Women in Combat: An IDF Commander’s Story

In this episode of the 'Mission Brief' podcast, the host interviews Sergeant First Class in the Reserve A, who shares his harrowing and inspiring experiences from October 7, 2023. A recounts his journey from Baltimore to his deep connection with Israel, joining the Paratroopers in 2011, and his surprising reassignment to a search and rescue unit. He describes the mental challenges of preparing for and executing missions to retrieve fallen soldiers from behind enemy lines, including the fateful day of October 7th, when he was called for duty amidst the Hamas attacks. Throughout the episode, A emphasizes the importance of resilience, the power of positivity, and the dedication required to serve and protect. His testimony provides a poignant reminder of the realities of war and the unyielding spirit of those who serve.

On October 6, 1973 on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise coordinated attack on Israel. Within hours, soldiers were rushed from their homes, synagogues, and bases to defend the country. One of them was Shaul, who was the Deputy Commander of the Israeli Navy.The Yom Kippur War lasted 19 days and reshaped Middle Eastern history. Shaul defended his country’s waters, and the lessons and experiences of his service are still impacting the Israeli Navy to this day.

In this Women’s Equality Day episode of Mission Brief, we sit down with Staff Sergeant T, a lone soldier who joined the IDF’s Field Intelligence Corps as a commander in the 595 battalion, after she moved from Cleveland to Israel in 2022. She shares her journey from moving to Israel to becoming a combat commander on Israel’s northern border. We dive into her experiences in training, the challenges of leading soldiers 24/7, and what it means to be a woman in a combat role. With honesty and pride, she reflects on the values that guide her, the importance of her mission, and the strength of women serving on the frontlines.

In this episode of Mission Brief, Lieutenant Brielle speaks with Master Sergeant in reserve Yoav Tzivoni, an IDF reservist, combat medic, and sharpshooter who lost his leg in the early days of the Swords of Iron war.Yoav shares his journey from growing up during the Second Intifada to serving in Gaza, and the life-changing injury that tested his strength and identity. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to his unit with a prosthetic leg, determined to keep serving — this time in a new role.He opens up about the pain of losing his teammate Tzvika, the moral challenges IDF soldiers face, and his unwavering belief in justice and peace. This is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and what it truly means to serve.

In this episode of Mission Brief, IDF International Spokesperson LTC Nadav Shoshani joins Captain Tammy to break down the launch of Operation Rising Lion- Israel's largest and most complex preemptive strike to date. We cover why the IDF acted when it did, the evolving Iranian nuclear threat, the scale and scope of the mission, and how Israel’s home front is responding with resilience. Get a clear, inside look at one of the most significant security developments in the region’s modern history.

In this episode of Mission Brief, Captain Masha sits down with Omri from the IDF History Department to explore the major milestones that shaped the Israel Defense Forces over 77 years. From the chaotic beginnings of 1948 to the bold rescue at Entebbe, and from the Six-Day War to modern-day humanitarian missions, this episode dives into the pivotal moments that built one of the most battle-tested militaries in the world.Hear how the IDF transformed from underground militias into a professional army, how wars like Yom Kippur and Lebanon shaped its doctrine, and how international operations and evolving roles—like female combat soldiers—reflect the changing face of Israeli society.Whether you're new to Israeli history or a seasoned listener, this deep dive offers rich context, stories, and insights into what made the IDF what it is today.#idf #history #israel #middleeast

In this Remembrance Day episode, we sit down with a son who lost his father — a soldier who fought in both the First and Second Lebanon Wars. He shares how growing up without his father shaped his journey, the ways he carries his memory forward, and how loss became a lifelong source of strength and purpose. His story is a powerful reminder that even in absence, love and legacy continue.To read more about Israel’s fallen soldiers, visit the Yizkor website: https://www.izkor.gov.il/en/May their memory be a blessing.

In this emotional Remembrance Day episode, we hear from a young woman who lost the love of her life while he was serving in the IDF. She opens up about the heartbreak that forever changed her world — and the resilience that helped her find her way through it. It’s a story of devastating loss, but also of strength, hope, and the unwavering memory of a life that meant everything.To read more about Israel’s fallen soldiers, visit the Yizkor website: https://www.izkor.gov.il/en/May their memory be a blessing.

In this episode of Mission Brief, Sergeant First Class in the reserves D sits down with Shani farhi (lourie), Head of pedagogy section in the International Institute for Holocaust Educationto talk about “Netzer Aharon”- The holocaust survivors who were the last descendants of their family. They fought for the establishment of the state of Israel.These were men and women who emerged from the horrors of the Holocaust and went on to fight for the survival of a newly established Jewish state. Their stories are not only a testament to survival, but to the power of rebuilding, defending, and believing in something greater.When they died, they had no family to remember them. Now they’re remembered by the nation, and we have to make sure their stories are heard.To learn more about the last descendants, read their stories and light a memorial candle, visit this link: https://www.izkor.gov.il/en/b9b30e34960ba665bc7e5ab4401422cf/life-storiesMay their memory be a blessing.

For the first time in history, a woman is at the helm of the Israeli Navy Shipyard’s technical department. On this special Women’s Day episode, we sit down with Lieutenant S. to talk about leadership, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of naval innovation.Her journey isn’t just about making history—it’s about forging a path for the next generation.Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.