Activist Rawan Osman shares her remarkable journey with Touro Talks guest host Sam Levine. Growing up in Lebanon, Osman was immersed in anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric. Today, she is a "recovering antisemite" and a powerful voice advocating for a Lebanon free of Hezbollah, an alternative future for the Middle East and coexistence between Arabs and Jews. Shaped by an education, media narratives and political ideology that blurred distinctions between Jews, Israelis, and Zionists, Osman explains how deeply ingrained beliefs are formed—and how one unexpected human encounter in France challenged everything she thought was true.

In this Touro Talks, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin reflects on the origins of his book about the Rebbe and what made the Lubavitcher Rebbe one of the most extraordinary Jewish leaders of the modern era. Drawing on personal family ties to Chabad and decades of observation, Telushkin explores the Rebbe’s mission to reach every Jew with unconditional love—and the rare phenomenon of a movement that continued to expand dramatically even after its leader’s passing. Telushkin also offers thoughtful perspective on today’s campus climate and antisemitism, and addresses the complicated question of messianism within Chabad.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides joins guest host Professor Ido Aharoni on Touro Talks to discuss the future of U.S.–Israel relations, lessons in authentic leadership and diplomacy, and the path forward after the October 7 Hamas attacks. Drawing on his career in government and business, Nides shares insights on rebuilding bipartisan support for Israel, strengthening understanding among the younger generation, and confronting the global rise in antisemitism. He speaks with moral clarity, empathy, and resilience and underscores the shared democratic values that bind Israel and the United States.