By, Jordana Zackon

 

Recognized as the “most optimistic man in Israel,” by local Israeli media, Gil Hoffman has lectured on Middle Eastern affairs in 49 states in the United States and in more than half of the Canadian provinces. Having graduated as Magna Cum Laude from the School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Hoffman has written for the Miami Herald and the Arizona Republic and is now the chief political correspondent and analyst for the Jerusalem Post. Additionally, he is known to be connected to both Israeli as well as Palestinian leaders and reports on the political sphere in Israel.

On a recent Friday night, I had the opportunity to hear Gil Hoffman speak at the Chabad Shul of Harbor Islands. During his speech, Hoffman covered a variety of topics, from the future of Israel’s security, to growing relations with foreign leaders in a compelling and humorous, yet informative manner. He first outlined three possible conditions that would allow for a two-state solution. The first would be for Israel to unilaterally concede the lands of Judea and Samaria, an action that in this day and age would not occur. The second would be a Palestinian leader willing and ready to negotiate for peace. Lastly, the third condition would be a strong United States president, able to act as a mediator for such a peace to take place. Unfortunately, the latest UN resolution quells any incentive on the Palestinian side to negotiate, as it condemns a Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria. As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United States had the opportunity to veto the resolution and show its support of Israel. The US abstained from voting however, allowing the resolution to pass.

Despite the outcome of the Security Council vote, Hoffman remains optimistic and, in fact, even states that this may be the safest time to visit Israel. Primarily, tensions have lessened between Israel and neighboring Arab countries due to the threat of a common enemy: ISIS. Hoffman’s assertion is that a growing awareness of terrorism leads to a greater understanding of Israel’s security challenges. For this reason, Hoffman believes the American public is becoming more sympathetic towards Israel.

Additionally, Hoffman addresses the fact that foreign leaders, even some from China, Japan, and Jamaica, visit Israel to discuss TNT: technology, natural gas, and trade. Though many solely view Israel as a contentious battleground, world leaders recognize its technological advances and seek to learn from them.

Following his speech, Gil Hoffman took questions from the audience about different current happenings in Israel and the future of its security. I was eager to ask what advice Hoffman could provide to a Jewish student entering college next year, who is ready to act as an ally and activist for the state of Israel, despite a large anti-Semitic bias on many campuses today. He first recommended looking into attending an Israeli college, maintaining that for a fraction of the price, one could receive just as good, if not better, an education. In terms of American universities, however, Hoffman stressed the importance of finding a comfortable Jewish community, whether it be a Chabad or a Hillel, where Jewish students can interact and engage over shared beliefs.

In total, Hoffman’s words were wholly optimistic and inspiring. As a Jewish teen, I gained a deeper understanding of my role as an unwavering supporter of Israel. Despite the litany of negative media surrounding Israeli affairs, I understand that truth can only be understood through knowledge and I hope to spread some of that knowledge and positive sentiment in my coming years as a college student.