Israel on Trial: A Legal and Historical Defense

Israel on Trial: A Legal and Historical Defense

Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish sat down with U.S. District Court Judge Roy Altman to discuss his new book Israel on Trial and the legal, historical, and moral arguments surrounding Israel, Zionism, antisemitism, genocide claims, apartheid accusations, and international law. Judge Altman shares his remarkable family history of survival through the Holocaust, immigration, and public service before examining the evidence behind Israel’s legitimacy as a state, the Jewish people’s indigenous connection to the land of Israel, and the misuse of legal terminology in modern political discourse. Blending history, law, personal narrative, and current events, this compelling conversation explores truth, justice, democracy, and the dangers of misinformation in today’s world.

Rawan Osman “I Was Taught to Hate Jews—Then I Met One”

Activist Rawan Osman shares her remarkable journey with Touro Talks guest host Sam Levine. Growing up in Lebanon, Osman was immersed in anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric. Today, she is a "recovering antisemite" and a powerful voice advocating for a Lebanon free of Hezbollah, an alternative future for the Middle East and coexistence between Arabs and Jews. Shaped by an education, media narratives and political ideology that blurred distinctions between Jews, Israelis, and Zionists, Osman explains how deeply ingrained beliefs are formed—and how one unexpected human encounter in France challenged everything she thought was true.

What Made the Rebbe a Defining Leader of Our Time

In this Touro Talks, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin reflects on the origins of his book about the Rebbe and what made the Lubavitcher Rebbe one of the most extraordinary Jewish leaders of the modern era. Drawing on personal family ties to Chabad and decades of observation, Telushkin explores the Rebbe’s mission to reach every Jew with unconditional love—and the rare phenomenon of a movement that continued to expand dramatically even after its leader’s passing. Telushkin also offers thoughtful perspective on today’s campus climate and antisemitism, and addresses the complicated question of messianism within Chabad.

Ambassador Tom Nides on U.S. – Israel Relations and the Future of the Middle East

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides joins guest host Professor Ido Aharoni on Touro Talks to discuss the future of U.S.–Israel relations, lessons in authentic leadership and diplomacy, and the path forward after the October 7 Hamas attacks. Drawing on his career in government and business, Nides shares insights on rebuilding bipartisan support for Israel, strengthening understanding among the younger generation, and confronting the global rise in antisemitism. He speaks with moral clarity, empathy, and resilience and underscores the shared democratic values that bind Israel and the United States.

Healing After Captivity: Dr. Hezi Levy on Israel’s Hostage Survivors

In this powerful Touro Talks episode, Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, speaks with Dr. Chezi Levy, a senior Israeli medical expert and former Director of Barzilai University Medical Center in Ashkelon and Director General of Israeli Ministry of Health. Dr. Levy shares firsthand insights from treating Israeli hostages released after captivity during the Hamas-Israel war. He has a rare look into the medical, psychological, and emotional recovery process of hostage survivors, young and old. He discusses the sensitive protocols for receiving and caring for returnees, and the immense mental health and nutritional challenges faced by those emerging from prolonged trauma and deprivation. The conversation highlights Israel’s multidisciplinary approach and hope for continued healing.