Meet Ambassador Michael Oren - historian, bestselling author, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, former member of Knesset, and one of the leading voices connecting Israel and the Jewish world.

But long before diplomacy and public life, Ambassador Oren was simply a Jewish kid from New Jersey who grew up in the shadow of the Holocaust and experienced antisemitism firsthand. Inspired by the Six-Day War and driven by a deep belief in Jewish sovereignty, he arrived in Israel with little more than a backpack and a dream.

In this conversation, Ambassador Oren reflects on his extraordinary journey from lone soldier in the paratroopers to ambassador, historian, and public intellectual. He shares what it was like to belong to a generation of American Jews who left the comfort and prosperity of the United States to build lives in what was then a young and isolated country.

Drawing on nearly fifty years of experience, Ambassador Oren discusses opportunity, language, identity, and why he believes Israel remains one of the greatest success stories of modern history. Despite wars, political divisions, and growing global challenges, he explains why his personal experiences, historical perspective, and spiritual faith continue to give him hope.

This episode is a powerful reflection on Jewish history, resilience, responsibility, and the extraordinary possibilities that emerge from taking a leap of faith.

From lone soldier to ambassador, this is a remarkable story of history, responsibility, and hope.

Follow Ambassador Oren on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambmichaeloren
Website: https://michaeloren.org/
Substack: https://claritywithmichaeloren.substack.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9PIP7ee_Ohu7c-4Pcbxj-Q
X: https://x.com/DrMichaelOren
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Mentioned in this episode:
Israel Advocacy Group - https://www.israeladvocacygroup.org/
Tablet Magazine - https://www.tabletmag.com/
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Oleh at Large: Aliyah Stories
Real Stories. Real Advice. Real Aliyah.
Hosted by David Levine
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Filmed on location at Soho House Tel Aviv
Editing: Laura Brickman
Associate Producer: Daniella Edelman
Social Media: Tehilah Simantov
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#AliyahStories #MichaelOren #Aliyah #Israel #JewishHistory #Zionism