A Look Back at “Be Strong and of Good Courage” with Ambassador Dennis Ross

On Tuesday, September 17th, the Center for Jewish Civilization hosted a conversation with Ambassador Dennis Ross about his new book, Be Strong and of Good Courage: How Israel’s Most Important Leaders Shaped Its Destiny. Rabbi Harold White Professor of Jewish Civilization and Center Director Jacques Berlinerblau provided opening remarks, noting Ambassador Ross’s “command of both American and Middle Eastern foreign policy, as well as the exigencies of literary non-fiction.”

After his engaging discussion about the legacies of David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, and Ariel Sharon, Ambassador Ross fielded questions from the audience about Israel’s political future. He explained his choice of Israeli political figures which frame his new work and stressed the dual importance of action and inaction as viable policy measures. After the event, he signed copies of his new book, which he co-wrote with David Makovsky. 

About Ambassador Dennis Ross

Ambassador Ross is the Counselor and Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Ambassador Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process within the H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations. He was instrumental in assisting Israelis and Palestinians to reach the 1995 Interim Agreement, successfully brokering the 1997 Hebron Accord, and facilitating the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty.

Ambassador Ross has worked closely with Secretaries of State James Baker, Warren Christopher, and Madeleine Albright. He was awarded the Presidential Medal for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service by President Clinton. 

Missed our event?

Have no fear! Ambassador Ross will discuss Be Strong and of Good Courage at Johns Hopkins University on Thursday, September 26th. RSVP for his book talk here.