Natan Sharansky, a former Israeli politician and human rights activist, shares his gripping journey from Soviet imprisonment to advocating for Jewish rights. He discusses the rising threats of antisemitism and assimilation impacting Jewish identity and the role of Israel as a solution. Sharansky analyzes Israel’s strategic mistakes in handling Hamas and emphasizes the need for cohesion among Jewish communities worldwide. He also explores the delicate balance between patriotism and critique in Israel's military actions, advocating for resilience and hope in challenging times.
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insights INSIGHT
Sharansky's 3Ds Test
Natan Sharansky's "3Ds test" identifies when anti-Zionism becomes antisemitism.
This test looks for demonization, delegitimization, and double standards applied to Israel.
insights INSIGHT
A Historical Moment for Israel
The current historical moment is unique, with renewed struggles for Israel's existence.
Tragedy and failure highlighted the strength, idealism, and patriotism of Israel's younger generation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Occupied Territories: From Metaphor to Reality
Twenty years prior, Sharansky wrote about American universities as "occupied territories" due to rising anti-Israel sentiment.
This metaphor, initially about Jewish students' fear of expressing pro-Israel views, has become a reality today.
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In this book, Natan Sharansky and Ron Dermer make a compelling case for the spread of democracy as essential for overcoming tyranny and terror. Sharansky, drawing from his experiences as a Soviet dissident, argues that democracy can thrive even in societies previously deemed unsuitable for it, citing examples from post-WWII Germany and Japan, as well as his own experiences in the USSR. The authors emphasize the importance of freedom and democratic principles in achieving peace and stability, particularly in the context of Arab-Israeli relations and global politics.
Never Eat Alone
And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
Keith Ferrazzi
In 'Never Eat Alone,' Keith Ferrazzi shares his insights on networking and relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and mutual success. The book outlines specific steps and an inner mindset for connecting with others, highlighting principles such as generosity, constant communication, and reciprocity without keeping score. Ferrazzi draws from his own experiences and those of highly connected individuals to provide practical advice on handling rejection, attending events, and maintaining long-lasting connections in both personal and professional settings.
Fear No Evil
Natan Sharansky
Fear No Evil is a memoir by Natan Sharansky that chronicles his experiences as a Jewish refusenik in the Soviet Union. The book describes his arrest in 1977, his trial on charges of espionage, and his subsequent imprisonment in the Soviet gulag. Sharansky recounts the physical and mental tortures he endured, as well as the strategies he used to maintain his dignity and resist his captors. The narrative highlights his love for his wife and family, his solidarity with fellow dissidents, and the role of his faith and intellect in surviving the harsh prison conditions. The book also reflects on the broader context of Soviet repression and the international campaign for his release, culminating in his liberation in 1986 and his aliyah to Israel[1][2][5].
We don't have a new episode this week, but we want to share with you an episode of our podcast 18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers, recorded on Jan. 13. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to catch the latest episode every Monday.
Antisemitism and assimilation are threatening the Jewish People, says Natan Sharansky, but to both Israel offers a solution.
Born in the Soviet Union and imprisoned by the authorities when trying to immigrate to Israel, Sharansky experienced brutal interrogations, forced feedings, and torture — sparking international campaigns to fight for his freedom in 1986.
Today, Natan is Chairman for the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy and has an extensive record as a human rights activist, Israeli politician, and advocate for the Jewish People. He is the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1986 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.
Now, he joins us to answer 18 questions on Israel, including anti-Zionism, hostage negotiations, and the threats of antisemitism and assimilation.
This interview was held on Jan. 13.
Here are our 18 questions:
As an Israeli, and as a Jew, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history?
What has been Israel’s greatest success and greatest mistake in its war against Hamas?
How do you think Hamas views the outcome and aftermath of October 7—was it a success, in their eyes?
What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for?
Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy?
Should Israel treat its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens the same?
What role should the Israeli government have in religious matters?
Now that Israel already exists, what is the purpose of Zionism?
Is opposing Zionism inherently antisemitic?
Is the IDF the world’s most moral army?
If you were making the case for Israel, where would you begin?
Can questioning the actions of Israel’s government and army — even in the context of this war — be a valid form of love and patriotism?
What do you think is the most legitimate criticism leveled against Israel today?
Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime?
What should happen with Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after the war?
Is Israel properly handling the Iranian threat?
Where do you identify on Israel’s political and religious spectrum, and do you have friends on the “other side”?
Do you have more hope or fear for Israel and the Jewish People?
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