Local Hero: In Memory of Dr. Uri Goldberg

A personal eulogy for Dr. Uri Goldberg, an Israeli public intellectual who passed away in October 2026. The author, a former member of the Forum for Regional Thinking, describes Goldberg's journey from a security advisor to an intellectual lone wolf, and his somber writing after October 7. The article brings a foundational document of the forum from 2013 and a written discussion on religious fundamentalism.

The article is a personal eulogy by a former colleague for Dr. Uri Goldberg, an Israeli public intellectual who died in October 2026. The author describes their relationship, which began with collaboration in the Forum for Regional Thinking and grew apart over the years. Goldberg, formerly an external advisor on Iran affairs in the security establishment, became an intellectual lone wolf. After October 7, 2023, his writing became somber and uncompromising, using terms like "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing." The article brings a foundational document of the forum from 2013, in which Goldberg called for challenging the walls of Israeli consciousness and integrating empathy towards its neighbors. It also includes a written discussion on the distinction between religious fundamentalism and moderation, quoting Prof. William Aginton. The author criticizes Goldberg's approach after the war but expresses appreciation for his intellectual independence.