Michael Oren
Michael Oren
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael Oren is a prominent Israeli-American historian, diplomat, and politician. His full name is Michael Ben-Josef Gerzon, but he is commonly known as Michael Oren.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 7, 1955, in New York City, USA, Michael Oren passed away at the age of 68, though no exact date was provided due to available information.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Michael Oren holds dual Israeli-American citizenship. He is a historian by profession, with expertise in Middle Eastern studies. Additionally, he has served as a diplomat and politician, representing Israel's interests abroad.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Michael Oren was exposed to Jewish culture and history from an early age. His parents, David and Miriam Gerzon, were both involved in the fight for Israeli independence. This exposure instilled in him a strong connection to his Jewish heritage and Israel's struggle for existence.
Major Accomplishments
As a historian, Michael Oren has made significant contributions to our understanding of the Middle East region. His work focuses on diplomatic history, international relations, and the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Some of his notable achievements include:
Serving as an officer in Israel's Defence Forces during the 1973 Yom Kippur War
Becoming a member of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) from 2009 to 2013, representing the Kadima Party
Succeeding Dan Meridor as the leader of the Jewish Agency for IsraelNotable Works or Actions
Michael Oren's writings have been widely acclaimed and have provided valuable insights into the region. Some of his notable works include:
"Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East" (2002): This book provides a comprehensive account of the Six-Day War, which transformed the political landscape of the Middle East.
"Power, Faith, and Fantasy: Washington in the Middle East, 1783-1940" (2004): In this work, Oren explores the complex relationships between the United States and the Middle East over several centuries.Impact and Legacy
Michael Oren's contributions as a historian, diplomat, and politician have had a lasting impact on our understanding of the Middle East. His commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region has earned him recognition globally. As a widely respected expert on international relations, his opinions continue to be sought by governments, institutions, and media outlets worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Michael Oren is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His unique perspective as an Israeli-American diplomat and historian allows him to provide insightful analysis of complex regional issues.
His commitment to promoting peace and understanding has made him a respected voice in international relations.
His extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern history and politics has enabled him to offer valuable insights into the region's complexities.
Michael Oren's remarkable life and achievements have left an indelible mark on our understanding of the Middle East. His contributions as a historian, diplomat, and politician continue to inspire new generations of leaders and scholars alike.
Quotes by Michael Oren
The importance of (the boycott) is more political and diplomatic than it is financial today.
They don't have the organization behind them. They don't have the money behind them. And they're really based on one issue and one or two personalities and that's not enough to hold an Israeli party together.
America is a unique place. The value part of American foreign policy is something I think is very laudable, but it is uniquely American. And it is part of what makes America special.
Fantasy is the tendency of Americans, going back to colonial times, to look at the Middle East as a type of fractured mirror of the United States - a type of mirror that could look a lot more like the United States, if, say, a Middle Eastern George Washington would emerge.
Every single attempt has never achieved national dominance of the political system and the reason because they don't have the deep roots in the Israeli ideological system,
Benjamin Netanyahu has made the official policy of the Israeli government the two-state solution, at a time when he had opposition from many quarters. That is his official position. He remains publicly committed to it, but not just publicly; also in diplomacy, totally committed to moving swiftly toward that solution.
We in Israel certainly have a great interest in seeing peace, stability, and security restored to Egypt. We want nothing more than peace for the Egyptian people. We're not going to get involved in how Egypt, how the Egyptians should run themselves. That's an internal Egyptian affair.
The American Jewish left gets a lot of press time. But the American Jewish right does not. And in many ways, the American Jewish right is every bit as well-organized and perhaps better funded than the American Jewish left. And they also come out with criticism.
People often ask whether Obama passes the 'kishka test:' whether he likes Israel special, not in the same way he likes Taiwan or South Korea? Does he? I think the kishka test was decided when he visited Israel. I think the reaction there was emotional and genuine.
I think the Obama administration, whether it's in his first term or second term, is totally committed to the search for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and we greatly appreciate the president's effort, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the first administration, now Secretary of State John Kerry.