In this episode of Boundless Insights, we’re talking about Donald Trump’s return to the White House and what it could mean for U.S.-Israel relations, the fight against antisemitism in America, and broader Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Host Aviva Klompas is back with Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, for a thoughtful exploration of what’s on the horizon.

Key Topics Covered:
-Predictions of what’s store for Trump’s second term, from expanding the Abraham Accords to confronting Iran
-Trump has pledged to secure the return of American hostages held by Hamas. Dr. Oren weighs in on what actions Trump might take to do so
-Will President Trump get tough on the UN again?
-With antisemitism rising on U.S. campuses, Dr. Oren discusses what steps the administration might take to ensure universities take stronger measures to protect Jewish students

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Host Aviva Klompas and Dr. Michael Oren are discussing the harrowing events that unfolded in Amsterdam on the evening of November 7, when hundreds of Israeli soccer fans were targeted in a brutal act of antisemitic violence. The attack, which took place just two nights before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, feels like a chilling reminder of history repeating itself.

Aviva is joined by historian and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael Oren, to explore the resurgence of violent antisemitism in Europe. Together, they explore the factors driving this troubling trend and examine whether these attacks will finally serve as a wake-up call for Europe—and the world—to address the escalation of antisemitic hatred.

Whether you’re concerned about the rise in antisemitism, drawn to historical parallels, or looking for ways to support Jewish communities under threat, this episode offers valuable insights and a powerful call to action.

Key Topics Covered:
-A review of the attacks on Jews in Amsterdam and their disturbing timing before Kristallnacht’s anniversary.
- With his deep knowledge of history, Dr. Oren reflects on the parallels between this attack and past antisemitic violence, exploring how history can seem to come full circle if left unchecked.
- We discuss Israel’s swift announcement to send planes to bring Israelis home and how this response embodies Israel’s commitment to protect Jews worldwide.
-What Jewish communities need to hear to foster resilience in the face of mounting threats.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

In this episode, we delve into one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of Israel’s ongoing conflict – the plight of the hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other terrorists carried out coordinated attacks, abducting 250 people from Israel and taking them into Gaza.

These hostages include men, women, and children, as well as citizens from Israel, the U.S., Canada, Britain, and other nations. Nearly 400 days later, 101 hostages remain in Gaza, and their fate is uncertain.

Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., joins us to discuss the anguish these hostages’ families endure, the dilemmas facing Israel’s leadership, and the broader implications for Israel and the world.

Key Topics Covered:
-Can Israel realistically hope to bring all the hostages home? Dr. Oren discusses the challenges of both military and diplomatic solutions.
-With only a few hostages freed through military operations, we explore the balance between military action and diplomacy.
-Any agreement to release the hostages would demand profound sacrifices. Dr. Oren weighs in on the difficult question: What price should Israel be prepared to pay? And how does Israel balance the immediate needs of hostage families with long-term national security?
-Yahya Sinwar, a key orchestrator of the October 7 attack, played a central role in Hamas’s negotiations but was killed by the IDF. Who, if anyone, remains to negotiate with and what obstacles does this pose for Israel?
-The abduction of American citizens on October 7 raises critical questions about global response and accountability. What message does a muted response send to terrorists, and what does it mean for the safety of American citizens worldwide

Tune in for a conversation that sheds light on the human, political, and strategic challenges Israel faces in bringing its people home.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/