Israel in Focus: Hamas’ War – Truth and Consequences.
An evening with MAJ John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.)
Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus, Free
In an era where global conflicts are increasingly fought in dense urban environments, understanding the strategic, moral, and humanitarian dimensions of modern warfare has never been more critical. Few experts combine battlefield experience with public education as effectively as MAJ John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.), executive director of Urban Warfare Institute.
A veteran of more than 25 years, Spencer has held every rank from Private to Major, serving in elite units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment and 173rd Airborne. His deployments to Iraq, leadership in Ranger School, and strategic advisory work at the Pentagon and West Point give him a rare perspective on urban combat. Today, he continues to shape military thinking as a colonel in the California State Guard and as director of Urban Warfare Training for the 40th Infantry Division.
Spencer is a leading voice on the Israel-Hamas conflict, confronting misinformation while defending Israel’s right to self-defense. In The Washington Free Beacon, he called the U.N. Genocide Report against Israel “an assault on critical thinking,” and in The Washington Post, he explained why “a siege on Gaza City is not a war crime.” His Jerusalem Post articles highlight Israel’s humanitarian efforts and counter false claims of genocide.
Spencer’s research spans conflicts from Nagorno-Karabakh to Ukraine, focusing on the challenges of urban warfare while minimizing civilian harm. As he notes in The New York Post, “The US-Israel Gaza aid plan is working—which is why Hamas is spreading lies about it.” Through his books, Understanding Urban Warfare and Connected Soldiers, and his Urban Warfare Project Podcast, Spencer shares insights into strategic planning, tactical execution, and moral clarity in war.
He also addresses broader regional dynamics – from Egypt’s role in Gaza’s humanitarian crisis to Israel’s protection of the Druze in Syria – showing Israel’s commitment to responsibility even in complex conflicts.
This event is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the world’s foremost urban warfare experts. For more information or to RSVP, which is required by Monday, December 1, visit JewishVA.org/Spencer or contact Nofar Trem, UJFT’s Israel engagement manager, at NTrem@ujft.org.
Additional security measures will be in place; please have ID ready and allow extra time for check-in.
Israel in Focus is a Jewish Federations of North America partnership with AJC, the Conference of Presidents, ADL, and AIPAC. Presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater as part of the 15th Annual Israel Today Forum.
David Leon is immediate past president of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.