revolutionary work in the field of therapeutic riding.
Anita has dedicated her life to helping those (including many injured soldiers) suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and many other conditions via her revolutionary work in the field of therapeutic riding.
2021 pre-election Reel Israel special
(March 17, 2021)
ESRA magazine review of
Kin or Country
(March 2021)
Delighted to see that the March edition of Israel's pretigious ESRA magazine has a feature on my novel Kin or Country (available on Amazon). Pleased to report that reviewer Lucille Cohen was very upbeat about the politcal thriller and the issues it raises: https://magazine.esra.org.il/.../kin-or-country-book...
Waiting In The Wings
Feature interview with Likud heavyweight Danny Danon
(Jerusalem Report - March 2021)
Jerusalem Post review of Kin or Country:
Will Israel’s haredi, secular sectors divorce each other in the future?
(11th February, 2021)
(Above) The latest in my series of special interviews for Reel Israel: Ambassador Danny Danon, Chairman of World Likud, former Deputy Defense minister, and a possible future Prime Minister. Fascinating insight into the views and ambitions of one of Israel's heavyweight politicians
2020: What a year!!
Here's our end-of-the-year news review on Reel Israel's What The Israeli Papers Say with guests Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, Judith Sudilovsky, Benjamin Weinthal, and Rami Lador
Special interview: Paul Alster with legendary Nazi hunter Dr. Efraim Zuroff
(December 13, 2020 - Reel Israel)
Sports Bet Tv celebrate Paul Alster's amazing run of tipping success
(December 2020)
Getting the news from Reel Israel
(Jerusalem Post - Dec 15, 2020)
(Above) Episode 6 of Reel Israel's What The Israeli Papers Say brought together two rabbis with very differing views on a variety of issues:
abbi Seth Farber, founder of Jewish advcay organization ITIM, and Rabbi Yishai Fleisher, international spokesman for the West Bank Jewish community of Hebron
abbi Seth Farber, founder of Jewish advcay organization ITIM, and Rabbi Yishai Fleisher, international spokesman for the West Bank Jewish community of Hebron
Jerusalem Report review of
Kin or Country
(Above) October 30, 2020 - It's been tremendously satisfying to see the reaction of readers to my first novel, Kin or Country, on the Amazon customer reviews. Now, the first literary review has been published in The Jerusalem Report magazine (click here).
Reviewer Neville Teller MBE, a highly respected BBC dramatist and author, writes: "The result is a truly gripping vision of the way Israel could travel in the next quarter of a century, an exciting and mind-stretching literary experience ... For anyone interested in Israel’s present situation, in the cracks and flaws within Israeli society which, if left unattended, could develop into chasms and lead to an unimaginable future, Kin or Country is required reading. A gripping page-turner it certainly is, but it is much more – a convincing vision of a possible future that few would desire for the nation."
Reviewer Neville Teller MBE, a highly respected BBC dramatist and author, writes: "The result is a truly gripping vision of the way Israel could travel in the next quarter of a century, an exciting and mind-stretching literary experience ... For anyone interested in Israel’s present situation, in the cracks and flaws within Israeli society which, if left unattended, could develop into chasms and lead to an unimaginable future, Kin or Country is required reading. A gripping page-turner it certainly is, but it is much more – a convincing vision of a possible future that few would desire for the nation."
(15th October, 2020)
(Above) Leading Israel motor journalist Boaz Korpel, and former Bank Hapoalim Executive Vice President Rami Lador join me for the third edition of 'What The Israel Papers Say' on my Reel Israel YouTube channel. We discussed the alarming number of Covid-19 cases in the ultra Orthodox Jewish communities; the ongoing anti-goverment protests; Israel set to be used as a test nation for new Chinese electric cars; and Germany is to pay additional funds to Holocaust survivors struggling during the pandemic
(Above) Leading Israel motor journalist Boaz Korpel, and former Bank Hapoalim Executive Vice President Rami Lador join me for the third edition of 'What The Israel Papers Say' on my Reel Israel YouTube channel. We discussed the alarming number of Covid-19 cases in the ultra Orthodox Jewish communities; the ongoing anti-goverment protests; Israel set to be used as a test nation for new Chinese electric cars; and Germany is to pay additional funds to Holocaust survivors struggling during the pandemic
Paul Alster on Fox News' Lighthouse Faith podcast
(September 24, 2020)
Israeli Jews are improving their relations with Arabs — but not with each other
(FoxNews.com - September 15, 2020)
Out now on Amazon.com
I’m proud to announce that my first novel, Kin Or Country, is now available on Amazon. I’d be delighted if you buy the book and/or share the link to the Amazon page to help put the word out there.
I’m happy to give interviews and answer any media enquiries.
Set in 2048, Kin Or Country is a political thriller with a related murder investigation woven through it. It takes place during the febrile two-week countdown to an unprecedented referendum that proposes to split the State of Israel; one state for the Haredim and other ultra-religious groups, and one for the rest of Israeli society.
But what happens in the tiny Jewish nation, so often at the center of world attention, also has wider repercussions for the Middle East as others with vested interests in the region, such as the USA and Iran, seek to ensure an outcome that suits their own geopolitical agendas
More than anything else this is a thriller about the dangers of religious coercion, about flawed morality across the political spectrum, but ultimately about human emotions and family relationships that apply equally to people of all faiths, creeds and colors. First and foremost, I hope you find Kin Or Country an enjoyable, page-turning read. Second, I hope it prompts a wide-ranging debate on the subject that will ultimately benefit all the people of Israel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some of the first Amazon reviews:
"Kin or Country by Paul Alster is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings ... Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of an alternate socio-political-religious scenario, this book will have you on the edge of your seat!.. It’s a masterful tale centered around secular and ultra-religious Israeli Jews in the year 2048. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me." - Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth, Goodreads.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"This book is a highly involving political thriller, a story with a plot and well sculpted characters that could so comfortably become cinematic ... that provides a stage for a debate about the frustrations and contradictions that pepper Israel as a country. This is a superb book, and very highly recommended." - Grady Harp, Goodreads.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"This is a perfect political thriller." - Sofia Petrovna, USA, Amazon.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Paul Alster interwines history and fiction very nicely. I learnt a lot about history from page one, while it didn't get boring at any point thanks to the plot twists and cliffhangers." - S. Ramos Garcia, USA, Amazon.com
You can buy the book here.
I’m happy to give interviews and answer any media enquiries.
Set in 2048, Kin Or Country is a political thriller with a related murder investigation woven through it. It takes place during the febrile two-week countdown to an unprecedented referendum that proposes to split the State of Israel; one state for the Haredim and other ultra-religious groups, and one for the rest of Israeli society.
But what happens in the tiny Jewish nation, so often at the center of world attention, also has wider repercussions for the Middle East as others with vested interests in the region, such as the USA and Iran, seek to ensure an outcome that suits their own geopolitical agendas
More than anything else this is a thriller about the dangers of religious coercion, about flawed morality across the political spectrum, but ultimately about human emotions and family relationships that apply equally to people of all faiths, creeds and colors. First and foremost, I hope you find Kin Or Country an enjoyable, page-turning read. Second, I hope it prompts a wide-ranging debate on the subject that will ultimately benefit all the people of Israel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some of the first Amazon reviews:
"Kin or Country by Paul Alster is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings ... Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of an alternate socio-political-religious scenario, this book will have you on the edge of your seat!.. It’s a masterful tale centered around secular and ultra-religious Israeli Jews in the year 2048. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me." - Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth, Goodreads.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"This book is a highly involving political thriller, a story with a plot and well sculpted characters that could so comfortably become cinematic ... that provides a stage for a debate about the frustrations and contradictions that pepper Israel as a country. This is a superb book, and very highly recommended." - Grady Harp, Goodreads.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"This is a perfect political thriller." - Sofia Petrovna, USA, Amazon.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Paul Alster interwines history and fiction very nicely. I learnt a lot about history from page one, while it didn't get boring at any point thanks to the plot twists and cliffhangers." - S. Ramos Garcia, USA, Amazon.com
You can buy the book here.
A Postcard from Corona Israel
(Jerusalem Post/The Jerusalem Report - May 14, 2020)
In-depth Cheltenham Festival
tips and analysis
(GentingBet.com - Thursday 12 March)
2020 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Seoul,
South Korea, February 6-9
Always wonderful to provide live commentary on world class figure skating. Here's the short program of the great Chinese star Boyang Jin from last week's ISU Four Continents Championship in Seoul:
Muddy 1994 National was Just So exciting
(grandnational.org.uk - February 14, 2020)
2020 ISU European Figure Skating Championships, Graz, Austria, January 22-26
A thrilling week commentating from the stadium on five day's high-class international figure skating. Here's one of my favourite performances from an event in which Russia totally dominated, winning 10 medals.
Crisp; the most glorious Grand National defeat
(grandnational.org.uk - January 2020)
Trump threat to Iranian culture is a big mistake
(Times of Israel - January 2020)
From Mafia ‘associate’ to Christian supporter of Israel
(Jerusalem Report/ Jerusalem Post - December 2019)
Horse racing analysis and tips for
The Telegraph
(18th November, 2019)
My latest for the racing section of The Telegraph. Click below :
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/racing/2019-11-18-cheltenham-festival-2020-betting/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/racing/2019-11-18-cheltenham-festival-2020-betting/
SHANA TOVA
HAPPY NEW YEAR 5780
(29th September, 2019)
On Erev Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), I send very best wishes to family, friends, and all visitors to this website. I'm currently overseas working on an Israel-related book that I hope will appear in 2020, hence the reduced number of articles I've presented of late.
Hoping the year ahead brings peace, good health and happiness to all .
Hoping the year ahead brings peace, good health and happiness to all .
HIGH HOPES
The Hasidic Jew at the cutting edge of medicinal cannabis development
(The Jerusalem Report - March 29, 2019)
"SMART PHILANTHROPY" OPENS UP ISRAEL'S GALILEE AND NEGEV REGIONS
JNF USA's innovative project to boost housing projects away from central Israel
(JNF.org - 28th March 2019)
NO LONGER A PLACE TO RUN?
Fears abound over the direction
of Netanyahu's far-right alliance
(Times of Israel - March 17, 2019)
A BEACON OF HOPE
Marking Holocaust Memorial Day, Paul Alster pays a belated first visit to the world's most famous Holocaust museum
(Jerusalem Report - January 2019)
CLOSE YOUR EYES AND MAKE A WISH
Israel's Make-A-Wish charitable organization makes the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses come true
(Jerusalem Report - October 17, 2018)
THE AMAZING MISS VERTIGO
Rona Soffer’s autobiographical short film is an inspiration to people living with significant disabilities
(Jerusalem Report - August 22, 2018)
JOURNEYING THROUGH THE REAL ISRAEL
Polish and American teens experience an Israel not usually seen by tour groups
(Jerusalem Report - July 25, 2018)
GOOD GUYS, BAD GUYS
My views on the way the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is covered by the international media
(Times of Israel - May 15, 2018)
BRITISH JEWS' POTENTIAL LOSE-LOSE SCENARIO
Anti-Semitism in Britain goes much deeper than Jeremy Corbyn
(Jerusalem Post - April 27, 2018)
ANATOMY OF A DEMONSTRATION
Do Tel Aviv protestors have what it takes to end the reign of corruption?
(Jerusalem Report - February 24, 2018)
"The cafes and restaurants around me were jam-packed with young people drinking skinny lattes, eating designer hamburgers, busy looking cool. Well dressed youngsters enjoying the good things in life in this rich part of town. If they were concerned about corruption, bribery, one third of the population living below the poverty line, the erosion of civil liberties, they certainly weren't showing it."
OMERTA
Has the Israeli government adopted the infamous mafia code of ethics?
(Times of Israel - February 16, 2018)
"That’s the mafia code. No matter what crime has been committed, or however innocent the victim may have been, you do not go outside “the family.” You do not cooperate with the police. If you have a score to settle, you settle it inside “the family”.
JERUSALEM REPORT
The 3rd Haifa Arab Food Festival
Food for thought and a journey through the stunningly
good Arab kitchen
(Jerusalem Report - December, 2017)
"It won't grab any headlines because no one died. There was no violence, no threats, no tension. No “us and them.” If you’re choosing to read on, then maybe you’re one of the growing band of people who are fed up of always hearing negative news about the Jewish-Arab status quo in Israel. That’s not to say that much of the reporting isn’t justified; sadly, it is."
ESPN U.S. RADIO
(Above) November 2017: Barry Abrams of ESPN interviews Paul about the impending demise of betting on horse racing in Israel, and the politics behind this bizarre decision
OTHER FEATURED REPORTS
NEW YORK POST |
INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT ON TERRORISM |
|
|