In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my Mum and sister to reflect on loss, resilience, and legacy ahead of Yom Hazikaron. Together, we honor the memory of Nathanel, a beloved son, brother, friend and soldier, who was tragically killed defending his army base and the nearby kibbutz of Zikkim on October 7, 2023. We discuss who he was as a person, his deep connection with Israel and how our family's connection with the country has developed over the past 18 months.

We talk about what Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut now mean to us, and how these national days have taken on even deeper, more personal meaning. But we also share some laughs and why celebrating family and national events, partying, and smiling is all part of carrying on Nathanel's legacy.

Thank you for listening, and for joining us in remembering Nathanel.

Donate to loan soldier center Bayit Shel Benji (write "in memory of Nathanel Young): https://benjihillman.org/donate/

Learn more about Nathanel and the projects in his memory: https://www.nathanel-young.com/

Make sticky spare ribs in memory of Nathanel: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DE0m487RKHF3iNOOP6mer7TA5O9gpWL7fOW5A0YFHf4/edit?usp=sharing

Born in China and later immigrating to the US, Shirley pursued a successful career in hi-tech before a life-changing trip to Israel in 2000 reshaped her path. Leaving her career behind, she volunteered with Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, developing deep connections with the Jewish community. In 2018, she and her husband Bill launched Ten Gentiles, equipping Christians to serve Israel through hands-on support, prayer, and giving.

In this episode, we explore the effect that trip to Israel 25 years ago had on Shirley, what draws her to devote her life to supporting Israel, and what she has learned about the Jewish people.

Learn more about the Ten Gentiles: https://www.tengentiles.org/.

Send any feedback or thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.

Meet Tasha Cohen. On October 7, 2023, Tasha’s coping mechanism immediately became helping others. What started with spending many hours a day driving soldiers and equipment to army bases in the north of Israel developed into a huge operation providing physiotherapy and support to soldiers. Chayal’s Angels has provided over 10,000 treatments in over 135 bases. In this episode, we look at how Tasha has turned her life challenges, battling chronic pain and mental health issues, to make a huge impact during the war.

Learn more about Chayal’s Angels, donate or volunteer here: https://www.chayalsangels.org/

Send any feedback or thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.

Gary Yantin lives in Modiin and made Aliyah in 2012 from London with his wife and four kids. Gary is a legal and professional services consultant working with Israeli and international companies on risk, compliance, technology and translation services. In his spare time, Gary and the Yechidat Hamangalistim drive across Israel providing barbeques for soldiers on the front lines.

In this episode, I ask Gary about the challenges of providing our brave soldiers with these awesome events and why there is such a need for it.

Follow Hamangalistim on Instagram: Hamangalistim

Send any feedback or thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.

Meet Avi Staiman, CEO of the author services company Academic Language Experts. From the moment the war broke out, Avi has constantly been finding ways he can use his skills to help the war effort. At first, Avi teamed up with his good friend, also called Avi, to rehouse families from the South. He then devoted his time to supporting soldiers who were also business owners to keep their businesses going while they were defending us. To top it off, Avi jumped through hoops to serve in the army, despite having an exemption.

To support reserve soldier and winemaker Moshe Ohana, find him on Instagram: moshe.ohana_

Send your thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.

This podcast was created in memory of the late Sergeant Nathanel Young.

When the war broke out, Ahuva, CEO and Founder of Shabbat catering company, The Katamon Kitchen, sought a way to help. Knowing that cooking was her skill, she acted to ensure that as many soldiers as possible could replace their army rations with delicious home-cooked meals. Ahuva often cooks Shabbat meals for hundreds of soldiers in one week.

To write a letter to a soldier or donate to the cause, email: thekatamonkitchen@gmail.com.

Follow Ahuva on Instagram: @thekatamonkitchen.

Send your thoughts to: israelsheroes@gmail.com.

This podcast was created in memory of the late Sergeant Nathanel Young.

In Hero Israel, I speak to a range of everyday heroes, from those who carve out several hours of their already-busy week to give to others, to those who have pivoted their entire day-to-day life to contribute. From cooking for soldiers to rehousing displaced families, Israel is truly indebted to these people. They tend to fly under the radar, but I have spent the last few months finding them and giving them a chance to tell their stories and share what drives them to do what they do.

The podcast has been produced in memory of my brother, the late Sergeant Nathanel Young, who was tragically killed on October 7, 2023, while defending his base and the nearby Kibbutz of Zikim.