When it comes to Israel, antisemitism, and American Jewry, the conversations are seemingly endless—there are so many perspectives and so many difficult question...
Negotiating with Terror: The Impossible Choices of a Hostage Deal – with Dr. Michael Oren
It has been almost 500 days since Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250 hostages into Gaza. In recent weeks, a hostage deal has held, bringing some hostages home—but with it comes an emotional rollercoaster of relief, fear, and the devastating reality that some will never return.This episode takes a hard look at where things stand. The release of hostages has been met with the simultaneous release of Palestinian prisoners, including convicted murderers, raising urgent questions about what this signals for the future. From Hamas’s perspective, hostage-taking has proven to be an effective strategy, forcing Israel to confront difficult decisions moving forward.To help make sense of the good, the bad, and the painful, I’m joined by historian, diplomat, and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Michael Oren.If you found this episode insightful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others. Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
--------
18:50
Benjamin Netanyahu: The Man in the Eye of the Storm - with Dr. Michael Oren
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is navigating an extraordinary set of challenges, from political and public backlash after October 7 to ongoing legal battles and personal health concerns. Today, we delve into the immense pressures facing Israel’s longest-serving leader, the criticisms and demands from every direction, and how history will remember him.Joining us is Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, historian, and prominent commentator on Israeli affairs. Together, we explore Netanyahu’s leadership, the moral and strategic dilemmas he faces, and how history might remember him.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Mentioned in the Show:Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Michael B. OrenAlly: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide by Michael B. Oren
--------
23:58
Is the Two-State Solution Still Viable? – with Dr. Michael Oren
For decades, the two-state solution has been the cornerstone of international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This episode delves into its history, from its origins to repeated failed negotiations, and examines whether it remains a viable path forward.In the aftermath of October 7 — a day that fundamentally changed how Israelis view the conflict — the challenges to this vision feel more insurmountable than ever. Can a sovereign Palestinian state be established without compromising Israel’s security? Or has the two-state solution become little more than an empty slogan?Host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren — historian and former Israeli ambassador to the United States — to explore whether the two-state solution is still realistic or an outdated delusion in a world where peace feels increasingly elusive.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Referenced in this episode:Israelis, Palestinians and the ‘Two-State Situation’ by Michael Oren, published Feb. 24, 2015
--------
21:32
The Return of Donald Trump – with Dr. Michael Oren
Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office, and his second term has already focused on U.S.-Israel relations and Middle East diplomacy. In this episode, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to unpack the key issues and challenges ahead.From the plight of hostages and the prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords to questions about the future of Gaza, Iran, and the fight against antisemitism, this conversation dives deep into the policies shaping the weeks and months ahead. Tune in for expert analysis and a candid discussion about what Trump’s second term means for Israel, the Jewish community, and the broader Middle East.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
--------
20:48
The Return of the Hostages – with Dr. Michael Oren
In this episode, host Aviva Klompas delves into the agonizing uncertainty surrounding Israel’s long-awaited hostage deal with Hamas. Phase one of the agreement will see the release of 33 hostages—women, children, the elderly, and the infirm—over a 42-day period. However, with more than 60 individuals excluded from this initial phase, the anguish of waiting and the fear of what lies ahead remain deeply troubling.Aviva is joined by Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to examine the deal’s implications, the profound moral and strategic dilemmas it raises, and the broader context of Israel’s ongoing struggle against a terror organization.Recorded on Friday, January 17, as Israel’s cabinet convenes to vote on the agreement, Aviva and Michael discuss the complexities and emotions behind the headlines.If you found this episode insightful, subscribe to Boundless Insights and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback fuels our mission to deliver thoughtful discussions on the issues that matter most.
When it comes to Israel, antisemitism, and American Jewry, the conversations are seemingly endless—there are so many perspectives and so many difficult questions that it can be hard to know where to start.That’s why we created Boundless Insights—to bring you thoughtful, in-depth, and engaging discussions to help make sense of the issues.Our goal is to become your trusted source for insights that are not just informative, but also empowering – giving you the confidence to start conversations of your own.
South Africa