What do America and Israel share other, other than shared values and a strategic alliance against the forces of tyranny? Try: declarations of independence and a celebration of individual rights that have stood the test of time (nearly 250 years for the US, nearly 80 years for Israel). Peter Berkowitz, the Hoover Institution’s Tad and Dianne Taube Senior Fellow and a celebrated constitutional scholar and lecturer, discusses what he witnessed fresh off a visit to the Middle East. Among the topics discussed: Israel at a crossroads in 2026 (peace in Gaza, perhaps another strike against Iran, a national election later this year) and its evolution as a free society versus where America currently stands. Berkowitz also reflects on his participation in the first Trump Administration State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights, building off what Thomas Jefferson penned back in 1776, plus the “Varieties of Conservatism in America” course he teaches as part of Stanford University’s Civics initiative and how it pertains to the competition (1776 and independence vs. 1619 and the introduction of slavery) to influence America’s origins to younger generations. Recorded on January 5, 2026. ABOUT THE PODCAST Matters of Policy & Politics will examine the direction of federal, state, and local leadership and elections, with an occasional examination of national security and geopolitical concerns, all featuring insightful analysis provided by Hoover Institution scholars and guests. For more information on this series, visit: https://www.hoover.org/publications/matters-of-policy-and-politics?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=mpp_youtube&utm_content=01092026 __________ The opinions expressed on this channel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University. © 2026 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions: @HooverInstitution 👍 Like and share this video! 🌐 Follow us on social media: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooverInstStanford • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoover-institution-at-stanford-university • Instagram: https://instagram.com/hooverinstitution • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hooverinstitution • X: https://www.twitter.com/HooverInst