Books
Review Quotes for be strong and of good courage
“For those of us who care deeply about Israel and the US-Israel relationship, Ross and Makovsky have done a real service. As Israel's leaders face a fateful choice about the future of the state and preserving its character, they tell the story of Ben-Gurion, Begin, Rabin and Sharon. It is a story that can provide guidance for today's leaders in Israel and for all of us on the meaning of leadership.” — Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th U.S. Secretary of State
“A powerful statement on the style and principles of leadership that are critical for shaping the Middle East peace process.” —Henry Kissinger, 56th U.S. Secretary of State, 8th U.S. National Security Advisor
“Be Strong and of Good Courage is of great importance for several reasons: understanding the most intimate decision-making process of our leaders during pivotal points; realizing the enormous and courageous struggle to find ways to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict; learning how Israeli leaders were able to break some of their core and basic ideals to find ways for Israel be accepted; and gaining insights for Israel’s future monumental decision that must be taken.” — Gadi Eisenkot, 21st Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces
“A brilliant study of the role of moral courage in politics, as exemplified by four of Israel's boldest prime ministers, and a passionate plea for similar courage in Israel today. An important work.” — Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
“An astute understanding of the policies of real leaders along with insights based on many meetings and close observation provide an important learning experience for readers of Be Strong and of Good Courage.” — George Shultz, 60th U.S. Secretary of State
“Solid historical guidance for policymakers and students of the Israeli-Palestinian conundrum.” — Kirkus Reviews
“It will make a significant contribution to my library.” — Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin, President of Israel
“A smart and prescient new book.” — Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times
Video Interviews
Institute experts David Makovsky and Dennis Ross discuss their new book, "Be Strong and of Good Courage: How Israel's Most Important Leaders Shaped Its Destiny”.
Hindy Poupko of UJA-Federation of New York moderates a fascinating discussion between two U.S. foreign policy heavyweights, Ambassador Dennis Ross and Middle East expert David Makovsky
Modern Israel's founding fathers provided some of the boldest and most principled leadership of any nation. Today, the political destiny of Israel is more uncertain than at any moment since its founding.
In conversation with David Horovitz, Ambassador Dennis Ross and David Makovsky will discuss lessons of leadership reflected in their recently published book Be Strong and of Good Courage: How Israel’s Most Important Leaders Shaped Its Destiny.
Guest lecture at Michigan State University, sponsored by the Serling Institute of Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, November 6, 2019. In 2019, Dennis Ross and David Makovsky published a book entitled Be Strong and of Good Courage: How Israel's Most Important Leaders Shaped Its Destiny. The book examines key moments in Israeli history in which leaders had to make crucial decisions, and examines the issues of leadership and judgment surrounding those decisions.
David Makovsky is one of America's leading experts on Israel and is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy's Project on the Middle East Peace Process. He is also an adjunct professor in Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).