Elliott Abrams to Address Israel’s Security Challenges in Rhode Island Event
Renowned foreign policy expert Elliott Abrams will take center stage in a thought-provoking discussion on Israel’s present-day security challenges. Hosted by the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel (RICI) and co-sponsored by several leading pro-Israel and Jewish organizations, the event will provide a deep dive into the geopolitical threats facing the Jewish state.
The conversation, set to be moderated by Dr. Andrew Pessin, will bring Abrams’ extensive diplomatic experience to the forefront, offering attendees a rare opportunity to gain insights from a former high-ranking U.S. government official with firsthand knowledge of Middle Eastern affairs.
A Storied Career in Foreign Policy
Abrams’ career in U.S. foreign policy spans decades, serving in key positions across multiple administrations. During the Reagan administration, he held various roles at the State Department, including Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Assistant Secretary for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, and Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs. For his service, he was awarded the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award by Secretary George P. Shultz.
Under President George W. Bush, Abrams was a key figure in shaping Middle East policy as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor. His work in the region continued during the Trump administration, where he served as Special Representative for both Iran and Venezuela at the State Department.
Beyond his government service, Abrams has been an advocate for religious freedom, democracy, and Jewish affairs. He has served on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and the Board of the National Endowment for Democracy. Currently, he chairs the Tikvah Fund and the Vandenberg Coalition and sits on the board of the Jewish People Policy Institute.
A Timely Discussion on Israel’s Security
Abrams’ discussion comes at a critical time as Israel faces a complex security environment marked by regional instability, the rise of Iran-backed militias, and shifting diplomatic alliances. His expertise and experience in both diplomacy and security strategy will offer valuable context for understanding these challenges and their implications for Israel and the broader Middle East.
The event, co-sponsored by Massachusetts Antisemitism Synagogue Task Force, CAMERA, Brown Students for Israel, Brown Jewish Alumni and Friends, CAEF, Mattathias Project, and Christians and Jews United for Israel, is expected to draw a diverse audience of students, academics, and community members eager to engage in a nuanced conversation about Israel’s future.
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of global security dynamics, Abrams’ insights promise to shed light on the pressing issues facing Israel today, making this event a must-attend for those invested in the region’s stability and security.
You can register for the webinar here.