Ep 30: Ambassador Mark Regev: Israel’s modern story
Ambassador Mark Regev embodies the modern Israeli story. Leaving his native Australia at 22 without much family or many contacts waiting for him, he praises Israeli mobility which aided his rise to the top of diplomacy. With mother-tongue English, his ability to communicate Israel to billions of people is both of great advantage personally and nationally. He pays tribute to the pioneer generation of Israeli orators, led by South African-born Abba Eban and his stirring command of language. Ambassador Regev hopes the Palestinians reject ‘rejectionism’ and recognise the opportunities provided by Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century”. Three Arab governments were present in the White House as it was unveiled. He asks why the Palestinians aren’t also celebrating 72 years of independence like Israel as the UN partition laid it out. We also discuss the Palestinian issue as a vehicle for antisemitism, statistically and substantively - and the roots of leftist Jew-hate in Voltaire, Dostoyevsky and Jewish-born Karl Marx. Ambassador Regev confirms that Israel is Brexit-ready for trade with the UK post-transition. Britain is Israel’s largest European trading partner. But this is just part of a burgeoning relationship as “robust” security collaboration “makes people safer in both democracies, as bottom line”. Islamic terror, he insists, is a common enemy to Britain and Israel. He also talks excitedly about the new prosperity Israelis are enjoying as the “Startup Nation”. GDP per Capita is now on par with the UK. Ambassador Regev will leave London after five years as the nation’s leading diplomat here. So I ask what’s next for him? With many thanks to Ambassador Regev for his generous time and reflections and to Israeli embassy spokesman, Ohad Zemet, who facilitated and arranged the interview. Pictures by Inc. Monocle, thank you very much, Stuart. Brilliant work. Jonny makes these podcasts for free. You can help him by giving it at www.patreon.com/jonnygould