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May 7, 2025, 11:48 AM

For some, it’s still October 7th

When the attack on October 7th happened, I was at my aunt's house in Ofakim. We woke up at 6:30 in the morning to the sound of sirens, and all the way to the shelter, I kept thinking about...

Justine Johnston Hemmestad

Apr 21, 2025, 10:02 PM

Passover in Pennsylvania

Last Saturday, Hamas published a propaganda video to show proof of life for hostage soldier Edan Alexander as part of an ongoing strategy to inflict terror, just as Jews were gathering in Israel and around the world to celebrate...

Apr 10, 2025, 11:23 PM

What Happens After the Uniform Comes Off

Taken days before our unit entered Gaza. -Southern Israel, November 2023

I wrote this not for attention, but because silence has a cost. When I returned to the United States after serving in Gaza during the War of Iron Swords following October 7th, I didn’t expect applause. I didn’t want fanfare....

Rebecca Shapiro

Mar 2, 2025, 2:40 PM

Doxxed and undeterred: A mother’s response to hate

Publishing details of 85 Canadian IDF soldiers is slimy and puts them at risk, but these brave defenders of our homeland wear their service as a badge of honor

Michael Feldstein

Feb 3, 2025, 11:24 PM

Our Amazing Lone Soldiers in the IDF

It’s pretty amazing, when you think about it. Hundreds of young Jewish teenagers in America … making the decision to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) once they complete high school. When I graduated from high school, virtually no one...

Jan 30, 2025, 10:48 AM

Albag, Szenes, Carter: Spy Women Art of Endurance

The Intersection of Reality and Fiction of Women Soldiers' Art of Endurance Amit Soussana, a hostage kidnapped to Gaza in October 2023, was freed in November 2021. She credits fellow captive Liri Albag with saving her life by convincing her...

Stacie Rojas Stufflebeam

Jan 8, 2025, 3:12 AM

Of War and Spotify

I was just talking to a fellow lone soldier mom friend, her son is in his mandatory service and has been in and out of Gaza for, well forever. Recently his commander let him use his phone to call...

Dec 20, 2024, 5:09 PM

Why Are You Still (T)here?

When Jewish immigrants began arriving on ships through the port of Jaffa in the late 19th century, there was a general consensus as to why they embarked on their journey: the growing antisemitic sentiments in Eastern Europe and fulfilling...

HaDassah Sabo Milner

Dec 18, 2024, 9:31 PM

How to Help Someone with PTSD

Image Courtesy of HSM

Since I wrote about my son's struggle with Combat PTSD many have written to me with support, advice, criticism, and with personal stories. I am not a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or any type of mental health professional. I write this...

HaDassah Sabo Milner

Dec 10, 2024, 3:06 PM

My son’s tears: An update

After I wrote about Aryeh's struggle with PTSD, the people of Israel have shown just how grateful they are for his sacrifices

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