Iris Haim - She Hugs the Soldiers that Killed her Son

This is the story of a mother who lost her son to Hamas, then lost him again to friendly fire — and instead of turning against the soldiers, she became their protector.It’s the story of a young man who spent his life fighting fear and despair, and in his final act chose freedom and dignity rather than passive captivity.And it’s the story of how, in the darkest moments of Jewish history, our heroes are not the people who never break, but the ones who choose love, faith, and responsibility for each other.

When Mayer Alper put on his green IDF uniform, he didn’t just cross a border; he crossed a line few in his community dare to.Raised in the world of Torah and tradition, Mayer chose to serve on the Gaza border, navigating the tension between faith, family, and duty.This episode isn’t about rebellion. It’s about a man caught between two worlds, one defined by devotion and the other by defense, and the quiet courage it takes to hold both.This one asks hard questions and doesn’t offer easy answers.

As we wrap up season two, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on the past few weeks. This season has been filled with stories that challenged us, inspired us, and reminded me why I started Israel Take 3 in the first place.In this short episode, I share updates on the release of the hostages and give a glimpse of what’s coming next as we get ready for season three.Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined somewhere along the way, this is a good moment to pause, look back, and remember what this journey is really about.Season three is coming soon, and I can’t wait to share what’s ahead.

When rockets flew and Israel evacuated the Northern Galilee, the Golan stayed.Why?I sit down with Yakov Selavan—IDF major and deputy governor of the Golan Heights—to unpack the decision not to evacuate.It’s a story of moral calculus, community resilience, and the quiet defiance of families determined to remain.This conversation goes beyond military strategy.It touches on Zionism, responsibility, and what it means to choose normalcy in the shadow of war.This one makes you rethink what it means to stay.----This season was sponsored by the Sklare Family FoundationThis episode was produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intent Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

When I took a walk with Ben, I didn’t meet a warrior.I met a man who refused to give up his home.After the rockets and evacuations, he stayed, because leaving felt like surrender.This isn’t just a story about war.It’s about what it means to watch your land, your kibbutz, your country slip into someone else’s hands.Ben didn’t stay because it was safe.He stayed because it was his.And that changes everything.This one stays with you.------Donate to Bens Org:https://www.jgive.com/new/en/ils/donation-targets/145243 ------This season was sponsored by the Sklare Family FoundationThis episode was produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Intent Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Since October 7th, most of the world’s focus has been on the south of Israel, on Gaza and the communities nearby.But there’s another part of Israel that’s been living under threat: the north.Cities like Kiryat Shmona have been nearly forgotten in the headlines, but their story is just as intense.Once things quieted down a bit, I knew I had to go.I needed to understand what went into the decisions people made.Why did some families stay in their homes, despite the rockets and the fear?Why did others, including entire institutions, pack up and leave?Was it more courageous to hold your ground during a war, or to walk away from everything you’ve built?That’s what we explore in this episode:The quiet bravery of those who left.

When I met Orit Mark Ettinger for the first time, I saw her light.אורית מרק אטינגרIt was hard for me to believe that she was someone forged by so much profound loss.This isn’t just about trauma, family, or resilience.It’s about the courage of a daughter who turned heartbreak into healing through becoming the light that the world needs right now.This one stays with you.------This season was sponsored by the Sklare Family FoundationThis episode was produced by ⁠⁠⁠Intent Media⁠⁠⁠.

I used to believe courage came with a date stamp.Then I met Aviv Abebe and Ezra Yachin.A soldier who doesn't know how old he is.And another who is turning 98.This is the story about people who won’t ask,“Am I too young?” or “Am I too old?”It’s about showing up—because your world still needs you.This one resets the calendar on courage.------This season was sponsored by the Sklare Family Foundation. This episode was produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Intent Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.

When I first heard about the Greenglicks, I was struck by the integrity and honesty of their story.But that wasn’t the story.Their son Shauli was the story.A 26-year-old with night blindness, chasing a dream to represent Israel at Eurovision.But when duty called, Shauli didn’t hesitate.He walked off that stage and into Gaza with his reserve unit—never to return to the big stage.What followed wasn’t just grief.It was the quiet strength of a community showing up:A mechanic fixing the family car without charge.A stranger at the funeral who didn’t realize she’d be changed by it.A mother, still absorbing the weight of sacrifice.This isn’t a story about war.It’s about the kind of love that shows up.The kind of courage that doesn’t ask for applause.And the kind of legacy that lingers.This one stays with you. ------This season was sponsored by the Sklare Family FoundationThis episode was produced by ⁠⁠⁠Intent Media⁠⁠⁠.

When I met Eran, he didn’t think of himself as extraordinary. But his story from the battlefield to building a life in Canada, from fatherhood to fighting in Gaza after October 7th—reveals a man shaped by responsibility, not bravado.This isn’t just about trauma, war, or resilience. It’s about the quiet, relentless courage of a father who answered a call no one wanted to make and never once saw himself as a victim.This one stays with you.------This season was sponsored by the Sklare Family FoundationThis episode was produced by ⁠⁠Intent Media⁠⁠.