Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have each announced they plan to recognize a Palestinian state this September at the United Nations General Assembly.The move has been harshly criticized by Israeli and U.S. officials, who argue it rewards Hamas and risks further undermining hostage negotiations. Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren—former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., historian, and veteran strategic analyst—to discuss the implications. They examine whether recognition is symbolic or substantive, the domestic and diplomatic motivations behind it, whether other countries are poised to follow, and how Israel should respond in strategy and rhetoric. They also reflect on what this moment reveals about the ideological divide between liberal democracies and rising Islamist influence across Europe and the Middle East.New Words from Dr. Oren: Solipsism - the quality of being very self-centered or selfish

Antisemitism in Canada has exploded in ways that few could have imagined. Attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and businesses have become frighteningly common.How did it get this bad in a country that prides itself on tolerance and multiculturalism? Why have leaders at every level failed to protect their Jewish communities? And what does this say about Canada’s moral standing at home and on the global stage? In this episode, host Aviva Klompas talks with Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of Canada’s Conservative Party and a Member of Parliament from Thornhill, Ontario. They explore why antisemitism is spiraling out of control, what meaningful responses might look like, and how Canadian society is grappling with questions of free speech, hate speech, and rising polarizationGuest Bio: Melissa Lantsman is the Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Elected in 2021, she previously served as the Shadow Minister for Transport and as a Senior Advisor to leading Canadian political figures. Melissa believes in breaking the mold and in bringing new ideas and energy to Ottawa. She represents the next generation in Canadian politics. Born and raised in the community she now serves, Melissa was taught by her immigrant parents to work hard and to stand up for what’s right. Those are values that have guided her in all points of her life and career. Melissa is an award-winning communicator and was amongst Canada’s most sought-after public affairs executives. She has served on various boards of directors, was a regular TV commentator and hosted her own radio show. Her writing has been featured in Canada’s largest circulation publications.

In this episode of Unpublished Opinions, Aviva Klompas shares a letter to the editor that never made it to print, unpacking why Hamas no longer feels the need to negotiate. While the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is real and devastating, global outrage has been overwhelmingly directed at Israel—giving Hamas exactly what it wants: cover, leverage, and zero accountability.Aviva explains how international institutions, campus protests, and media narratives have created a dynamic in which terrorists are rewarded and hostages are forgotten.Got thoughts? We want to hear them. Email us at podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X @avivaklompas.

Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Lt. Colonel (Res.) Jonathan Conricus to discuss the escalating pressure on Israel—from mounting international outrage over the humanitarian situation in Gaza to the breakdown of hostage negotiations.As accusations of starvation and civilian suffering dominate global headlines, Israel faces growing condemnation from foreign governments, the UN, and aid organizations. Meanwhile, with 50 hostages still in Hamas captivity and no deal in sight, tensions are rising at home.What’s Israel’s strategy now—militarily, diplomatically, and morally?Have thoughts on the episode? Email us at podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Guest Bio:Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson. 

We’re trying something new on Boundless Insights. Welcome to Unpublished Opinions—a mini-series where Aviva Klompas shares letters to the editor that didn’t make it to print, but still make an argument worth hearing.In this first episode, Aviva takes a closer look at Mahmoud Khalil—a leader of Columbia’s anti-Israel encampment who was recently released from federal detention. Homeland Security accused him of engaging in activity aligned with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Since his release, Khalil’s become a political and media darling—despite refusing to condemn the atrocities of October 7.Aviva asks: why are members of Congress celebrating a man who won’t denounce terrorists?Got thoughts? We want to hear them. Email us at podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X @avivaklompas.

For years, UNRWA positioned itself as the primary source of humanitarian aid in Gaza. But after October 7, its deep entanglement with Hamas became undeniable. A dozen UNRWA employees participated in the massacre. Up to 10% of its Gaza staff are linked to terror groups. And aid meant for civilians has been diverted, looted, and weaponized to fund Hamas’s war machine.So what’s the alternative?In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Rev. Johnnie Moore, Executive Chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—a new initiative led by global leaders determined to deliver food and aid directly to civilians, without empowering terrorists.They discuss what’s happening on the ground in Gaza, how Hamas is manipulating the aid system, and why legacy organizations like UNRWA are fiercely resisting new models of humanitarian relief.Guest Bio:Rev. Johnnie Moore, PhD is a human rights advocate and multifaith leader who serves as Executive Chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He leads the foundation’s efforts to deliver emergency food aid to civilians in Gaza and to engage governments, media, and civil society.Rev. Moore has spent decades working at the intersection of faith, foreign policy, and humanitarian action, including advocacy for persecuted communities in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He played a key role in the response to ISIS, genocide recognition, and the release of religious prisoners.A two-time appointee to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, he also helped lay the groundwork for initiatives like the Abraham Accords. He is the author of ten books and lives in Washington, D.C.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington made headlines and raised expectations. He met twice with President Trump, and both leaders suggested that a deal to release hostages was within reach. But on the ground, little has changed.The war in Gaza continues. IDF soldiers are still being killed. And 50 hostages remain in captivity. Despite talk of progress, the region remains stuck in a familiar deadlock.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren—former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, historian, and author—to take stock of where things stand.They unpack what actually came out of Netanyahu’s trip to Washington, how Israel’s recent strike on Iran fits into the larger strategic picture, and whether the shifting regional dynamics—from Riyadh to Doha—are opening the door to anything resembling an endgame.Read More:A Region Reordered – Perhaps by Dr. Michael Oren 

For more than seven decades, Israel and Syria have been in a formal state of war. Now, for the first time in years, there are murmurs of something different, but new tensions are threatening to unravel what little stability remains.In recent days, violence has erupted in southern Syria. A bloody assault on the country’s Druze community has reignited fears that Syria’s fragile postwar order could collapse. The unrest has drawn in Israel and raised new questions about the region’s trajectory.In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren—historian, author, and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States—about whether peace between Israel and Syria is truly within reach or slipping further away.They explore Syria’s volatile history, the strategic importance of the Golan Heights, what’s changed under Syria’s new leadership, and whether there’s any real path toward ending hostilities.Read More: Is Peace Between Israel and Syria Really Possible? by Dr. Michael OrenNew Words from Dr. Oren: Vociferousness – the quality of being loud, forceful, and outspoken in expressing one's opinions or feelings.

In this episode, Dr. Rachel Fish talks with historian Dr. Jeffrey Herf, a leading expert on Nazism, the Holocaust, antisemitism, and the connections between Europe and the Middle East. Dr. Herf explains how antisemitism and anti-Zionism have become more accepted in universities and public debates, and why that’s so dangerous.They discuss Iran’s state-sponsored antisemitism, Hamas’s genocidal ideology, and how these views are being normalized in higher education and social justice circles. Dr. Herf also talks about how Western foreign policy often downplays threats to Israel, and how parts of the academic left have morally failed by ignoring or excusing hatred.He explains how groups with extreme right-wing, religious, and misogynistic views have been wrongly embraced by people who see themselves as progressive. Together, they explore what it will take to restore moral clarity, defend historical truth, and push back against hatred disguised as justice.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Guest Bio:Jeffrey Herf, a historian of modern European, especially German, history, is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland, College Park. His publications include The Jewish Enemy: Nazi Propaganda during World War II and the Holocaust (Harvard U.P., 2006), Nazi Propaganda for the Arab World (Yale U.P., 2009), Israel's Moment: International Support for and Opposition to Establishing the Jewish State, 1945-1949 (Cambridge UP, 2022), and Three Faces of Antisemitism: Right, Left and Islamist (Routledge, 2024). Before and since October 7, 2023, he has published essays on contemporary issues have appeared in the pages of The Free Press,, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Quillette, Persuasion/American Purpose, Sapir, and The Washington Post. Mentioned in this episode:Laurent Murawiec, The Mind of Jihad (Cambridge University Press, 2008)Hamas Charter7 October Parliamentary Commission ReportAnti-Israel Campus Groups: Online Networks and Narratives  Jeffery Herf's Articles:'Free Palestine' Terrorism, The Free Press, June 1, 2025Why it’s wrong to call Israel’s war in Gaza a ‘genocide’, The Washington Post, June 3, 2025 (with Norman J.W. Goda)From the River to the Sea, Persuasion, Nov 20, 2023 Jeffrey Herf’s Books:Nazi Propaganda for the Arab World (Yale University Press, 2010)Three Faces of Antisemitism: Right, Left and Islamist (Routledge, 2023)Israel's Moment: International Support for and Opposition to Establishing the Jewish State, 1945–1949 (Cambridge University Press, 2022)Undeclared Wars with Israel: East Germany and the West German Far Left, 1967–1989 (Cambridge University Press, 20

On October 7, Hamas terrorists stormed the Nova Music Festival in southern Israel. Among those taken hostage was Elkana Bohbot, who was working for the festival that morning. Before he was captured, Elkana called his wife Rebecca to tell her he was staying behind to help the wounded. He promised her he would come home. That was their last conversation.In this episode, Rebecca shares who Elkana is as a husband and father – a man of joy, bravery, and kindness who never left anyone behind. She describes the pain of raising their son, who was just three years old when his father was taken, and how she explains his absence to him now.Rebecca shares what she’s learned of Elkana’s condition in captivity and opens up about why she chose to start speaking out publicly, despite fears it might jeopardize his chances of release. This is a heartbreaking and deeply human conversation about the fight to bring Israel’s hostages home.