Dershowitz visits MDS

Retired Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz recently participated in a roundtable discussion with members of the Israel Advocacy Team at Manhattan Day School on the Upper West Side.

Dershowitz, an attorney, jurist and author, was the ideal audience for MDS’ eighth grade speakers: Liana Goldstein on covered misrepresented history, Hanna Gerber on terrorist groups, Yaacov Lidagoster on Syria, Charlie Samuels on biased media, Yonatan Feuerstein BDS, and Sheindl Berger on apathy.

“Never be ashamed of being strong, powerful and influential in the interests of Israel,” Dershowitz told the students. “If you’re prepared to support Israel, I’m with you. Go to Israel. Learn about Israel. Be advocates.”

In his books, “A Case for Israel” and “A Case for Peace,” Dershowitz debunks myths and accusations about Israel and describes what Israel can do to establish peace. He shared many of the same views as the MDS advocates and challenged them with tough, thought-provoking questions that helped them strengthen their opinions and express themselves accurately and passionately. 

Dershowitz  said he was extremely impressed with the students and rated their presentations “A+” and “college level.”

“I judged my classes that I taught for 50 years not by what I taught but by how much I learned from my students … and I’m learning a lot today,” he said.

Following the roundtable discussion, Dershowitz addressed the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students and faculty, briefly sharing his views about Israel and offering some important advice on life. 

“The constant questioning I learned in yeshiva made me a much better lawyer and a much better professor,” he said. “Your yeshiva education will give you a tremendous advantage. Treasure your education and use it in the best possible way.” He added, “Challenge everything. An open mind that challenges is a mind ready to learn.”