#330 - SPECIAL LIVE EPISODE: Reimagining Israel's Future (Dr. Michael Oren)

This episode was recorded with live audience at Soho House Jaffa on July 11th 2023.

The event was produced by TLV International Salon:

https://www.tlvsalon.com/

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We’re sitting here tonight in the magnificent ancient city of Jaffa, sipping cocktails and enjoying this beautiful venue provided by our wonderful hosts, SOHO House. Amidst all this, it’s easy to forget the unrest that unraveled (and still is unraveling) today across the country. A “national day of disruption”. Main highways were blocked, huge protests at the airport, demonstrations in front of politicians' homes, and more, all in opposition to the proposed Judicial reforms by Netanyahu’s right wing government.

All of this is but a symptom of a nation divided - divided along political, religious and ethnic lines. The right vs. the left, haredim vs the secular, Jews vs Arabs. The Abu Hassan hummus lovers and the anti-Abu Hassans.

To add gasoline to the fire, Israel faces the same external threats it has always faced. As we’ve seen over the past weeks with the operation in Jenin and the wave of terror that just hit Israel, year after year, generation upon generation, our never ending list of enemies are as eager as ever to end us.

But fear not my dear audience, we just so happen to have with us tonight a doctor for just such ailments. A historian with experience in diplomacy and politics who also coincidentally just wrote a book on how to face these very challenges.

Dr. Michael Oren is a distinguished American-born Israeli historian, author, and former Israeli ambassador to the United States. Known for his insightful work, including the best-seller "Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide" and the award-winning "Six Days of War," his influence in academia and politics is widespread.

Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Oren also left his mark on the political landscape, as a former member of the Knesset for the Kulanu party and as a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. His latest book, "2048: The Rejuvenated State," brings forth a bold vision for Israel's future. It's this exciting work that brings us together tonight, just outside the golden walls of old Jaffa, for a candid conversation on Israel’s future. Ladies and gentlemen, please give your warmest welcome to Dr. Michael Oren.

Buy Dr. Oren's new book:

https://www.amazon.com/2048-Rejuvenated-State-English-Hebrew/dp/9655263525