The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) hosted an insightful and thought-provoking event with renowned legal scholar Professor Alan Dershowitz on 19 February 2025, where he tackled some of the most pressing issues facing Israel, Gaza, and the international community. Over 400 attendees tuned in to hear the conversation with Daniel Berke, Director of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), and Dershowitz, who provided sharp analysis on Israel’s security challenges, the cost of rebuilding Gaza, the difficult moral dilemmas surrounding hostage negotiations, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for Gaza.
Dershowitz highlighted that morality and pragmatism do not always align when it comes to conflict resolution. He pointed to historical precedents, such as the Marshall Plan, to illustrate how geopolitical solutions are often imperfect but necessary.
On the Trump administration’s proposals for Gaza, Dershowitz debunked claims that they violated international law. He pointed out that Trump’s vision – focused on removing Hamas, rebuilding the territory with Gulf State investment, and ensuring Israeli security – was based on legal and strategic principles. Contrary to critics’ claims, nothing in international law prohibits nations from defending themselves or securing their borders from terrorist threats. Dershowitz categorically rejected accusations that Israel’s actions, including those aligned with Trump’s past policies, were unlawful.
Dershowitz also dismantled false narratives surrounding Hamas and its supporters, stating bluntly: “I don’t think they support Hamas – I think they hate Jews. If Hamas was fighting against Arab leaders, nobody would care. The only reason they care is because the enemy of Hamas is the Jews.” He contrasted this with the Kurds, who have been denied a state but do not receive the same global attention.
On the high-stakes issue of hostage exchanges, Dershowitz firmly opposed Israel negotiating under extortion, stating that no country should ever make decisions based on terrorist blackmail. He acknowledged the moral dilemma faced by Israeli leaders, who deeply value human life, but stressed that Hamas exploits the weaknesses of decent democracies.
Dershowitz also took aim at the media’s sensationalist coverage, particularly CNN’s strategy of amplifying images of dead children, noting, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Finally, he underscored the vital alliance between Jews and Christian Zionists, reminding attendees that Christian support for Israel must never be taken for granted.
The NJA extends its gratitude to Professor Dershowitz and Daniel Berke for an illuminating discussion and to all attendees for their participation.
For further information, please contact: office@nja.org.uk
