Lectures & Webinars

Inventing Palestine? Mapping the Myths and Realities of a Contested Land (April 23, 2025)

Preview: While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed as a struggle over land, few delve into the historical and geographical complexities that define the territory in question. This webinar, led by Dr. Mitchell Bard—Executive Director of the Jewish Virtual Library and a recognized authority on U.S.-Israel relations— explores the evolution of the land known to Palestinians as “Palestine” and to Jews as the “Land of Israel” through a series of maps that trace its shifting boundaries over centuries. Topics will include the region’s identity before it was named Palestine, how British policies—such as Winston Churchill’s decision to carve out Transjordan—reshaped the land, and the 1947 UN partition plan that sought to establish both Jewish and Arab states. The webinar will also examine the territorial consequences of the Arab-Israeli wars, the development of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the repeated Palestinian rejections of statehood proposals. Finally, it will address how different ideological and religious perspectives influence claims to the land and consider what the maps reveal about the future prospects for peace.

Diplomacy at the UN - An Israeli Insider’s Perspective (April 9, 2025)

Preview: What does Israel’s engagement with the United Nations really look like? Join Or Shaked, Deputy Director of the Jewish Virtual Library and former policy adviser at Israel’s Permanent Mission to the UN, for an insider’s perspective. In this compelling presentation, Or will delve into Israel’s contributions to human rights initiatives, the challenges of navigating UN bias, and the aftermath of October 7. Learn how diplomacy shapes Israel’s global standing and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities behind the headlines. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from someone who has represented Israel on the world stage.

Iran’s Race for the Bomb: Israel, the U.S., and the Path Forward (February 19, 2025)

Preview: An exclusive webinar on the escalating Iranian nuclear threat and its impact on Israel. In light of recent back-and-forth attacks, the weakening of Iranian proxies, and rising tensions, Dr. Bard will explore the complex dynamics between Iran and Israel and how the Trump administration’s contrasting approaches of maximum pressure versus diplomacy could shape the future. With discussions on the possibility of a pre-emptive strike, this session will provide critical insights into the evolving security landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading experts on the topic.

The Jewish Vote in the 2024 U.S. Elections (October 31, 2024)

Preview: An engaging webinar on the impact of the Jewish vote in the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections. With Jewish Americans playing a crucial role in key swing states, this discussion explores how issues like U.S.-Israel relations, anti-Semitism, and domestic policy are shaping voter preferences. Dr. Bard, Executive Director of AICE, will delve into the historical voting patterns of the Jewish community, the rise of conservative trends, and how both major parties are vying for this influential bloc. Whether you’re interested in politics, Jewish affairs, or the broader election landscape, this webinar will provide valuable insights into one of the most significant voter demographics this election season.