NYC Gazette

Best-selling author and public intellectual Douglas Murray delivered the 2025 Rabbi Allan Mirvis Lecture to an audience at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue. The event, organized by the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University, and sponsored by Ted Mirvis in memory of his father, focused on the themes of Murray's book, "On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization."

Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, Director of the Straus Center, praised Murray for "making the case that needs to be made—for Israel against Hamas, for civilization against the barbarians." The lecture opened up a conversation between Murray and Rabbi Soloveichik, addressing the tension in Murray’s book between democracies and their adversaries. Reflecting on Israel's resilience, Murray argued that its reverence for life is its greatest strength despite adversities.

In his opening comments, Ted Mirvis recalled a sermon by his father, Rabbi Allan Mirvis, connecting past and present challenges the Jewish community faces. Rabbi Soloveichik highlighted the necessary defense of Western civilization and acknowledged Murray's contributions to the discourse.

Murray emphasized the importance of cultural memory, particularly in contrast to cultures of victimhood, citing the Jewish heritage as a source of strength. He also touched on antisemitism, drawing on the insights of Soviet Jewish writer Vasily Grossman. According to Murray, accusations against Jews reveal more about the accusers than about the accused.

Discussing the geopolitical implications, Murray highlighted that attacks on Israel are part of a broader campaign against Western civilization. In closing, he expressed the existential connection between the Jewish people and the West, dismissing the notion that targeting Israel could undermine Western principles.

A private roundtable followed the main event, where Murray engaged with Straus Center scholars. Despite his extensive knowledge, he interacted warmly and encouraged students to contribute to the Western canon, affirming his belief in cultural and intellectual renewal.

Through the event, Murray demonstrated his admiration for Western literature and culture, while also focusing on the need for continuous learning and intellectual grounding. Rabbi Soloveichik concluded the gathering by acknowledging Murray’s valuable friendship to the Jewish people.