Judge Roy Altman examines the case for Israel at Touro Talks

Federal judge and author of Israel on Trial discusses history, law, and misinformation with Dr. Alan Kadish

May 18, 2026

Judge Roy Altman signs a copy of his new book, Israel on Trial.

Judge Roy K. Altman signs a copy of his new book, Israel on Trial.

The legal and historical foundations of Israel were the focus of a recent Touro Talks event featuring Judge Roy K. Altman, author of the new book Israel on Trial. In conversation with Touro University President and CEO Dr. Alan Kadish at the university’s Times Square campus, Judge Altman discussed the Jewish connection to Israel, the legal criteria for statehood, and what he sees as common misconceptions about the Jewish state. Following the discussion, he signed copies of his book for students and guests.

Judge Altman was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in 2019 at age 36, becoming the youngest federal district court judge in the nation at the time. A graduate of Yale Law School and Columbia University, where he earned All-Ivy honors in football and baseball, he previously served as a federal prosecutor and later as a partner at the Miami law firm Podhurst Orseck.

Family story shaped career

Judge Altman began by recounting his family’s journey from Europe to Latin America, Israel, and ultimately the United States. One story in particular, he said, left a lasting impression.

As a college student, he visited his grandfather in Venezuela during a period of political unrest. From the balcony of his apartment, overlooking mass protests in the streets, his grandfather offered advice that would shape his future.

“He pointed at the crowd, and he said, ‘Always remember, this is what happens to a country when good people don’t serve it,’” Judge Altman recalled. “So this opportunity to serve my country as a judge has been the great honor and privilege of my life.”

Examining through a legal lens

Judge Altman said his goal for the book was to apply the same standards of evidence used in a courtroom as a response to widely repeated claims about Israel.

“How do we begin to address the claim that Jews are colonists in their own land?” Judge Altman asked. “First, there’s the legal principle that a man cannot trespass into his own home.”

He argued that archaeological discoveries, historical records, and genetic research all support the Jewish people’s ancient connection to the land of Israel.

Evidence to challenge misinformation

Judge Altman said social media often amplifies oversimplified and inaccurate narratives.

“We need to be able to use reason, evidence, and common sense to rebut these claims,” he said.

Dr. Kadish praised Judge Altman for bringing a jurist’s discipline to a subject that is often driven more by emotion than evidence.

“Judge Altman has managed to address these issues in a straightforward, logical, and persuasive way,” Dr. Kadish said. “He applies the same careful reasoning that has defined his legal career.”

The event was part of Touro Talks, a series that brings distinguished leaders and thinkers to the university for conversations on issues of broad intellectual and public importance.