In this powerful episode of “Here I Am,” host Shai Davidai sits down with Noa Cochva—Miss Israel 2021, IDF combat medic, and advocate. Noa shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a small Israeli village to serving as a combat medic and instructor in the IDF, including her experiences on the Gaza border during the war. She opens up about the challenges of treating both soldiers and civilians, the ethical dilemmas faced by medics, and the emotional toll of war.

Noa also discusses her unexpected path to becoming Miss Israel, the viral advocacy videos she created during her reserve duty, and the impact of both support and hate she’s received online. She reflects on her family’s Holocaust legacy, her evolving Jewish identity, and her mission to inspire and unite Jewish communities worldwide. This episode is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of using one’s voice for good.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Noa Cochva

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Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller

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

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In part 2 of his conversation, host Shai Davidai sits down with Egyptian activist and scholar Dalia Ziada for an to discuss her personal journey, the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, and the aftermath of October 7th. Dalia shares her experiences facing backlash in Egypt for condemning Hamas and supporting peace with Israel, including threats to her safety and her dramatic escape from her home country. The discussion covers the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, the challenges of combating misinformation, and Dalia’s ongoing advocacy for peace and education in the US. Through her story, Dalia highlights the importance of resilience, standing up for truth, and empowering the next generation—especially young women—to be courageous and hopeful in the face of adversity.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Dalia Ziada

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Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller

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

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this powerful episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Dalia Ziada—an Egyptian writer, civil rights activist, and outspoken critic of extremism. Dalia shares her personal journey from growing up in a conservative Egyptian society to becoming a leading voice for peace, justice, and democratic values in the Middle East. She discusses the impact of October 7th, her fight against terrorism, and the importance of standing up against hate. Dalia also reflects on her role in the Arab Spring, the challenges of promoting nonviolence, and the ongoing struggle for human rights and coexistence in the region. This conversation offers deep insights into the complexities of the Middle East and the courage it takes to advocate for change.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Dalia Ziada

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Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller

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

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Maayan Aviv, CEO of American Friends of Natal, an Israeli NGO specializing in trauma treatment, PTSD, and community resilience. Maayan shares her personal journey from her upbringing between Israel and the US to leading organizations focused on Jewish philanthropy. The conversation explores Natal’s mission to support trauma victims in Israel, especially following the events of October 7th, and how the organization builds resilience in individuals and communities through helplines, clinical support, and proactive programs. Maayan discusses the challenges of addressing trauma, the importance of human connection, and how Natal’s work extends beyond Israel to inspire similar initiatives abroad. The episode closes with a personal lightning round, highlighting Maayan’s insights on hope, coping, and the power of community in times of crisis.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Maayan Aviv

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Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller

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

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this thought-provoking episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Dr. Mijal Bitton—Torah teacher, sociologist of American Jewry, podcast host, and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan in New York City. Together, they explore the complexities of Jewish identity in America, challenging the idea of simple labels and categories. Dr. Bitton discusses why Jewish identity is more than just a hat one can take on or off, and how American society’s binary views on race and ethnicity often fail to capture the unique experiences of Jews. The conversation delves into topics like the term “Jew of color,” the impact of social constructs on identity, and the importance of embracing the full, sometimes inconvenient, truth of Jewish history. This episode offers a nuanced look at belonging, inclusion, and the ongoing conversation about race, privilege, and identity in the Jewish community.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Dr. Mijal Bitton

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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

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai interviews Gary Osen, managing partner at Osen LLC, about his remarkable legal career focused on terror financing and Holocaust-era restitution. Gary shares insights from his family's history and his father's escape from Nazi Germany, discusses his landmark case recovering the stolen poster collection of Hans Sachs, and explores the broader challenges of art restitution for Jewish families. The conversation delves into Gary’s work holding state sponsors of terrorism like Iran accountable for attacks against U.S. service members, the complexities of tracing terror financing, and the impact of Iranian and Hezbollah operations in the Middle East, all while reflecting on the pursuit of justice for victims and the enduring importance of legal advocacy.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Gary Osen

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#TerrorFinancing #LegalJustice #JewishHistory #HolocaustArt #Restitution #HansSachs #NaziLootedArt #Iran #IRGC #Hezbollah #IraqWar #USMilitary #MiddleEast #ShiaMilitias #Terrorism #PosterArt #JewishLawyer #InternationalLaw #WarCrimes #Justice #FamilyLegacy #HolocaustSurvivor #ArtRecovery #LegalCases #October7 #Israel #PatreonSupport #PodcastInterview #LegalProcess #HumanRights #WarVictims #AmericanHistory #GermanHistory #EastGermany #MuseumRestitution #AntiTerrorism #LawAndJustice #JewishCommunity #LegalAdvocacy #WarStories #MiddleEastPolitics

Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions

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

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, journalist Olivia Reingold from The Free Press joins as the guest. Olivia discusses her personal journey with Jewish identity, reflecting on generational changes, feelings of guilt, and the impact of recent events like October 7th. She shares her background as a former podcast producer and radio reporter, and explains her transition into journalism. The conversation delves into the mission of The Free Press, a media outlet formed by journalists who left mainstream organizations to pursue independent and fair reporting. Olivia recounts a harrowing experience covering a protest in New York City, where she faced harassment and intimidation, highlighting the risks journalists encounter when reporting on polarizing issues. Key takeaways include the importance of independent journalism, the complexities of identity, and the challenges of covering controversial topics in today’s media landscape.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Olivia Reingold

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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

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matisyahu joins the show to discuss his personal and spiritual journey, from his rebellious youth and exploration of different branches of Judaism to his evolution as an artist and individual. He shares insights on identity, faith, and how pivotal life events—including October 7th—have shaped his perspective. The conversation dives into Matisyahu’s upbringing, his experiences in Israel, and the ongoing process of finding meaning and connection in both music and life.

Don't miss Matisyahu's new album Ancient Child out now!

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Matisyahu Miller

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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

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, Shai Davidai sits down with Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, to discuss the complexities of the Middle East and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. Gregg shares insights from his personal and professional journey, explores the intersection of Jewish and American values, and explains why the Middle East remains central to global politics. The conversation covers the history and mission of the Middle East Forum, the region’s influence on energy, religion, and geopolitics, and the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. and its allies.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Gregg Roman

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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

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, Shai sits down with actress, singer, and “Mom Curious” host Daniella Rabbani. She shares her journey growing up as a Modern Orthodox Jew, her deep pride in her Jewish identity, and how her family’s history shaped her perspective. Daniella discusses her transition from a religious upbringing to a more secular life, her experiences at NYU and in the performing arts, and how she discovered a passion for Yiddish theater. She reflects on the importance of Jewish language, culture, and resilience, and the role of storytelling in preserving heritage. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about identity, tradition, and finding one’s voice.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Daniella Rabbani

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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

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]