So much to cover today!
First, Iran. With the ceasefire still (somewhat) holding, this is a good moment to step back and reflect on the war. It’s especially timely, then, that we will welcome Jonathan Harounoff as our Friedman Lecturer this Friday at 7:30pm. An award-winning journalist and Iran expert who serves as Israel’s international spokesperson to the United Nations, he will offer insights into the Persian Jewish community, the relationship between the Iranian public and the regime, and the broader implications of the war for Israel, Iran, and the United States. We are very fortunate to have him, and I hope you’ll join us.
Next – still on Iran. If you turn on cable news, you’re likely to hear people shouting past one another. For a more thoughtful and substantive conversation, I highly recommend the latest episode of Call Me Back. Hosted by Dan Senor (author of Start Up Nation), it features a debate between former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro and Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz. Rather than trading talking points, they engage in a respectful, informed discussion about the state of the conflict. It’s well worth your time.
Finally, AIPAC. There are many valid critiques of AIPAC – and I say that as a rabbi who has partnered with them when our interests align, including around the election of Rep. George Latimer. That said, some of the rhetoric directed at AIPAC has crossed a line, echoing age-old antisemitic tropes about Jews wielding hidden power. I was encouraged to see the Union for Reform Judaism address this troubling discourse in a recent statement.
In a moment that calls for both clarity and conversation, I hope you will join us on Friday.
