Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Hannah Senesh is one of the most iconic figures of Israel’s pre-state history - a young poet and parachutist whose story has become part of national memory. But who was she beyond the symbol, and what can her story still teach us today?Host Aviva Klompas speaks with Matti Friedman about his new book Out of the Sky, which revisits the story of Senesh and the Jewish parachutists who were sent behind enemy lines during World War II. Together, they explore the gap between the mythology and the lived reality of these young fighters, and what motivated them to act in a moment when the world largely stood by.The conversation examines how Jews have historically understood vulnerability, responsibility, and the limits of relying on others for protection. It also looks at the tension between individual lives and the national narratives that are later built around them.Along the way, they draw connections to the present: the persistence of old questions about identity and belonging, the limits of assimilation, and the ways Jewish history continues to echo in contemporary moments of crisis.Guest Bio:Matti Friedman is an award-winning author of five works of nonfiction, translated into more than a dozen languages. His newest book is Out of the Sky: Heroism and Rebirth in Nazi Europe, published in 2026.His previous books include Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai, a Vanity Fair best book of the year, Spies of No Country, which won the Natan Book Award, and Pumpkinflowers, a New York Times Notable Book.A former Associated Press correspondent, his reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Smithsonian. He now writes from Jerusalem for The Free Press.Matti was born in Toronto and lives in Jerusalem with his family.

In the two and a half years since the Gaza war began, a new body of writing has taken hold, one that claims to explain not just the conflict, but the world itself. In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Matti Friedman about his essay Introduction to Gazology. He argues that this emerging genre isn’t really about Gaza as a place, but uses it as a framework to interpret global politics, morality, and power. They discuss why this narrative has gained traction after October 7, the central role of language—especially the use of “genocide”—and how key elements of the conflict are often left out. The conversation also explores how Gaza has become a lens for broader Western concerns, and what that reveals about the way the conflict is being understood.We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Mentioned in This Episode:Introduction to Gazology by Matti FriedmanGuest Bio:Matti Friedman is an award-winning author of five works of nonfiction, translated into more than a dozen languages. His newest book is Out of the Sky: Heroism and Rebirth in Nazi Europe, published in 2026.His previous books include Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai, a Vanity Fair best book of the year, Spies of No Country, which won the Natan Book Award, and Pumpkinflowers, a New York Times Notable Book.A former Associated Press correspondent, his reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Smithsonian. He now writes from Jerusalem for The Free Press.Matti was born in Toronto and lives in Jerusalem with his family.

After months of tension along Israel’s northern border, a fragile ceasefire has opened the door to renewed diplomacy between Israel and Lebanon. But with Hezbollah rejecting the agreement and the Lebanese government constrained in its ability to act, the path forward is anything but clear.Aviva Klompas speaks with Ambassador Yechiel Leiter about the latest round of U.S.-brokered talks in Washington and what they are actually trying to achieve. They discuss whether talk of peace is realistic, how Israel defines success in Lebanon, and the challenge of negotiating stability with a state that does not fully control the armed group operating within its borders.The conversation also explores the role of the United States in shaping the ceasefire, the skepticism within Israel about whether the campaign ended too soon, and the broader regional dynamics—including Iran—that continue to influence the situation.We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Guest Bio:Dr. Yechiel (Michael) Leiter was appointed Israel’s Ambassador to the United States in January 2025. A longtime public servant, he has served as adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Chief of Staff to then-Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and held senior roles in the Ministries of Education and Transportation. He holds a PhD in political philosophy and is the author of a Cambridge University Press book on John Locke and the Hebrew Bible. Ambassador Leiter is a father of eight. His eldest son, Maj. Moshe Yedidya Leiter—a doctor, special ops commander, and father of six—was killed in Gaza in November 2023.

After weeks of heavy headlines - from multiple conflicts to rising antisemitism and political tension - we’re switching things up. Host Aviva Klompas is joined by actor and comedian Michael Rapaport to talk about everything from Jewish holidays to pop culture, life hacks, random obsessions, the unexpected things bringing joy right now, and the kind of advice that sticks.They also check in on Rapaport’s campaign to be New York City’s next mayor – if you have ideas for slogans, theme music, email us at [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.On Israel’s 78th Independence Day, we reflect on what the Jewish state means today, and why it still matters.Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Einat Wilf to explore the enduring idea of Zionism - how it is being challenged, misunderstood, and defended in a rapidly shifting global conversation. They discuss Israel’s central role in Jewish life, the widening gap between Israel’s reality and how it is perceived in the West, and why that gap has grown so stark.The conversation also examines how language is shaping the debate around Israel, and what it takes to engage in a world where facts alone are often not enough. Against the backdrop of war and internal strain, they reflect on what this period has revealed about the resilience of Israeli society and the Jewish people more broadly.Looking ahead, Aviva and Einat consider what a confident, modern Zionism might look like and what it will take to sustain and strengthen the Jewish state in the decades to come.Guest BioDr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company.Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. She was the Goldman Visiting Professor at Georgetown University.Dr. Wilf is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society. “We Should All Be Zionists“, published in 2022, brings together her essays from the past four years on Israel, Zionism and the path to peace; the co-authored “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace”, was published in 2020

As Israel marks Yom HaZikaron - the country’s day of remembrance for fallen soldiers and victims of terror - this year carries added weight, unfolding in the shadow of an ongoing war and fresh loss still felt across the country.In this episode, Aviva Klompas speaks with Rabbi Doron Perez, whose son, Captain Daniel Perez, was killed on October 7 while defending Israel’s border. Taken hostage after his tank was overrun, Daniel’s remains were returned months later as part of a ceasefire agreement.Rabbi Perez reflects on who Daniel was, how his family carries his memory, and what it means to live with grief that is both deeply personal and shared so publicly. The conversation explores faith, loss, and the challenge of holding onto purpose in the aftermath of tragedy.They also discuss the broader moment Israel is facing - how a society processes ongoing loss, the responsibility to rebuild, and the question of what remembrance asks of those who are still here.Guest Bio: Rabbi Doron Perez is the Executive Chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement and President of the World Zionist Organization. Since 2014, he has led a major transformation of World Mizrachi, expanding its educational and communal work across more than 30 countries. He previously served for 15 years as a senior rabbinic leader in South Africa.Rabbi Perez is an ordained rabbi with advanced degrees in Jewish education and Jewish history, and the author of Leading the Way and The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity. He lives in Yad Binyamin with his wife, Shelley. They have four children. Their second son, Captain Daniel Perez was killed in action on October 7th. His body was held in Gaza for two years before being returned to Israel for burial.More from this guest:The Jewish State from Opposition to Opportunity: A Vision for Unity in Israel and why the World Needs it by Rabbi Doron Perez

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.After the collapse of U.S.–Iran talks, Washington has turned to a new approach - imposing a naval blockade aimed at cutting off Iran’s ability to leverage the Strait of Hormuz. The goal is to apply economic pressure without escalating into a broader military campaign. But whether that pressure changes Tehran’s behavior remains an open question.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Jonathan Schanzer about how Iran may respond and what this shift means for the trajectory of the conflict. They explore whether Iran still holds an advantage at the negotiating table, how its strategy may be evolving under pressure, and whether its traditional playbook of delay and deflection is still effective.Guest Bio:Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is Executive Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he oversees the organization’s research and policy work. A former terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Treasury, Jonathan has tracked and disrupted funding networks for groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda. He’s authored several books on the Middle East, including Gaza Conflict 2021, State of Failure, and Hamas vs. Fatah. A frequent congressional witness and media commentator, his analysis appears regularly in major outlets including CNN, Fox News, and the BBC.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a deal, leaving the ceasefire on shaky ground and major questions unanswered.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren about what the breakdown means and where things may be headed. They examine whether the damage inflicted on Iran translates into lasting strategic gains, or if the regime retains enough leverage - through its nuclear program, regional proxies, and control over key shipping routes - to shape the next phase of the conflict.The conversation also explores the growing gap between Washington and Jerusalem and whether Israel would continue acting if the United States steps back. They discuss whether the war reinforced Iran’s asymmetric strategy, the unresolved threat from Hezbollah, and what all of this signals about the likelihood of renewed confrontation.Guest Bio:Michael Oren served in the IDF as a Lone Soldier in the paratroopers. He was Israel’s ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2013 and later served as a Member of Knesset and Deputy Minister of Diplomacy.He is the author of several New York Times bestsellers including Six Days of War, Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israel Divide, and Power, Faith, and Fantasy. Ambassador Oren published 2048: The Rejuvenated State in 2023 and is the founder of Israel Advocacy Group.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.After five weeks of fighting, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, halting strikes and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. But while the immediate crisis may be paused, the bigger questions are far from resolved.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with journalist Eli Lake about what this moment represents. Has the war ended and if so, who came out ahead? They examine the damage inflicted on Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership, and whether those losses meaningfully change its long-term capabilities. Iran’s leadership is framing the ceasefire as a victory, with reports it may collect substantial fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially offsetting sanctions.Aviva and Eli also step back to assess whether the war was necessary, and how to interpret President Trump’s unconventional and often provocative communication style. They discuss how to distinguish between rhetoric and policy, and what Trump’s approach reveals about how this war is being conducted and understood.Speaker BioEli Lake is a journalist and geopolitical analyst, currently a contributing editor and columnist at The Free Press and host of the excellent Breaking History podcast. He was previously a columnist for Bloomberg, The Daily Beast, and Newsweek, where he covered national security, foreign policy, and global affairs. Known for his sharp analysis and independent voice, Eli brings a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective to some of the most pressing issues in international politics.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Global attention is focused on the war with Iran, but another issue is unfolding that raises urgent moral and political questions – the spike in attacks by Jewish extremists against Palestinians in the West Bank, or Judea and Samaria.In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Yossi Klein Halevi about settler violence - how widespread it is and why it’s surging. The conversation also examines how these attacks affect Israel’s moral standing and where responsibility lies when it comes to enforcing the rule of law.Guest BioYossi Klein Halevi is a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. His 2013 book, Like Dreamers, won the Jewish Book Council's Everett Book of the Year Award and his latest book, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, is a New York Times bestseller. Yossi writes for leading op-ed pages in the US, including the Times and the Wall Street Journal, and is a former contributing editor to the New Republic.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Iran has taken significant hits to its leadership and infrastructure, yet the regime remains in place, continues to project power across the region, and retains the ability to disrupt global energy markets.So where does that leave us?In this episode, host Aviva Klompas sits down with Ambassador Daniel Shapiro to examine what this campaign has achieved, whether the United States had a viable alternative to military action, and what a realistic end state might look like from here. They discuss whether an early off-ramp was missed, why both Washington and Tehran are advancing demands that appear impossible to reconcile, and what that signals about the role of diplomacy at this stage of the conflict.The conversation also explores the credibility of U.S. claims that its objectives can be achieved without deploying ground troops, the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership, and whether the current trajectory points toward a defined outcome or a prolonged and unstable phase of confrontation.Guest Bio:Ambassador Daniel Shapiro is a distinguished fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative. He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East from 2024 to 2025, Senior Adviser on Regional Integration in the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, and US Ambassador to Israel from 2011 to 2017.

Professor Pamela Nadell joins Dr. Rachel Fish to examine the long history of antisemitism in the United States and how it has evolved from the colonial era to the present. They begin with the arrival of Jews in New Amsterdam in 1654 and trace how anti-Jewish tropes rooted in Christian theology and European prejudice were carried into American life from the very beginning. The conversation explores the shift from religious anti-Judaism to modern racial antisemitism, the role of immigration restriction in the early twentieth century, and the barriers Jews continued to face even as America projected ideals of freedom and equality. The discussion also examines how antisemitism changed after World War II, the unstable place of Jews within America’s racial framework, and the emergence of antizionism as a contemporary expression of Jew-hatred. Along the way, they consider how these ideas have entered public discourse, higher education, and political life, and what it means for American democracy when Jew-hatred becomes normalized.Further ReadingAntisemitism, an American Tradition (W. W. Norton & Company, 2025) by Pamela S. NadellGuest BioProfessor Pamela S. Nadell holds the Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women’s and Gender History at American University and is a leading scholar of American Jewish history. She is the author of America’s Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times to Today, which won the 2019 National Jewish Book Award, and her most recent book, Antisemitism: An American Tradition, traces the history of antisemitism in the United States from colonial times to today. The book received a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholars Award, won the 2025 National Jewish Book Award in American Jewish Studies, and was named a Wall Street Journal best book. A past president of the Association for Jewish Studies, Nadell has testified before Congress multiple times, including in hearings on antisemitism on college campuses, and serves as a consultant to Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life museum.

Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Ambassador Dennis Ross to assess where the war with Iran stands several weeks in and whether the current trajectory is leading toward a meaningful outcome or a prolonged stalemate.While Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly degraded and key infrastructure has been damaged, the broader strategic picture remains unsettled. The regime is still intact, continues to launch attacks across the region, and retains leverage over global energy markets through the Strait of Hormuz. This raises a central question: what has this campaign actually achieved, and what can it realistically achieve from here?The conversation examines the gap between tactical success and strategic clarity, including what the United States is ultimately trying to accomplish and how “success” should be defined. Ross explores whether weakening Iran’s capabilities is enough to change its long-term behavior, or whether the current approach risks leaving the core threat intact.They also discuss Iran’s ability to rebuild with support from China, Russia, and North Korea, its use of energy disruption as a form of deterrence, and the indicators that would signal meaningful pressure on the regime. Finally, the episode considers the risks ahead, from mission creep to broader regional escalation, and what policymakers should be watching as the war continues to unfold.Guest BioAmbassador Dennis Ross is the counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He also teaches at Georgetown University’s Center for Jewish Civilization. For more than twelve years, Ambassador Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process, dealing directly with the parties as the U.S. point man on the peace process in both the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. He served two and half years as special assistant to President Obama and National Security Council senior director for the Central Region, spending the first 6 months of the Administration as the special advisor on Iran to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. His newest book is Statecraft 2.0: What America Needs to Lead in a Multipolar World (Oxford University Press, March 2025).

In this milestone 150th episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Jonathan Conricus for a clear-eyed look at where the war with Iran stands as it enters its fourth week.Despite official messaging pointing to steady progress - degraded missile and drone capabilities, targeted strikes on senior figures, and significant damage to Iran’s military infrastructure - the picture on the ground remains far more complex. Israelis continue to face daily attacks, the regime remains intact, and Iran is still able to disrupt global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with growing economic consequences felt far beyond the region.The conversation examines the gap between battlefield gains and strategic outcomes, including whether the current campaign is producing meaningful long-term change or simply managing the threat. Conricus also weighs in on Iran’s use of energy infrastructure as leverage and the possibility of further escalation. The episode also explores one of the most critical unresolved issues: Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and what it would take to neutralize that threat. Finally, the discussion turns to the broader regional picture, including the state of the fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon and how that front fits into the wider conflict.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. 

Host Aviva Klompas speaks with Natan Sharansky about one of the defining challenges facing democratic societies today: why the West often struggles to recognize and confront evil.Drawing on his experience as a Soviet dissident who spent nine years in prison, Sharansky reflects on how authoritarian regimes operate and why democratic societies frequently misunderstand them. The conversation explores why many in the West hesitate to clearly identify evil even when faced with terrorism, hostage-taking, and deliberate attacks on civilians. Sharansky discusses the dangers of moral equivalence, the erosion of moral clarity since the Cold War, and the recurring mistakes democratic societies make when confronting regimes that reject their values. He also reflects on the role fear can play within democracies themselves and whether, after a lifetime spent fighting for freedom, he remains optimistic about the future of free societies.Guest BioNatan Sharansky is a Soviet-born Israeli human rights activist, former political prisoner, and leading voice on democracy and freedom. Born in Donetsk, Ukraine, Sharansky became a prominent spokesman for the Soviet Jewish and human rights movements and was imprisoned by the Soviet regime for nine years on fabricated charges of treason and espionage after seeking to immigrate to Israel. Following an international campaign for his release, he was freed in 1986 and immigrated to Israel the same day. Sharansky later served in several Israeli governments as a minister and deputy prime minister and went on to chair the Jewish Agency for Israel from 2009 to 2018. He is the recipient of both the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2018 he was awarded the Israel Prize for his contributions to aliyah and the ingathering of exiles. Sharansky is also the author of several influential books on democracy, identity, and freedom, including The Case for Democracy and Never Alone.

As the war with Iran continues, the conflict is raising fundamental questions about how the United States uses military power and how President Trump’s foreign-policy doctrine may be evolving.For years, Trump was closely associated with an “America First” approach that emphasized avoiding prolonged wars and limiting U.S. military involvement abroad. But the current campaign against Iran suggests a shift. In this episode, Aviva Klompas speaks with Elliott Abrams, a former deputy national security advisor and Special Representative for Iran. They examine how the war is unfolding so far, what might realistically be achieved militarily, and what the strategic endgame could look like.The conversation also explores the domestic political tensions surrounding the conflict, particularly among Americans who supported Trump because of his opposition to “endless wars.” Abrams discusses whether the president is redefining what “America First” means in practice and whether the campaign against Iran signals a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy.Finally, they step back to consider the global implications of the conflict and how Iran fits into the wider landscape of American adversaries alongside China and Russia.Guest Bio:Elliott Abrams is a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C. He has held senior foreign-policy positions in several U.S. administrations, including serving as deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor in the administration of George W. Bush, where he oversaw U.S. policy in the Middle East. During the administration of Donald Trump, Abrams served as Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela. Earlier in his career, he was an assistant secretary of state in the administration of Ronald Reagan. Abrams was educated at Harvard College, the London School of Economics, and Harvard Law School. He has served on numerous public commissions and advisory boards, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and he is the author of several books on American foreign policy and the Middle East. More From This Guest:Trump’s Rules of War in The Free Press

As the war in the Middle East unfolds, its consequences are being felt far beyond the battlefield. The conflict has triggered fierce debate about American involvement, Israel’s role in U.S. foreign policy, and the future of one of Washington’s most important alliances.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with historian and former Israeli ambassador to the United States Dr. Michael Oren about how the current war fits into the broader chain of events that began with the October 7 attacks and the strategic miscalculations that helped bring the region to this point.They examine new polling showing deep partisan divisions among Americans toward Israel. The conversation also explores the resurgence of conspiracy theories and antisemitic tropes circulating in political commentary and social media.Guest Bio:Michael Oren served in the IDF as a Lone Soldier in the paratroopers. He was Israel’s ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2013 and later served as a Member of Knesset and Deputy Minister of Diplomacy.He is the author of several New York Times bestsellers including Six Days of War, Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israel Divide, and Power, Faith, and Fantasy. Ambassador Oren published 2048: The Rejuvenated State in 2023 and is the founder of Israel Advocacy Group.More From This Guest:The Free Press - From October 7 to Killing Khamenei by Dr. Michael Oren

As the war with Iran enters its second week, the military campaign has already shown successes. Key leaders have been eliminated, missile and drone attacks have sharply declined, and critical parts of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure have been damaged.But in the public discourse, a very different battle is unfolding. Across media and politics, fierce arguments have erupted about the legitimacy of the war, America’s role in it, and Israel’s influence on foreign policy.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Einat Wilf about the narratives surrounding the conflict. They discuss why the wars involving Israel are framed so negatively, how criticism is now coming from both the political left and the populist right, and what these debates reveal about deeper ideological shifts in the West.If the military campaign succeeds but the narrative turns against it, what does that mean for Israel, the United States, and future conflicts?Guest Bio:Dr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company.Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. She was the Goldman Visiting Professor at Georgetown University.Dr. Wilf is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society. “We Should All Be Zionists“, published in 2022, brings together her essays from the past four years on Israel, Zionism and the path to peace; the co-authored “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace”, was published in 2020Mentioned In this Episode:Wall Street Journal Editorial The Washington Iran War Pessimists 

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, accusations that the operation was “illegal” and a violation of international law spread rapidly from social media to Congress to global institutions, often with great certainty and little explanation.In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Natasha Hausdorff to cut through the noise and examine what international law actually says about the use of force. They explore when military action is lawful, how imminence is assessed in an age of missiles and proxy warfare, whether UN approval is required, how proportionality works in practice, and how states are held responsible for terror groups they fund and direct.Guest Bio:Natasha Hausdorff is a Barrister and expert commentator on international law, including the law of armed conflict, foreign affairs and national security policy. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on lawfare and the weaponization of international law against Israel. She regularly briefs politicians and international organisations and has spoken at Parliaments across Europe and at the United Nations. Natasha is a frequent contributor on legal matters for international media, including the BBC, Sky News, CNN, GB News, Talk TV and Fox and has written for publications including the Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, The Times, The Mail and Law Society Gazette. She holds law degrees from Oxford and Tel Aviv Universities and was a Fellow in the National Security Law Programme at Columbia Law School in New York. Natasha previously worked for American law firm Skadden Arps, in London and Brussels, and clerked for the President of the Israeli Supreme Court, Chief Justice Miriam Naor, in Jerusalem. She serves as director of the Centre for International Rule of Law and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel Charitable Trust.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran, signaling a decisive escalation after years of mounting confrontation. The operation appears aimed not only at degrading Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, but at fundamentally altering the regime’s trajectory, with President Trump openly calling on the Iranian people to challenge their rulers.As strikes hit senior regime and military targets inside Iran, Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. positions across the region. In Israel, sirens have sounded throughout the day as civilians shelter and daily life is once again disrupted. Many Israelis, however, see this moment as a necessary reckoning with a regime that has spent decades pursuing Israel’s destruction and destabilizing the region through violence and proxies.In this emergency episode, Aviva Klompas speaks with retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus to assess what is unfolding in real time. They explore the scale and intent of the operation, how it differs from earlier strikes, Iran’s capacity for retaliation, the risk of regional escalation through proxies like Hezbollah, and what success would actually mean for Israel, the United States, and the Middle East if this campaign reshapes the balance of power after forty years of conflict.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. 

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.As U.S. forces surge into the Middle East and diplomacy with Iran appears increasingly strained, questions are mounting about whether Washington is headed toward military action or using force to extract last-ditch concessions.Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to assess what the current U.S. posture actually signals. They examine whether diplomacy still offers a real off-ramp, what a strike on Iran could target, and how exposed Israel and U.S. regional allies may be in a prolonged conflict.Guest Bio:Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is Executive Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he oversees the organization’s research and policy work. A former terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Treasury, Jonathan has tracked and disrupted funding networks for groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda. He’s authored several books on the Middle East, including Gaza Conflict 2021, State of Failure, and Hamas vs. Fatah. A frequent congressional witness and media commentator, his analysis appears regularly in major outlets including CNN, Fox News, and the BBC.

Extremism expert and political scientist Dr. Lorenzo Vidino joins Dr. Rachel Fish to explore the history and spread of radical Islamism and how it has taken root in Western democracies.They trace the movement’s origins to the founding of the Muslim Brotherhood, explain the difference between Islam as a religion and Islamism as a political ideology, and discuss how Islamist groups have adapted their messages for Western audiences, especially on college campuses.The conversation also looks at how some Islamist actors have built alliances with parts of the progressive left, the role of Gulf funding in spreading these ideas, and the challenge liberal societies face to uphold pluralism and free speech while pushing back against extremist ideologies that exploit openness to gain influence.Guest Bio:Dr. Lorenzo Vidino is the Director of the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University and a leading expert on Islamism in Europe and North America. His work focuses on jihadist mobilization, counter-radicalization policies, and the activities of Muslim Brotherhood-inspired networks in the West. A native of Italy and American citizen, he holds a law degree from the University of Milan and a Ph.D. from Tufts University. Dr. Vidino has held positions at Harvard, the RAND Corporation, and the U.S. Institute of Peace, and has advised governments across Europe and North America. He is the author of The New Muslim Brotherhood in the West and The Closed Circle, and his commentary appears regularly in major global media.Further Reading:Lorenzo Vidino, The New Muslim Brotherhood in the West (Columbia University Press, 2010)Lorenzo Vidino, The Closed Circle: Joining and Leaving the Muslim Brotherhood in the West (Columbia University Press, 2020)

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.In this special live podcast from Sydney, Australia, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Kellie Sloane, Member of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition in New South Wales. Two months after the antisemitic attack at Hanukkah by the Sea in Bondi, Kellie reflects on what it meant to arrive at the scene while the attack was still unfolding and to witness both the horror and the heroism firsthand.Drawing on her background as a longtime journalist and now a political leader, Kellie discusses the responsibility of bearing witness, the courage of everyday Australians who ran toward danger, and the deeper reckoning Australia faces as it confronts rising antisemitism, online denialism, and extremism.Guest Bio:Kellie Sloane is the New South Wales Leader of the Opposition and NSW Liberal Leader, elected to Parliament in 2023 as the Member for Vaucluse. She previously served as Shadow Minister for the Environment and Shadow Minister for Health before being elected party leader in November 2025.Before entering politics, Kellie built a distinguished career in journalism across radio and television and later served as National CEO of Life Education (Healthy Harold), Australia’s largest independent provider of preventive health education for children. As Opposition Leader, she is focused on strengthening essential services, improving health outcomes, driving economic opportunity, and delivering responsible, future-focused government for New South Wales.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Since October 7, a key battlefield has been in courtrooms and international institutions. At the International Criminal Court, prosecutors have sought arrest warrants for Israel’s leaders. At the International Court of Justice, Israel is accused of genocide. And the United Nations churns out reports and statements condemning Israel.In this episode, Aviva speaks with barrister Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel, about how law has been turned into a weapon against the Jewish state. Natasha explains how this strategy has evolved since October 7, what recognition of a Palestinian state does and doesn’t mean in legal terms, and why symbolic gestures can carry dangerous consequences.Guest Bio:Natasha Hausdorff is a Barrister and expert commentator on international law, including the law of armed conflict, foreign affairs and national security policy. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on lawfare and the weaponization of international law against Israel. She regularly briefs politicians and international organisations and has spoken at Parliaments across Europe and at the United Nations. Natasha is a frequent contributor on legal matters for international media, including the BBC, Sky News, CNN, GB News, Talk TV and Fox and has written for publications including the Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, The Times, The Mail and Law Society Gazette. She holds law degrees from Oxford and Tel Aviv Universities and was a Fellow in the National Security Law Programme at Columbia Law School in New York. Natasha previously worked for American law firm Skadden Arps, in London and Brussels, and clerked for the President of the Israeli Supreme Court, Chief Justice Miriam Naor, in Jerusalem. She serves as director of the Centre for International Rule of Law and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel Charitable Trust.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.After more than two years, the mission to bring home every Israeli held hostage in Gaza has come to an end. For many Israelis, that moment has lifted an enormous emotional weight and raised a difficult question: Is the October 7 war over?Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to reflect on what this moment represents and what comes next. They discuss how wars actually end and what the return of the hostages means for a country emerging from prolonged trauma.The conversation also looks ahead to Gaza: proposals for postwar governance, the challenge of dismantling Hamas, and the risk that Israel could become stuck in a prolonged holding pattern - neither fully withdrawn nor fully reengaged.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Israel’s political system is famously complex. It’s parliamentary, based on proportional representation, and rarely produces a clear majority - meaning governments are constantly being built, rebuilt, and threatened from within by their own coalitions.In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Lahav Harkov, Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, to offer a clear primer on how Israeli elections work and what to expect as the country moves toward its next vote.Although elections aren’t legally required until October 2026, few expect Israel to wait that long. Aviva and Lahav discuss what could trigger an early election, which parties and political figures to watch, and how public opinion is shifting.Guest BioLahav Harkov is the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, where she covers Israel’s domestic and international politics. She previously served as Diplomatic Correspondent and Contributing Editor at The Jerusalem Post, and before that spent more than eight years as the paper’s lead reporter and analyst covering the Knesset.Lahav has interviewed leading figures across Israel’s political spectrum and is widely regarded for her deep sourcing among lawmakers and diplomats. She regularly provides analysis to international outlets including the BBC, MSNBC, and France 24, and has published in The New York Post, The Free Press, Commentary, Tablet, and The Washington Examiner. She has been recognized by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency as one of the most influential voices on Jewish social media.Originally from New Jersey, Lahav moved to Israel at 17, holds degrees in political science and communications from Bar-Ilan University, and lives in central Israel with her family.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Iran faced its most serious wave of unrest in years, as anti-government protests erupted across the country. Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to examine what’s happening on the ground, the role of U.S. signaling, the regime’s violent response, and what could realistically follow if the Islamic Republic were to weaken or collapse.Guest BioBehnam Ben Taleblu is the senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a senior fellow specializing in Iranian security and political affairs. With more than a decade of experience, he closely tracks Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxy network, sanctions, and internal Iranian politics. A native Persian speaker, he regularly briefs policymakers and has testified before the U.S. Congress, the Canadian Parliament, and the UK House of Commons. His analysis is widely cited in major international media outlets and he frequently appears on global broadcast news.Read MoreWhy These Iranian Protests Are Different by Behnam Ben Taleblu

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, for a conversation about leadership at a time of profound national strain.Since October 7, Israel has been carrying deep loss alongside urgent questions of accountability, responsibility, and unity. Trust has been shaken, and Israelis - together with Jews around the world - are grappling with how a wounded society begins to heal.President Herzog shares what he has learned from time spent with hostage families and the bereaved, and why acknowledgment and presence matter for national repair. He also shares how October 7 has changed Israeli society, how he understands unity after rupture, and how he thinks about Israel’s relationship with world Jewry at a moment when many feel both deeply connected and deeply vulnerable.Guest Bio:Isaac Herzog is the 11th President of the State of Israel. The son of Israel's sixth President, Chaim Herzog and grandson of Israel's first Chief Rabbi, Yizhak Isaac Halevi Herzog, President Isaac Herzog was born in Tel Aviv in 1960, trained as a lawyer and became senior partner in one of Israel's leading Law firms. In 2003, Herzog was elected member of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, after serving as Government Secretary to Prime Minister Ehud Barak (1999-2001). Throughout his 15 years in the Knesset, Herzog held several parliamentary and ministerial posts, among them Minister of Housing and Construction; Minister of Tourism; Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Society and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism. Herzog's revolutionary term as Minister of Welfare & Social Services is considered his crowning achievement in the Government of Israel. Herzog was a Member of Israel's Security Cabinet, in addition to serving as Government Coordinator for the Provision of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza. In 2013, Herzog was elected Chairman of the Israeli Labor Party, the founding party of the State of Israel, becoming Leader of the Opposition. Two years later he led the alliance between the Labor Party and the Hatnua Party to form Israel's largest center-left political party of that time – the Zionist Union, which made him a leading candidate for Prime Minister during the 2015 national elections. In June of 2018, Herzog was appointed Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the historic organization which laid the foundations of the State of Israel and the largest Jewish NGO in the world. As JAFI Chairman he led the process of restructuring the organization, which reinvigorated it, reaffirmed its prominence within world Jewry, and solidified JAFI's status as a bridge to Jewish communities worldwide and the State of Israel. On July 7, 2021 Isaac Herzog was sworn in as the 11th President of the State of Israel, following an overwhelming majority vote at the Knesset which constituted a historic landslide victory. President Herzog published numerous books and articles in Israel and worldwide, and is a sought after speaker in different fields all over the world. He is married to Michal, also a lawyer by profession and an expert in philanthropy, and they have three sons.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas is joined by former Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren for a wide-angle look at the regional landscape heading into 2026. Together, they examine how recent diplomatic moves, shifting U.S.–Israel dynamics, internal pressure inside Iran, and Israel’s own political calendar fit into a broader picture of power, deterrence, and decision-making.They look at how the balance of power may be shifting, where risks are accumulating, and what Israel, the United States, and regional actors should be preparing for next.Mentioned in this episode:Free Press: How Does Bibi Survive? by Michael OrenIsrael Hayom: 'We need to take advantage of Trump's time in office'

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Aviva closes out 2025 with actor, comedian, and podcaster Michael Rapaport for a funny and thoughtful look back. They reflect on how the last two years have reshaped Jewish life and identity, revisit the cultural and political moments that defined 2025, and talk about what they’re carrying into 2026 — including Michael’s upcoming documentary. Along the way: New Year’s resolutions, a mini therapy session, and “Mike’s Hot Takes” on everything from AI to tariffs to the pope, plus a headline you didn’t see coming — Rapaport for mayor.Guest Bio:Michael Rapaport is an actor and comedian whose career spans film, television, and stand-up. In recent years, he has also become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken and unapologetic advocates for Israel and the Jewish people, using his platform to encourage others to stand up, speak clearly, and refuse to stay silent.

Sociologist and Jewish studies scholar Dr. Shaul Kelner joins Dr. Rachel Fish to examine the rise of antizionism as a distinctly American political and social movement. Kelner argues that contemporary antizionism is less an intellectual critique of Zionism than a political mass movement defined by praxis: the othering and exclusion of Jews through social and institutional action. Their conversation explores why debates over whether antizionism equals antisemitism often obscure more than they clarify, the distinction between 'anti-Zionism' and 'antizionism', how ambiguity about end goals of the pro-Palestine movement enables broad coalition-building, why higher education became especially fertile ground for this movement, and more.Further ReadingShaul Kelner, “American Antizionism,” Sources JournalIsabella Tabarovsky, "The Cult of 'Antizionism'," Tablet MagazineIsabella Tabarovsky, "Zombie Anti-Zionism," Tablet MagazineDavid Hirsch, "'Anti-Zionism' and 'Antizionism'," Australia/Israel, and Jewish Affairs CouncilGuest BioShaul Kelner is a Professor of Jewish Studies and Sociology at Vanderbilt University, specializing in the study of contemporary Jewish life. His latest book, A Cold War Exodus: How American Activists Mobilized to Free Soviet Jews received grant support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and won a National Jewish Book Award. Prof. Kelner has been a Fellow of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute for Advanced Studies and the University of Michigan’s Frankel Institute for Advanced Judaic Studies, a visiting scholar in Tel Aviv University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology and a resident scholar at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. He has served as a board member of the Association for Jewish Studies and of the Association for the Social Scientific Study of Jewry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vanderbilt’s College of Arts and Science recognized him with an Innovative Teaching Award for Creating Engaging In-Person Learning Environments.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Host Aviva Klompas speaks with Loay Alshareef, an Arab Muslim peace advocate whose personal journey challenges some of the most entrenched assumptions in the Middle East.Raised in Saudi Arabia in an environment steeped in anti-Jewish narratives, Loay describes the beliefs he absorbed growing up and the profound turning point that reshaped his worldview after living with a Jewish family in France. That experience led him to reexamine what he had been taught about Jews, Israel, and history and ultimately to dedicate his life to countering extremism and misinformation.Guest BioLoay Alshareef is an Arab Muslim peace advocate, historian, and social media influencer dedicated to building understanding between Muslims and Jews and advancing peace in the Middle East. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi-Egyptian family, Loay underwent a profound transformation after living with a Jewish family in France in 2010, an experience that reshaped his worldview and set him on a path toward reconciliation.He has worked in education, history, and cultural tourism, and is now a leading voice in interfaith dialogue, known for his support of Israel’s legitimacy and the Abraham Accords. Based in the United Arab Emirates, Loay combines deep historical knowledge — including expertise in ancient languages and scripts — with a modern digital platform to promote coexistence and challenge entrenched narratives.

Please donate to support and the families affected by the Bondi Beach terror attack: www.charidy.com/supportsydneyWe want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.Aviva speaks with survivors of the terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead and dozens wounded. What began as a public gathering to mark the first night of the Jewish festival became one of the deadliest attacks on Jews in Australia’s history.Sorella’s fundraiser for Rabbi Eli Schlanger: Charidy.com/ElischlangerChavi’s organization: Theempoweredjew.org

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.In this episode, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis reflects on what Hanukkah asks of us this year, in the wake of the antisemitic attack on Jews in Australia. He explores how an ancient story of courage, conviction, and spiritual resilience speaks to a moment when Jewish communities are confronting rising antisemitism, deep communal strain, and the challenge of remaining visible in difficult and frightening times.The Chief Rabbi discusses the enduring meaning of the festival, what it takes to keep Jewish identity proud and vibrant in the face of threats, and how individuals and communities can bring light into a world that often feels shadowed by fear and uncertainty.Guest Bio:Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is only the 11th Chief Rabbi of Great Britain since the office was introduced in 1704. He is the religious figurehead for Jewish communities right across the Commonwealth, from Hull to Hong Kong and from Cardiff to Cochin. He was installed on 1st September 2013 in an historic ceremony attended by His Majesty King Charles III, then The Prince of Wales.Born in South Africa, he previously served as Chief Rabbi of Ireland and Rabbi of the Western Marble Arch and Finchley (Kinloss) Synagogues in London, making him one of the UK’s most respected community Rabbis. As Chief Rabbi, he is a primary representative of the Jewish community to government, other faiths and civil society as well as being responsible for oversight of crucial parts of the UK Jewish community’s religious infrastructure.Chief Rabbi Mirvis is known as a principled leader who has broken new ground in the fields of interfaith and social responsibility as well as tackling a number of particularly complex or controversial issues including the welfare of LGBT+ students in Orthodox Jewish Schools and antisemitism in the British Labour Party. Chief Rabbi Mirvis serves as Associate President of the Conference of European Rabbis, President of the London School of Jewish Studies and was made a Knight Commander of the British Empire, by His Majesty The King in 2023.  

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Israel is facing a moment without precedent: a sitting prime minister on trial for corruption is now asking the president for a pardon. Benjamin Netanyahu has spent years fighting charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting gifts from wealthy associates. The trial has dragged on through political crises, judicial reform battles, and two years of war. He insists he’s the target of a political conspiracy. Others say the case is a test of whether Israel’s leaders can ever be held accountable.Now he argues the trial is hurting the country — and wants President Isaac Herzog to bring it to an end.The move has split Israelis. Supporters say a pardon would allow the nation to turn the page. Critics warn it would set a dangerous precedent and undermine public trust in the rule of law. And into this already charged moment stepped President Trump, urging Herzog to grant the pardon and calling the prosecution politically motivated.In this episode, Dr. Michael Oren joins host Aviva Klompas to break down the stakes: what a pardon would mean for Israel’s democracy and how it could reshape the political map.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Einat Wilf about her decision to launch a new political party in Israel and what she believes the country urgently needs right now. Wilf explains why she founded the Oz Party, arguing that Israel must move from what she calls “exile-consciousness” to true sovereign behavior — reclaiming clarity, responsibility, and strategic purpose in a time of political exhaustion.Their conversation explores Wilf’s insistence that any future peace depends on Arab and Palestinian recognition of Zionism and the legitimacy of the Jewish state, as well as her views on citizenship, military service, sovereignty, and the limits of the current political consensus. Wilf also addresses skepticism about her platform, the challenges of building a new coalition in a polarized landscape, and what kind of leadership she believes Israel requires to navigate its next chapter.Boundless relies on your support to produce courageous conversations and nuanced analysis at a time when clarity matters more than ever. If this episode helped you better understand the moment we’re living in, please consider making a donation at boundlessisrael.org/donate.Guest BioDr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company.Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. She was the Goldman Visiting Professor at Georgetown University.Dr. Wilf is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society. “We Should All Be Zionists“, published in 2022, brings together her essays from the past four years on Israel, Zionism and the path to peace; the co-authored “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace”, was published in 2020

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected], or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas. Boundless relies on your support to produce courageous conversations and nuanced analysis at a time when clarity matters more than ever. If this episode – or any of our work – has helped you better understand the moment we’re living in, please consider making a contribution at boundlessisrael.org/donate.Host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren to examine how the U.S.–Israel relationship has been reshaped over the course of the war — and what Israel may be conceding in the process.Together, they explore how shifting American leadership has transformed the boundaries of Israeli decision-making, from constraints on military operations to mounting pressure around Gaza’s future governance and a potential path toward Palestinian statehood. Dr. Oren unpacks the tension between strategic dependence and national sovereignty, and questions whether Israel is being nudged toward an uneasy reality in which Hamas survives by default.Their conversation also addresses growing concerns over Israel’s qualitative military edge, the implications of arms commitments to regional powers, and whether the alliance still rests on shared values or has evolved into a more transactional dynamic.Guest BioDr. Michael Oren is a historian, author, and former Israeli ambassador to the United States. A leading voice on Middle East strategy and Israeli politics, he has written numerous best-selling books and served as a Member of Knesset and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Middle East analyst David Makovsky joins Dr. Rachel Fish to unpack the “phase one to phase two” handoff in Gaza: what the Trump plan actually changed, why returning the remaining hostages bodies still matters, and why an international stabilization force is unlikely to disarm Hamas. Makovsky outlines a de-Hamas future for Gaza built on a West-Berlin model that pairs PA-Israel security coordination with technocratic Palestinian governance, while Arab states provide funding and public cover. They also map the Saudi calculus on normalization, the risks of delay, and how Israel’s coming election could reshape U.S.–Israel ties, regional alignments, and Israel’s democratic character.Further ReadingDavid Makovsky and Shira Efron, For Progress in Gaza, Empower the Palestinian Authority

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected], or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.In this episode, Aviva sits down with Dr. Michael Oren to examine the troubling spike in settler violence in Judea and Samaria. In recent weeks, attacks on Palestinian communities and farmers have become more frequent and more brazen, raising alarms among Israel’s top political and military leaders.Although the government maintains that only a small fringe is responsible, the surge has exposed deeper problems in enforcement, politics, and public trust. Aviva and Dr. Oren explore what’s fueling the unrest, how it connects to the broader wartime landscape, and why these incidents pose real risks to Israel’s security and international standing. This Giving Tuesday, please consider supporting Boundless. Your gift helps us produce thoughtful conversations like this one, elevate courageous voices, and build a future grounded in knowledge, strength, and moral clarity. You can make a tax-deductible donation at boundlessisrael.org/donate.Guest BioDr. Michael Oren is a historian, author, and former Israeli ambassador to the United States. A leading voice on Middle East strategy and Israeli politics, he has written numerous best-selling books and served as a Member of Knesset and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.Mentioned in this EpisodeIn 2048: The Rejuvenated State by Ambassador Michael Oren

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.The Republican Party is in flux. Once unified around faith, freedom, and family, it now finds itself wrestling with internal divisions — between traditional conservatives, populists, and the MAGA movement — over what it means to be a Republican in America today.In this episode, Florida Congressman Randy Fine joins host Aviva Klompas to talk about the battle for the soul of the GOP and the rise of antisemitism on the right.This Giving Tuesday, please consider supporting Boundless. Your gift helps us produce thoughtful conversations like this one, elevate courageous voices, and build a future grounded in knowledge, strength, and moral clarity. You can make a tax-deductible donation at boundlessisrael.org/donate.Guest BioCongressman Randy Fine was elected to represent Florida’s 6th Congressional District in April 2025 and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Education and Workforce Committees. A third-generation Floridian, he attended Harvard twice and built a successful career as an entrepreneur before retiring at 40 to spend time with his family. In 2016, he began his public service in the Florida House, later serving in the Florida Senate and passing more than forty bills over eight years. he is working to ensure that the values of faith, freedom, and family continue to guide the nation.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor of New York City has stirred a deeper conversation about the Democratic Party’s identity. Once defined by pragmatism and broad coalitions, the party is now grappling with a rising current of ideological purity and moral outrage — one that increasingly casts Israel, and sometimes Jews, as symbols of injustice.Aviva Klompas speaks with political commentator and lifelong Democrat Brianna Wu about what’s driving this transformation, how the Democratic Socialists of America gained power, and whether the party’s center can hold — or if this is the new political reality on the left.Guest Bio:Brianna Wu rose to national prominence during Gamergate, a flashpoint in the video game industry that pioneered many of the toxic tactics now common in online political discourse. She ran for Congress in 2018 as a progressive Democrat, but experienced a sharp break with her party following the October 7th Hamas attacks. Today, she is a prominent advocate for U.S./ Israel national security cooperation and a leading voice in the evolving debate over liberalism, extremism, and the future of the trans movement.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.The day after New York City elected its first openly anti-Israel mayor, many Jews in America’s largest Jewish community are asking the same question: what now?In this episode, Michael Rapaport joins Aviva to talk about what Mamdani’s win reveals about the political and cultural shifts happening in New York — and what it means for Jews everywhere.They trace Rapaport’s unexpected journey from actor and comedian to one of the most outspoken Jewish voices in America, and why he refuses to stay silent in the face of hate. Together, they unpack the silence of celebrities after October 7, the self-defeating choices of Jewish voters, and the growing divide between pride and fear in public Jewish life.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.Eli Sharabi spent 491 days in Hamas captivity — hidden in homes, held in tunnels, and forced to survive the unthinkable. When he finally emerged, Israel rejoiced, but his freedom came with unbearable news: his wife and daughters were among the victims of October 7.In this powerful conversation, Eli reflects on life before the massacre, the will to survive, and what it means to rebuild after loss. He also speaks about the moral clarity that came from witnessing Hamas up close and why confronting that ideology is central to any hope of peace.Eli’s memoir, Hostage, has become a global phenomenon — the fastest-selling book in Israel’s history and a #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. In this raw and unflinching firsthand account, Sharabi offers an unprecedented look inside Hamas captivity, chronicling the starvation, isolation, brutal beatings, and psychological torment he endured — and the extraordinary will to survive that carried him through.Guest BioEli Sharabi is a former hostage who survived 491 days in Hamas captivity following his abduction from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023. Sharabi became a global advocate for the remaining hostages, meeting with world leaders like US President Donald Trump, speaking at the United Nations, and sharing his story with audiences around the world. His memoir,  Hostage, the first published account by a released Israeli hostage, became an instant number one bestseller in Hebrew (the fastest selling book in Israeli history) and an instant New York Times (US) and Sunday Times (UK) bestseller.Born in Tel Aviv to Yemenite and Moroccan parents, Sharabi moved to Be’eri as a teenager and later married Lianne, a British woman with whom he shared two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, aged sixteen and thirteen. A longtime resident of Be’eri, Sharabi served as the Kibbutz’s business manager, as well as the Chief Financial Officer of the Kibbutz, Be’eri Printing, and other private companies in Israel. Sharabi continues to work tirelessly as leading advocate for raising awareness of the October 7th atrocities. 

Gazan-born analyst Ahmed Fouad AlKhatib joins Dr. Rachel Fish for a conversation about Gaza after the war’s “freeze.” He explains why the current deal hasn’t solved core problems, how Hamas is using the pause to re-entrench and terrorize rivals, and why outside power in the form of an international stabilization force with real teeth is the only path to disarmament, reconstruction, and a future for Palestinians that isn’t held hostage by Hamas. Rachel and Ahmed also dig into Qatar and Turkey’s roles, UNRWA’s entanglements, and what Western activists miss when “ending Israeli violence” becomes the only objective.Guest BioAhmed Fouad Alkhatib is the founder of Realign For Palestine, an Atlantic Council project challenging entrenched narratives in the Israel–Palestine discourse and promoting a new, pragmatic framework for Palestinian advocacy. The project cultivates Palestinian voices committed to nonviolence, a two-nation solution, and a break from extremism.A senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programs, Alkhatib writes extensively on Gaza’s political and humanitarian challenges and is a prominent critic of Hamas. His work has been featured across U.S., Israeli, and international media, and he is widely followed on social media.Born and raised in Gaza City, Alkhatib moved to the U.S. in 2005 as a student. His worldview is shaped by the hopes of the Oslo peace process and the trauma of its collapse, alongside the rise of Islamism in Gaza. Since October 7, he has lost 33 family members to Israeli airstrikes but continues to advocate for breaking the cycle of dehumanization, violence, and revenge.Read MoreAhmed Fouad Alkhatib, "The ‘Peace Protesters’ Who Won’t Give Peace a Chance" (The Free Press)Sam Mednick and Sally Abou Aljoud, Women in Gaza say they were promised food, money or work in exchange for sexual interactions (The Independent)

Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.After two years of war, Israel now faces a new kind of battle — the challenge of winning the peace. President Trump’s Gaza plan calls for the demilitarization and deradicalization of Gaza: dismantling Hamas’s weapons and tunnels, building a new Palestinian police force, and bringing in an international coalition to oversee security and reconstruction.But can Gaza truly be transformed into a terror-free zone? What will it take to keep Hamas and other armed groups from rebuilding? And how does Israel secure long-term stability while navigating complex regional politics?John Spencer — one of the world’s foremost experts on urban warfare and modern conflict — joins Aviva to explore what success might look like, the risks that remain, and whether peace can finally take root.Guest Bio:John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare, military strategy, tactics, and other related topics. Considered one of the world’s leading experts on urban warfare, he served as an advisor to the top four-star general and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy. John currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Matti Friedman has spent more than a decade dissecting how Israel is covered in the press and what those stories reveal about the storytellers themselves. His 2014 Atlantic essay, What the Media Gets Wrong About Israel, remains one of the sharpest examinations of why global attention is fixated on Israel and why the coverage so often skews against it. In this conversation, Matti reflects on whether the problems he identified then still hold true today in an age of social media storms. He explains why Israel remains outsized in the Western imagination, how Hamas has weaponized Palestinian suffering, and why the media so often amplifies their playbook.We also explore whether Israel’s failures in the narrative war are the result of its own missteps, entrenched hostility, or something deeper, and what both the Israeli government and Jewish communities abroad can and should do differently. More from Matti:The Free Press - Is Gaza Starving? Searching for the Truth in an Information WarThe Atlantic - What the Media Gets Wrong About IsraelTablet - An Insider’s Guide to the Most Important Story on EarthGuest Bio:Matti Friedman is an award-winning journalist and the author of four non-fiction books. His work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Tablet, Smithsonian, and elsewhere, and he’s currently a columnist for the Free Press. Matti’s most recent book, Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai, was published in 2022 in the US, Canada, Israel, and Italy. His previous book, Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel, won the 2019 Natan Prize and the Canadian Jewish Book Award. Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier’s Story of a Forgotten War was chosen in 2016 as a New York Times Notable Book and one of Amazon’s 10 best books of the year. His first book, The Aleppo Codex, won the 2014 Sami Rohr Prize and the ALA’s Sophie Brody Medal. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.Matti was born in Toronto and lives in Jerusalem.

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.Phase Two of President Trump’s Gaza plan envisions a demilitarized, “terror-free zone.” The Strip would be cleared of weapons and tunnels, militants who renounce violence could receive amnesty or exile, and an international stabilization force — composed of U.S., Arab, and European personnel — would oversee security and help train a new Palestinian police force.But how realistic is demilitarization? And can Gaza truly be de-radicalized? Jonathan Conricus joins host Aviva Klompas to unpack the security, regional, and political implications of Phase Two — and to ask whether this moment marks the start of peace or simply the next chapter in a long war.Guest BioJonathan 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. 

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas.After 738 days of war, Israel’s hostages are home and the country is beginning to exhale. But relief comes with hard questions about what happens next.In this episode, Aviva speaks with Dr. Einat Wilf about what the end of the war reveals about Israel’s strength, its divisions, and the road ahead. They explore what it will take to keep Hamas disarmed, rebuild Gaza without empowering extremists, and whether peace and normalization with the Arab world are truly within reach.Guest Bio         Dr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company.Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. She was the Goldman Visiting Professor at Georgetown University.Dr. Wilf is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society. “We Should All Be Zionists“, published in 2022, brings together her essays from the past four years on Israel, Zionism and the path to peace; the co-authored “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace”, was published in 2020

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to [email protected] or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.After two years, the last hostages are finally returning home. This moment — long prayed for and nearly impossible to imagine — is one of relief, heartbreak, and reckoning.Dr. Michael Oren joins host Aviva Klompas to reflect on what this moment means for Israel, the Jewish people, and the wider Middle East. Together they explore how a conflict that began in terror has brought about profound military, political, and moral challenges.Mentioned in this episode:Win-Win? By Dr. Michael Oren

After two years of war, Israel stands at the threshold of peace. The ceasefire agreement marks the end of a long and painful chapter — bringing relief, uncertainty, and deep emotion across the country.In this episode, Avi Mayer joins from Jerusalem to reflect on what this moment feels like inside Israel. We discuss the mood on the streets, the cautious hope surrounding the hostages’ return, and the immense grief that still lingers beneath the relief.Avi Mayer, founder of Jerusalem Journal and former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, shares his perspective on a historic and deeply human moment for Israel and the Jewish world.Guest Bio:Avi Mayer is the founder of Jerusalem Journal and is the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post. He previously served in senior roles at the American Jewish Committee and The Jewish Agency for Israel, including as an aide to the Agency’s then-Chairman, Natan Sharansky. He lives in Jerusalem.More from Avi:A Nation Holds Its Breath by Avi Mayer