In this episode of Boundless Insights, Dr. Rachel Fish sits down with retired Colonel Miri Eisen, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism at Reichman University and a former Israeli intelligence officer.

They dive into how language influences the way we understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the impact of words like “oppressor-oppressed,” “David and Goliath,” and “victimhood.” These terms, while powerful, can often oversimplify deeply complex realities and create greater divisions between peoples.

Rachel and Miri also explore the different lenses through which people view war—some emphasizing humanitarian concerns, others prioritizing security—and why these perspectives are so important. Along the way, they share practical tips for having clear, empathetic, and fact-based conversations about Israel, terrorism, and the broader regional challenges.

Guest Bio:

Retired Colonel Miri Eisin is a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism (ICT) at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel. With a 20-year career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), she held roles, including intelligence officer for a regional border brigade, the airborne division, and Deputy Head of the Combat Intelligence Corps—the first woman to serve in each of these positions. After retiring from the IDF, Miri served as the Israeli government spokesperson during the 2006 Second Lebanon War and as international press secretary to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. She is a frequent media commentator on intelligence, security, and diplomacy.

Aviva Klompas sits down with actor, comedian, and proud Jewish advocate Michael Rapaport for a special year-end episode. Known for his unapologetic commentary and passionate support for Israel, Michael brings his signature no-holds-barred style to a conversation reflecting on the highs, lows, and surprises of 2024.

Highlights from the Episode:
-Balancing comedy and advocacy: Michael on tackling serious issues with humor.
-The Jewish and Israeli stories Hollywood needs to tell.
-A lightning round of 2024’s biggest news stories, including the pager attack on Hezbollah, Swifty fever, the presidential election, and the rise of AI.
-Michael’s approach to New Year’s resolutions.

Guest Bio:
Michael Rapaport is an actor and comedian celebrated for his direct and no-nonsense approach. With a career spanning film, television, and stand-up comedy, he has become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken supporters of Israel, using his platform to inspire others to stand up and speak out.

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Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

In this episode of Boundless Insights, Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to analyze the latest prospects for a hostage deal. The discussion delves into the likelihood of a deal, the complexities of negotiations, and what it all means for Israel and its allies.

Key points include:
-Reports of proof of life shared with families of captives.
-The role of international actors, including President Trump’s recent warnings.
-Contradictory reports about negotiation sticking points and what they reveal about Hamas’s strategy.
-The broader implications of the hostage crisis for Israel’s ability to declare victory.

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Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Additional Resources:
The Wall Street Journal op-ed titled “America Demands the Return of Its Hostages.

For decades, Iran has advanced its nuclear ambitions, circumventing sanctions and ignoring global condemnation. Now, with Hamas’s military largely dismantled in Gaza, Hezbollah weakened, and Syria’s Assad regime faltering, the Islamic Republic finds itself on the back foot.

With only weeks remaining before Trump takes office, Tehran may see its window closing and feel compelled to make a final push toward a nuclear weapon.

How close is Iran to the bomb? Will Israel act to stop it? And where does the United States stand if preemptive action becomes inevitable?

Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren—historian, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, and one of the sharpest voices on Israel’s security and foreign policy.

Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompas
Find Michael Oren on X @DrMichaelOren

Since the start of the war, the Houthis—an Iran-backed Shia Islamist group—have launched hundreds of attacks on Israel, disrupted global trade by targeting vital Red Sea shipping routes, and destabilized an entire region.

How did a rebel group from one of the world’s poorest countries come to possess such advanced military capabilities? Who are the Houthis, and why is the world still unwilling to confront them directly?

To break it all down, I’m joined by retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus—a former IDF spokesperson, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and leading expert on the Middle East.

Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompas
Find Jonathan Conricus on X @jconricus

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.

In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, to dissect Amnesty International’s controversial report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

They discuss the report's claims, the implications of Amnesty’s decision to lower the threshold for proving genocide, and the far-reaching consequences of these accusations on Israel and the global narrative. The episode also touches on why genocide accusations resonate so deeply for Israel and what’s at stake in the war of words surrounding this.

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Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand in his long-running corruption trial, facing charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. His testimony comes as Israel battles a multifront war now in its 14th month, deepening political divides.

To his supporters, the trial is a politically motivated effort to remove him from power; to his critics, it’s a critical test of Israel’s legal system and its ability to hold leaders accountable.

Joining us to break it all down is Tomer Naor, Head of the Legal Department at The Movement for Quality Government in Israel. We’ll unpack the details of the case and its far-reaching implications for Israel’s politics, society, and legal system.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Guest Bio:

For over a decade, Tomer Naor has been a central figure at The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, one of the country’s leading grassroots organizations. As Head of the Legal Department for the past five years, he has led landmark Supreme Court cases, championing democracy, transparency, and good governance, particularly during Israel’s recent constitutional crisis.

Recognized as one of the Hebrew University’s “40 Promising Graduates Under 40” and The Marker’s “40 Under 40,” Tomer is a prominent voice on law, politics, and civil society. He is a frequent media commentator, a sought-after lecturer, and actively involved in social initiatives across Israel.

Tomer holds law degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Northwestern University, in partnership with Tel Aviv University. He is also a father, educator, and dedicated social activist.

Syria’s collapse didn’t happen overnight. Born from the colonial borders of post-World War I, Syria has long been a fractured country, divided by sectarianism, tribal rivalries, and decades of brutal dictatorship. For years, Bashar al-Assad’s regime seemed untouchable, propped up by foreign support from Iran and Russia.

Now, in a sudden and decisive turn, Assad’s regime has fallen—an event few predicted and one with profound consequences for the region. Rebel factions, some with extremist ties, are vying for control, and Syria’s neighbors are jockeying to fill the power vacuum.

How did we get here? What does Assad’s collapse mean for Syria’s future, and how might this moment reshape the Middle East?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to Washington and a leading expert on the region, to explore the history that led to Assad’s fall and what comes next for Syria, its people, and its neighbors.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/