United States District Judge Roy K. Altman joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein for a wide-ranging conversation about immigration, American exceptionalism, the legal system, Israel, antisemitism, and why he remains extraordinarily optimistic about America.

Born in Venezuela, Altman came to the United States as a child speaking Spanish and Hebrew but no English. Decades later, after becoming a U.S. citizen, a Division I athlete at Columbia, a Yale Law School graduate, a decorated federal prosecutor, and one of the youngest federal judges in the country, he now has the privilege of swearing in new American citizens himself.

Altman explains why playing high-level sports helped prepare him for the pressure of the courtroom, why juries of ordinary Americans can be remarkably good at finding the truth, and why lifetime tenure for federal judges may actually protect judicial independence rather than undermine it. He also explains a principle of judging that many Americans misunderstand: a judge's job isn't necessarily to reach the outcome he thinks is morally "right"—it's to follow the law.
The conversation then turns to Altman's new book, Israel on Trial, in which he applies the tools of a courtroom—evidence, history, standards of proof, and logic—to some of the most serious accusations made against Israel. Altman discusses the genocide allegation, the distinction between criticism of Israeli government policy and anti-Zionism, and why he believes facts can still change people's minds.
Altman also explains why he is bullish on the emerging relationship between Israel and India and why, despite the pessimism dominating much of American culture, he believes the American Dream remains very much alive.
Finally, Ravin and Al try unsuccessfully to convince Judge Altman that his future belongs in elected office.

In this episode:

• Why Altman's immigrant parents took their children to Civil War battlefields
• Going from speaking no English to becoming a federal judge
• What Division I football teaches that elite schools can't
• Why 12 ordinary jurors can be better at finding truth than experts
• The case for lifetime judicial appointments
• Whether America's legal system encourages too many lawsuits
• Why judges sometimes must enforce laws they personally disagree with
• Putting Israel "on trial" using evidence rather than ideology
• Altman's argument against the genocide accusation
• Criticism of Israel vs. antisemitism and anti-Zionism
• Why the India–Israel relationship could become increasingly important
• Why Altman remains optimistic about young Americans
• Is the American Dream still alive?
• And: Will Judge Roy Altman ever run for office?

This is a conversation about what America asks of its citizens—and what can happen when immigrants embrace the opportunity to contribute, compete, serve, and give something back to the country that gave them a chance.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.