On March 7, the Richmond World Affairs Council, in partnership with our Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, will host Dr. Einat Wilf in the Empire Room of the Jefferson Hotel. Wilf is an Israeli thought leader, a former member of Knesset (Israel’s parliament) and was the foreign policy advisor to former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Outspoken and exceptionally articulate, Wilf, the author of four books, will speak about, “The State of Israel.” Few speakers can as cogently be ardent defenders of Zionism and eloquently acknowledge the challenges facing the State of Israel.

In, My Israel, Our Generation (2007), Wilf wrote:

There are few places in this world that enable a person to link their life with one of the greatest stories of the time. The founding of the state of Israel and the struggle for its existence are some of the most fascinating stories that humanity tells. It is a story of tremendous suffering and remarkable renewal; of victories against all odds while reasoning fundamental questions of justice, morality and values; of great sacrifice and even greater hope; of individuals and of superpowers; and it is tied to the story of nations throughout history.

Israel is a small country, but few have never heard of it. Sometimes it seems Israel is not a state but a drama. Its story, still being told today, attracts thousands of journalists from all over the world – people whose profession is to tell the stories to their readers. It brings people to write volumes on the State and about their own lives, and the extraordinary way in which the two have been interwoven.

What is the significance of having a grand story? To me, it is a great significance.

The community is strongly encouraged to join us for what promises to be an exciting, enlightening and thought provoking evening.

Wilf has a BA in Government and Fine Arts from Harvard University, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. Born and raised in Israel, she served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces.

To register to attend Wilf’s lecture visit: www.richmondworldaffairs.org/our-events/the-state-of-israel/ or call 804-934-9000.

Daniel “Doni” Fogel, director of Jewish community relations & Israel and overseas programming can be reached at DFogel@JewishRichmond.org or 80-545-8926. Full disclosure: The author interned for Dr. Wilf in her Knesset office during his studies for an MA in Government in 2010.