Jew, American, Athlete, Spy: The Many Sides of Moe Berg with Howard Lupovitch

Delve into the captivating world of Jewish espionage, examining the lives and legacies of four notable Jewish spies. The series begins with an exploration of Moe Berg’s multifaceted life as an athlete, Ivy League-educated scholar, and OSS agent during World War II, followed by a session on Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, discussing the origins of the stereotype linking Jews and communism, their pursuit of the American Dream, and the aftermath of the Red Scare. In the third session, attendees will discover the story of Eli Cohen, the legendary Mossad spy who infiltrated Syrian high society, and learn about the origins, mission, and impact of the Mossad. Finally, the series will delve into the controversial career and capture of Jonathan Pollard, examining the complex relationship between American Jews and Israel and the delicate balance between loyalty to one’s country and commitment to one’s faith.

Sunday June 4, 2023
Session 1: Jew, American, Athlete, Spy — The Many Sides of Moe Berg
This session delves into the life of Moe Berg, a remarkable figure who was an American athlete, a spy, and a Jew. It examines his immigrant upbringing, his entrance into Ivy League schools and Major League Baseball, his work as an OSS agent on missions in Japan and Germany during World War II, and the question of whether his Jewish identity played a significant role in his life and career.