RSS
New Leaders Must Have Continuity With the Past, But Vision and Courage for a Brighter Tomorrow
US President Joe Biden holds a press conference during NATO’s 75th anniversary summit, in Washington, DC, July 11, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Nathan Howard
In his 2015 book, Lessons in Leadership, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote: “Leaders must have the strength to know what they cannot be if they are to have the courage to be themselves.”
One must wonder if at any point over the past few weeks, this thought crossed President Joe Biden’s mind, as his ability to be the leader of the free world was put into doubt in the full glare of the public spotlight.
In a stunning turn of events, Biden announced this week that he will not seek re-election. The US political landscape, already tumultuous and chaotic, has been thrown into total disarray as Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, has been ushered in, totally unopposed, as the presumptive Democratic candidate.
The news of Biden’s sudden departure and Harris’s meteoric emergence as his replacement has sparked intense debate and speculation, leaving the American public and political pundits alike grappling with the implications of this unexpected shift.
For many, Biden’s decision to step aside marks a pivotal moment in American politics. Questions abound: What does this mean for Biden’s presidency over the next few months? If he feels himself incapable of running for election, how is he capable of running the country? And how will Harris fare against Donald Trump? Will this bombshell change of candidates energize or divide the Democratic base? Will the idea of a Harris presidency win over swing voters?
Amid the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the process of choosing a new leader is fraught with challenges and opportunities.
Throughout history, there have been leadership changes that not only shocked those they had led, but also left an indelible mark on the political landscape. One example much cited over the past few days is the resignation of President Lyndon B. Johnson in late March 1968, a decision he framed as an act of selflessness: “With America’s sons in the fields far away, with America’s future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world’s hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office—the Presidency of your country. Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.”
Johnson’s decision not to seek re-election amidst the Vietnam War was a turning point in American politics. The next president might have been Robert F. Kennedy, who was expected by many to win the election against former vice president Richard Nixon. But his assassination in early June left the Democratic Party in turmoil, and opened the door for Nixon’s stunning victory. Nixon’s win marked a significant shift in American political dynamics, influencing the course of the nation’s history for years to come.
Elsewhere, the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 was a monumental event for Great Britain. Edward’s decision to abdicate in order to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American socialite, resulted in his brother, George VI, ascending to the throne.
George VI’s leadership during World War II was crucial, as his resolve and moral integrity in the face of the Nazi threat to Britain contrasted sharply with Edward’s known sympathies for Nazi Germany. This shift in leadership undoubtedly influenced Britain’s posture and resilience when war with Germany broke out in 1939, and in the demanding years that followed.
Another notable, far more recent example of a dramatic leadership change is the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. Benedict — who cited his advanced age and declining strength as reasons for stepping down — became the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years; the last pope who resigned was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415.
Benedict’s surprising resignation paved the way for the election of Pope Francis, a leader who has brought significant changes to the Vatican’s approach and policies. Pope Francis is known for his focus on social justice and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, an institution not known for its inclination to change.
Francis has initiated numerous reforms aimed at addressing issues like financial corruption, sexual abuse, and the role of women in the Church. His leadership style and priorities have marked a distinct departure from the far more conservative approach of his predecessor, bringing new optimism and direction to the Catholic community worldwide.
This small selection of historical examples illustrates how leadership changes can have profound and lasting effects on the trajectory of those being led. And as we watch the current unfolding political drama in the United States, these lessons from history remind us of the significance of this moment, and the potential impact of the choices that will be made in the coming months.
There is a powerful narrative about leadership transition in Parshat Pinchas that offers timeless insights. The Torah recounts the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor, a moment of great significance for the Israelite community. Moses indicated that he wanted God to gift the leadership to one of his sons, but it was not to be.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch highlights the qualities that made Joshua the ideal candidate to lead the people into the Promised Land, emphasizing that Joshua was chosen not for his charisma or political savvy, nor because he had been the assumed leader should Moses step down. Even Moses had believed one of his own sons would replace him.
Joshua was neither the expected choice nor a flashy choice — the Midrash records that he was the one who prepared the study hall for sessions with Moses, a seemingly menial role. What made Joshua suitable was that he represented both continuity from the past, as the devoted disciple of Moses, and also, a change from the past and the hope for a better tomorrow. Moses was a great leader, but his time was up. The break from his era had to be palpable and real.
As we navigate this pivotal moment in American politics, the story of Joshua’s appointment is a powerful reminder that what hasn’t worked in the lead-up to this moment won’t change if we get more of the same. Effective leadership is not about maintaining the status quo but about ensuring continuity while also inspiring progress and hope for the future. In seeking new leaders, it is essential to find those who honor the values and lessons of the past while also having the vision and courage to lead toward a brighter tomorrow.
As the well-known American author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell so aptly stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Let us strive to find such leaders, who can guide us with wisdom, integrity, and the vision for a brighter future.
The author is a rabbi in Beverly Hills, California.
The post New Leaders Must Have Continuity With the Past, But Vision and Courage for a Brighter Tomorrow first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
RSS
Iran Unveils ‘Gaza’ Drone With 1,000-km Range
The Gaza drone is seen in flight, armed with eight precision-guided Sadid-345 glide bombs. Photo: Screenshot
The Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Sunday unveiled its new heavy-duty drone, named Gaza, during a “hybrid operation” on the sidelines of a massive military exercise in southern Iran, according to semi-official Iranian media.
With a range of 1,000 kilometers and a payload capacity of at least 500 kilograms, this unmanned aircraft can carry up to 13 missiles in a single flight.
The Gaza drone features a wingspan of 22 meters, a takeoff weight of 3,100 kilograms, and a flight endurance of 35 hours, enabling it to perform extended missions.
Watch the video of Iran’s largest drone, unveiled today!
Named the Gaza Drone, this advanced aircraft successfully destroyed 8 targets with precision during its first demonstration. It will also play a key role in monitoring the nation’s borders.#Iran #Gazadrone #Gaza pic.twitter.com/cmyMNRcOW1
—
|| Alexander (@Sarbazrehbar) January 27, 2025
It also achieves a cruising speed of 350 kilometers per hour and has an operational radius of approximately 4,000 kilometers.
According to a press release from the IRGC, an Iranian military force and internationally designated terrorist organization, the Gaza drone successfully destroyed eight targets for the first time on Sunday, launching missiles equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities during the Great Prophet Authority military exercise in the Persian Gulf.
The announcement came days after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal earlier this month to end the 15-month war in Gaza.
The initial six-week first phase of the ceasefire includes a partial and gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Iran is the chief international sponsor of Hamas, providing the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza with weapons, funding, and training.
As part of the first phase of the ceasefire, 26 additional hostages are expected to be released over the next month, along with hundreds more Palestinian prisoners who were largely detained by Israel for involvement in terrorist activities.
The post Iran Unveils ‘Gaza’ Drone With 1,000-km Range first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
RSS
Israel, NASA Reach Agreement to Send First Israeli Female Astronaut to Space
Axiom’s four-man team lifts off, riding atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US, April 8, 2022. Photo: REUTERS/Steve Nesius
Israel has reached an agreement with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to send the first Israeli woman astronaut to space, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Gila Gamliel announced on Monday at the Israel Space Agency’s 20th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference.
“We received approval from NASA to send the first Israeli female astronaut into space,” Gamliel said at the conference in Tel Aviv. “We in Israel have now begun the process of searching for our candidate among our brave women.”
Gamliel, who visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in September, did not elaborate on when or in what capacity the Israeli female astronaut will join NASA as part of a mission into space.
“This milestone will serve as an inspiration for future generations and emphasize the importance of gender equality in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” she added.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who is in New York to speak at the United Nations as part of an event honoring the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, sent a pre-recorded message that was played at the Ramon Conference.
“We are living in an incredibly exciting times for space exploration,” Herzog said. “Humanity is discovering new ways to use space technologies not only to explore the stars, but to advance global health, stability, and prosperity on our own planet. Space exploration is the next frontier for humanity, and I am convinced that it will play an increasingly bigger role in science and that humanity will ultimately settle in space as well.”
“Israel, despite its small size, is a global trailblazer in the field of space,” he added. “Already now, we partner with the leading space programs in the world, including with some of our Abraham Accords partners. I am hopeful that we will see many exciting new collaborations ahead. This leadership at the forefront of new space is absolutely critical for Israel’s future security, prosperity, and scientific leadership in the world, and we must make it a top priority.”
The Ilan Ramon International Space Conference is named after the first Israeli astronaut, who was killed along with his six crewmates in February 2003 when NASA’s space shuttle Columbia broke apart as it returned to Earth’s atmosphere. Ramon was 48 years old.
“NASA and Israel have a long-standing relationship, and this is an exciting time in space for both of our nations,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free in a recorded message shared at the conference on Monday. He noted Ramon’s legacy as the first Israeli astronaut and also mentioned Israeli citizen Eitan Stiva and his historic first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. He additionally mentioned that NASA and Israel have extended their partnership regarding moon exploration.
The Israeli company Stream Red developed a radiation belt that was sent to the space station and on the Artemis 1 experimental mission, and has helped improve the understanding of radiation exposure on Earth. In 2022, Israel signed the Artemis Accords to show its commitment to scientific cooperation and space exploration.
The post Israel, NASA Reach Agreement to Send First Israeli Female Astronaut to Space first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
RSS
The Three-Finger Symbol: A Narrative of Death vs. A Narrative of Life
Former hostage Emily Damari is reunited with her mother, on Jan. 19, 2025. Credit: Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson’s Unit.
We all felt deeply moved watching Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniela Gilboa return to Israel’s borders and into the embrace of their families, joining Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who were released last week.
Despite Hamas’ attempts to stage their release as a propaganda spectacle — and the Palestinian celebrations about the release of heinous murderers from Israeli prisons — Emily Damari’s brave gestures remind us of the profound differences between the narratives embraced by each side.
In 2014, following the kidnapping and murder of Israeli soldiers Gil-Ad Michael Shaer, Eyal Yifrach, and Naftali Fraenkel, a new visual symbol emerged in the Palestinian street: three raised fingers.
This gesture, initially a reaction to the kidnapping, quickly evolved into a powerful propaganda emblem, gaining significant traction on social media. A Facebook page titled “3 شلاليط ثم اقتحامات ثم انتفاضة ثالثة” (“Three ‘Shalits,’ then an invasion, then a third Intifada”) framed the kidnapping as part of a broader historical narrative of resistance. Drawing parallels to the abduction of Gilad Shalit, the gesture aimed to amplify a sense of Palestinian “victory.”
However, like many narratives in the digital age, this one had a short lifespan. The Facebook page ceased activity after a few months, and the symbol faded from public discourse. The dynamic nature of social media reduced this emblem to a fleeting memory — momentary propaganda rooted in violence and death.
Reclaiming the Symbol: The Israeli Side
A decade later, the world has changed. During the events of October 7, 2023, and the “Iron Swords” war, Palestinian narratives resurfaced rapidly across social media. Yet, alongside them, a completely new narrative emerged from the Israeli side.
The abduction of Emily Damari, a young woman taken from her home in Kfar Aza by Hamas terrorists, became an extraordinary symbol. During her abduction, Emily suffered injuries to her hand, leading to the amputation of two of her fingers. Yet her resilience and courage never wavered. Upon her release, Emily prominently displayed her hand, missing two fingers, as a symbol of the indomitable Israeli spirit.
Her bravery was also evident in her request to the terrorists to release 65-year-old Keith Sigal before her — an extraordinary act of humanity in the face of captivity’s horrors.
A stark contrast emerges between the Palestinian use of three fingers and the Israeli use of the same symbol.
While the Palestinian gesture celebrated violent “victory” through kidnapping and murder, the Israeli narrative draws strength from the pursuit of life, survival, and hope. Emily Damari’s hand has become a gesture of life triumphing over death, courage overcoming violence, and hope transcending despair. In many ways, it embodies the entire story of Zionism.
This powerful gesture serves as a reminder of the fundamental difference between us and our enemies. We celebrate life and courage, while they revel in death and hatred. Even in these challenging days, we continue to choose hope and life. This choice is the source of our strength and our enduring resolve.
“There is hope for your future, declares the Lord, and your children will return to their own land” (Jeremiah 31:17).
Itamar Tzur is an Israeli scholar and Middle East expert who holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Jewish History and a Master’s degree with honors in Middle Eastern Studies. As a senior member of the “Forum Kedem for Middle Eastern Studies and Public Diplomacy”. Tzur leverages his academic expertise to enhance understanding of regional dynamics and historical contexts within the Middle East.
The post The Three-Finger Symbol: A Narrative of Death vs. A Narrative of Life first appeared on Algemeiner.com.