LEXINGTON, Va., Feb. 4, 2025—Benjamin Anthony, co-founder and chief executive officer of the New York-based MirYam Institute, will speak at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on Monday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. in Gillis Theater, Marshall Hall. This event is part of the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics’ (CLE) Courageous Leadership Speaker series. Featured “courageous leaders” come to the VMI post to engage with cadets, staff, faculty, and the public, and provide their personal leadership insights.

The CLE’s executive director, Col. David R. Gray, will facilitate a moderated interview with Anthony, who will share his experiences from the Israel-Hamas War, October 7^th hostages, rising antisemitism in the U.S. and abroad, and Israel-U.S. relations. Their discussion will relate to the CLE’s annual leadership theme, “Paradigm Shifts.”

A highly sought-after lecturer, Anthony works with the Israel National Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare, write, brief, and oversee presentations by senior-ranked officials at select graduate schools throughout the English-speaking world and before international policymakers and legislators. He regularly speaks before audiences at Ivy League colleges, the federal government, and has been the keynote speaker for Israel Bonds, CAMERA, CUFI, and numerous Jewish federations.

As co-founder & CEO of the MirYam Institute, Anthony brings considerable experience and expertise to his position in substantive, policy-driven dialogue and debate about Israel throughout the international community. His portfolio includes the coordination of high-level briefings by senior members of the Israel defense establishment—active and retired—to elected officials, including within the U.S. administration, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives on matters relating to Israel and its strategic relationship and positioning in an international context. Of particular note is the advisory role he undertook to key administration members on the Israel-Palestinian conflict and potential avenues for resolution.

Anthony is a combat veteran of service in the IDF and has participated in Operation Swords of Iron since 2023. He was involved in Operation Protective Edge in 2014, Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, and the Second Lebanon War in 2006. His military service continues to inform his policy outlook. He graduated from the University of Manchester in England, earning his bachelor’s degree with honors. He holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Kim Connolly at connollykv@vmi.edu.

Maj. Catherine M. Roy
Communications and Marketing Manager, Center For Leadership and Ethics
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE