SAPIR Conversations S18E1: Is Israel the Chosen Nation? with Michael Oren
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Sep 22, 2025 
Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli ambassador, delves into Israel's identity as the 'chosen nation' in a nuanced discussion. He explores the secular roots of Zionism and how the Six-Day War transformed Israel's character. Oren criticizes global antisemitism linked to Israel's scrutiny and debates the impact of far-right politics on its image. He addresses humanitarian strategies in Gaza and the complexities of U.S. relations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with progressive American Jews while maintaining core commitments.
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Evolution Of Chosenness
- Chosenness evolved from conditional 'treasured people' to a mission-driven identity after exile and persecution.
- Modern Zionists rebelled against specialness, seeking normalcy and nationhood rather than chosenness.
1967 Shifted Israel's Identity
- The Six-Day War amplified ambivalence about chosenness by creating both messianic meaning and occupier dilemmas.
- Capturing territory forced Israel to confront moral and diplomatic contradictions of being 'chosen.'
Global Bias Mirrors Old Tropes
- Many international accusations against Israel echo classic antisemitic tropes, shaping global perceptions.
- Israel faces a tension between claiming moral exceptionalism and wanting to be a 'normal' state judged by common standards.
