ARGUING YES
Former Spokesperson for Israel in the October 7th War; Co-Founder of the Israeli Citizen Spokespersons’ Office; Host of the “State of a Nation” Podcast
ARGUING NO
Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and CEO of Zeteo; Host of Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head”; Award-Winning Journalist
MODERATOR
Host and Moderator-in-Chief
This week:
- New episode: Two world-class debaters take on the Israel-Gaza War.
- A preview of what you can expect to hear in this debate
- Register to attend our October 8 LIVE debate at the Comedy Cellar in NYC
- Your Sunday reading list
This week’s debate poses a question that has captured the world’s attention since Hamas launched its attack on Israel a year ago, which led to Israel responding by attacking the Gaza Strip and beginning the war in Gaza. Since October 7th, thousands of Palestinians and Israelis have died, and the war at this moment seems close to expanding to other parts of the Middle East with no ceasefire or hostage release deal in sight.
From images of destroyed buildings and refugees seeking safety to protests on college campuses and institutions, it’s a debate that has touched many layers of our culture and divided our families and friends.
Open to Debate brought two champion debaters and noted representatives for Israelis and Palestinians’ points of view to the stage live at the New York Society for Ethical Culture in New York City.
Though Eylon Levy and Mehdi Hasan vehemently disagree, they shook hands before their opening statements. They understood that being willing to debate was the first step in understanding why they — and the audience watching — believe what they do.
Millions of people globally have watched this debate on digital channels, and as part of Open to Debate’s mission, the conversation continues. We are eager to hear your views.
Were Israel’s actions in the Gaza War justified? Hear both sides’ arguments in the debate that’s making waves online by watching now on YouTube, where you can leave comments, listen on NPR, and join our community on our website. As always, let us know what you think.
The Power of Debate, As Described by The Jerusalem Post
“Regardless of whether one agreed with either or neither of them, the debate provided a lot of food for thought, and should be watched by every [member of Knesset], not only to learn how the other side thinks but also how to debate in an intelligent, interesting, and civil fashion.”
Read more from the review here.
POINT/COUNTERPOINT
Were Israel’s Actions in the Gaza War Justified?
YES: Eylon Levy
“To do nothing or to do something: both would have consequences. Doing nothing meant letting Hamas get away with October 7th, leave it free to do it again and again, only this time with thousands of dangerous terrorists released from jail and with its popularity skyrocketing. That’s not an option. Doing something meant targeting Hamas’s terrorists in accordance with international law in order to dismantle their ability to wage war. After October 7th, that campaign to bring Hamas down and bring the hostages home was the only moral response.”
NO: Mehdi Hasan
“October the 7th, I think we can all agree, was a war crime. Taking hostages is a war crime, and those hostages should be released. But to destroy an entire place, an entire people, in response is never justified… Israel may have legitimate goals, but the way they’re carried out — killing innocent people, starving people — is criminal.”
Join Us For An Evening of Politics and Punchlines
As part of Open to Debate’s “No Laughing Matter” series, join us for a one-of-a-kind event this election season: a live debate between comedians Pete Dominick and Jimmy Failla. Each will step into the shoes of their Party’s presidential candidate—Kamala Harris and Donald Trump—to tackle today’s hottest issues, all with a comedic twist. Journalist and co-host of Semafor’s “Mixed Signals” podcast Nayeema Raza will guest moderate. Buy tickets here.
Live In-Person Debate: Will Kamala Harris or Donald Trump Be Better for America?
When: Tuesday, October 8 at 6 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Where: The Comedy Cellar’s Village Underground
130 West 3rd Street, New York, NY (between 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street)
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
Why the vice presidential debate was not what voters expected
William A. Galston and Elaine Kamarck | October 2, 2024
Brookings Institution
Watch Elaine’s debate on whether primary elections are ruining democracy
The Coming Vindication of the Double-Haters
Katherine Mangu-Ward | October 1, 2024
Reason
Watch Katherine’s debate on whether economic growth costs too much
Dikembe Mutombo Believed in the American Idea
Jeffrey Rosen | October 1, 2024
The Atlantic
Watch Jeffrey’s debate on which should be the pursuit of happiness: virtue or pleasure
Elon Musk has gained a concerning level of power of US national security
Robert Reich | September 26, 2024
The Guardian
Watch Robert’s debate on whether the rich are taxed enough
Civility Matters
Even in the toughest of topics, where it appears as if there isn’t room to have a conversation, the importance of civil debates cannot be overstated. That’s what makes Open to Debate stand out from the rest — by keeping civility as the number one priority, respecting the good faith arguments of those we disagree with, and allowing the exchange of ideas that can be used to solve our world’s biggest problems. Help us continue championing the power of civil discourse. Donate here.
