The Jerusalem Post’s Miami Conference hosted a panel titled “Israeli Society and the Jewish People - 2036” earlier this week, including Matan Eizenberg, Belev Echad Coordinator and a former Golani Brigade officer, Dr Adi Vaxman, Founder & President, Operation Israel, Yossi Levi - Lt.-Col. (res.) & CEO Nahal Hardei, and Simcha Greiniman, Commander, ZAKA.
Eizenberg said the key to a wounded soldier’s recovery is helping them return to routine and find their purpose. They achieve this via their house in Kiryat Ono, where everyone, including staff, is a wounded soldier, allowing for a natural understanding. The government provides essential services, but fails to directly engage with wounded soldiers to understand how they are coping.
Vaxman invited a reservist soldier to the stage, who discussed how the organization allows him to teach soldiers to use their equipment, whether it is high-tech, low-tech, or their brainpower.
Her organization is essential as Diaspora Jews cannot sit thinking events will not come to their doorsteps, and have a duty to support Israel and Western civilization, with the IDF at the forefront, she affirmed. “If we don’t support our soldiers, we are failing our duty as Diaspora Jews,” she said.
Levi described his journey as a haredi from Jerusalem’s yeshiva system who joined the IDF to challenge himself. He rose through the ranks, becoming the IDF’s first haredi battalion commander about a year ago. He highlighted internal unity as one of Israel’s greatest challenges, noting increased efforts since October 7 to integrate haredim into military service and Israeli society.
Greiniman discussed ZAKA’s mission of honoring human dignity by ensuring victims are buried with respect. He also described responding to last month’s Bondi Beach terror attack, saying he boarded a plane within hours of receiving the call. “ZAKA stands for caring for each other,” he said.