The Commentary Magazine Podcast: A Senor Moment

Release Date: May 15, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz engages in a profound discussion with esteemed guests Abe Greenwald, Matthew Continetti, Christine Rosen, and Dan Senor. Titled "A Senor Moment," the episode delves into pressing geopolitical developments, the state of American Jewry, and the critical need for robust Jewish education and community-building efforts.

Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy Compared to Obama’s 2009 Tour

[00:55] John Podhoretz opens the conversation by contrasting President Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip with Barack Obama's 2009 apology tour. Unlike Obama's more contentious visit, Trump's journey is characterized by positive optics and successful diplomatic engagements.

Podhoretz observes, “The visuals of Reagan all looking really good. The optics of this trip make it the best foreign trip for a president in I don't know when it all looks good.”

Christine Rosen adds, “[Trump’s] trip is forming a template for future trips...if you want to have a successful Trump visit, get those deals ready.”

The guests laud Trump’s ability to present a confident and amicable image, highlighting successful negotiations and the strategic removal of sanctions on Syria.

Navigating the Iran Nuclear Deal

The discussion shifts to the complexities surrounding the Iran nuclear deal. Dan Senor emphasizes skepticism regarding the feasibility of a genuine agreement, stating, “I think there is no such thing as a good deal with Iran because they will never hold to the deal.”

Podhoretz echoes this sentiment, critiquing the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for its unfavorable terms towards the U.S., noting, “The JCPOA basically envisioned Iran having a bomb by 2030.”

The panel acknowledges the challenges posed by internal administration dynamics and legislative pressures, with Abe Greenwald noting surprising Republican pushback against Trump's policies: “By every Senate Republican except for Rand Paul, it’s unbelievable.”

Israeli Politics Amidst U.S. Diplomatic Shifts

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the intricate relationship between the Trump administration and Israeli leadership. Greenwald shares insights from a senior Israeli diplomat, highlighting concerns over Israel's transactional diplomacy: “Israel has not figured out how to do his transaction.”

Podhoretz discusses internal Israeli tensions and the Israeli government's strategic operations in Gaza, balancing Trump's diplomatic overtures with Israel’s ongoing security measures.

State of American Jewry Post-October 7

Dan Senor's keynote address, “State of World Jewry,” is a focal point of the episode, exploring the profound impact of the events of October 7th on the American Jewish community. Senor articulates a crucial divide in Jewish consciousness, questioning whether American Jewry is “meeting the moment” amidst rising anti-Semitism and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

Greenwald underscores the resilience of Israel while expressing concern for the American Jewish community's engagement and identity, stating, “I have all these friends whose children are on American college campuses now... they’re just minding their own business.”

The Imperative of Jewish Education and Community Investment

A pivotal segment of the podcast emphasizes the urgent need for investing in Jewish educational institutions as a cornerstone for sustaining Jewish identity and combating assimilation.

Senor passionately argues, “The only proven model to do it is highly immersive experiences for young Jews. Jewish day schools, Jewish summer camps, gap years in Israel.”

Rosen reinforces this by highlighting the role of education and community in fostering a strong Jewish identity: “Community, which is part of what Dan is describing... education and community lead to identity and attachment.”

Greenwald further stresses the underfunding of Jewish day schools, noting a mere 5% of non-Orthodox Jewish children attend such institutions, which jeopardizes the future of Jewish engagement and identity.

Philanthropy’s Role in Sustaining Jewish Institutions

The conversation transitions to the critical role of philanthropy in supporting Jewish educational and community structures. Greenwald points out that while American Jews are highly philanthropic, the majority of donations often flow to non-Jewish causes. He calls for a strategic redirection of philanthropic efforts to bolster Jewish life.

Greenwald states, “If you are like who are going to be the John Grays who make that kind of bet on American Jewish life and say, you know, no American Jewish family should choose not to send their kids to a Jewish day school or not to...”

Rosen concurs, emphasizing the need for generous philanthropists to invest in Jewish education to ensure a thriving future for the community.

Addressing Anti-Semitism and Community Resilience

The panel discusses the persistent challenge of anti-Semitism and the importance of positive Jewish engagement as a countermeasure. Greenwald critiques the community's current focus on defensive activism, lamenting the lack of positive cultural and educational initiatives.

Greenwald reflects, “The theme of the last 18 months for Jewish life in America was we're in the fight, and we're fighting... there's no joy, there's no ritual, there's no communal life.”

Senor and Rosen advocate for a balanced approach that emphasizes both defense against anti-Semitism and the cultivation of a vibrant, positive Jewish identity through education and community activities.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for American Jewry

As the episode draws to a close, Podhoretz ties the discussion back to broader themes of identity, resilience, and strategic investment in the future of American Jewry. He highlights the importance of long-term commitment to educational and community-building efforts to ensure the survival and flourishing of Jewish life in America.

Podhoretz concludes, “We're talking about a people that's been around for 3,500 years and could be around for 3,500 more... the real legacy of our time and our era will be if we come out of this horrendous period... better.”

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast offers an insightful and nuanced exploration of current geopolitical dynamics, the state of American Jewry, and the critical need for strategic investments in education and community-building. Through thoughtful dialogue and expert perspectives, the panel underscores the importance of resilience, positive engagement, and cohesive action in addressing the challenges facing the Jewish community today.

For a deeper dive into these discussions, listeners are encouraged to read Dan Senor’s article, “The Future of American Jewry After October 7: How to Find Clarity and Purpose in Horror’s Wake,” available at Commentary.org.

Notable Quotes:

• John Podhoretz [06:02]: “Trump is confident, he's comfortable, the people he is visiting are thrilled to have him visit, and everything is smiles and friendship.”

• Christine Rosen [08:24]: “If you want to have a successful Trump visit, get those deals ready.”

• Dan Senor [25:21]: “There's one little bit of silver lining that I've personally enjoyed is watching them squirm.”

• Abe Greenwald [47:27]: “The only sure way we'll survive is for Jews to be Jewish.”

**Listen to the full episode on Ricochet.com and stay informed with The Commentary Magazine Podcast.