In a remarkable evening of open dialogue and meaningful exchange, the Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale hosted former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday, January 21st. The event, skillfully orchestrated by JLIC Yale director Rabbi Alex Ozar, created a unique space for students to engage directly with one of Israel’s most prominent political figures during this critical period in Israeli history.
“At a time when many feel that genuine dialogue about Israel has become nearly impossible on college campuses, former Prime Minister Bennett’s willingness to engage directly with our students – to really listen to their concerns and perspectives while sharing his own experiences and insights candidly – was extraordinary. The evening demonstrated what we’ve always believed at Yale: that it’s possible to create spaces where complex conversations can happen with both honesty and mutual respect. We are particularly grateful to the Prime Minister for making himself available during such a sensitive moment in Israel’s history, and for engaging with our students in a way that honored both the gravity of current events and the importance of open discourse in our community.”
Bennett, who built his career as a successful tech CEO and founder of several companies before entering politics, brought a unique perspective to the discussions. His journey from the tech sector to serving as Israel’s Prime Minister from 2021 to 2022, along with his roles as Minister of Defense, Minister of Education, and leader of the Yamina party, provided students with insights into both Israel’s innovation economy and its complex political landscape.
The evening unfolded in two distinct and powerful segments. It began with an intimate dinner where student leaders engaged in an unmediated conversation with Bennett. The authenticity of these exchanges stood out, as Bennett demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding students’ perspectives and concerns. Students raised challenging questions about current events, policy decisions, and the future of Israeli society, leading to frank and substantive discussions that went well beyond typical diplomatic talking points.
The program then expanded to include a larger forum of 100 students, where Rabbi Ozar conducted a thoughtful interview with Bennett. Through carefully curated questions submitted in advance, the conversation explored crucial topics ranging from Israel’s security challenges to its domestic social issues. What made the evening particularly remarkable was how it created a space where diverse viewpoints could coexist respectfully. Students from across the political spectrum later expressed their appreciation for an environment that encouraged genuine dialogue while honoring the complexity of the issues at hand.
The timing of the event added an extra layer of significance, taking place just days after the signing of the hostage deal and the return of the first three hostages. This backdrop brought additional weight and emotion to the conversations throughout the evening, as Bennett shared insights into the challenges and considerations involved in such sensitive negotiations.
The success of this program demonstrated that meaningful dialogue remains possible even in challenging times. Students had the rare opportunity to engage with someone who not only shaped Israel’s recent history but might play a crucial role in its future leadership. The evening showcased how academic institutions can facilitate important conversations that bridge divides and foster understanding.
This impactful evening was made possible through the partnership of the Slifka Center for Jewish Life, whose hosting of the event created an ideal setting for this important community dialogue. Their commitment to fostering open discourse and meaningful engagement helped create what many participants described as a model for how to conduct difficult but necessary conversations about Israel’s past, present, and future.
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