Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas

Boundless Israel, Inc.

When it comes to Israel, antisemitism, and American Jewry, the conversations are seemingly endless—there are so many perspectives and so many difficult questions that it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why we created Boundless Insights—to bring you thoughtful, in-depth, and engaging discussions to help make sense of the issues.

Our goal is to become your trusted source for insights that are not just informative, but also empowering – giving you the confidence to start conversations of your own.

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173 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes173

Newest first

Oct 16, 2025 · 22 min
From War to Peace (?) – with Dr. Einat Wilf
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @AvivaKlompas. After 738 days of war, Israel’s hostages are home and the country is beginning to exhale. But relief comes with hard questions about what happens next. In this episode, Aviva speaks with Dr. Einat Wilf about what the end of the war reveals about Israel’s strength, its divisions, and the road ahead. They explore what it will take to keep Hamas disarmed, rebuild Gaza without empowering extremists, and whether peace and normalization with the Arab world are truly within reach. Guest Bio Dr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company. Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. She was the Goldman Visiting Professor at Georgetown University. Dr. Wilf is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society. “We Should All Be Zionists“, published in 2022, brings together her essays from the past four years on Israel, Zionism and the path to peace; the co-authored “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace”, was published in 2020
Oct 13, 2025 · 24 min
From Captivity to Closure: The End of Israel's Longest War – with Dr. Michael Oren
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. After two years, the last hostages are finally returning home. This moment — long prayed for and nearly impossible to imagine — is one of relief, heartbreak, and reckoning. Dr. Michael Oren joins host Aviva Klompas to reflect on what this moment means for Israel, the Jewish people, and the wider Middle East. Together they explore how a conflict that began in terror has brought about profound military, political, and moral challenges. Mentioned in this episode: Win-Win? By Dr. Michael Oren
Oct 9, 2025 · 19 min
The Beginning of the End of the War - with Avi Mayer
After two years of war, Israel stands at the threshold of peace. The ceasefire agreement marks the end of a long and painful chapter — bringing relief, uncertainty, and deep emotion across the country. In this episode, Avi Mayer joins from Jerusalem to reflect on what this moment feels like inside Israel. We discuss the mood on the streets, the cautious hope surrounding the hostages’ return, and the immense grief that still lingers beneath the relief. Avi Mayer, founder of Jerusalem Journal and former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, shares his perspective on a historic and deeply human moment for Israel and the Jewish world. Guest Bio: Avi Mayer is the founder of Jerusalem Journal and is the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post. He previously served in senior roles at the American Jewish Committee and The Jewish Agency for Israel, including as an aide to the Agency’s then-Chairman, Natan Sharansky. He lives in Jerusalem. More from Avi: A Nation Holds Its Breath by Avi Mayer
Oct 9, 2025 · 27 min
The End of the Gaza War – with Jonathan Conricus
After two years of war, a breakthrough is within reach. Negotiators in Egypt have been working through President Trump’s 20-point plan — a framework that could end the fighting, free the remaining 48 Israeli hostages, and set the stage for rebuilding Gaza. To break down the key points and what it would take for any agreement to lead to real and lasting peace, retired Lt. Colonel Jonathan Conricus shares his insight on Israel’s red lines, Hamas’s calculus, and the challenges that could determine whether this moment ends in peace or another cycle of conflict. Guest Bio: Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson.
Oct 7, 2025 · 21 min
Surviving Captivity – with Keith Siegel
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. For nearly a year and a half, Keith Siegel lived through the unimaginable. An Israeli American originally from North Carolina, Keith and his wife, Aviva, were taken hostage from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. Aviva was released during a ceasefire in November 2023, but Keith remained in Gaza for 484 days. He was shuttled between more than 30 hiding places — sometimes held with fellow captives, other times left for months entirely alone. In this episode, Keith opens up about what it was like to endure those 484 days. Keith’s Pancake Recipe Ingredients: 2 cups (450 ml) buttermilk ½ cup (90 ml) oil 2 cups (80 g) flour 2 eggs 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda Preparation: Mix the wet ingredients - buttermilk, oil, and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gently fold the wet and dry mixtures together until just combined, then let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. Lightly grease a hot pan with oil and pour in a full ladle of batter for thick pancakes. Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for a short time on the other side. Serve with real maple syrup on top.
Oct 6, 2025 · 19 min
Marking Two Years Since October 7 – with Dr. Michael Oren
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. Two years after the October 7 massacre - the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust -Israel is still at war and Jewish communities worldwide are still grappling with its aftershocks. In this episode, Aviva sits down with historian, diplomat, and former Israeli Ambassador to Washington Dr. Michael Oren to reflect on how that day changed Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish people. As the second anniversary of October 7 arrives - and as we wait to see if the Trump peace plan takes hold - this episode offers a sober look at the past two years. Mentioned in this episode: The Holiest Hatred by Adam Louis-Klein Are Politicians Who Talk About God Crazy? By Michael Oren
Sep 30, 2025 · 25 min
Trump’s Plan to End the War in Gaza – with Jonathan Schanzer
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. President Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza has stirred international attention — not only for its sweeping scope, but also for the unusual support it has drawn from key Arab states. The proposal promises an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the removal of Hamas from power, with Trump himself at the helm of a transitional authority overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction. But the plan hinges on Hamas, the one actor yet to agree. Can the leverage of the U.S., Israel, and regional partners bring them to the table — or is this destined to join the long list of failed peace initiatives? In this episode, Aviva sits down with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer to examine what’s realistic, what isn’t, and whether this could finally mark a turning point in nearly two years of war. Guest Bio: Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is Executive Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he oversees the organization’s research and policy work. A former terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Treasury, Jonathan has tracked and disrupted funding networks for groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda. He’s authored several books on the Middle East, including Gaza Conflict 2021, State of Failure, and Hamas vs. Fatah. A frequent congressional witness and media commentator, his analysis appears regularly in major outlets including CNN, Fox News, and the BBC.
Sep 29, 2025 · 24 min
Recognition Fever: The Push for Palestine – with Dr. Michael Oren
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. At this year’s UN General Assembly, a fresh wave of governments — including several G7 members and two permanent Security Council members — moved to recognize a Palestinian state. Supporters call it a step toward peace; critics say it rewards Hamas, undermines hostage diplomacy, and does nothing to change facts on the ground. In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with historian, diplomat, and former Israeli Ambassador to Washington Dr. Michael Oren about “recognition fever.” They trace how the history of recognitions stretches back decades and what international law requires for statehood. The conversation looks at what recognition does and does not confer and why many see this push as punishment of Israel rather than evidence the Palestinians are ready for a state. Mentioned in this episode: What the World Gets Wrong About Israel by Benny Gantz
Sep 25, 2025 · 57 min
Judaism Beyond Bagels and Seinfeld – with Sarah Hurwitz
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org. Former presidential speechwriter and author Sarah Hurwitz joins Dr. Rachel Fish for an honest conversation about Jewish identity, Israel, and how to navigate a post–October 7 world without giving in to simplicity. Drawing on her new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us, Sarah explains why she avoided Israel in her first book, and why she brought it to the center this time. Together they explore how anti-Judaism’s ancient tropes seep into modern debates, why “contentless” Jewishness can’t withstand today’s anti-Jewish pressure, what real Israel education (not indoctrination) looks like, and how to hold fierce criticism of an Israeli government alongside rock-solid Zionism. Guest Bio Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. She was also the chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign. Hurwitz is the author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), which was a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. She has been featured throughout the media, from profiles in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, and The Guardian to appearances on the Today show, Morning Joe, and NPR. The Forward twice named her one of 50 Jews who has impacted American life. AS A JEW: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us (HarperOne) was named the “Natan Notable Book” for Summer 2025 by Natan and the Jewish Book Council. Hurwitz is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and was a 2017 Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard. Mentioned in This Episode Sarah Hurtwitz, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us Shai Feldman, Abdel Monem Said Aly, and Khalil Shikaki, Arabs and Israelis: Conflict and Peacemaking in the Middle East Keren E. Fraiman, Barriers to Entry: Why Teachers are Wary to Address the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Ilana Redstone, The Certainty Trap: Why We Need to Question Ourselves More― and How We Can Judge Others Less
Sep 22, 2025 · 4 min
Aviva’s Rosh Hashanah Message
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. In this special pre-Rosh Hashanah episode, Boundless Insights steps away from its usual format. Aviva offers a personal reflection on the past year, the challenges facing Jewish communities, and the values that hold us together. She considers the deeper questions of identity, resilience, and purpose and what they mean as we enter a new year. Tune in for a thoughtful and heartfelt message about strength, renewal, and hope for the future.
Sep 18, 2025 · 22 min
Faith in a Time of Darkness – with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. This year, Jews around the world enter the High Holiday season carrying an extraordinary weight. The tragedies of October 7, the ongoing war, and the alarming surge in antisemitism have left communities grieving, unsettled, and searching for strength. In this episode, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis joins host Aviva Klompas for a conversation that goes to the heart of Jewish resilience. They reflect on how this moment fits within the larger sweep of Jewish history and how faith can sustain us through fear, loss, and uncertainty. As the Days of Awe begin, this conversation offers a space for reflection and grounding. Guest Bio: Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is only the 11th Chief Rabbi of Great Britain since the office was introduced in 1704. He is the religious figurehead for Jewish communities right across the Commonwealth, from Hull to Hong Kong and from Cardiff to Cochin. He was installed on 1st September 2013 in an historic ceremony attended by His Majesty King Charles III, then The Prince of Wales. Born in South Africa, he previously served as Chief Rabbi of Ireland and Rabbi of the Western Marble Arch and Finchley (Kinloss) Synagogues in London, making him one of the UK’s most respected community Rabbis. As Chief Rabbi, he is a primary representative of the Jewish community to government, other faiths and civil society as well as being responsible for oversight of crucial parts of the UK Jewish community’s religious infrastructure. Chief Rabbi Mirvis is known as a principled leader who has broken new ground in the fields of interfaith and social responsibility as well as tackling a number of particularly complex or controversial issues including the welfare of LGBT+ students in Orthodox Jewish Schools and antisemitism in the British Labour Party. Chief Rabbi Mirvis serves as Associate President of the Conference of European Rabbis, President of the London School of Jewish Studies and was made a Knight Commander of the British Empire, by His Majesty The King in 2023.
Sep 15, 2025 · 23 min
Striking Qatar – with Dr. Michael Oren
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders meeting in Doha has upended hostage negotiations, drawn public criticism from President Trump, and intensified scrutiny of Qatar’s dual role as both host to Hamas’s leadership and key partner of Washington. In this episode, Dr. Michael Oren joins host Aviva Klompas to break down what we know about the strike, the message Israel intended to send, and what it means for the hostages and U.S.–Israel relations. New Words From Michael Oren: Felicitous – Marked by good fortune or happiness
Sep 11, 2025 · 29 min
The War of Ideas Behind the War in Gaza – with Dr. Einat Wilf
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. For two years, Israel has been fighting a war that plays out not only on the battlefield but also in the realm of ideas. Beneath the headlines lies a deeper struggle over identity, language, and legitimacy. In global discourse, Palestinians are often treated as an unquestioned national people, while Jews — a community that has existed for millennia as both a faith and a nation — are too often reduced to “Zionists,” as if Jewish identity were nothing more than a political ideology. This inversion has reshaped how the conflict is understood and has fueled new expressions of antisemitism around the world. Dr. Einat Wilf, former member of Israel’s Knesset and one of the most incisive thinkers on Zionism, joins Aviva to unpack how this framing took root and why it has proven so powerful. Guest Bio: Dr. Einat Wilf is a leading thinker on Israel, Zionism, foreign policy and education. She was a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013, where she served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Born and raised in Israel, Dr. Wilf served as an Intelligence Officer in the Israel Defense Forces, Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres and a strategic consultant with McKinsey & Company. Dr. Wilf has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. She was the Goldman Visiting Professor at Georgetown University. Dr. Wilf is the author of seven books that explore key issues in Israeli society. “We Should All Be Zionists“, published in 2022, brings together her essays from the past four years on Israel, Zionism and the path to peace; the co-authored “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace”, was published in 2020 Mentioned in This Episode: Sapir – The Palestine Propaganda Complex
Sep 8, 2025 · 26 min
Why is Israel Losing the Narrative War? – with Dr. Michael Oren
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. Israel may be holding its own on the battlefield, but it’s losing ground in the court of public opinion. False accusations, distorted statistics, and relentless condemnation in parliaments, human rights groups, the press, and international courts have created a storm that threatens Israel’s very legitimacy. Why is this happening, and what does it mean for Israel’s future? Is the problem rooted in Israel’s own communication missteps—or in a deeper hostility and antisemitism in the West? And if the narrative war is being lost, what can still be done to change course? Joining me is Dr. Michael Oren—historian, author, and former Israeli ambassador to Washington. Together we explore what’s at stake, who should be stepping up, and whether Israel can still turn the tide in a battle that matters as much as any fought on the ground. Mentioned in this episode: Michael Oren: The Wisdom of Yahya Sinwar
Sep 4, 2025 · 27 min
The Israeli Organization Delivering Aid to Gaza – with Yotam Polizer
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. IsraAID — Israel’s leading humanitarian relief group — has quietly worked inside Gaza. What began as behind-the-scenes coordination with international NGOs has grown into direct aid: delivering medicine and medical equipment, running a logistics hub, and supporting water and healthcare projects for thousands of Palestinians. Until recently, this work was kept secret, but as the humanitarian crisis deepens — and the debate over aid grows more toxic — IsraAID has decided to speak openly. In this episode, IsraAID CEO Yotam Polizer joins host Aviva Klompas to discuss how the organization operates in Gaza, the risks it faces, and how it ensures aid doesn’t fall into the hands of Hamas. Guest Bio Yotam Polizer is the Global CEO of IsraAID, Israel’s largest humanitarian NGO, where he leads a team of 300+ responding to crises in 12 countries, including large-scale relief operations in Israel and Gaza following the October 7th attacks. A 2023 Charles Bronfman Award laureate, he has spearheaded missions worldwide—from evacuating at-risk Afghans during the 2021 Taliban takeover to supporting Syrian refugees in Greece and Germany, Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone, earthquake victims in Japan and Nepal, and typhoon-stricken communities in the Philippines. With 15 years’ experience in humanitarian aid and international development, Yotam serves on the boards of the Society for International Development and JustServe, is a Schusterman Fellow, and holds degrees in African studies and international relations from Tel Aviv University and the Israeli Open University.
Sep 1, 2025 · 22 min
Do the Hostage Protests Help or Hurt Israel? – with Dr. Michael Oren
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. The protests for Israel’s hostages have become one of the largest grassroots movements in the country’s history. Highways are blocked, strikes are called, and ministers’ homes are surrounded by demonstrators demanding one thing: a deal to bring the hostages home. Some see the protests as proof of Israel’s moral resolve. Others warn they hand Hamas leverage by exposing division and desperation. And the government now faces a wrenching dilemma: how to weigh public pressure against military objectives and national security. In this episode, Dr. Michael Oren - historian, author, and Israel’s former ambassador to Washington - joins host Aviva Klompas to examine what the protests reveal about Israel’s national character, whether they help or hinder the war effort, and how history may judge this moment.
Aug 28, 2025 · 19 min
My Husband is a Hostage in Gaza – with Rebecca Bohbot
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists stormed the Nova Music Festival in southern Israel. Among those kidnapped was Elkana Bohbot, who was working as a co-producer that morning. Before he was taken, Elkana called his wife, Rebecca, to tell her he was staying behind to help the wounded. He promised he would come home. That was their last conversation. In this powerful conversation, Rebecca speaks about who Elkana is as a husband and father – a man of joy, bravery, and kindness who never left anyone behind. She shares the pain of raising their young son, who was just three years old when his father was abducted, and how she explains his absence now that he is older. Rebecca also describes what she has learned of Elkana’s condition in captivity and why she chose to speak out publicly despite fears it might jeopardize his chances of release. Her story is a deeply human reminder of the unbearable toll this crisis continues to take on families. This episode was first released earlier this summer, and its urgency has not diminished. Please listen, share widely, and keep the hostages in your thoughts.
Aug 25, 2025 · 21 min
A Mother’s Fight for her Hostage Son – with Herut Nimrodi
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. On October 7, 2023, 21-year-old soldier Tamir Nimrodi was kidnapped from his base near the Gaza border. He was barefoot, in his pajamas, and unarmed when Hamas terrorists dragged him across the border. Since that day, his mother, Herut Nimrodi, has received no sign of life. In this conversation, originally recorded in June, Herut speaks with host Aviva Klompas about who Tamir is, what she’s learned about his abduction, and what it’s like to live in a constant state of limbo. She opens up about the emotional toll of broken promises, political maneuvering, and the painful uncertainty faced by every hostage family. Herut’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that behind every headline is a family living this nightmare in real time. This episode was first released earlier this summer, but it remains just as urgent. Please listen, share widely, and keep the hostages in your thoughts.
Aug 21, 2025 · 25 min
President Trump’s Crackdowns on Campus Antisemitism – with Alyza Lewin
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. As students head back to campus, universities are stepping into a storm of debates over antisemitism, safety, and free speech. The Trump administration has stepped up federal intervention — pulling funding, opening investigations, and demanding major policy changes at schools accused of failing to protect Jewish students. But are these measures working? Are they creating a safer environment, or simply shifting the battleground to new fronts? In this episode, Alyza Lewin, president of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, joins host Aviva to examine the administration’s strategy, explore how universities are reacting, and discuss what this means for Jewish students in the year ahead. Guest Bio: Alyza D. Lewin is President of The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, where she leads legal and educational efforts to combat antisemitism and defend civil rights, particularly on college campuses. She is also a partner at Lewin & Lewin, LLP, specializing in litigation, mediation, and government relations. Lewin successfully represented Avi Zinger in securing the rights to sell Ben & Jerry’s in Israel and argued the landmark Zivotofsky v. Kerry case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which helped pave the way for U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. She has also litigated key terror finance cases, clerked on Israel’s Supreme Court, and led the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists. A graduate of Princeton and NYU Law, she is a member of the New York and D.C. bars and a trained mediator.
Aug 18, 2025 · 31 min
The Gaza City Gamble – with Jonathan Schanzer
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas. Israel is preparing for one of the most consequential moves of the war: taking control of Gaza City. Supporters say it’s the only way to finish the fight against Hamas; critics warn it could endanger hostages, deepen the humanitarian crisis, and fracture Israel’s already fragile political landscape. In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joins Aviva to explore the strategic aims, political risks, and international pressures shaping this decision. They discuss Netanyahu’s five principles for ending the war, the growing rifts inside Israel’s leadership, and whether this gamble can bring about victory—or prolong the conflict. Guest Bio: Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is Executive Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he oversees the organization’s research and policy work. A former terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Treasury, Jonathan has tracked and disrupted funding networks for groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda. He’s authored several books on the Middle East, including Gaza Conflict 2021, State of Failure, and Hamas vs. Fatah. A frequent congressional witness and media commentator, his analysis appears regularly in major outlets including CNN, Fox News, and the BBC.