Education Secretary Michael Gove spoke to hundreds of JC readers at a special event in London last night.
In a wide-ranging discussion with former JC editor Ned Temko, Mr Gove revealed his thoughts on issues including faith schools, the teaching of evolution and antisemitism on university campuses.
As part of the session he spent more than an hour answering audience questions at the JW3 Jewish community centre in north London.
Mr Gove said he had previously discussed criticism of Israel with former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, and praised opposition figures including Gordon Brown and Ed Balls for the pro-Zionist beliefs.