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Stand up Speak Up - affecting positive change
Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood
In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Rachel Feldman from Montpellier, Vermont, an American whose connection to Israel spans decades and whose life was irrevocably changed by October 7.
Rachel had previously lived and worked in Israel as part of the Israel Teaching Fellows programme, supporting underperforming schools and building lasting relationships with her students. One of those pupils, Ronnie, later became a firefighter. On October 7, while attending the Nova music festival, Ronnie was murdered by Hamas after attempting to save his friends. When Rachel learned of his death, something shifted forever. Returning to Israel was no longer a question. It became a certainty.
Rachel took a three month leave of absence from her senior governmental role in Vermont and traveled to Israel. She arrived as part of a delegation and spent her first days visiting the massacre sites, bearing witness to the devastation and loss. Upon returning to the United States, her advocacy for Israel led to her role being changed and her voice effectively muted. Once Chief of Staff to the Governor, she was instructed not to speak publicly about Israel.
Within weeks, Rachel made the decision to return. This time she went back independently, determined to strengthen the land and people she loved. Basing herself in Jaffa, she continued to advocate for Israel openly through social media, while also giving television and radio interviews to US outlets directly from Israel. Alongside her advocacy, investigative journalism she volunteered wherever she was needed, baking challahs, supporting soldiers through Sar-El, and offering practical help on the ground during a time of national trauma.
This is a powerful conversation about grief, moral courage, and choosing action over silence. Listen to Rachel Feldman’s extraordinary story of volunteering and advocacy as she strives to do good while the world around her is in chaos.
Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD
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By Sword of Iron Israel VolunteeringLet us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood
In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Rachel Feldman from Montpellier, Vermont, an American whose connection to Israel spans decades and whose life was irrevocably changed by October 7.
Rachel had previously lived and worked in Israel as part of the Israel Teaching Fellows programme, supporting underperforming schools and building lasting relationships with her students. One of those pupils, Ronnie, later became a firefighter. On October 7, while attending the Nova music festival, Ronnie was murdered by Hamas after attempting to save his friends. When Rachel learned of his death, something shifted forever. Returning to Israel was no longer a question. It became a certainty.
Rachel took a three month leave of absence from her senior governmental role in Vermont and traveled to Israel. She arrived as part of a delegation and spent her first days visiting the massacre sites, bearing witness to the devastation and loss. Upon returning to the United States, her advocacy for Israel led to her role being changed and her voice effectively muted. Once Chief of Staff to the Governor, she was instructed not to speak publicly about Israel.
Within weeks, Rachel made the decision to return. This time she went back independently, determined to strengthen the land and people she loved. Basing herself in Jaffa, she continued to advocate for Israel openly through social media, while also giving television and radio interviews to US outlets directly from Israel. Alongside her advocacy, investigative journalism she volunteered wherever she was needed, baking challahs, supporting soldiers through Sar-El, and offering practical help on the ground during a time of national trauma.
This is a powerful conversation about grief, moral courage, and choosing action over silence. Listen to Rachel Feldman’s extraordinary story of volunteering and advocacy as she strives to do good while the world around her is in chaos.
Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD