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...
Dec 23, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 20
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 for...
Dec 19, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 ...
Dec 16, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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, Hea...
Dec 13, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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, ...
Dec 11, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 16
The Assad regime has collapsed, marking a historic turning point in the Middle East. Long a cornerstone of Iran’s Axis of Resistance , Syria now stands at a crossroads. Rebel forces have delivered a major blow to Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia—while raising alarms about the rise of new jihadist groups. For Israel, the resulting power vacuum introduces new security challenges, especially along its northern border. In this episode, Aviva Klompas speaks with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Middle E...
Dec 08, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Diplomacy is often seen as the key to resolving conflicts, but can it succeed without the strength to back it up? Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, Israel's former Ambassador to the United States, to explore the interplay between diplomacy and power. Dr. Oren shares his insights on America's reluctance to demonstrate its strength and its growing aversion to military engagement. He discusses how these tendencies have shaped global perceptions of U.S. leadership, the mixe...
Dec 05, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 14
We’re discussing one of Israel’s most contentious debates: the military draft exemption for the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, community. Since Israel's founding, Haredim have been largely exempt from mandatory military service, a policy initially intended for a small group of Torah scholars but now encompassing tens of thousands of men. With Israel facing a multifront war and a strained IDF, the debate over this exemption has shifted from one of fairness to one of sustainability. How is this i...
Dec 02, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to discuss the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. After more than a year of conflict, including near-daily attacks that displaced tens of thousands of Israelis in the north, the proposed ceasefire introduces a 60-day transition plan that would put a halt to the fighting and see Lebanese troops deployed in southern Lebanon to keep Hezbollah away from Israel's border. Aviva and Dr. Oren d...
Nov 27, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode, we sit down with actor, comedian, and outspoken advocate Michael Rapaport. Known for his fearless, unfiltered style, Michael has emerged as a powerful voice in support of Israel and the Jewish people following the events of October 7. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments and personal experiences that have fueled his commitment to standing against antisemitism and rallying support for Israel – no matter the cost. Key Topics: -From his father’s lessons about Jewish identity t...
Nov 26, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of Boundless Insights , Aviva Klompas is with former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, to discuss the consequences of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Ambassador Oren describes why this decision is not just a threat to Israel, but a deeply dangerous precedent for democracies worldwide. Key Topics: -How the ruling undermines the principles of sovereign nations defending themselves agains...
Nov 25, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In an unprecedented move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This is the first time the ICC has targeted leaders of a liberal Western democracy—a decision that has far-reaching implications for Israel, global justice, and democracies worldwide. In this episode of Boundless Insights , host Aviva Klompas speaks with Eugene Kontorovich, a leading authority on international law,...
Nov 21, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 9
What does Zionism really mean, and why does it matter? In this episode of Boundless Insights , we discuss the findings of a new study from Boundless that sheds light on one of the most misunderstood and debated concepts in public discourse. Despite its central role in Jewish history and identity, only one-third of people claim to know what Zionism is—and just 14% can define it correctly. These misconceptions have serious implications for public opinion, global Jewry, and the fight against rising...
Nov 21, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of Boundless Insights , we assess the progress of the war. While Israel has seen strategic successes, such as dismantling top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah and repelling Iranian attacks, serious issues remain, including the haunting uncertainty surrounding the 101 hostages still in Gaza. Dr. Michael Oren joins Aviva to discuss the toll of the war, from the strain on Israel’s soldiers and economy to the rekindling of internal fractures. They also touch on the question of ultra-Or...
Nov 18, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode of Boundless Insights , Aviva Klompas and Dr. Michael Oren are talking about UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Established in 1949, UNRWA has long been the subject of controversy. In October, Israel’s Knesset passed two laws restricting UNRWA’s operations. We’re talking about the implications of these laws for humanitarian aid and security in the region. Key Topics Covered: -UNRWA’s origins and how it differs from the UN’s other refugee age...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of Boundless Insights , we’re talking about Donald Trump’s return to the White House and what it could mean for U.S.-Israel relations, the fight against antisemitism in America, and broader Middle Eastern diplomacy. Host Aviva Klompas is back with Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, for a thoughtful exploration of what’s on the horizon. Key Topics Covered: -Predictions of what’s store for Trump’s second term, from expanding the Abraham Accords to con...
Nov 12, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Host Aviva Klompas and Dr. Michael Oren are discussing the harrowing events that unfolded in Amsterdam on the evening of November 7, when hundreds of Israeli soccer fans were targeted in a brutal act of antisemitic violence. The attack, which took place just two nights before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, feels like a chilling reminder of history repeating itself. Aviva is joined by historian and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael Oren, to explore the resurgence of v...
Nov 08, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode, we delve into one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of Israel’s ongoing conflict – the plight of the hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other terrorists carried out coordinated attacks, abducting 250 people from Israel and taking them into Gaza. These hostages include men, women, and children, as well as citizens from Israel, the U.S., Canada, Britain, and other nations. Nearly 400 days later, 101 hostages remain in Gaza, and their fate is uncertain. Dr. Michael Oren, for...
Nov 05, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 3
As the United States gears up for its next presidential election, what’s at stake for the future of US-Israel relations? Aviva Klompas is back with Dr. Michael Oren - historian, diplomat, and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States - to explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on America’s role in the Middle East and its partnership with Israel. Together, we discuss how US foreign policy could shift depending on the election outcome, the evolving nature of bipartisan support ...
Nov 01, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In the inaugural episode of Boundless Insights , host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren to discuss the long-standing threat Iran poses to Israel and the broader Middle East. When we recorded this episode, Israel had not yet responded to Iran’s recent barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty. Just hours later, Israel launched a significant strike, reportedly sending 100 planes over 1,000 miles to strike Iranian military sites. Despite the ...
Oct 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1
We’re excited to introduce Boundless Insights , a new podcast designed to inform, engage, and connect you with current events and significant topics affecting Israel and American Jewish communities. Each week, Boundless co-founder Aviva Klompas will be joined by Dr. Michael Oren for conversations that help make sense of the headlines. From Israel’s security challenges to the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations, we’ll offer thoughtful analysis and insights. Additionally, once a month, Boun...
Oct 29, 2024•2 min
