Explore every episode of the podcast AFBIU Voices: Conversations That Impact Tomorrow, Today

As Israel prepares for its October 27 elections, what are the key issues shaping the campaign, and what could the results mean for the country's next government and democratic future?

In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), political studies experts Dr. Liron Lavi and Dr. Ilana Shpaizman examine the forces shaping Israel's political landscape, from public trust and political representation to coalition-building and the challenges of governance.

The discussion explores the issues influencing Israeli voters, the complexities of forming a governing coalition, and the broader implications of the election for Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

Featuring:

• Dr. Liron Lavi, Lecturer, Department of Political Studies, Bar-Ilan University

• Dr. Ilana Shpaizman, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Studies, Bar-Ilan University

Moderated by: Alan Zekelman, Chairman of Bar-Ilan University's Global Board of Trustees.

Recorded October 14, 2026.

Learn more about American Friends of Bar-Ilan University: https://www.afbiu.org

Support Bar-Ilan University: https://www.afbiu.org/donate

Over the past several years, Israel’s university students have pursued their education amid war, disruption, and uncertainty, balancing their studies with military service, family responsibilities, displacement, and concern for loved ones. Through it all, they have continued to learn, grow, and work toward their futures.In this webinar, three Bar-Ilan University students share their personal stories and offer a firsthand look at what it has meant to pursue an education in Israel during this extraordinary period.The conversation explores the challenges they have faced, the support and sense of community they have found at Bar-Ilan, and the experiences that have shaped their aspirations. Looking ahead to a new academic year and their own futures, the students also reflect on their hopes, ambitions, and the impact they hope to make in Israel and around the world.Featuring:– Guy, Engineering, Bar-Ilan University– Eliyahu, Computer Science, Bar-Ilan University– Omri, Medicine, Bar-Ilan University– Harvey Kaminski, National Board Member, American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (Moderator)To support Bar-Ilan University and its students, visit:afbiu.org/donate

The recent Iran war sent shockwaves across the Middle East and global energy markets, underscoring the growing importance of energy security, regional cooperation, and resilient infrastructure. As policymakers and industry leaders assess the implications, what does the future hold for the region's evolving energy landscape?In this webinar, Dr. Elai Rettig, Assistant Professor in Bar-Ilan University's Department of Political Studies and Senior Research Fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, examines how recent conflicts are reshaping energy security, trade routes, and strategic partnerships throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.The conversation explores the changing role of the Strait of Hormuz, emerging land-based energy corridors connecting the Gulf and Europe, Israel's expanding role in regional energy infrastructure, and how renewable energy cooperation could help strengthen regional partnerships and economic resilience.Featuring:— Dr. Elai Rettig, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Studies, Bar-Ilan University; Senior Research Fellow, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies— Harvey Kaminski, National Board Member, American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (Moderator)To support Bar-Ilan University's groundbreaking research and academic excellence, visit:https://afbiu.org/donate

As Israel's northern communities continue to recover from years of conflict, displacement, and economic disruption, strengthening healthcare access and outcomes has become an increasingly urgent priority.In this webinar, Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Director of the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE at Bar-Ilan University, joins Dr. Idana Goldberg, CEO of the Russell Berrie Foundation, for a discussion on the public health challenges facing northern Israel and the innovative solutions being developed to address them.The conversation explores healthcare disparities in the Galilee, the impact of prolonged instability on community health, the role of universities and philanthropy in driving change, and how initiatives like SPHERE are helping build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for the future.Featuring:• Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Director, Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE• Dr. Idana Goldberg, CEO, Russell Berrie Foundation• Jessica Feldan, CEO, American Friends of Bar-Ilan UniversityTo support SPHERE and Bar-Ilan University's efforts to strengthen healthcare in northern Israel, visit:https://afbiu.org/donation/supportsphere

As Israel navigates one of the most challenging periods in its modern history, questions surrounding the country’s economic resilience, financial stability, and long-term outlook have taken on renewed urgency.

In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, Professor Alon Raviv—Head of Bar-Ilan University’s International MBA Program and an expert in banking systems, financial risk, and economic resilience—explores how prolonged conflict is impacting Israel’s economy, markets, businesses, and global investment climate.

Drawing on his experience in both academia and the financial sector, including senior leadership at Bank Hapoalim, Professor Raviv discusses:
• The economic effects of prolonged regional conflict

• Investor confidence and financial market resilience

• Budget deficits, debt, and economic growth projections

• The role of innovation and international investment in Israel’s recovery

• How Israeli businesses and students are adapting during wartime

The conversation is moderated by Harvey Kaminski, National Board Member of American Friends of Bar-Ilan University.

To support Bar-Ilan University and its students, faculty, and groundbreaking research during this critical time, visit: https://afbiu.org/donate

Israel’s students are navigating an extraordinary period of uncertainty, trauma, and disruption as the country confronts an evolving regional conflict.

In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, leading experts from Bar-Ilan University examine the psychological toll of war on Israeli students and discuss how universities are responding to the growing need for emotional support, resilience training, and community stability.

Featuring Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, Vice President for International Affairs and Third Mission; Prof. Noa Vilchinsky, Dean of the Division for Designated Programs and Head of the Resiliency Center Steering Committee; and Prof. Danny Horesh, Head of the Trauma and Stress Research Lab in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of Bar-Ilan’s Interdisciplinary Trauma Research Center, the conversation explores how research, clinical expertise, and educational leadership are helping support students through a period of profound national challenge.

Drawing on Bar-Ilan’s work in trauma research and resilience, the speakers discuss how universities can play a critical role in supporting students, strengthening communities, and helping Israeli society navigate the emotional and psychological consequences of war.

Your partnership helps make conversations like this possible and supports the work of Bar-Ilan University in advancing research, education, and resilience during this critical time.

🔗 To support Israeli students during this critical time:

https://afbiu.org/donation/rise

✉️ Questions or follow-up:

webinar@afbiu.org

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, the Middle East stands at a volatile strategic inflection point. Military strikes, regional proxy activity, and rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics have raised urgent questions about what comes next — for Israel, the United States, and global security.

In this emergency briefing hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), leading experts from Bar-Ilan University’s Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies examine the evolving confrontation and its broader implications for the region and beyond.

Featuring Professor Eitan Shamir, Managing Director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, alongside Vice Admiral (Res.) Eli Marum, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Eran Ortal, Dr. Elai Rettig, and Ran Segev, the discussion explores Iran’s strategic posture, Israel’s potential responses, the role of the United States, and the future trajectory of the conflict.

Moderated by Harvey Kaminski, AFBIU National Board Member, the conversation provides timely analysis from scholars, former military commanders, and intelligence professionals whose insights are grounded in decades of real-world experience.

Your partnership helps make conversations like this possible and supports the work of Bar-Ilan University’s research centers in advancing strategic scholarship, national resilience, and informed global dialogue.

📩 Questions or follow-up:
webinar@afbiu.org

Five years after the passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l, his teachings continue to offer moral clarity and guidance for a Jewish world navigating profound complexity, division, and uncertainty.In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), Professor Jonathan Rynhold, Academic Director of Bar-Ilan University’s Jonathan Sacks Institute, and Dr. Tanya White, Lecturer in Tanach and Jewish Philosophy, explore how Rabbi Sacks’ ideas on ethics, leadership, community, and responsibility speak directly to the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish Diaspora today.Moderated by Harvey Kaminski, AFBIU National Board Member, the conversation reflects on questions of moral courage, unity, and resilience in a post-war landscape marked by rising antisemitism and renewed vulnerability for Jewish communities worldwide. Drawing on Rabbi Sacks’ writings and legacy, the speakers examine how universities, leaders, and individuals can help shape a more thoughtful and hopeful Jewish future.Your partnership helps make conversations like this possible and supports the work of the Jonathan Sacks Institute in developing the next generation of Jewish leaders.🔗 Support the Jonathan Sacks Institute at Bar-Ilan University:https://afbiu.org/donation/rabbi-jonathan-sacks-institute📧 Questions or follow-up:webinar@afbiu.org

In the wake of October 7 and the longest war in Israel’s history, Israelis are facing profound emotional, social, and spiritual challenges. Countless individuals, families, and soldiers continue to navigate trauma, loss, and the difficult work of rebuilding daily life.In this powerful webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach — clinical psychologist, trauma expert, and Bar-Ilan’s Vice President for International Affairs & Third Mission — and Prof. Noa Vilchinsky — rehabilitation psychologist and Dean of the Division of Designated Programs — explore how Bar-Ilan’s “Third Mission” is transforming trauma into strength and helping secure Israel’s future. Moderated by Harvey Kaminski, AFBIU National Board Member, the conversation highlights Bar-Ilan’s pioneering initiatives such as the Shalom Project, which helps wounded soldiers reclaim their lives through education, as well as the Academic Resilience Center, which supports students and communities across Israel in building emotional resilience and long-term recovery. Your partnership makes this work possible. Together, we can help ensure that Israel’s strength, spirit, and future generations not only endure, but thrive.🔗 Support Bar-Ilan’s Academic Resilience Center and related initiatives:https://afbiu.org/donation/academic-resilience-center📧 Questions or follow-up:webinar@afbiu.org