VIDEO: A conversation with Colonel Eli Bar-On (IDF Ret.)

Discussing past and current affairs with the former D.M.A.G On Wednesday, January 29th, 2020, during the course of a campus lecture tour under our auspices, Colonel Eli Bar-On (IDF Ret.) sat down for a conversation with Benjamin Anthony, Co-Founder & CEO of The MirYam Institute, in front of a live audience of over 100 young professionals.

THE ICC: WHY IRAN CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS (AND NEITHER CAN THE UNITED STATES)

THE ICC: WHY IRAN CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS (AND NEITHER CAN THE UNITED STATES)

Business Insider is hamstrung on the idea of Iran winning a war crimes case against US President Donald Trump at the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on his decision to authorize a drone strike on Major General Qasem Soleimani. With no less than half a dozen articles featuring speculation and, at times, misinformation, from supposed "experts" on international law, the publication is one of many which has led to public confusion on the already complicated US–Iran issue.

DOUBLE JEOPARDY: ISRAEL-PALESTINE

DOUBLE JEOPARDY: ISRAEL-PALESTINE

Who knew a simple game show question could spark public outcry on Twitter from a storm of digital commentators opposing revisionist history? When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even the classic American game show, Jeopardy, is surrounded by  ideological punditry, rather than facts.

THE THIRD HOUSE SHALL NOT FALL

THE THIRD HOUSE SHALL NOT FALL

Israel is entering an unprecedented third election cycle in less than a year. In the face of this robust demonstration of an overactive democracy, the population has been worn down by bitterly divisive politicians. Instead of debating issues, our would-be leaders are engaging in rank character assassination in order to rise in the polls.

ISRAEL AND THE ICC: "TO DEFEND OR NOT TO DEFEND? THAT IS THE QUESTION."

ISRAEL AND THE ICC: "TO DEFEND OR NOT TO DEFEND? THAT IS THE QUESTION."

On the 20th of December 2019, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, announced that a criminal investigation into the “situation in Palestine” should be opened. Bensouda acknowledged that on the basis of an “independent and objective assessment of all reliable information available,” the criteria for opening the aforementioned criminal investigation had been fulfilled.

THE INSUFFICIENCY OF COMMEMORATION

THE INSUFFICIENCY OF COMMEMORATION

Just recently, foreign dignitaries arrived in Israel for the historic commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp, arguably the most notorious of the camps active during World War II. The event, hosted by Yad Vashem and the World Holocaust Forum, drew presidents and princes, prime ministers and clergymen from around the globe, and was the largest gathering of international dignitaries Israel has ever seen. 

[In]dependently Strong: Israel and U.S. Military Support

[In]dependently Strong: Israel and U.S. Military Support

After Soleimani’s death, rather than imploding in a scramble for military leadership as some erroneously predicted, Soleimani was quickly replaced and Iran’s military resumed its threat to regional security in the Middle East. Iran’s aspiration to become a regional hegemon has not waned. 

TRUMP'S PLAN: A BOLD, NEW START FOR A CHANGING REGION

TRUMP'S PLAN: A BOLD, NEW START FOR A CHANGING REGION

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to unveil his plan for an Israeli – Palestinian peace arrangement is a bold break from the past. It marks a new starting position that departs from previous proposals based on failed assumptions and better reflects the changing reality of the Middle East.

Priority Number One: Israeli unity, not personalized politics

Priority Number One: Israeli unity, not personalized politics

Among all of the threats facing the State of Israel, internal division and polarization are the most severe. Without internal cohesion, Israel will not be capable of taking on external threats. However, with unity and solidarity, Israel can overcome any challenge.

Israel, Trump's White House & Liberal American Jewry

Israel, Trump's White House & Liberal American Jewry

As we enter the new decade, the time is right to ask how Israel can amend ties with the mostly liberal American Jewish community, while safeguarding strong relations with the White House. This is especially urgent in light of the recent killing of Qasem Soleimani and its reverberating impact across the globe and region.

Iran’s Primary Lesson From The Killing Of Soleimani

Iran’s Primary Lesson From The Killing Of Soleimani

The Iranian reaction to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, which some news reports tied to critical intelligence provided by Israel, has thus far been a textbook example for how Iran responds asymmetrically to threats. First, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles against two air bases in Iraq where coalition troops reside.

In Monsey: To be seen we must first see each other

In Monsey: To be seen we must first see each other

This past Shabbat, we read the story of Vayigash – And He Drew Near, the penultimate portion of the book of Genesis.

It recounts the tale of the brothers reconciliation with Joseph, the sibling they sold into slavery, who rose to become viceroy of Egypt. He’d been separated from them for so long that they no longer recognized him.

Killing Qasem Soleimani

Killing Qasem Soleimani

As has been covered extensively by American and international news media, General Qasem Soleimani’s death on Friday, January 3, 2020, in Baghdad, Iraq, was a history-altering event. The legal and justifiable strike of an arch-terrorist leader in a United States military theater of operations was in response to the recent attacks on the United States Embassy in Iraq and Soleimani’s history of unprecedented influence and violence within Iraq and the greater Middle East. Jews, the question bears mentioning, should Jewish Americans be worried for our future in the United States?