Moral Courage Award Recipient, MAJ John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.) speaks hard truths in difficult times with Jay Klebanoff

by | Nov 20, 2025 | What’s Happening

Israel in Focus: Hamas’ War – Truth and Consequences

Modern Warfare and the Fight for Truth in the Age of  Misinformation

Wednesday, December  3, 7:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus, Free 

MAJ John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.), is not only one of the world’s leading experts on urban warfare but also a widely lauded moral voice in today’s fight for accurate information. 

 In 2025, MAJ Spencer received the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Moral Courage Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power and highlighting the human stakes behind conflict. He was also named one of The Algemeiner’s Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life (2024), reflecting his impact as one of the most vocal and articulate defenders of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Since October 7, Spencer has challenged defamatory claims of war crimes and “genocide,” noting that Israel has set a “remarkable, historic new standard” in conducting an urban warfare campaign designed to minimize civilian harm.

 With global battlefields shifting into cities and information as much a weapon as any missile, John Spencer will cut through the fog of war and the haze of misinformation. Moderated by Jay Klebanoff, former United Jewish Federation of Tidewater president, the evening promises a dynamic discussion on both the strategic and moral dimensions of modern conflict.

Engage directly. Submit questions in advance to have them addressed live during the event. RSVP by December 1 to secure a place and ensure your question is included. 

 Open to all, free of charge — bring a friend, neighbor, or colleague. Be part of the dialogue. Be present. Be heard.

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. This program is presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and community partners as part of the 15th Annual Israel Today Forum.

Pre-registration: Required by Monday, December 1 at JewishVA.org/Spencer.