The Mona Lisa of Speeches

I’ve done probably close to a thousand talks over the last 15 years.

I like to think I’m a decent speaker. I gave a commencement speech. I spoke to crowds of thousands. I gave lectures in probably close to 50 cities. I have some experience with public speaking.

Netanyahu’s speech in congress was an absolute masterpiece.

I’m not even talking about the content. We’ll get to that.

The strong beginning, the knowledge, the mastery of knowing when to pause, when to increase the volume, when to press the gas and up the speed and when to slow down and emphasize the words he was saying. The tremendous ending.

The way he became a story teller and shared the heroic tales of the soldiers and hostages who joined him in congress was just flawless.

It was, as I said, the Mona Lisa of speeches.

I realize he probably didn’t write the speech himself, although I personally stood next to Bibi at a private event years ago as he wrote a speech he was going to deliver. That’s where this photo was taken.

He definitely played a significant role in writing, or at the very least modifying this speech. But again, forget the content for a second.

One of the most impressive things was the insane number of standing ovations he got, 55 to be precise, the most standing ovations given to any foreign leader addressing congress. But you know what was even more impressive than the applause? At one point, the audience began to clap and he felt that applause was inappropriate at that moment so he stopped them and said “No. don’t applaud. Listen.”

The man had complete control over the room.

If for no other reason, you know he did incredibly well when those who hate him were so bothered by his speech that they felt the need to make public statements bashing him and his presentation.

Pelosi, for example, said, “Benjamin Netanyahu's presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.”

I believe that is what we call a sore loser.

Also, before we get to his brilliant words, public speakers, take note. The way he has those index cards with a small number of words on them so he can empathize them and not run ahead is the way to go. He’s done this for years and it’s very effective.

And then there was the content. The man could not get a single sentence out of his mouth without the crowd going crazy.

His words were inspiring. They were insightful. They were informative. They demonstrated his brilliance of history and geo politics, on the one hand, combined with his genuine love for his country and his people, on the other.

At some points, his words made me cry and at others, they gave me chills running through my spine.

Some of his words were said ferociously and with strong conviction, while others expressed sensitivity and gratitude to his friends in America, those in the room, in the state department, both current and past, and even those who decided not be in the room. A true class act.

Here are some of the quotes that stood out to me as total brilliance.

“This is not a clash of civilizations. It's a clash between barbarism and civilization.”

This sentence was just perfect. Samuel P. Huntington famously wrote a book called The Clash of Civilizations. I’ve personally quoted it many times. But Bibi declaring this thesis dead while correcting it to a clash between barbarism and civilization was just masterful.

“On the morning of October 7th, the entire world saw Noa’s look of desperation as she was violently abducted to Gaza on the back of a motorcycle.

I met Noa’s mother Liora a few months ago. She was dying of cancer. She said to me, “Prime Minister, I have one final wish. I wish to hug my daughter Noa one last time before I die.”

Two months ago, I authorized a breathtaking commando rescue operation. Our Special Forces, including a heroic officer named Arnon Zmora, who fell in this battle, rescued Noa and three other hostages.

I think it’s one of the most moving things, when Noa was reunited with her mother, Liora, and her mother’s last wish came true.”

Now you tell me, how can you hear this story and not tear up? When we talk about Israel losing the PR war, there are many reasons, but the main one is that our enemies appeal to the hearts of the masses while we try to appeal to their brains. Emotion will always resonate more than facts.

“You’re committing genocide!”

“But what about cherry tomatoes, drip irrigation, and Waze?”

This story pierces your heart. If it doesn’t, then you’re not human. Some say it was cynical for Bibi to bring Noa and the others with him to congress. I say it was brilliant.

“With us today is Lieutenant Avichail Reuven. Avichail is an officer in the Israeli paratroopers. His family immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia. In the early hours of October 7th, Avichail heard the news of Hamas’ bloody rampage.

He put on his uniform, grabbed his rifle, but he didn’t have a car. So he ran eight miles to the frontlines of Gaza to defend his people. You heard that right. He ran eight miles, came to the frontlines, killed many terrorists and saved many, many lives. Avichail, we all honor your remarkable heroism.”

How can you read this and not get chills? How can you read this and not feel incredible pride to have such a hero in the room?

“Another Israeli is with us here today. He’s standing right next to Avichail. This is Master Sergeant Ashraf al Bahiri.

Ashraf is a Bedouin soldier from the Israeli Muslim community of Rahat. On October 7th, Ashraf too killed many terrorists. First, he defended his comrades in the military base, and he then rushed to defend the neighboring communities, including the devastated community of Kibbutz Be’eri.

Like Ashraf, the Muslim soldiers of the IDF fought alongside their Jewish, Druze, Christian and other comrades in arms with tremendous bravery.”

I don’t think I need to tell you why this was such a brilliant move.

It’s as if he said, “Apartheid? Yea, allow me to introduce you to the Bedouin soldier from the Israeli Muslim community of Rahat.” Just so smart.

Next.

“These protesters chant “From the river to the sea.” But many don’t have a clue what river and what sea they’re talking about. They not only get an F in geography, they get an F in history. They call Israel a colonialist state.

Don’t they know that the Land of Israel is where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob prayed, where Isaiah and Jeremiah preached and where David and Solomon ruled?

For nearly four thousand years, the land of Israel has been the homeland of the Jewish people. It’s always been our home; it will always be our home.”

What conviction. No apologies. This is our home and it will always be our home. A strong statement that the Jew with shaky knees is long gone!

“And one more thing. When Israel acts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons that could destroy Israel and threaten every American city, every city that you come from, we’re not only protecting ourselves. We’re protecting you.”

Genius. Align their interests with ours.

“My friends,

If you remember one thing, one thing from this speech, remember this: Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory.”

Ditto. The underlying message: “If you don’t care about Israel’s protection, surely you care about your own!”

“Last Friday, a third Iranian proxy, the Houthis, attacked Tel Aviv with a deadly drone. It exploded a few hundred feet from the American consulate, killing one person and injuring nine. On Saturday, I authorized a swift response to that attack.

All our enemies should know this. Those who attack Israel will pay a very heavy price.

And as we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back. And I thank you for it. All sides of the aisle. Thank you.”

Very strong. Gratitude is powerful. This was the ultimate flex!

“In World War II, as Britain fought on the frontlines of civilization, Winston Churchill appealed to Americans with these famous words: “Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job.” Today, as Israel fights on the frontline of civilization, I too appeal to America: “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster.”

Such a strong quote and so brilliant to bring in such a historic quote and draw a parallel to today.

“My dear friends, Democrats and Republicans,

Despite these times of upheaval, I’m hopeful about the future. I’m hopeful about Israel because my people, the Jewish people, emerged from the depths of hell, from dispossession and genocide, and against all odds we restored our sovereignty in our ancient homeland, we built a powerful and vibrant democracy, a democracy that pushes the boundaries of innovation for the betterment of all humanity.

I’m hopeful about America because I’m hopeful about Americans. I know how much the people of this country have sacrificed to defend freedom. America will continue to be a force for light and good in a dark and dangerous world. For free peoples everywhere, America remains the beacon of liberty its extraordinary founders envisioned back in 1776.”

Unifying both sides. Thanking them. Aligning them with us. Flattering the American people. Expressing hope and optimism. Bringing in American history.

So genius. All of it.

This was a once in a lifetime speech. No, it was a once in a generation speech. You couldn’t watch this speech and not get emotional. It made me cry multiple times. Whatever Netanyahu’s goal was in coming to congress, I have no doubt that he accomplished that mission with flying colors.

I try don’t care what you think of Netanyahu. This isn’t about politics. This is about a man with a vision and the ability to articulate that vision better than any leader in modern history, and maybe even ever.

The dems that boycotted this speech didn’t only show the world their true colors, they also missed the opportunity to witness the creation of the Sistine Chapel of speeches, a speech that’ll go down in history as one of the most powerful presentations ever.