The Hijacking of Human Rights - with Michal Cotler-Wunsh

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In this longform edition of Boundless Insights, Dr. Rachel Fish sits down with Michal Cotler-Wunsh — Israel’s Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and a former Member of Knesset — for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of antisemitism, the weaponization of international law, and the global implications of October 7.

Michal argues that the misuse of human rights language, including terms like "genocide" and "apartheid," has served to delegitimize Israel, and she calls urgently for moral clarity and consistency in applying human rights principles globally.

Drawing from her own personal journey — from early childhood in Jerusalem’s Knesset corridors to formative years in Canada — Michal brings a rare perspective to understanding Israel from both the inside out and the outside in. She shares deeply personal stories, including memories of playing in the Knesset and visiting the home of Menachem Begin, while also offering sharp political insight into the modern-day challenges facing the Jewish people and the international community.

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Guest Bio:

Michal Cotler-Wunsh, LL.B, LL.M, is Israel’s Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and a Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor. A former Member of Knesset, she chaired and served on several key parliamentary committees and was the first Knesset liaison to the International Criminal Court. She also co-founded the Inter-parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism.

Michal’s work focuses on antisemitism, international law, human rights, and Zionism. Her diverse legal, academic, and professional background includes roles with the Jewish Federations of North America, Nefesh B’Nefesh, and Reichman University in Herzliya. She also serves as a trustee of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy. Michal lives in Ra’anana, Israel, with her husband and four children.

Mentioned in this episode:

Working definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)