Daily Briefing Mar 21: Ninja mom helps out in Moldova; Zelensky's 'righteous' speech

Sue Surkes reports on her whirlwind tour with aid groups on Ukraine border; Lazar Berman breaks down what military aid Israel can offer; Miriam Herschlag onsite in Habima Square

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and environment reporter Sue Surkes — who has just returned from a whirlwind trip to Moldova — join host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Ops and blogs editor Miriam Herschlag reports in from Tel Aviv’s Habima Square.

We begin by discussing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial speech Sunday evening to Knesset members that was broadcast throughout the country and live in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square.

Herschlag was on scene in Tel Aviv and brings us brief conversations with Ukrainian nationals Ludmilla and Liza. We also hear a spontaneous public singing of a nationalistic folk song.

Berman explains what hypersonic missiles are and what aid Zelensky could potentially see from Israel — and what he won’t.

Surkes has just returned from Moldova. She describes the immense aid efforts she witnessed there — including from medical clowns and Tami Jeffay, the wife of our health reporter Nathan Jeffay. Hear what this ninja mother is up to now.

Discussed articles include:

Full text: Ukraine President Zelensky’s speech to Israeli lawmakers

Zelensky changes tack after caustic speech, says ‘grateful’ for Bennett’s mediation

As Zelensky prods Israel for aid, ‘Glory to Ukraine’ rings out at Tel Aviv square

Israeli medical clowns bring smiles, relieve stress for Ukraine refugees in Moldova

Ninja mom jets solo to Moldova to help Ukrainian refugees

At Ben Gurion Airport, Israeli soldiers process incoming Ukrainian refugees

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out yesterday’s Daily Briefing episode:

This Times of Israel podcast is sponsored by Thirty-Six, in which host Justin Hayet scours Israel to find the 36 most wonderful, interesting people doing the most wonderful, interesting things. Subscribe to Thirty-Six on your favorite podcast platform.