The Blogs: 5 Modern-Day Jewish Heroes

In the heart of Jewish life, both in Israel and the diaspora, modern heroes emerge, embodying resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the Jewish people. These figures, ranging from cultural icons to courageous individuals, demonstrate the vibrancy and enduring strength of the Jewish spirit. Here are five modern-day Jewish heroes whose lives and actions inspire us all.

Jerry Seinfeld: The King of Comedy with a Jewish Soul

Jerry Seinfeld, the master comedian, has done more than just make us laugh—he’s brought Jewish humor to the mainstream, making it a part of global pop culture. Through his iconic sitcom, he introduced millions to the nuances of Jewish life, traditions, and neuroses, all with a wink and a smile.

Beyond his comedic influence, Seinfeld has shown unwavering support for Israel, even in challenging public settings. Following the October 7 attacks on Israel, Seinfeld traveled to Israel, using his platform to passionately defend the country in all his interviews, expressing solidarity with Israelis during a profoundly difficult time. During several of his recent comedy shows, he faced heckling from pro-Hamas protesters but stood his ground, standing up for Israel with resilience.

While he might not fight battles on the front lines, Seinfeld’s cultural and personal impact is profound. He reminds us that humor and courage can be powerful tools for empathy and advocacy, bridging cultural gaps while celebrating and defending Jewish identity.

Lauren Bronshtein (OBM): A Legacy of Resilience and Hope

Immigrating as an adult to Israel from the US, Lauren Bronshtein faced significant health challenges and never lost hope. She navigated frequent hospitalizations, treatments, and constant chronic pain as a lone immigrant in a new country with a difficult health system to navigate. Through her struggles, she remained optimistic about the future, dreamed big, made life fun, and always moved forward.

After October 7, she frequently volunteered to drive soldiers (or make her car available on tough health days) to the northern border, including a particularly harrowing drive on the night of her 38th birthday, when Iran launched over 300 missiles at Israel. On April 13-14, 2024, while all of Israel was hunkered down near shelters on one of the most tense nights in the country’s history, Lauren drove directly to the Lebanese border to drop a friend who had been urgently called up to his base. They witnessed many missiles and interceptions overhead along the way, and on the drive home, she became lost due to GPS scrambling. At the last minute before running out of fuel, she found a gas station and arrived home several hours later.

Three months later, on July 19, 2024, Lauren tragically lost her health battles. Leaving behind a legacy of unmatched bravery, resilience, and deep love for her homeland, Lauren truly embodies the Jewish spirit.

David Friedman: A Diplomat of Integrity and Vision

David Friedman, the former US Ambassador to Israel, played a critical role in reshaping the US-Israel relationship during a transformative period. Known for his unwavering support for Israel, Friedman was instrumental in several landmark decisions, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the subsequent relocation of the US Embassy. His influence also extended to securing US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a decision that strengthened Israel’s security and affirmed its historical and strategic claims to the region.

Friedman recently released his book, *One Jewish State: The Last, Best Hope to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict*, in which he presents a bold, out-of-the-box vision for addressing the conflict. With his deep understanding of the region and proven track record, Friedman has contributed significantly to US-Israel relations and tackling complex Middle Eastern challenges.

Noa Argamani: A Symbol of Survival and Resilience

Noa Argamani’s story has captivated and moved people worldwide. Taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, her capture was a devastating moment, one that has left deep scars. Her eventual release, though a moment of relief for her loved ones, remains bittersweet amid the ongoing captivity of many others who have yet to return. Noa’s resilience is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people, yet her story also embodies the lingering pain and longing felt by countless families and the nation at large.

Noa stands as both a beacon of strength and a solemn reminder of the 100+ hostages still held captive. Her courage in the face of terror has inspired many, reflecting the hope that one day our remaining brothers and sisters will be safely reunited with their families. Noa’s journey speaks to both the resilience required to endure trauma and the weight of loss that remains present, reminding us of the enduring commitment to bring everyone home.

Zechariah Pesach Haber (OBM): A Fallen Soldier’s Legacy of Humility and Brilliance

Zechariah Haber was known for his quiet humility and thirst for knowledge, engaging people of all backgrounds to learn something new from each encounter. He studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion, served as a tank commander during his Hesder service, and even wrote an encyclopedia on Shas while in yeshiva. Afterward, he earned two degrees in Plant Sciences and nearly completed a doctorate at Tel Aviv University, where he identified a gene critical for wheat growth under drought conditions, earning a posthumous Ph.D. in recognition of his work.

Called back to reserve duty on October 8, 2023, Zechariah served as a tank loader. On January 16, 2024, he and his tankmate, Yair Katz, were tragically killed by Hamas forces in Gaza. His service and sacrifice symbolize the courage and dedication of those who protect Israel’s freedom and security.

Zechariah is survived by his wife, Talia, their three children, his parents, three brothers, and many friends and family. His life of humility, brilliance, and bravery continues to inspire. To learn more about him, please visit zechariahhaber.com

These five heroes, each in their unique way, contribute to the ongoing story of the Jewish people. Through humor, resilience, diplomacy, survival and sacred sacrifice, they remind us of the richness and everlasting power of Am Yisrael. Their stories inspire all those who value courage, integrity, and the unyielding spark of the Jewish people.