Speech Topics

The Middle East a scary place these days. Threats are real and the safety and security of the region and the world are at risk. Groups like Al-Qaeda (Army of Islam including Jaysh al-Islam / Tawhid / Jihad Brigades; Doghmush, Abu Qatada, Azzam Brigades, Jund Ansar Allah, Fatah al-Islam, Jaljalat, Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad fi Filastin); Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade; Hamas (including the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades); Jamaat Ansar al-Sunna, Ansar al-Islam, Al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (including the Al-Quds Brigades), The Popular Resistance Committees, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) (including Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades and Jihad Jibril Brigades) as well the legacy of Iran, Syria and Iraq all contribute to the situation. The complex realities are often difficult to understand and the sense of pessimism and hopelessness are too pervasive. The questions surrounding Israeli-Palestinian peace and the possibility of a two states solution are deeply debated. Gershon Baskin’s political, educational and military backgrounds give him a unique perspective for assessing the key challenges of sustainable peace, international diplomacy and environmental security.

This is an opportune time to invite Gershon to your community to speak about these and other issues.

The Trump Administration and the Israeli Palestinian Conflict

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu

The policies of the Trump Administration regarding the Israeli Palestinian conflict are unclear at best and totally unpredictable. In this presentation, Gershon will examine the possible policy options facing President Trump and his advisers and possible outcomes of their choices. Gershon Baskin will focus on how the situation in Israel and Palestine is connected to the war and suffering in Syria and the strengthening of Egypt and Jordan. He will touch upon the need of continuing to assist the Palestinian, mainly the private sector, in order to build a more secure Palestinian economy. Gershon will share his ideas on how President Trump should take a strong stand on radical Islamic terrorism, against Al-Qaida and against ISIS in order to help to create a more secure Middle East and a more secure world. He will discuss how unilateral actions of either side that could make the process of reaching agreements more difficult, and will share his perspectives of Jerusalem related issues.
Click here to book a speaking engagement with Gershon Baskin on the topic of The Trump Administration and the Israeli Palestinian Conflict.

In Pursuit of Peace in Israel and Palestine

Pursuit of Peace in Israel and Palestine

Geshon Baskin’s new book In Pursuit of Peace in Israel and Palestine (published by the Vanderbilt Univ. Press) details his 40 years of intensive pursuit of peace. Gershon was involved in creating & directing the Institute for Education for Jewish-Arab Coexistence and founding and co-directing the only joint Israeli Palestinian public policy think & do-tank in the world. During the many cycles of peace negotiations, Gershon Baskin has served not only as an trusted adviser to many of the regions leaders, but also as a radical agitator advocating a sustainable peace. In the book, Gershon Baskin reveals how relations in the Middle East are based on justified fear, influenced by lack of human contact and reinforced by continued violence that solidify patterns of thinking and behavior that negatively influence public policies. Dr. Baskin shares his life experience and wisdom in transforming the sustentation of the conflict to breaking out of animosity and turning a new page. What the parties in conflict say and do are mutually influential and reinforcing in keeping the parties in conflict.
Click here to book a speaking engagement with Gershon Baskin on the topic of In Pursuit of Peace in Israel and Palestine.

The Secret Conduit to Freedom – The Story of the Secret Negotiations between Israel and the Hamas Islamic Resistance Movement

Gilad Shalit and Gershon Baskin

A long line of diplomats and intelligence officers from Egypt, Germany, France, Turkey and other countries tried for more than five years to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas that would free the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit. In his presentation, Gershon Baskin describes in detail his first hand experience in initiating and establishing the secret direct channel of talks that he held with the Hamas since the first week after Shalit’s abduction on June 25, 2006. He shares how he initiated the breakthrough in negotiations by opening a channel of communication between the Hamas and David Meidan, the Mossad officer appointed by Prime Minister Netanyahu to bring Shalit home after years in captivity. Gershon focuses on the conditions that enabled the deal to be reached, how the deal was closed, the dilemmas involved, and the lessons that need to be learned from the ordeal.
Click here to book a speaking engagement with Gershon Baskin on the topic of The Secret Conduit to Freedom – The Story of the Secret Negotiations between Israel and the Hamas Islamic Resistance Movement.

Rising Challenges from the Middle East

Iranian Missiles

With Iran on the verge of deploying nuclear weapons, Al-Qaeda global militant Islamist organizational becoming more active throughout the region, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the Syrian Ba’ath Party government and those seeking to oust it and the ever changing political and security situation in Egypt, the world stands at a critical moment in Middle East affairs. Gershon Baskin discusses the impact of these challenges for the Peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the international geopolitical landscape. He describes the numerous effects on human security, environment, energy, security, business, and the evolving geostrategic situation. When it comes to understanding the range of both benefits and risks, few are as knowledgeable than Gershon Baskin to furnish comprehensive observations and honest assessments.
Click here to book a speaking engagement with Gershon Baskin on the topic of Rising Challenges from the Middle East.

Peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict

Gershon Baskin and Mohammad Abbas (Abu Mazen)

The peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has taken shape over the years despite the ongoing violence which has prevailed since the beginning of the conflict. Since the 1980’s Gershon Baskin has been on the forefront of efforts to research and develop the terms upon which a viable peace can be agreed to in both the Palestinian–Israeli conflict and the broader Arab–Israeli conflict. In his dynamic presentation Gershon focuses on the numerous failures and success of the process, sharing the valuable lessons learned from his years of first hand experience as the advisor to leaders of both sides of the conflict. Asking “Is Israeli-Palestinian peace still viable? Is the two-states for two-peoples option still alive?” Gershon discusses proposals/plans that could have changed the course of history and shares his candid insights on how to run/not run a peace process, including his own list of do’s and don’ts of peace negotiations. He spotlights the lessons that can be easily adopted and applied in other conflict settings including an examination of the difference between Good/Bad agreements and Good/Bad implementations and the difficulties in applying negotiations theory to actual negotiations. Gershon debates the roles of third parties in monitoring, verification and treaty enforcement and discusses international engagement including the need/not need for international mediators and negotiators. In the light of the current intense and indirect three-way diplomacy between representatives of Hamas, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority; intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry initiatives, Gershon will share his recommendations as to the efficacy of interim processes with long term goals, how to succeed in the current stage of the process, and what we can learn from other conflicts and peace processes. When it comes to understanding the complexities of the Middle East, few are as experienced as Gershon Baskin to impart expert insights and candid appraisals of the situation. Gershon focuses on the numerous failures and successes of the process, and the valuable lessons learned from his years of first hand experience as an advisor to leaders of both sides of the conflict.
Click here to book a speaking engagement with Gershon Baskin on the topic of Peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Environmental Policy and Sustainable Peace in the 21st Century

Solar Panels

With the latest data and innovations, Gershon Baskin confronts environmental issues facing the planet and their impact on Middle East civilization that both conveys valuable information while stimulating audiences to think and act differently. Gershon discusses his personal experience in developing affordable solar generated electricity in the Middle East, Rwanda, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Romania. Arguing that the environmental changes in our planet influence both local and global economies, he encourages audiences to consider the integration of environmental, social and political issues in developing international relations. Gershon talks about the need for commitment to enact policy mechanisms concerning environmental issues and sustainability that will prevent harmful effects on the biophysical environment and natural resources. He discusses numerous aspects of air and water pollution, solid waste management, biodiversity, ecosystem management, maintenance of biodiversity, the protection of natural resources, wildlife and endangered species. He focuses on comprehensive attempts to unify environmental security together with societal, economic and political security, arguing that neither of aspects is attainable in the long run without synergy between each other.
Click here to book a speaking engagement with Gershon Baskin on the topic of Environmental Policy and Sustainable Peace in the 21st Century

Topics of recent presentations of Gershon Baskin

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A First-hand assessment of the state of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process

A viable two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East

After Gaza: Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Still Possible?

After the Annapolis Peace Meeting: What Now? An Israeli and a Palestinian Analyst Speak

An insider’s guide to what just happened in Gaza

Are there partners for any genuine Israeli Palestinian peace process?

Building Peace Between Israelis and Palestinians

Building Unlikely Bridges Between Israel and Palestine: From the Schalit Deal to the Big Deal

Can Israel be both Jewish and democratic?

Can the international community do something positive to assist in bringing the Israeli-Palestinian relationship to a better place?

Complex realities that are often difficult to understand

Developments in the Internal Palestinian Dialogue – Are there real chances for a National Unity Government?

Difficult Dialogues: Israel-Palestine Peace Prospects

Evening with Gershon Baskin

Everything you always wanted to know about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but thought was too stupid to ask

Everything you wanted to know about the Israeli Palestinian conflict but were too embarrassed to ask

Freeing Gilad Schalit From Hamas

Freeing Gilad Schalit: Negotiating with Israel and Hamas

Freeing Gilad Schalit: The Secret Back Channel

Hamas, ISIS, Hezbollah, Iran, Palestine and Israel

How can all the issues be resolved: Security, Jerusalem, Refugees, Water, etc.

How does the nuclear deal with Iran impact Israeli-Palestinian relations?

How is Israeli-Palestinian peace possible?

How is Peace in Israel, Palestine and the Middle East Possible?

How the pieces of the puzzle could possibly be put together

How the U.S. can help forge Mideast peace

How to be Pro Israel and be Pro Peace

How to resolve issues such as Jerusalem?

Independent energy for an Independent Palestine – bringing to solar revolution to our neighbours

Insights on the Palestinian-Israeli Peace Negotiations

Is an Israeli-Palestinian permanent peace agreement feasible in one year?

Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Possible? Challenges, Obstacles and Hopes.

Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Possible? Obstacles & Opportunities

Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Still Possible?

Is Israeli-Palestinian peace still possible?” -Reflections of a committed Israeli peace activist

Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Still Viable?

Is it possible to have peace with the Palestinians while the West Bank is ruled by Fatah and Gaza by Hamas?

Is Peace Possible? Gershon Baskin on Israel-Palestine

Is the two state solution still possible? What if it is not?

Is there any validity to the 2003 Arab Peace Initiative?

Is there hope for a renewed effort for peace?

Is there really a Palestinian partner – what’s happening on the Palestinian side?

Is there still a chance for Israeli Palestinian peace?

Is there still a viable two states solution?

Is two states for two peoples still a viable solution?

Israel & Hamas Peace in Today’s Middle East Geopolitics?

Israel Post-Elections: Is Israeli Palestinian Peace Still on the Table

Israel-Palestine Peace Prospects

Israel, Palestinians & Mid-East Prospects for the Two State Solution

Israel’s Direction Post-Election

Israel’s Outlook after Operation Protective Edge

Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations: A First Hand Account From Both Perspectives

Issues, Obstacles, and Opportunities: Israel-Palestine Peace Prospects

Jerusalem in the Permanent Status negotiations – what can be done with the Old City and the Holy Places?

Living and (almost) Dying in the Backwaters of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Looking back on 2014: Did Hamas Win?

Making Israeli-Palestinian Peace Real: Water, Security, Refugees, Settlements & other Practical Obstacles to a Two-State Solution

Middle East 2020: Is the Comprehensive Settlement Possible?

Middle East Peace Cafe: Discussions on the Middle East

Myths and facts in the Israeli-Palestinian, Israeli-Arab relationship

Negotiating for Gilad Schalit’s Freedom: A Discussion with Gershon Baskin

Negotiating Freedom: Gilad Schalit & Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Negotiating With Hamas: What the man who negotiated Gilad Schalit’s release can teach us about Israel’s future

Non-governmental Solutions and challenges for Furthering a two-State Solution

Opening a Conduit with Hamas: Laying the foundations to release Gilad Schalit

Operation Protective Edge (Israel’s Summer War in Gaza): Winners, Losers, and Prospects for Peace with Gershon Baskin

Options and Consequences: Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives

Palestine/Israel and the Safety and Security of the region and the world

Palestinian-Israeli joint initiatives for peace: past, present and future perspectives

Pathways to Peace

Peace and the Two-State Solution

Peace in the Middle East and Progressive Judaism

Peace is Doable: Thinking About How to Save the Two-State Solution

Peace Pays Off

Peace Process in the Israeli Palestinian Conflict

Pursuing Peace Together: Working for Reconciliation in the Holy Land

Removing Obstacles to Peace Between Israelis and Arabs

Rising Challenges from the Middle East

Scenarios and Models of the Middle East Settlement

Second Track Diplomacy and Prospects for Peace in Israel/Palestine

Securing Gilad Schalit’s freedom

Steps Forward In Jerusalem: Muslims, Christians and Jews engaging, learning and together building the Middle East public peace process

The “Peace” Business: Money and Power in the Palestine-Israel Conflict

The 20th Anniversary of the Oslo Peace Accord: What Went Wrong and What Are the Prospects for a Lasting Peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

The Chances for Israeli/Palestinian Peace Post Israeli Election

The Conduit to Freedom

The Conduit to freedom – the story of the secret back channel negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of Gilad Schalit

The Conduit to Freedom: Sharing the Secrets that Freed Gilad Schalit

The contribution and achievements of civil society Track II efforts towards peace making

The current state of the peace process

The divided Palestinian political house – can peace be considered while Hamas continue to rule Gaza and seems to be growing in power?

The Environment & Middle East Peace

The History of the Arab Israeli conflict and what it means for peace possibilities in the future

The Israeli Elections: Implications for Netanyahu’s Fourth Term

The Israeli Palestinian Conflict & the New Middle East: Is Peace Possible?

The Israeli Palestinian Peace process: lessons learned from 22 years of failed agreements

The Israeli-Palestinian peace process – more of the same or is there reason for hope

The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process: More of the Same or is There Reason for Hope?

The issues, the obstacles, and the opportunities ahead for peace in the Middle East

The Link Between Israel and Hamas

The Middle East is a scary place these days

The Negotiator: Freeing Gilad Schalit from Hamas and Pursuing Peace

The Palestinian citizens of Israel: How to confront the reality of a Jewish nation-state with a large Palestinian-Arab minority

The pervasive sense pessimism and hopelessness in the Middle East

The possibility of a two states solution

The questions surrounding Israeli-Palestinian peace

The Secret Negotiations

The State of Israeli Palestinian Peace

The viability of a two state solution

The Viability of an Israeli-Palestinian Deal: Lessons of a Peace Activist

The war this summer – a discussion of the dilemmas facing Israelis and Jews

Threats: Real or UnReal?

Through the eye of political cartoons: Update on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, internal politics, society and culture.

Under the Same Sun

What answers does the Israeli peace camp have for the Jewish right wing?

What do we expect and need from the United States?

What if the two-state solution can’t work?

What impact could the International Criminal Court investigation have on Israel?

What is Hamas?

What is happening to the Israeli peace camp?

What is the Palestinian strategy?

What needs to happen for Peace in the Middle East

What Should the 614th Commandment Be?

What strategic choices are facing the leaders of Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, the US and others?

What went wrong in the peace process and what do we learn from that?

Where next for Israel and Gaza?

Will the Palestinians continue their moves against Israel in the International Criminal Court?

Will the promise of two states for two peoples be kept?

Yamim Noraim: Israel after Gilad Schalit