The Summer Institute hosts speakers who are deeply and actively involved in politics, economics, science and the arts. Featured speakers have included Nobel laureates, Pulitzer prizewinning authors and journalists, and political leaders.
Jeh Johnson: ‘Homeland Insecurity: Is Our Democracy Safe?’
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson will speak about national and international security and insecurity in today’s world. As co-chair of the board of trustees of Columbia University, he will also discuss the unprecedented challenges and threats facing our leading universities. July 30 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130 Center St., Vineyard Haven. mvsummerinstitute.org/2026-speakers.
Also, on Sunday, July 26, catch the screening of the winner of five Ophir Awards (Israel’s Academy Awards) including Best Picture of the Year, “The Sea.” Director Shai Carmeli Pollak shares the story of a boy from a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank who sets out to see the sea for the first time. When his father, Ribhi, an undocumented laborer working in Israel, learns that his son is missing, he leaves his job in search of him. 7:30 pm. Runtime: 93 minutes. Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130 Center St., Vineyard Haven. Tickets: mvhc.shulcloud.com/form/2026-SI-Film-Series#purchase.