From Gaza to Alabama: Shining Israel’s Light from the Front Lines to the World

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal.

This iconic line from Harry Potter has always resonated with me—not for its normalcy, but for the hidden power in the ordinary. Perhaps real magic lies in simple acts of loyalty and friendship, in the courage to be proud of your traditions and Jewish symbols, and in the bravery to speak the truth in a world full of lies. It was this kind of courage that led me and five other IDF veterans on a journey from Israel to the heart of America: Alabama and Nashville.

Delegation of IDF veterans

Standing at Ben Gurion Airport, I felt a familiar mix of exhaustion and resolve. This was my seventh flight since completing 116 days of war, but this trip was dedicated to sharing the truth about Israel and the IDF. I wasn’t just carrying my suitcase; I carried a promise I made on Har Herzl, standing before the fresh graves of our brave young men and women who sacrificed everything. I vowed to honour their names, share their stories of courage, and be worthy of this mission.

As we ascended, Israel’s coastline slowly disappeared into the distance, accompanied by the solemn melodies of Reb Shlomo Carlebach’s nigun for the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays). Tears welled up as I thought about the monstrous terror attacks on October 7th and the resilience of the Israeli people in the face of such adversity. The weight of my promise felt heavier with each passing mile, but I knew that spreading the truth about Israel was a mission worth every tear shed. I wondered if people living in peace elsewhere could ever truly comprehend the heavy cost of warfare. Eighty years ago, American soldiers fought to free the world from tyranny; today, Israeli soldiers are on the front lines against the threat of radical Islam. How can anyone unfamiliar with the chaos of battle truly appreciate the sacrifices of those who shed their blood to ensure the world’s safety?

This reflection on sacrifice continued to weigh on my mind as our plane touched down and we prepared for our first event. Upon arriving at the church, I reminded myself of our mission. We hadn’t come for applause; we were there to share our truth—the untold stories of Israel, our struggles, and the moral code we uphold even in the darkest moments. Sitting among Christians I’d met only an hour before at different churches like The Dwelling Place and the O7C, I felt unexpectedly at home. The profound affection from these Americans who stood by us made my American and Israeli identities feel more connected than ever. Born in the U.S. and raised in Israel, this journey was about more than my identity; it was about connecting with people who share our values and respect the truth. One of the most moving moments was showing, in every church, the photo of the military Humvee I drove into Gaza, adorned with both the Israeli and American flags—a powerful symbol of my dual heritage and deep connection to both nation.

During this journey, I had the honour of meeting Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon, a leader whose courage and strength embody what our country needs today. It’s time to uplift voices like hers—women who lead with authenticity, bravery, and a fierce commitment to speaking out. I am also deeply grateful to Congregation Sherith Israel for welcoming us like family and to Israeli singer Omer Netzer, whose moving and powerful yet gentle performance reminded us of the healing we all need and the power of music.

These impactful moments were made possible by ISRAEL-is, a pioneering NGO that, in collaboration with the dedicated team from the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, crafted a truly meaningful week. ISRAEL-is is revolutionising Israel advocacy by breaking away from the old mould of polished suits and perfect English and embracing authentic Israeli voices sharing their stories directly, person to person. Thanks to ISRAEL-is, IDF veterans are now taking a revolutionary approach by transitioning directly from the battlefield to the public stage, sharing their personal stories. Instead of relying on distant commentators to shape perceptions of Israeli soldiers, people can now engage directly with these veterans, asking questions face-to-face. Having often seen the IDF discussed by those who have never set foot in Israel, it’s refreshing to see commentators now have the opportunity to meet these veterans personally and engage in open dialogue.

This shift invites more Israelis to step into advocacy, sharing their experiences and highlighting the realities of living in Israel and serving in its military. The power of connecting people to Israel lies in the simplicity and authenticity of these personal narratives.

Despite efforts to share the truth, we still live in a world where basic values are often betrayed and truth is overshadowed by convenience. Hostage posters are torn down, while missing pet images remain untouched. Prestigious universities shy away from complexity, abandoning intellectual honesty. Influencers and entertainers spread falsehoods about Israel, prioritising followers and fame over facts. Many of these voices have never been to Israel or spoken to an IDF veteran, showing no interest in peace, only in spreading lies.

But despite these challenges, this week reminded me that courage appears in many forms—through music, community, tradition, and the powerful stories we tell. Like Harry Potter, who shows us that even a small, skinny kid with glasses can overcome fear, find true friends, and stand strong against evil, we as Jews and Israelis must find the strength to rise, speak out, and lift our voices, even when we feel small and broken. In churches and community halls, surrounded by kind, honest, and strong Americans, our voices felt stronger than any fear, making the world, even for a moment, feel a little less dark.

In Nashville and Alabama, I witnessed the true spirit of America—a nation rooted in shared values, courage, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. It’s in these connections, forged through honesty and solidarity, that I find hope. People like Rachel and John Goldberg-Polin reminded us all what it means to keep moving forward and to speak out loudly, even with a broken heart. Israel, like its people, will continue to endure, speak up, and shine brightly, no matter the challenges ahead. And as long as I am healthy, I will proudly speak about the privilege of serving in the IDF and defending my homeland, Israel.