NYC Gazette

On February 17, 2025, Yeshiva University's Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought held a joint book launch on the Stern College campus. The event showcased the latest works by Dr. Tevi Troy and Dr. Gil Troy, siblings and notable historians. Rabbi Dr. Stu Halpern moderated the discussion.

The event was co-sponsored by several programs within Yeshiva University, including the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program and the Lieberman-Mitzner Scholars Program for Public Service and Advocacy. Support also came from the Paul E. Singer Foundation. The audience included prominent guests like YU Provost Dr. Selma Botman and Dr. Joseph Luders, Chair of the Political Science Department at Stern College.

Dr. Tevi Troy, known for his work as a presidential historian and former senior White House aide, is a Senior Fellow at the Reagan Institute. His new book, "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry," was published by Regnery in 2024. His brother, Dr. Gil Troy, a historian of the American presidency and a leading Zionist activist, introduced "To Resist the Academic Intifada: Letters to My Students on Defending the Zionist Dream," published by Wicked Son in 2024.

Tevi Troy explored the historical involvement of business leaders in presidential decisions, noting, "how involved business leaders were in Washington DC. How far back does this go? How have they clashed and collaborated?” Gil Troy, meanwhile, shared personal experiences relating to campus climates and Zionism, stating, "The subtitle is critical: Letters to My Students on Defending the Zionist Dream. This is our moment to say, ‘You will not be the author of our story.’ That is Zionism 101."

Regarding contemporary political dynamics, Tevi Troy referred to figures like Elon Musk, mentioning, "What we have now is a clash between rules and regulations, some of which are inefficient, and his relentless drive to find inefficiencies in everything he does." When asked about the persistence of the "academic intifada," Gil Troy expressed concern, stating, "Actually, I’m more terrified now... It’s not just antisemitism, it’s Jew-hatred. The essential feature is obsession."

Both historians delivered messages aimed at students. Tevi advocated for bipartisan government engagement, highlighting the actions of JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. "He ups the engagement to the highest level but reduces partisanship so he can talk to people on both sides of the aisle," Tevi stated. Gil expressed solidarity with young Jews maintaining their identities in challenging environments, encouraging them to embrace "our common values and destiny."

The Troy brothers offered insights into leadership and responsibility during the event, which provided students interested in public life's intellectual engagement and ethical example.