Welcome to the 16th episode of "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," a podcast that delves into the rising tide of antisemitism through insightful discussions with top Jewish advocates.

In this compelling episode, Shai sits down with Leat, a passionate activist dedicated to advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Leat shares her unique upbringing in a deeply Israeli household in New York, where her parents instilled a strong sense of Israeli identity, despite living in the U.S. She recounts her decision to move to Israel after high school, where she attended Tel Aviv University and served in the IDF, experiences that deeply shaped her connection to Israel.

Leat describes the pivotal moment on October 7th when she learned that her cousin Omer was kidnapped by Hamas during a music festival. This personal tragedy propelled her into action, initially focusing on fundraising for IDF soldiers and later shifting her efforts to advocate for the hostages' release. She details her journey of organizing support, including raising significant funds and speaking at protests, and her interactions with lawmakers to push for humanitarian resolutions.

The interview also covers Leat's arrest in Washington D.C. for wearing a protest shirt, an experience she describes as both terrifying and enlightening, deepening her empathy for the hostages. Throughout the conversation, Leat emphasizes her commitment to Jewish civil rights and the importance of humanizing the hostages' stories to garner broader support. Her story is one of resilience, activism, and unwavering dedication to her people, offering a powerful narrative of personal and collective struggle.

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Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions

Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions

Graphic by Shira Auman

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