The Home Front Podcast

Aliya Fastman, co-founder of Citrus & Salt, has an incredible ability to respond to challenges and become a pivot ninja. On October 7, Aliya's plans to grow her business were upended, as were the dreams and plans of every Israeli. Overnight, she and her team launched Citizen's Kitchen, a volunteer initiative based in Tel Aviv. Together with dedicated volunteers, the project has prepared and delivered over 65,000 meals to IDF soldiers, the wounded, evacuees from Israel's border communities, and other Israelis affected by the war. Beyond providing nourishment, Citizen's Kitchen has become a vital hub for community resilience and processing trauma. Aliya's incredible impact is driven by her mantra: "If you're going to do something, do it right."

Not all superheroes wear capes! For our 10th episode, we're thrilled to welcome Becky Kupchan Berman to The Home Front Podcast. Remember the excitement of hitting double digits as a kid? That's the vibe we're bringing to this milestone episode, celebrating the everyday heroes making a real difference. Becky has raised $12,000 for Project Eishet Chayal, an initiative she launched to support families of IDF soldiers. She’s distributed over 200 Wolt gift cards, lightening the load for mothers solo-parenting while their husbands defend Israel. We talk about her incredible impact, life in Be’er Sheva and her experience at Ben Gurion University during the war. And - of course - a big thank you for being here for lucky number 10! Your support means everything. If you’ve enjoyed the show, please smash the subscribe button and share this episode with your friends.

Meet Leron Bernstein, the Director of Innovation at Koren Publishers and the everyday neighbour from Israel we all wish we had. He has adopted the family of a fallen IDF soldier, performs with his band for Israel's soldiers and project managed the creation of a new book about heroism on October 7th. Leron's story is one of what it means to care about our fellow people and a true reminder that not all heroes wear capes. Every time I talk to him, I get goosebumps - and that happened a lot throughout this episode!

War is a matter of life and death. While Israelis are focused on survival, discussing business can seem secondary - but it is necessary. Michal Kaye, CEO of MK Creative Coaching, discusses the unique challenges faced by creative female business owners during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. We discuss economic instability, personal hardships, and the trauma of war as faced by women entrepreneurs. Michal also gets personal about mental health amidst the turmoil. And most importantly - she urges us all to buy Israeli products and services!

Most of us know to run in the opposite direction of danger. When it comes to Israel, that common sense doesn’t seem to apply. Despite Israel being at war, tourists and foreign volunteers keep coming. So, if you’re going to visit Israel now, what do you need to know? Rivkie Frankel, an expert tour guide, joins Beca in the studio to discuss tourism today. We talk about how tourism has changed since October 7, what to expect if you decide to visit Israel now and how to process a trip south. It's a frank conversation in which Rivi also shares local views on tourism to places hit hardest by the war. Spoiler alert: only listen if you want to level up your next trip to Israel!

Most of us want to get our news and trust that it’s reliable. Yet, when it comes to Israel, the media has become its own complex battleground. This week, Chaim Lax, Editor and Researcher at Honest Reporting, discusses the critical importance the news being honest in its coverage of Israel. We talk about media literacy and the rigorous work involved in keeping journalists truthful when reporting on Israel. Stay tuned until the end - Chaim gives one of the most surprising answers to what is giving him hope today!

A lot of attention has, rightly, been placed on Israel's heroes on the frontlines of the war. But what about those that Israel’s IDF soldiers leave behind - their wives and families? Sapir Bluzer, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Forum for IDF Reserve Wives, talks about the invisible struggles of Israel’s military wives, the Forum’s advocacy efforts and the challenges that lie ahead. This episode is dedicated to Naomi, Dahlia, and all the partners of Israel’s soldiers.

How do we celebrate during a war? DJ Miri Petel shares her insights from recent gatherings and how they can guide us through this upcoming Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day). Learn how Israel's DJs are helping society heal, and when it’s okay to pause the party. We also explore what happening today in Israel's music scene and talk about Eden Golan's Eurovision entry, a song that has united our people - a rare and inspiring feat. Tune in for more about music, resilience, and rebuilding trust during turbulent times.

Moshe Daniel, a dog-assisted therapist, discusses his work as a mental health professional during wartime in Israel. He shares insights from treating Israeli soldiers, displaced families, and youth with severe mental illnesses. We also explore trauma treatment and the evolving landscape of mental health services in Israel. Plus, Moshe offers practical tips on how your dog can support you during times of turmoil.

Rivkie Telsner, CEO of All Things Israel, is among the thousands of Israeli civilians volunteering as a means to contribute to the war effort. We hear firsthand about her own experiences on the ground, and Rivkie shares personal anecdotes assisting displaced families, IDF soldiers, farmers and others affected by the crisis. One more spoiler: she’s baked 3,000+ cookies for soldiers inspired by the famous story of Rachel from Ofakim.