Hero Israel

Dr David Leitner (Dr. D.) is a disabled IDF veteran who suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). When he got injured during his army service, he was originally told he'd be back in active duty shortly. However, that was not the case, and David eventually found out he'd likely have to deal with severe, sudden pain for the rest of his life. He has now returned to service in the IDF as a l...

In this episode, I speak with THE Shabbos Kestenbaum, an American-Jewish graduate of Harvard Divinity School who has become a leading voice confronting antisemitism on university campuses since October 7. Shabbos rose to national prominence as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging the school failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students following the Hamas attacks. S...

On October 7, 2023, Seagal was set to celebrate her Aliyaversary (anniversary of the day she moved to Israel), while at the same time wondering whether she was going to stay in Israel. All that changed with Hamas' attacks on Israel, with Seagal springing into action to source and deliver much-needed equipment to soldiers all over the country, and another initiative to turn used helmets into art. T...

In this episode, I speak with Eddie Hammerman, a PR guru and an activist in the UK Jewish community, about his experiences and responses to the events surrounding October 7th. Eddie shares how the Borehamwood Vigils were formed and the importance of community activism in the face of rising anti-Semitism. He discusses the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the UK, and the role of the media...

On 18 November 2023, Sergeant Binyamin Airley was killed in action in Gaza. Through sheer strength, motivation, and a little help from G-d, just a few months later, his family opened Beit Binyamin in his memory. The house, located in the holy city of Tzfat, provides respite for people of all backgrounds affected by the war.  In this episode, I speak to Binyamin's mother, Jen, about how Beit Binyam...

Meet super couple Yair & Danielle Moses.    Having heeded the call to protect our country on October 7, 2023, Yair has served in the IDF for close to 300 days since the start of the Swords of Iron war. Danielle has supported him every step of the way and has maintained the home front incredibly.   In this episode, I speak to Yair about the types of challenges he has faced in the war, including his...

In this episode, we speak with Anne Herzberg, Legal Advisor at NGO Monitor, a Jerusalem-based research organization that tracks the influence of powerful NGOs in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Anne reflects on how her role shifted in the wake of October 7, the personal toll the war has taken on her family, and the challenges of defending truth in the face of widespread misinformation. She shares what...

On October 7, 2023, Ilana O'Malley learned that her friend's boyfriend, Yohay Ben Zechariah Z"l, was missing. In the days that followed, she began to understand the widespread emotional toll the war was taking, and just how limited the support was for those affected. In this episode, Ilana shares how Yohay's story became the inspiration behind Planetherapy, a non-profit she launched to provide emo...

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my Mum and sister to reflect on loss, resilience, and legacy ahead of Yom Hazikaron. Together, we honor the memory of Nathanel, a beloved son, brother, friend and soldier, who was tragically killed defending his army base and the nearby kibbutz of Zikkim on October 7, 2023. We discuss who he was as a person, his deep connection with Israel and how o...

Born in China and later immigrating to the US, Shirley pursued a successful career in hi-tech before a life-changing trip to Israel in 2000 reshaped her path. Leaving her career behind, she volunteered with Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, developing deep connections with the Jewish community. In 2018, she and her husband Bill launched Ten Gentiles, equipping Christians to serve Israel through hand...

Meet Tasha Cohen. On October 7, 2023, Tasha's coping mechanism immediately became helping others. What started with spending many hours a day driving soldiers and equipment to army bases in the north of Israel developed into a huge operation providing physiotherapy and support to soldiers. Chayal's Angels has provided over 10,000 treatments in over 135 bases. In this episode, we look at how Tasha...

Gary Yantin lives in Modiin and made Aliyah in 2012 from London with his wife and four kids. Gary is a legal and professional services consultant working with Israeli and international companies on risk, compliance, technology and translation services. In his spare time, Gary and the Yechidat Hamangalistim drive across Israel providing barbeques for soldiers on the front lines. In this episode, I...

Meet Avi Staiman, CEO of the author services company Academic Language Experts. From the moment the war broke out, Avi has constantly been finding ways he can use his skills to help the war effort. At first, Avi teamed up with his good friend, also called Avi, to rehouse families from the South. He then devoted his time to supporting soldiers who were also business owners to keep their businesses...

When the war broke out, Ahuva, CEO and Founder of Shabbat catering company, The Katamon Kitchen, sought a way to help. Knowing that cooking was her skill, she acted to ensure that as many soldiers as possible could replace their army rations with delicious home-cooked meals. Ahuva often cooks Shabbat meals for hundreds of soldiers in one week. To write a letter to a soldier or donate to the cause,...

In Hero Israel, I speak to a range of everyday heroes, from those who carve out several hours of their already-busy week to give to others, to those who have pivoted their entire day-to-day life to contribute. From cooking for soldiers to rehousing displaced families, Israel is truly indebted to these people. They tend to fly under the radar, but I have spent the last few months finding them and g...