Hero Israel
Hero Israel
Podcast Description
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’ horrific attacks on Israel, I have heard countless stories of unassuming individuals who have played a huge role in keeping our country going without even realising it. I call them "everyday heroes".
In Hero Israel, I speak to a range of 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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes of community support, resilience, and the unsung contributions of everyday heroes. Episodes highlight topics such as volunteerism, caregiving, and local initiatives, featuring specific examples like individuals cooking meals for soldiers and providing shelter for displaced families, showcasing the profound impact of grassroots efforts in Israel.

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’ horrific attacks on Israel, I have heard countless stories of unassuming individuals who have played a huge role in keeping our country going without even realising it. I call them “everyday heroes”.
In Hero Israel, I speak to a range of 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.
In this episode, I speak with THE Shabbos Kestenbaum, an American-Jewish graduate of Harvard Divinity School who has become a leading voice confronting antisemitism on university campuses since October 7.
Shabbos rose to national prominence as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging the school failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students following the Hamas attacks. Since then, he has testified before the US Congress and the Israeli Knesset, appeared across major media outlets, and debated some of the most vocal critics of Israel and the Jewish community.
In this conversation, we discuss the shock of encountering open antisemitism on campus and what Jewish students are really facing today. He shares why he chose to hold institutions accountable, even at personal cost.
He also talks about stepping into the public spotlight, debating on platforms like Piers Morgan Uncensored, and what gives him hope for the future of Jewish life in the Diaspora.
And we find out who Shabbos really wants to debate!!!
You can follow Shabbos’ own podcast here: https://pod.link/1847763622
Follow Hero Israel on Instagram: @hero_israel48

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.