Since the war began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas' horrific attacks on Israel, I have heard countless stories of unassuming individuals who have played a huge role in keeping our country going without even realising it. I call them "everyday heroes".
In Hero Israel, I speak to a range of 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 giving them a chance to tell their stories and share what drives them to do what they do.
The podcast has been produced in memory of my brother, the late Sergeant Nathanel Young, who was tragically killed on October 7, 2023, while defending his base and the nearby Kibbutz of Zikim.
Dr D. Leitner: Defying the Odds to Serve Your Country… Again
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 leadership and teamwork mentor in the Commando school.
In this episode, Dr. David Leitner shares his inspiring journey from being a soldier in the IDF to becoming a mentor after suffering a life-changing injury. He discusses the challenges of living with CRPS and how he found purpose in mentoring others in leadership and strategy. David emphasizes the importance of personal agency, communication, and accessibility, while also addressing the psychological aspects of military service. His story serves as a message of hope for injured soldiers, highlighting that life continues after injury and dreams can be realigned with new realities.
Book your consultation with Dr. D.: https://www.rhydl.com/
Book Dr. D. for a talk: https://www.aimhightalks.com
Follow Hero Israel: https://www.instagram.com/hero_israel48/
5 Jan 2026
Shabbos Kestenbaum: Standing Up for Jewish Students After October 7
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. Since then, he has testified before the US Congress and the Israeli Knesset, appeared across major media outlets, and debated some of the most vocal critics of Israel and the Jewish community.
In this conversation, we discuss the shock of encountering open antisemitism on campus and what Jewish students are really facing today. He shares why he chose to hold institutions accountable, even at personal cost.
He also talks about stepping into the public spotlight, debating on platforms like Piers Morgan Uncensored, and what gives him hope for the future of Jewish life in the Diaspora.
And we find out who Shabbos really wants to debate!!!
You can follow Shabbos' own podcast here: https://pod.link/1847763622
Follow Hero Israel on Instagram: @hero_israel48
14 Dec 2025
Seagal Hagege: A Mother to all Soldiers
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. This is the story of how Kadima Concierge was born.
In this episode, Seagal shares her Aliyah challenges, her connection with the soldiers she has supported, and how she has involved artists in her mission.
You can support Kadima Concierge here: https://arifuld.org/campaigns/kadima-concierge/
Follow us on Instagram: @hero_Israel48
1 Dec 2025
Eddie Hammerman: The UK Jewish Community's Voice for Israel
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 in shaping perceptions of Israel.
Donate to Chai Cancer Care, an organisation that has supported Eddie's wife, Ronit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kickingcancerstouches?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=WA
Follow Hero Israel on Instagram: @hero_israel48
16 Nov 2025
Jen Airley: Healing the Nation in Memory of Binyamin Airley Z"l
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 Binyamin came to be, what it means to build something in memory of a loved one, and how she and her family managed to create something so important during a time of overwhelming grief.
You can donate to Beit Binyamin here: https://beitbinyamin.org/
Follow Hero Israel on Instagram: @hero_israel48
2 Nov 2025
Yair & Danielle Moses: Fighting for Israel, Living for Family
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 horrifying near-death experience, and how he manages the transition from coming face-to-face with terrorists to being welcomed back home by his (very, very cute) children and returning to his day job. We also hear about how Danielle manages her day-to-day life while Yair is serving, somehow finding time to support those in her community who are struggling.
You can support families serving in the IDF by making a payment via Zelle using the email address: sephardiclbpledges@gmail.com (please write MILUIM in the reference).
28 Jul 2025
Anne Herzberg: Exposing the NGOs That Undermine Israel
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 it’s like to appear before UN bodies, the emotional highs and lows of the past months, and how she balances global advocacy with the responsibilities of home, especially with her husband away and her kids navigating life in wartime Israel. Anne also discusses the role of lawfare, what she sees as the biggest win since the war began, and whether she still holds hope for the future.
Learn more about NGO Monitor: https://ngo-monitor.org/
15 Jul 2025
Ilana O'Malley: Therapy for Everyone
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 emotional and mental health support in the wake of crisis. She opens up about the challenges of building something so personal, and the unexpected lessons she’s learned along the way.
Follow Planetherapy on Instagram: planetherapy.global
Donate: https://fund.planetherapyglobal.org/m3773fat
Seek help: https://planetherapyglobal.org/en/contact/
Join as a caregiver: https://planetherapyglobal.org/en/join/
27 Apr 2025
Yom Hazikaron Special with Chantal Young & Gaby Shalev: Remembering & Celebrating the Late Sgt Nathanel Young
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 our family's connection with the country has developed over the past 18 months.
We talk about what Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut now mean to us, and how these national days have taken on even deeper, more personal meaning. But we also share some laughs and why celebrating family and national events, partying, and smiling is all part of carrying on Nathanel's legacy.
Thank you for listening, and for joining us in remembering Nathanel.
Donate to loan soldier center Bayit Shel Benji (write "in memory of Nathanel Young): https://benjihillman.org/donate/
Learn more about Nathanel and the projects in his memory: https://www.nathanel-young.com/
Make sticky spare ribs in memory of Nathanel: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DE0m487RKHF3iNOOP6mer7TA5O9gpWL7fOW5A0YFHf4/edit?usp=sharing
8 Apr 2025
Shirley Burdick: The Ten Gentiles are Here for us
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 hands-on support, prayer, and giving.
In this episode, we explore the effect that trip to Israel 25 years ago had on Shirley, what draws her to devote her life to supporting Israel, and what she has learned about the Jewish people.
Learn more about the Ten Gentiles: https://www.tengentiles.org/.
Send any feedback or thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.
3 Mar 2025
Tasha Cohen: Healing on the Frontlines with Chayal’s Angels
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 has turned her life challenges, battling chronic pain and mental health issues, to make a huge impact during the war.
Learn more about Chayal’s Angels, donate or volunteer here: https://www.chayalsangels.org/
Send any feedback or thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.
25 Feb 2025
Gary Yantin: Hamangalistim Barbequing with Love
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 ask Gary about the challenges of providing our brave soldiers with these awesome events and why there is such a need for it.
Follow Hamangalistim on Instagram: Hamangalistim
Send any feedback or thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.
18 Feb 2025
Avi Staiman: From Rehousing Families to Helping Reservists (and Everything in Between)
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 going while they were defending us. To top it off, Avi jumped through hoops to serve in the army, despite having an exemption.
To support reserve soldier and winemaker Moshe Ohana, find him on Instagram: moshe.ohana_
Send your thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.
This podcast was created in memory of the late Sergeant Nathanel Young.
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, email: thekatamonkitchen@gmail.com.
Follow Ahuva on Instagram: @thekatamonkitchen.
Send your thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.
This podcast was created in memory of the late Sergeant Nathanel Young.
6 Feb 2025
Introducing Hero Israel
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 giving them a chance to tell their stories and share what drives them to do what they do.
The podcast has been produced in memory of my brother, the late Sergeant Nathanel Young, who was tragically killed on October 7, 2023, while defending his base and the nearby Kibbutz of Zikim.
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