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We’re diving into one of the most contentious and emotional debates in Israeli society: Haredim and military service.
For decades, ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students have been exempt from Israel’s mandatory draft to focus on Torah study. But with Israel’s security stretched thin after October 7, the debate over Haredi participation in the military has taken on new urgency.
Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Eli Paley, a leading voice in the Haredi world, to explore this issue from a deeply informed perspective. We discuss how the Haredi community views military service and why full-time Torah study is central to their identity; the heated debate over fairness, national security, and shared responsibility in Israeli society; and what solutions could balance Israel’s security needs with respect for Haredi values.
This is an eye-opening and essential conversation about one of the defining issues shaping Israeli society today.
Guest Bio:
Eli Paley is a Haredi-Israeli philanthropist, businessman, and social entrepreneur. In his philanthropic role, Paley chairs The Paley Family Foundation. He is also the owner and publisher of "Mishpacha," the largest media group in the Haredi world. As a social entrepreneur, Paley is the chairman of the Paley family foundation and President and founder of the Institute for Strategy and Haredi Policy
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Donald Trump has upended global politics with a radical new proposal. He’s floated the idea of the U.S. taking control of Gaza and relocating the Palestinian population, calling it an opportunity to build a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
His proposal marks a dramatic shift from decades of U.S. foreign policy and the longstanding belief that a Palestinian state is essential for regional peace. But is Trump serious? Is this even remotely feasible?
To break it all down, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Oren, historian, diplomat, and former Israeli ambassador to the United States. We discuss whether Trump’s idea is a trial balloon or a serious policy shift and America’s evolving role in the region.
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/ -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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President Donald Trump stunned the world when he announced that the United States should take over Gaza, clear the rubble, rebuild it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” and relocate its population to other countries. Is this a serious policy proposal, a negotiation tactic, or something else entirely? And what does it mean for Israel, the hostages, and the broader Middle East?
I’m joined by Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to break down Trump’s stunning announcement and its far-reaching implications. Is Trump’s plan bold or reckless? Could it change the course of the Middle East? Dr. Schanzer brings his expert analysis.
Guest Bio
Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is the executive director at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he oversees the work of the organization’s experts and scholars.
Jonathan previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he followed and froze the funding of Hamas and al-Qaeda. Jonathan has held previous think tank research positions at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the Middle East Forum. He has written hundreds of articles on the Middle East and U.S. national security.
His most recent book is Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and Eleven Days of War (FDD Press 2021). His other books are State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State (Palgrave Macmillan 2013), Hamas vs. Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine (Palgrave Macmillan 2008), and Al-Qaeda’s Armies: Middle East Affiliate Groups and the Next Generation of Terror (Washington Institute for Near East Policy 2004).
Jonathan testifies often before Congress and appears on television channels such as CNN, Fox News, BBC, and MSNBC. -
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.
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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.
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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. Oren
Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide by Michael B. 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 -
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/ -
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. -
Qatar and the United States have announced a three-phase ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The first phase would see Hamas release 33 of the 98 hostages remaining in Gaza. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences.
The agreement has sparked intense debate in Israel, with critics cautioning that it could embolden Hamas and leave hostages behind.
Joining host Aviva Klompas to break down the details and implications of this deal is retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF spokesperson and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
Guest Bio:
Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson. -
Before October 7, judicial reform dominated Israel’s domestic agenda, sparking massive protests and fierce debates. Supporters of the plan argued reform was necessary to curb an unelected judiciary, while critics warned it posed an existential threat to Israeli democracy.
Then came October 7. In the aftermath of the attack, judicial reform was frozen as the country united to confront war. Now, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has signaled plans to resume the reforms, even as Israel remains at war and divisions are as raw as ever. Why now and what’s at stake?
To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Oren—historian, diplomat, and one of the most thoughtful voices on Israel’s past, present, and future.
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 episode: 2048: The Rejuvenated State by Dr. Michael Oren -
In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), about the alarming rise in antisemitism across the United States and Europe—and what’s being done to fight back.
Ted spent over a decade in Congress where he was co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. Now, as the head of the AJC, he’s at the forefront of addressing the surge in Jew-hatred on a global scale.
Aviva & Ted discuss:
- Can legislation effectively curb antisemitism?
- Why did the Antisemitism Awareness Act fail to advance?
- What can the new Congress and the Trump administration do to prioritize Jewish safety?
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/
Guest Bio:
American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch is a lifelong Jewish and pro-Israel activist. He assumed the role of CEO in October 2022, following more than 12 years of service in the United States House of Representatives. In Congress, Ted served as chair of the House Ethics Committee, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on which he served as chair of the Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee. Ted was a founding co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and also served as co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, as well as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, the Latino-Jewish Congressional Caucus, and AJC’s Transatlantic Friends of Israel inter-parliamentary group. Ted is a proud alum of Camp Ramah and the University of Michigan and Michigan Law School, where he chaired the Hillel Governing Board. Under Ted’s leadership, AJC launched its Center for Education Advocacy and Center for a New Middle East. AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. -
In this episode of Boundless Insights, Dr. Rachel Fish sits down with retired Colonel Miri Eisen, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism at Reichman University and a former Israeli intelligence officer.
They dive into how language influences the way we understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the impact of words like “oppressor-oppressed,” “David and Goliath,” and “victimhood.” These terms, while powerful, can often oversimplify deeply complex realities and create greater divisions between peoples.
Rachel and Miri also explore the different lenses through which people view war—some emphasizing humanitarian concerns, others prioritizing security—and why these perspectives are so important. Along the way, they share practical tips for having clear, empathetic, and fact-based conversations about Israel, terrorism, and the broader regional challenges.
Guest Bio:
Retired Colonel Miri Eisin is a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism (ICT) at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel. With a 20-year career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), she held roles, including intelligence officer for a regional border brigade, the airborne division, and Deputy Head of the Combat Intelligence Corps—the first woman to serve in each of these positions. After retiring from the IDF, Miri served as the Israeli government spokesperson during the 2006 Second Lebanon War and as international press secretary to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. She is a frequent media commentator on intelligence, security, and diplomacy. -
Aviva Klompas sits down with actor, comedian, and proud Jewish advocate Michael Rapaport for a special year-end episode. Known for his unapologetic commentary and passionate support for Israel, Michael brings his signature no-holds-barred style to a conversation reflecting on the highs, lows, and surprises of 2024.
Highlights from the Episode:
-Balancing comedy and advocacy: Michael on tackling serious issues with humor.
-The Jewish and Israeli stories Hollywood needs to tell.
-A lightning round of 2024’s biggest news stories, including the pager attack on Hezbollah, Swifty fever, the presidential election, and the rise of AI.
-Michael’s approach to New Year’s resolutions.
Guest Bio:
Michael Rapaport is an actor and comedian celebrated for his direct and no-nonsense approach. With a career spanning film, television, and stand-up comedy, he has become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken supporters of Israel, using his platform to inspire others to stand up and speak out.
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/ -
In this episode of Boundless Insights, Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to analyze the latest prospects for a hostage deal. The discussion delves into the likelihood of a deal, the complexities of negotiations, and what it all means for Israel and its allies.
Key points include:
-Reports of proof of life shared with families of captives.
-The role of international actors, including President Trump’s recent warnings.
-Contradictory reports about negotiation sticking points and what they reveal about Hamas’s strategy.
-The broader implications of the hostage crisis for Israel’s ability to declare victory.
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/
Additional Resources:
The Wall Street Journal op-ed titled “America Demands the Return of Its Hostages. -
For decades, Iran has advanced its nuclear ambitions, circumventing sanctions and ignoring global condemnation. Now, with Hamas’s military largely dismantled in Gaza, Hezbollah weakened, and Syria’s Assad regime faltering, the Islamic Republic finds itself on the back foot.
With only weeks remaining before Trump takes office, Tehran may see its window closing and feel compelled to make a final push toward a nuclear weapon.
How close is Iran to the bomb? Will Israel act to stop it? And where does the United States stand if preemptive action becomes inevitable?
Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren—historian, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, and one of the sharpest voices on Israel’s security and foreign policy.
Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompas
Find Michael Oren on X @DrMichaelOren -
Since the start of the war, the Houthis—an Iran-backed Shia Islamist group—have launched hundreds of attacks on Israel, disrupted global trade by targeting vital Red Sea shipping routes, and destabilized an entire region.
How did a rebel group from one of the world’s poorest countries come to possess such advanced military capabilities? Who are the Houthis, and why is the world still unwilling to confront them directly?
To break it all down, I’m joined by retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus—a former IDF spokesperson, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and leading expert on the Middle East.
Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompas
Find Jonathan Conricus on X @jconricus
Guest Bio:
Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson. -
In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, to dissect Amnesty International’s controversial report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
They discuss the report's claims, the implications of Amnesty’s decision to lower the threshold for proving genocide, and the far-reaching consequences of these accusations on Israel and the global narrative. The episode also touches on why genocide accusations resonate so deeply for Israel and what’s at stake in the war of words surrounding this.
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/ -
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand in his long-running corruption trial, facing charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. His testimony comes as Israel battles a multifront war now in its 14th month, deepening political divides.
To his supporters, the trial is a politically motivated effort to remove him from power; to his critics, it’s a critical test of Israel’s legal system and its ability to hold leaders accountable.
Joining us to break it all down is Tomer Naor, Head of the Legal Department at The Movement for Quality Government in Israel. We’ll unpack the details of the case and its far-reaching implications for Israel’s politics, society, and legal system.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
Guest Bio:
For over a decade, Tomer Naor has been a central figure at The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, one of the country’s leading grassroots organizations. As Head of the Legal Department for the past five years, he has led landmark Supreme Court cases, championing democracy, transparency, and good governance, particularly during Israel’s recent constitutional crisis.
Recognized as one of the Hebrew University’s “40 Promising Graduates Under 40” and The Marker’s “40 Under 40,” Tomer is a prominent voice on law, politics, and civil society. He is a frequent media commentator, a sought-after lecturer, and actively involved in social initiatives across Israel.
Tomer holds law degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Northwestern University, in partnership with Tel Aviv University. He is also a father, educator, and dedicated social activist. -
Syria’s collapse didn’t happen overnight. Born from the colonial borders of post-World War I, Syria has long been a fractured country, divided by sectarianism, tribal rivalries, and decades of brutal dictatorship. For years, Bashar al-Assad’s regime seemed untouchable, propped up by foreign support from Iran and Russia.
Now, in a sudden and decisive turn, Assad’s regime has fallen—an event few predicted and one with profound consequences for the region. Rebel factions, some with extremist ties, are vying for control, and Syria’s neighbors are jockeying to fill the power vacuum.
How did we get here? What does Assad’s collapse mean for Syria’s future, and how might this moment reshape the Middle East?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to Washington and a leading expert on the region, to explore the history that led to Assad’s fall and what comes next for Syria, its people, and its neighbors.
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/ -
The Assad regime has collapsed, marking a historic turning point in the Middle East. Long a cornerstone of Iran’s Axis of Resistance, Syria now stands at a crossroads. Rebel forces have delivered a major blow to Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia—while raising alarms about the rise of new jihadist groups.
For Israel, the resulting power vacuum introduces new security challenges, especially along its northern border. In this episode, Aviva Klompas speaks with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Middle East strategist and former IDF spokesperson, to break down the fallout from Assad’s collapse, its impact on Israel, and what lies ahead for the region.
Guest Bio:
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world. - Visa fler
