In 2021, Russ Roberts became president of Shalem College in Jerusalem and hosts a popular economics podcast called EconTalk. During a conflict with Hamas, he sat down for an interview with Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe on Reason’s YouTube show Just Asking Questions. He recounted his experience on October 7, when Hamas attacked. Although he heard rocket interceptions from Gaza and visited a bomb shelter, he noted the calmness and loyalty of the Israeli people. Roberts also discussed the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, expressing his opposition to U.S. aid to Israel and the military presence in the eastern Mediterranean to threaten Iran and Hezbollah.