For the past 73 years, children in Israel have grown up following in the footsteps of their grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends by enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). But for those with disabilities and special needs, the dream of joining the IDF was, for a long time, unattainable. Enter Special in Uniform, an organization close to the heart of Lihi Lapid, author, journalist, and special needs advocate. In this week’s episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz speaks to Lihi about how Special in Uniform deeply impacts youth with special needs by giving them a chance to join the IDF, as well as her life as a journalist and photographer.

Lihi Lapid, Author, Journalist & Special Needs Advocate

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Shai Davidai did not set out to become one of the leading faces in calling out Jew hatred and anti-Israel rhetoric on college campuses. He just wanted to focus on his career in academia and be with his family. Yet, when the pro-Hamas protests came to his Columbia University following the October 7 attacks and Davidai found himself in a maelstrom of hate and harassment, the mild-mannered professor dedicated himself to advocating for the Jewish homeland amidst a sea of antisemitism. On this special bonus episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Davidai to discuss his antisemitic experiences at Columbia, the shocking indifference from the university’s administration, and how everyone can do their part in supporting Jewish communities under attack.

Prof. Shai Davidai, Assistant Professor of Management, Columbia University Business School

When Hamas attacked Israel’s border communities in Israel’s south, Jewish National Fund-USA was already there and had the infrastructure to provide rapid aid. Launching its Israel Resilience Campaign, the organization supported evacuations, housing, food, clothing, education, trauma therapy, donating firefighting and protective equipment for civil defense, facilitating volunteer services, and more. And with an eye towards tomorrow, the campaign’s Build Together plan is rebuilding communities from the ground up – cleaning up the region, designing and constructing new homes, and helping small businesses reopen. Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell Robinson returns to talk to Host Steven Shalowitz about the organization’s immediate response to October 7, the importance of not forgetting Israel’s North amidst the Israel Envelope relief efforts, and why he’s optimistic about the future of Jewish leadership.

Russell Robinson, CEO, Jewish National Fund-USA

During the October 7 terrorist attacks, the first and often only line of defense for hours were the southern border communities’ Civil Security Squads, many of which were underfunded and underequipped, leading to the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives. Created in the wake of the massacre, Civil Squads of Israel is dedicated to properly equipping the civil defense units on the Gaza and Lebanon border and ensuring that they will be prepared for any more assaults. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Nir Alon, Co-founder and Chief Finance Officer of Civil Squads of Israel, to discuss his harrowing October 7 experience, and his determination to prevent another massacre by buying proper tactical gear for those that need it.

Nir Alon, CPA & Co-Founder of Civil Squads of Israel

In the post-October 7 world, advocating for Israel can feel like an uphill battle. Trolls and antisemites attack pro-Israel posts on social media, and Zionists get banned merely for supporting Israel’s right to exist. Yet, the fight continues, and everyday, people are in the trenches spreading the truth about Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with actor and activist Yuval David to talk about getting deplatformed for discussing Zionism, the increased antisemitism in America and especially Hollywood, the danger of Jews who attack Israel, and practicing self-care when you feel like you can’t take a break.

Yuval David, Award-winning actor, host, director, and filmmaker and a leading Jewish LGBTQ activist

Among everything else, Israel’s startup sector was heavily impacted by the October 7 terrorist attacks. Between inflation and Israeli protests, the attacks and subsequent war have been another setback in a series of extreme challenges for Israel’s entrepreneurs. Yet, the spirit of Israel perseveres, and its changemakers have continued to grow and thrive in this trying landscape. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Molly Livingstone, who operates at the heart of Israel’s innovation sector, to discuss how the attacks impacted Israel’s startup industry, how Israel’s innovators have responded, and several of her favorite ventures that she is a part of.

Lihi Lapid, Author, Journalist & Special Needs Advocate

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