Talk by AVI SHALEV
"The Oct 7 War: How and Why Did Israel Get It Wrong, and Where Do We Go From Here?"
A unique perspective from a former Lieutenant Colonel in the IDF, author of the ground-breaking book, The Only Jew In The Room: Searching for Understanding in an Arab-Islamic College.
Hosted by SAJ & Co-Sponsored with West End Synagogue; IN-PERSON ONLY
Advance Registration: $20/ticket or $36/ticket including a copy of the book
At the door: $25/ticket or $41/ticket including a copy of the book
Avi will be available to sign the book after his talk; Israeli wine and light refreshments will be served. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Avi will speak about life in Israel post-October 7th as well as what led to Israel's lack of preparedness, and what the future holds for Israel, its Jewish and Arab populations, its security, and the prospects for peace with its neighbors.
Avi Shalev has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics and military intelligence. He served in military intelligence with the IDF for many years and then in Israel’s Civil Administration, with a focus on Palestinian Affairs in the West Bank and Gaza. Six years ago, when he retired and decided to get a teaching certificate in Arabic, he chose an Islamic college in order to better understand the language, religion and culture of Israel’s 2.1 million Arab citizens. Avi and his fellow students were curious about each other’s lives, yet the book also explores the ideological chasms and resentments that divide them. At its core the book reflects hope for a future where two cultures can be viable parts of the heterogeneous society that is Israel.
The book was published in Hebrew in 2021 to critical acclaim and in English much more recently. This past June, Avi offered his insights about The Only Jew in the Room in a Zoom session of the SAJ Book Group; participants were struck by his knowledge, courage, and humility. The September 26th in-person event at SAJ is part of his two-week speaking tour in the United States.
