What happens when a Muslim from Iran meets Jesus in America - then watches his homeland go to war with Israel? 

Shah Afshar was born and raised in Iran, shaped by a shame-based culture, a devout Muslim family, and the pressure to uphold family honor. But everything changed when he encountered a group of joyful American college students and heard the name of Jesus - not as a prophet, but as Savior.

In this episode, Shah shares his powerful journey from Islam to Christianity, the cultural weight of honor and shame, and what he sees unfolding in the Middle East today. 

With a foot in both worlds, he gives insight few can offer: why 80% of Iranians quietly cheer when Israel strikes military targets…and why Persians and Jews have a deeper shared history than most realize.

The ground is shaking beneath Israel. And most of the world isn’t paying attention.

Fresh off a 17-day trip through the land - along war-torn borders and ancient prophetic fault lines - we return with a warning: something is building. 

The people are exhausted. The hostages are still missing. Iran is preparing for war. And while embassies evacuate, the Church scrolls past in silence.

This episode isn’t casual listening. It’s a wake-up call. The stage is being set. And if we’re not watching, praying, and standing with Israel, we’ll miss what God is doing right in front of us.

Joseph was thrown into a pit. Sold into slavery. Locked in prison. But God had a plan - a plan bigger than anyone could see. A plan that would save his people. 

Sound familiar?

Joseph isn’t just a historical figure - he’s a foreshadowing of the Messiah. 

From his betrayal by his own brothers to his rise to power in Egypt, every detail points to something greater. His story echoes through time - straight to the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua.

But here’s the real question: Why didn’t his brothers recognize him? And why don’t so many Jewish people recognize Jesus today?

In this episode, we uncover the hidden layers in Joseph’s story and how they connect to Israel’s ultimate redemption. 

If you’ve ever wondered why the Jewishness of Jesus matters, this one’s for you.

Silence has never stopped evil - it only fuels it.

We've seen it before. Nazi Germany. 9/11. Tehran, 1979. 

And now, once again, the world is looking away. As thousands are slaughtered in Syria, as anti-Semitism spreads like wildfire, and as Israel faces existential threats, the silence is deafening.

In this episode, we unpack the ancient and modern battle against the Jewish people - and why the story of Esther, Mordecai, and Purim is more relevant than ever. 

The enemy’s tactics haven’t changed. Neither has the need for bold voices to rise up.

Esther had a choice: speak up or stay silent. You have the same choice today.

Key Takeaways

• Silence feeds evil. History shows that when the world stays quiet, the worst atrocities unfold.

• Israel is under attack - again. The enemies of the Jewish people are always calling for annihilation, and today is no different.

• The Book of Esther is about courage. God’s name is hidden, but His hand is clear - just like today.

• Evil always overplays its hand. Haman thought he had won - until the tables turned.

• This is your Esther moment. Will you speak out, or will you look away?

Chapter Markers

• [00:05] - Welcome to The Jewish Road Podcast

• [01:15] - Syria in Flames - And No One Is Talking About It

• [06:42] - The Media’s Silence and the Rise of Anti-Semitism

• [11:30] - History Repeats: The Enemies of Israel Have the Same Goal

• [14:20] - The Story of Purim - A Battle Against Annihilation

• [19:15] - Esther, Mordecai, and the Power of Speaking Up

• [25:48] - The Chilling Words of Martin Niemöller - Why Silence Is Never Neutral

• [30:55] - The Biblical Chiasm in Esther - God's Hidden Hand

• [37:10] - Yarden Bebas’ Bold Stand in Gaza - “I Was Born a Jew, I Will Die a Jew”

• [41:25] - The Call to Action - Will You Be Silent, or Will You Speak?

Stand With Israel. Speak the Truth.

This is no time for silence. The battle against the Jewish people is ancient, but the call remains the same: who will stand?

• Learn more and stay engaged. Visit TheJewishRoad.com for resources, events, and ways to get involved.

• Speak out. Share this episode. Tell the truth. Push back against the lies.

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Evil thrives when good people do nothing. This is your time.

Because if we don’t speak now, who will?

They had jobs. 

They had plans. 

Then October 7th happened.

Two IDF soldiers left their comfortable lives to fight for Israel. Now, they’re walking through NRB wearing shirts that say, “Ask me anything.” 

And the world needs to hear their answers.

This isn’t just a war in Israel - it’s a war of truth. 

Hamas hides behind civilians, while the world looks away. Universities echo propaganda. Social media spreads lies. 

And Jewish voices? They’re being silenced.

But these soldiers aren’t backing down. 

They’ve seen the tunnels. 

They’ve held the evidence. 

They’ve lost friends in the fight. 

Now, they’re exposing the truth and calling Christians to stand with Israel - before it’s too late.

If you think you know what’s happening in Israel, think again.

Life in Israel is a paradox - cafés are full, but the weight of war is everywhere.

Soldiers are in and out of battle.

Families grieve.

The fate of hostages hangs in the balance.

But beyond the physical war, there’s a media war - and right now, truth is losing.

In this episode, we sit down with Mati Shoshani, an IDF reservist and media powerhouse, to pull back the curtain on how the world is being deceived.

From Hamas’ hostage propaganda to mainstream media spin, we expose the dangerous narratives shaping public opinion - and what’s at stake if the world doesn’t wake up.