FIDF Live

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss the current state of Israel's multi-front war. Schanzer explains that we are at somewhat of a yellow light in the war, with activity quieting down in Lebanon and Syria. We have also seen a drop-off in Jihadist activity in Judea and Samaria, but increased activity out of Yemen. Jonathan projects how Israel intends to move forward on the various fronts.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes author, social activist and former FIDF spokesperson for the foreign press in the Unit for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Alon Penzel to discuss the atrocities of October 7th, and the world's denial of these atrocities. Alone discusses his imperative work of documenting and scientifically and empirically proving the atrocities that occurred, and has done everything he can to ensure the international community understands what happened that day. WARNING: Some of the content on this briefing may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Rocket Scientist Ari Sacher to help us understand the current threat of missiles fired into Israel by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Ari explains that the Houthis are an Iranian proxy, and so they have access to state of the art technology provided to them by Iran, including advanced long range missiles and firing systems. Israel has successfully taken out a vast majority of the missile barrages, using Israel's Arrow-3 missile defense system. However, a missile did hit the ground on Ben Gurion Airport, but no major damage or casualties were incurred. Ari believes that the Houthis, residents of neaerly unlivable third world conditions, are an enemy with nothing to lose, and so no matter how we hit them, they will keep coming. The key is to cut the Houthis off from acquiring weapons from their sources. Ultimately, Ari believes that the only solution to the threat of the Houthis is a political one. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Doron Spielman, Author of When the Stones Speak & Former VP, City of David, to discuss his experience running the excavations of City of David, and the significance of uncovering 3000 years of Jewish history. Doron served in the army and then went into high tech. He became infatuated by uncovering the truth of Israels ancient history after having an eye opening experience with an Arab woman, who believed in her bones that Israel had no right to exist and the claims of Jews being indigenous to the land were false. Doron left his job in high tech and fell into a position spearheading the digging operations in the City of David. Doron explains that uncovering physical living proof of the Jewish connection to the land of Israel is perhaps the most important battlefront, because many of Israel's enemies truly believe that Jews have no connection to the land.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Dr. Lucian Tatsa-Laur,  former Head of the Mental Health Department in the Israel Defense Forces and current Head of the new Trauma Rehabilitation Center at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, to discuss his groundbreaking work in the field of PTSD and mental health treatment for combat soldiers. Dr. Laur described his experience on October 7th, learning about the attack while on the phone with a wife of one of his patients who was outside of the house fighting terrorists at the time. Dr. Laur explains how the trauma of October 7th erupted the IDF's identity as a small but shrewd and near indestructible defense force, shifting their self-perception from competent to failure. Dr. Laur's mission was to reverse this collective psychological blow, and the IDF officers, he recounts, were very welcoming and open to this type of work. So did the Israeli public, who were accustomed to wars taking place within the enemy's borders, not within Israel's borders. Given the collective trauma of Israel's combat soldiers and citizenry, Dr. Laur's research is highly sought out by the US defense department. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Rabbi Stewart Weiss, Director and Founder of the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, and father of IDF Sgt. Ari Weiss HY”D, to discuss Rabbi Weiss' journey making Aliyah, and being the father of a fallen solider. Rabbi Weiss recounts his son Ari's challenges trying to get into an elite anti-terrorist unit in the IDF, initially struggling but ultimately becoming an explosives expert and a sharpshooter. Ari, Rabbi Weiss explains, was in demand and was flown about into the field on many missions. Ari fell in battle in Nablus at the age of 21 on September 30, 2002. Rabbi Weiss took on the responsibility of comforting other parents of fallen soldiers, being open and honest about his battle dealing with the pain and challenges of the loss of a child entering the prime of his or her life.  Rabbi Weiss explains that one of the things that has strengthened him most is speaking with other families and experiencing their strength in the face of loss. While Rabbi Weiss misses his son dearly, he is proud of the sacrifice that his son, and all sons and daughters serving in the IDF, made for the safety of Israel's citizenry.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil tells the story of Passover and its lasting effects on human history as well as relevance in modern times.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Shai Bernstein, an American-Israeli IDF Reservist who just completed his third round of reserve duty, to discuss his experiences over the course over the last 365+ days going back and forth into the field of battle. Shai served as an officer and a captain and officer in Givati, beginning his active duty in 2003. Shai was living in Riverdale when October 7th broke out, having received reports in synagogue about what was happening. He immediately booked a ticket to return to Israel and join his unit. He arrived with his gear in the kibbutzim, and walked four miles with his unit into Gaza. Shai describes a mission during which his unit was hit by an RPG. Several of his comrades were wounded and killed, and another mission in which he was ambushed by RPGs. His friend Moshe Leiter discovered a tunnel shaft under a mosque, and was subsequently killed by a booby trap. Shai describes the immense survivor's guilt he has been dealing with since his return from duty. He also explains how much he had previously underestimated the true face of evil and hatred that he experienced both in Israel and Gaza, but also in America, on college campuses and otherwise. He also underestimated the love and support that exists amongst the Jewish people, which was revealed following October 7th and the ensuring war. Shai also explains the sacrifice that the spouses of reservists must make, as well as the responsibility of maintaining a household despite the looming fear they live with. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss the current situation in Gaza and the multi-front war. Nadav reminds us that Israel is still dealing with a 7-front war, despite the tremendous progress in each front since the war began on October 7th. In Gaza, there remains 59 hostages, and Hamas has begun to rebuild its ammunition and missile stores, as well as its terrorist operatives. The recent ceasefire contributed to Hamas' rebuilding efforts significantly, and has culminated in recent rocket fire targeting dozens of cities in Israel. The IDF has made significant progress in breaking up the Houthi forces, who have been relentless in their rocket fire in recent weeks. The message the IDF is trying to send to the Houthis and Iran is, if you do not cooperate, you will be targeted heavily with potential devastating missile attacks and otherwise. Meanwhile, with soldiers needed on the Syrian, Lebanese and Gazan borders, there is a growing need for soldiers in Judea and Samaria, putting a great strain on the IDF and IDF reservists, and Israel's economy. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Yuval Baron, Son-in-Law of Keith and Aviva Siegel, to share his family's unique story of survival. Yuval describes the feeling of welcoming back his mother Aviva, and later his father Keith, from Gaza as witnessing what is known in Judaism as “Techiat Hameitim,” the revival of the dead. Yuval then provides some details on the harrowing conditions under Hamas captivity, such as living underground in tight quarters, a lack of food and water, and being under constant psychological torture from their Hamas captors. Yuval is thrilled to have his family back, but, he explains, healing for Keith and Aviva cannot begin until the other hostages are back. Keith finds it difficult to understand why he is home but not the other hostages. With that being said, Keith is recovering well, and is receiving an outpouring of support from the country and the Israeli government. And Yuval has taken it upon himself to be an ambassador for his parents and the other hostages, using his voice to influence the current state of the hostages. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Olga Deutsch, VP of NGO Monitor, to discuss what Olga calls the most neglected front of Israel's multi-front war - the political front. Olga gives Steve a breakdown of what it is NGO Monitor does. As the name suggests, NGO Monitor monitors activities of NGOs, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, to assess the true focus of their efforts, and to detect any potential biases in their focus. Unsurprisingly, Olga often finds that these organizations are disproportionately focused on Israel and pointing the finger at the State of Israel as in violation of international human rights laws, and some funnel funds to anti-Israel groups. Further, representatives of various countries at the UN and the International Criminal Court will vilify Israel and Israeli officials based solely on reports from the aforementioned NGOs, thus revealing an entirely corrupt and complex system. Further, the efforts of BDS have harmed Israel greatly in terms of potential investments and business deals that were shut down due to BDS advocacy, and the efforts of the NGO-lobbied Al-Haq, which presents misinformation about the state of affairs in Gaza and the current war with very sophisticated legalistic jargon. The larger goal of course is to undermine Israel's legitimacy as an independent state and further erode its perception in the court of public opinion. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Ari Sacher, rocket scientist for RAFAEL, to discuss the current state of Israel's multi-front war. Ari explains that, militarily, the combat has significantly dissipated. Ari also goes into details regarding Israel's response to Iran's ballistic missile attack that occurred months ago, explaining that Israel set back Iran's ballistic missile production capabilities immensely via a successful airstrike. Ari also explains Israel's capability to defend against Iran were they to decide to launch their missiles stockpile at Israel, and against Hezbollah's Almas missiles. Israel has done a stellar job defending against both of those threats, and has pushed Hezbollah above the Litani river. While the IDF has responded successfully to the war, over 70% of Israelis disapprove of the recent ceasefire deal with Hamas, and it is likely, according to Ari's estimation, that the war with Hamas will resume.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Ruby Chen, the father of Itay Chen, a 20-year-old IDF soldier and U.S. citizen, who likely fell while defending his military base on October 7th, and who is still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Ruby describes Itay's life, personality, hobbies, and values. He relates what the family now knows about Itay's experiences and actions on October 7th, and the family's journey in learning about what happened to him following that fateful day. Ruby also tells Steve about his political advocacy in trying to get the hostages, both alive and deceased, back to Israel from Gaza. Steve and Ruby discuss the emotional impact of this ordeal on the Chen family, and their relationship with other hostage families. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) to discuss the current ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Dr. Schanzer provides exclusive insight into the intents and aims of Israeli officials who helped formulate the deal. He elaborates on the broader regional geopolitical ramifications of continuing the deal or resuming the war with Hamas and the impact of the new American administration on the situation. Steve and Dr. Schanzer also talk about the war between Israel and Hezbollah, and what the future may hold with the current ceasefire ending. Finally, the two discuss Israel's potential future military engagements with Iran and the Houthis in Yemen.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Israeli Scholar of Arab Culture, Lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, and Vice President of NEWSRAEL. Dr. Kedar elucidates the level of impact Trump's recent press conference regarding his plans to relocate Gazan residents of Gaza in order to revitalize the infrastructure in Gaza had on the world, particularly the discourse in the Middle East around the State of Israel and the two state solution. In the wake of this landmark announcement by President Trump, Dr. Kedar explains how difficult it is to fathom that Zionism has come out as the victor after the tumultuous year and a half following October 7th. However, Dr. Kedar explains, Arab countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia have no choice but to accept this new reality as it is rolled out, because they need the support of the U.S. Dr. Kedar suggests that Qatar should be the lead candidate to weather the impending onslaught of over 2 million Gazan refugees, as they have the planes, the space and the infrastructure in place to accept these refugees. Dr. Kedar goes on to explain the threat of the Muslim Brotherhood, whose hateful and murderous ideology has spread throughout the Middle East and the western world. Looking into the future, Dr. Kedar believes that the fate of the future lay in the hands of the western world, and how they respond to the increase in radicalized Muslims residing in western countries. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Daniel Flesch, Senior Policy Analyst for Middle East and North Africa at the Allison Center for National Security, which is a subsidiary of the Heritage Foundation, the largest conservative think tank in the country. Daniel offers his perspective on the recent ceasefire deal with Hamas. Flesch explains that while the ratio of terrorists being released by Israel to hostages being released by Hamas is a lopsided 50-to-1, Gilad Shalit was released in exchange for 1,027 terrorists, one of whom being Yahya Sinwar. So, with that in mind, the deal isn't as bad as many of its detractors have made it out to be. It was an opportune time for Israel to make a wing at a deal, due to both the change in administration in the US, and with the threats in Syria, Lebanon and Iran all being significantly diminished. Flesch clarifies that we are currently in phase one of a three phase deal with Hamas, and he is pessimistic that we will make it to phase two and three, most notably due to Hamas' recent breach of the deal when they released soldiers instead of hostages. However, Flesch is very optimistic about Israel's future, due to the economic growth, the global display of its might during the multi-front war, and a new generation of young leaders in Israel who proved that they can set aside ideological differences to defend the nation of Israel in remarkable dramatic fashion.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

On this pre-recorded broadcast, FIDF CEO Steven Weil discusses with freed hostage Aviva Siegel about her experience as both a hostage and the wife of a current hostage, Keith Seigel. Aviva and Keith have been married for 44 years and have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. They lived on Kibbutz Kfar Aza for 14 years. Aviva recounts wanting to move on account of the constant threat of rocket fire. But Keith responded to Aviva by asking, “who's going to look after the border?” Aviva then recounts October 7th, 2023, hearing the gunfire, taking shelter, and ultimately being violently taken along with her husband. Aviva describes being taken into the tunnels and the brutal treatment she and the other hostages received from the terrorists in Gaza. The hostages only received a half a piece of pita to eat. Keith was rapidly losing weight, so Aviva apportioned half of her ration to Keith. She witnessed one of the younger female hostages being beaten with sticks by the terrorists, and recounts wanting to comfort the girl but was barred from doing so. Aviva explains that she takes every opportunity available to her to speak and make media appearances in order to tell the world how brutally Hamas is treating the hostages. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Nuriel, to discuss the current state of Israel's multi-front war. By Gen. Nuriel's count, Israel is fighting a 9-front war. In Lebanon, the new president appears to be delivering positive messages, but it's too soon to make a definitive judgement on him. And, with the pending ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Gen. Nuriel believes that Syria will become the new hub of Hamas, which will create new problems for Israel. With that said, there is good news coming from Iraq, as they no longer want any part of the conflict, and have cut ties with Iran. The Houthis have continued launching rockets and drones. Iran now needs to regroup and find new sources of funding, and needs to replace Lebanon as a hub for Hezbollah. Gen. Nuriel believes that Jordan will become the replacement, and the IDF is already taking steps to prevent this. Gen. Nuriel is confident that the first stage the Hamas Ceasefire deal will come to fruition, but has drawbacks about stage two, due to the many obstacles and many things that can transpire between now and when stage two is set to commence. The fighting in Gaza has grown incredibly challenging due to the heavy implementation of booby-traps and the constant flow of Hamas recruitment that allows Hamas to replenish their forces on a rolling basis. However, if the ceasefire deal holds, the terrorists will not be released to Gaza, but in a different country, and we will see the return of a large number of hostages.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil invites FIDF Casualties Officer Maj. (Res.) M. to discuss the effect of Israel's multi-front war on the families of soldiers who have either been injured or have fallen in combat. Officer Maj. (Res.) M. explains that families of soldiers currently serving experience high levels of anxiety and fear that they may get a difficult call in regards to their loved one, which itself is very difficult for families to cope with. However,  Officer Maj. (Res.) M. has been involved with support groups and retreats for families of fallen soldiers, which the FIDF supports and funds. She explains how cathartic and therapeutic these retreats are for the families, who can share experiences of losing someone so instrumental to their lives. The programs provide participants with tools to cope without medical supplementation. With that said, coping is a lifelong endeavor, and requires ongoing care and support from organizations like the FIDF, as well as those who share similar grief and experiences.    Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil walks us through the year 2024, a rollercoaster year for Israel and the IDF. Steven walks us through the progress Israel has made in its mission to eliminate her surrounding threats. However, Steven reminds us that while progress has been made, Hamas is still operative, and still using its civilian population as its first line of defense, and civilization homes and institutions as headquarters and weapons storehouses. With that being said, the FIDF has been integral to supporting IDF soldiers in a variety of ways, such as equipping medical trucks with the tech and gear it needs, supplying state of the art tourniquets, providing PTSD support and injured soldier rehabilitation. It has been the sacrifice and bravery of the IDF soldiers on the ground, the cunning of Israel's intelligence forces, and the integral support from IDF supporters and organizations like the FIDF that is accountable for why Israel is still stable and thriving amidst turmoil and daily threats to her safety. In the waning months of 2024 we saw the IDF nearly completely eliminate Hezbollah and the downfall of Assad. While there is much uncertainty and instability in the Middle East as we head into 2025, there is much to be encouraged by.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Ruthie and Andy Weiser, Grandparents of sergeant First Class Roey Weiser, Z”L, a combat solider in Battalion 13 of the Golani Brigade, who was killed on October 7th, 2023, to talk about loss and the mixed emotions they and their family have experienced over the last 15 or so months. Andy explains the heroics of Roey, who defended his base, Erez, from Hamas terrorists for hours. He was ultimately overrun by Hamas after having run out of bullets. Roey and his comrades saved 12 soldiers. Roey was 21 years old. The loss beared a heavy burden upon Ruthie and Andy, who participate in a grandparents support group, where they share each other's thoughts and experiences about loss, and explore the uniquely challenging role of being the parent of a parent of a fallen soldier. However, Ruthie explains, this isn't a tragedy. Roey was doing his job, and Ruthie takes great pride in her grandson and what he did on that tragic day.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil discusses the story of Chanukah, contextualizing it within the current multi-front war, the power struggle in Syria, and the rapidly evolving Middle East. Steven gives a sweeping Jewish historical overview of the First and Second Temple eras and the region that is now Syria, all the way to modern history, elucidating the evolution of the Israeli Jewish population from its humble beginnings as an economically meager, to growing into a one of the most dynamic economies in the world, at the cutting edge of a wide array of disciplines. Steven explains that the seemingly miraculous events that have occurred over the last several months, with Lebanon, Syria and Iran, are analogous to the miracle of Chanukah, when the Maccabees defeated the mighty Syrian Greeks. Steven likens the young Jewish men and women in the IDF to the modern day Maccabees, who have sacrificed everything to destroy those threatening the lives of their fellow countrymen, and whose actions have liberated Syrians from Al Assad's tyrannical murderous regime.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss the seismic shifts that have occurred over the last week in the Middle East as a result of the fall of the Assad regime. Nadav explains that Syria has been fractured for years, split between Assad's regime, Hezbollah, Kurds, Turks and other rebel and jihadist groups. The situation is very fragile. The IDF immediately implemented its plan to destroy chemical weapons storages and factories, airbases artillery and weapons stores, with the goals of keeping them out of the hands of the various groups jockeying for power. Nadav wonders aloud what Iran's next move will be. One option could be for Iran to aggressively increase their efforts to develop a nuclear weapon, while another option could involve some kind of a negotiation with President Elect Donald Trump to ensure their own protection. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Amichai Stein, Political Correspondent for Kan 11 IPBC to discuss the hostage situation and a variety of other current challenges for Israel and the IDF. Amichai begins the discussion by pointing out the stark contrast between being a journalist in Israel and being a journalist in the US, and how dramatically his job has changed over the course of the last year. The question, Amichai explains, is what is the goal of Hamas, and what are they willing to walk away with at this juncture. Would they even consider a hostage deal after losing so much? Based on the presence of Hamas officials in Egypt indicating some kind of willingness to enter into negotiations, there is reason to believe that a hostage deal can be salvaged. Following the news about Long Island native Omer Neutra, Israel and the IDF is again going all in on retrieving the hostages. However, Amichai warns of the perils of giving up too much in exchange for the hostages, and setting Israel back to October 6th, 2023. Striking the balance between retrieving the hostages and progressing to a safer and improved security situation between Israel and Gaza is the challenge right now for the IDF and the Israeli government.   Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Eric Mandel, Founder and Director of the Middle East Political and Information Network (MEPIN) to discuss Eric's analysis on the current war. Eric expresses cautious optimism in regards to the recently negotiated ceasefire in the north between Israel and Hezbollah. The optimism stems from Hezbollah's motive to agree to the ceasefire, namely, the embarrassment and devastation they've weathered from the IDF and the Mossad taking out much of their fighting force and leadership. The cautiousness comes from Israel's motives to agree to the ceasefire, namely, the exhaustion of the soldiers, many of whom have been away from their jobs and families for the better part of 400 days. Meanwhile, Eric has tried to explain to both US administrations during their campaigns that the war in Gaza is still far from over, with thousands of terrorists still remaining and with a stronghold on the population, despite being without leadership. Further, hundreds of miles of tunnels still remain. Eric has urged the administrations to focus on Iran, the “head of the octopus.” With their anti-missile weapons systems down following the recent IDF air force operation, now would be the opportunity to hit Iran's nuclear weapons facilities. However, Eric doesn't believe that such an operation, although prudent, as likely to occur. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Israeli Olympic Gold Medalist Tommy Reuveny to discuss his experience being an Israeli olympian during the war, traveling the world as an Israeli Jewish athlete, and what it meant to him to be the only Israeli gold medalist in the 2024 olympics. Tommy explains that October 7th occurred shortly after the olympic trials. Tommy's brother is a IDF soldier for an elite unit. He arrived on the scene in the morning of October 7th. After three days of anxiously waiting, Tommy got word that his brother was okay. While training was difficult for Tommy after the attack, the olympic committee urged him and the other Israeli olympians to go out and win a medal. The fear of a repeat of the Munich Olympics, coupled with whatsapp death threats and the desire to win a medal for his country in desperate need of victory, the pressure was immense. Tommy was even urged not to wear clothing that would identify him was a Jew or Israeli in public, or speak Hebrew in public. But the threats and the will to win for his country propelled Tommy's competitive spirit, ultimately resulting in a runaway finish for the gold. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Maj. Gen. (RES.) Nadav Padan to provide insight on Israel's multi-front war. General Padan provides a brief update on the war in the south, which, as he explains, is in its final phases. While Hamas has already been neutralized, the IDF is now battling against small independent groups of terrorists, while working to locate and rescue the remaining hostages. The neutralization of Hamas perhaps renders the hostage scenario even more complex, as the small independent groups have nothing left to lose, other than their lives, with the hostages being the only thing keeping them alive. The IDF is also weathering drone and cruise missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen, 100% of which they've intercepted. In the north, the IDF's mission remains to take out Hezbollah leadership, while destroying their primary missile and launcher stores, which are stored in highly populated civilian areas, posing an additional challenge of evacuating those areas before destroying the structures where the missiles and launchers are located. However, due to the IDF's success against Hezbollah, coupled with the mounting pressure felt by Iran following the looming change in the US government, a ceasefire agreement appears to be imminent.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Jonathan Schanzer to provide insight on Israel's progress in their multi-front war. Jonathan explains that despite the daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the IDF has done a stellar job reducing their arsenal. With that being said, the north has sustained significant damage, and reconstruction will be required once the war ends. Further, Israel's airstrike on Iran left Iran vulnerable and has now enabled Israel to return whenever they want and strike however they want moving forward. Jonathan provides on insight on the implications of the state of the war on the US's involvement with regards to the twilight of Biden's term. Jonathan believes that President Biden is now considering his legacy, and how he wants to leave the Middle East before his term is up. The current president is left with choices, such as releasing the weapons the US has withheld from Israel, or even authorizing another Israeli strike against Iran's nuclear plants, which Jonathan points out as something to watch moving forward.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Maj. Gen. (RES.) Nadav Padan to provide insight on Israel's multi-front war. Maj. Gen. Padan explains that Iran's strategy is drag the war out as much as possible to create a war of attrition. Their goal is to break the spirit of the IDF and the Israeli people, and to increase pressure on the Israeli government to end the war. While both Hamas and Hezbollah will likely not be entirely eradicated, as they are both more akin to ideas than groups, their artillery and operational capacity has been devastated by the IDF. Israel's goal is to put enough pressure on Iran to negotiate the best agreement possible. Until recently, Hezbollah refused to entertain a ceasefire agreement with Israel due to the damage inflicted by the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah has since changed its tune, and are now willing to entertain a ceasefire. When the momentum swings even more heavily in the IDF's favor, they hope to be able to reach a favorable agreement with Hezbollah.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Nuriel, to discuss the current state of Israel's multi-front war. Brig. Gen. Nuriel explains that the current mission in Gaza is to ensure that Hamas will not be able to regain power in the region. He believes that this mission is going to take a significant amount of time, barring a surrender of Hamas and reaching an agreement to release the hostages. The IDF's primary goal in Lebanon is also to neutralize the threat of Hezbollah missile fire for good, and to prevent Hezbollah from regaining power in the region. The IDF is preparing for a potential threat along the Jordanian border, with Iran now setting its sights on mobilizing its shiite militias in Syria and Iraq as a result of Hezbollah being on the brink of annihilation and losing Hamas completely. Brig. Gen. Nuriel reminds us that, while Israel is winning the war, the IDF has weathered significant losses, primarily to their reserve corps. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Rabbi Doron Perez Executive Chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement and Father of Slain Hostage, IDF Capt. Daniel Perez, to discuss the west's equating the IDF's defense of their homeland with Hamas' terrorist mission to obliterate it, which Rabbi Perez terms the “modern day blood libel.” While the IDF would do anything to protect the civilians of Israel, Hamas uses their civilians as pawns for their own gain. Rabbi Perez offers his unique perspective and clarity of thought on this topic, as both the leader of the Mizrahi World Movement and the father of an IDF soldier whose body is currently being held by Hamas. Rabbi Perez shares his son's story on the morning of October 7th, and how he and his family are dealing with loss. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by RAFAEL Rocket Scientist Dr. Ari Sacher, to discuss the current bombardment of Hezbollah rocket fire currently taking place in northern Israel, where Dr. Sacher resides with his family. Dr. Sacher, the lead scientist behind the development of the groundbreaking Iron Dome missile defense system, explains that while the Iron Dome's 90-95% success rate is remarkable and indispensable, it isn't perfect. He witnessed firsthand the carnage of a Hezbollah rocket that made it past the Iron Dome, which landed near his home. Steven and Dr. Sacher discuss two of the IDF's most pressing current objectives, which is to target and destroy Hezbollah's missile launchers in Beirut via precision airstrikes, and to push the Hezbollah terrorists behind the Litani River, which would act as a natural border wall that would prevent Hezbollah from executing an attack similar to October 7th. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil explains the history of Tzom Gedalia, the fast day that occurs the day after Rosh Hashanah on the Jewish calendar, and the significance of Rosh Hashanah and the auspicious period in the Jewish that follows, called the “Yamim Noraim,” the Days of Awe. Steven explains that the timing for a retrospective on the past year comes at the perfect time, following the recent monumental military achievement by the IDF of eliminating Nasrallah, causing devastating damage to Hezbollah. Yet, despite the recent triumph, and the year filled with tragedy, Jews have experienced an unprecedented wave of antisemitism in the west, under the guise of “anti-Zionism.” And despite the IDF's efforts to minimize collateral damage during its campaign in Gaza, the world's unbalanced criticism of Israel knew no bounds. In addition to the external criticism that the IDF in Israel had to weather over the past year are the 400+ soldiers that have fallen in battle, the injured who have live with physical trauma, and all of the soldiers who returned intact physically but must live the rest of their lives with PTSD and psychological trauma. And now, during these Days of Awe, as, according to Jewish tradition, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Jews everywhere pray for the state of truth and justice, both for Israel and the world at large.   Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

Maj. Gen. Nadav Padan informs viewers about the current state of war with Iran following their firing over 180 ballistic missiles into Israel. Despite the low casualty rate, several missiles landed and damaged urban areas. Each missile can carry over 2,000 pound warheads, which have large scale damage capacity. Meanwhile, IDF boots are on the ground with the objective of destroying Hezbollah posts on the border in order to push them behind the Litani river. Israel has already destroyed over 150 positions along the Israel-Lebanon border, and have uncovered a large number of weapon and missile caches. Maj. Gen. Padan expresses a sentiment of great hope and assuredness, stating that Israel is going to win this war, both because they are very strong, and because there is no choice but to win the war. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

Maj. Gen. (RES.) Nadav Padan provides a crucial update on Israel's war with Hezbollah on the northern front, following the successful elimination of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Maj. Gen. Padan explains that while Nasrallah's elimination warrants celebration, it is only one layer of the IDF's multi-layered plan to take out Hezbollah. Padan praises operatives at all levels of this plan for doing a great job, making the right decisions, and executing the IDF's plan successfully. The IDF has destroyed missile launching pads and missile caches throughout the south of Lebanon, which, in addition to the elimination of Nasrallah and his underlings, has placed a tremendous amount of pressure on Hezbollah. The temporary and permanent leadership is further pressured by the refugee situation that they aren't equipped to handle. In Lebanon, there are roughly 1 million refugees, many of whom have migrated east to the Syrian border, while others have migrated north within Lebanon. Maj. Gen. Padan reminds us that what is most instrumental to the success of the war is the elimination of Hamas in Gaza. Hamas is being buoyed by the food, supplies and support from the US and NGOs, which Hamas steals from its citizens and resells to the public with the intention of using the money to fund more Hamas recruits.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by RAFAEL Rocket Scientist Dr. Ari Sacher, to discuss the current bombardment of Hezbollah rocket fire currently taking place in northern Israel, where Dr. Sacher resides with his family. Dr. Sacher, the lead scientist behind the development of the groundbreaking Iron Dome missile defense system, explains that while the Iron Dome's 90-95% success rate is remarkable and indispensable, it isn't perfect. He witnessed firsthand the carnage of a Hezbollah rocket that made it past the Iron Dome, which landed near his home. Steven and Dr. Sacher discuss two of the IDF's most pressing current objectives, which is to target and destroy Hezbollah's missile launchers in Beirut via precision airstrikes, and to push the Hezbollah terrorists behind the Litani River, which would act as a natural border wall that would prevent Hezbollah from executing an attack similar to October 7th. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

Maj. Gen. (RES.) Nadav Padan provides a critical update on escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Maj. Gen. Padan outlines the genesis of the escalation, sparked by two successful IDF operations. The first was to sabotage a meeting at the Hezbollah HQ in Beirut between Hezbollah lay leaders and the Red One Hezbollah unit to plan an October 7th-like attack against Israel. The damage incurred by Hezbollah isn't yet confirmed, but the IDF was able to penetrate the underground bunker where the meeting took place. The second successful operation occurred in the south of Lebanon, where the IDF destroyed Hezbollah missile and launcher caches. These attacks have sent Hezbollah into crisis mode. Hezbollah has subsequently launched missile attacks into both military and civilian areas in Israel. Nadav explains that Iran is trying to engage in a messy war of attrition with Israel, beginning on October 7th in the south, and followed up by the unprovoked mobilization of Hezbollah in the north, in order to deplete Israel's morale. One of the IDF's primary missions in this war has been to break the connection between Hamas and Hezbollah, and has been hugely successful in doing so thus far. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Steven Weil explains why the IDF is the world's most ethical army, expounding on the historical and biblical origins of the IDF to elucidate the moral code its policies are rooted in. He cites a few examples to illustrate the IDF's exemplary moral conduct, including the IDF's unprecedented civilian-to-combatant kill ratio, a fraction of the ratio of other armies historically.  Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

Podcast Description: FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Deputy Commander of the Israeli Staff Command and former Head of the Counter Terrorism Bureau at the Prime Minister's Office Brig. Gen. (Res) Nitzan Nuriel, to discuss the current challenges facing the IDF, including the munitions deficit, being attacked on nine different fronts, the mental well-being of soldiers as we approach the one-year mark of the war, the looming threat of Iran wresting control of Jordan, and the recent hostage assassination. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Lt. Col. (Res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Israeli Scholar of Arab Culture, Lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, and Vice President of NEWSRAEL to offer his expert insight into Israel's conflict with Iran within the broader context of Middle Eastern, Islamic, and world histories. Dr. Kedar elaborates on the various internal divisions within the Muslim world--particularly the Shia and Sunni sects--and how their conflicts are impacting Israel's geopolitical reality and fueling wars throughout the Middle East. Steve and Dr. Kedar also discuss the dangers posed to Western societies around the world by the extremist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood. Finally, Dr. Kedar provides his views on the current and future situation with Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution goes toward meeting their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 9/1/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil and FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan provide a critical update on Israel's current security situation. The briefing covers the IDF's successful preemptive strike against Hezbollah and the interception of hundreds of incoming missiles. General Padan outlines potential escalations in the North involving Iran and other regional actors, as well as the ongoing objectives in Gaza. He also addresses the delicate balance between these operations and Israel's priority to bring home as many hostages alive as possible, while emphasizing the strategic message Israel's response sends to its adversaries. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution goes toward meeting their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 8/25/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Aaron Bours, Master Sergeant, Givati Brigade. Bours tells his story from his childhood in the U.S., finding his calling with the IDF, his experience as a lone soldier, his life after active service, his reaction and return to service after October 7th, and much more. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 08/18/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil is joined by three soldiers from the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, Capt. Ron, Corp. Ella, and Staff Sgt. Yoav for today's briefing. Corp. Ella, from Kibbutz Be'eri, Staff Sgt. Yoav, from Kfar Aza, and Capt. Ron, serving in reserves, each soldier shares their story of their family, their experience on October 7, and more. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 08/11/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil and FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res) Nadav Padan provide a special briefing update on the current situation in Israel. Maj. Gen. (Res) Padan gives details on the assassinations that took place over the last couple weeks, the anticipation of a response, the options developing with Hezbollah, the drone activity in the North, how the U.S. could respond to the situation, providing context before judging each front, strategies concerning Iran, updates from the war with Hamas in Gaza, and more. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 8/9/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil speaks with Dr. Jerry Berkowitz, a hostage and survivor of the 1970 Black September airplane hijacking in which terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hijacked four airliners bound for New York and took 56 Jews as hostages to Jordan. Dr. Berkowitz recounts in great detail his experience being taken hostage with his wife and young daughter, who were soon after separated from him and released, while he and five other men were held in captivity for a month. The two discuss how this hijacking related to the broader geopolitical events of the time, specifically the Black September Uprising, when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and PFLP tried to overthrow the Jordanian government. Dr. Berkowitz also describes the painful long-term effects of this experience for himself, his wife, and children. Lastly, he offers advice and words of consolation for the families of current Israeli hostages who are being held in Gaza. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 08/04/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Former U.S. Treasury Finance Terror Analyst for a Special Live Briefing to recount all the latest news concerning Israel and the IDF. Mr. Schanzer discusses the preemptive U.S. strikes in Iraq, strikes from Israel on Hezbollah, the terrorists that Israel has recently eliminated, the anticipated response after these assassinations, the status of Hamas without the majority of its leadership, the U.S.'s intent for involvement in this war, the reality of that involvement, and much more. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 07/31/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Noya Govrin, Director of the Lone Soldier Program at Nefesh B'Nefesh to discuss the situation for lone soldiers, non-Israelis who voluntarily join the IDF, during the ongoing war. Noya describes her experience dealing with her own son, who was injured by a Hezbollah attack while on duty. The two also touch on the many unique challenges that lone soldiers from all over the world have to grapple with--from cultural adjustments to bureaucratic obstacles--on top of serving in wartime and how Nefesh B'Nefesh services help make their lives easier. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 07/28/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. (Res.) Michal, IDF Casualties Officer back to our briefings this week. Maj. (Res.) Michal details FIDF's Legacy Camp program that offers young family members of bereaved soldiers a chance to meet and interact with others in the US going through similar experiences. She shares some stories from camps that have recently occurred, how the children use the camps to heal, and some of their unique experiences at various camps. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 07/21/2024)

Captain (Res.) Chaim Meisels of the IDF Infantry Unit, Battalion 450 joins FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil for this briefing interview. Capt. Meisels talks about his upbringing in the U.S., making the move to join the IDF, his journey from Michve Alon to Golani to Egoz, his experience from October 7 on, and more Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 07/14/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Social Worker, Supervisor and National Coordinator, Ministry of Defense Yael Milnizki, to discuss her experience on October 7, the unique programs and responses she and her team are creating to meet the needs of Israeli families, working with orphans, highlighting some of the inspiring stories of people and families she is working with and more. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 07/7/2024)

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil speaks with Malcolm Hoenlein, Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, who offers his insight about the current situations in both Israel and the diaspora. Malcolm describes how events and societal shifts since October 7th have changed American Jewry and their status in the United States. The two discuss how the American Jewish experience has compared to the experiences of Jews elsewhere in the diaspora before and since October 7th, and what they believe will happen after the current war ends. Finally, Steve asks Malcolm for his thoughts on Israel's and the broader Middle East's geopolitical reality and future. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 06/30/2024)