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 Education
to 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-stories
May 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.
For 500 days, Israel has been fighting a war on multiple fronts. In this special episode of Mission Brief, we spoke with soldiers from Lotar, the IDF’s elite counterterrorism unit, who have been on the front lines since October 7.
Lotar has played a crucial role in eliminating threats and protecting civilians.
Hear firsthand accounts of their most intense operations, the challenges they’ve faced and what it takes to be part of one of the IDF’s most elite units.
After 477 days in Hamas captivity,
Liri Albag (19), Daniella Gilboa (20), Karina Ariev (20), and Naama Levy (20) are finally back home in Israel.
All four were kidnapped from Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023.
This special episode of mission brief discusses their return, and explores the truth behind their release.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.
A special episode about our three returning hostages; Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher, who were released from Hamas captivity after 471 days. After weeks of uncertainty and fear, their return brought tears of relief and joy across Israel as they were reunited with their families.
Emily, Romi, and Doron were taken hostage on October 7, 2023. Since then, bringing home all of the hostages held by Hamas has been a main priority for the IDF.
Join us as we reflect on this pivotal moment, the power of hope, and what their return signifies for the ongoing conflict and future negotiations.
The Enemy Assets Seizing Unit has been tirelessly working around the clock, recovering fragments and enemy assets left behind on the battlefield.
In this episode of “Mission Brief”, discover how these pieces come together to reveal the full story of the battlefield.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.
A daily brief about the escalation along the northern border in the last 24 hours.
Listen in to get a snapshot of what life under non-stop rocket fire was like for hundreds of thousands of Israelis and dive into significant recent events fighting against Hezbollah's terrorism.
What’s Happening on Israel’s Northern Front? Tune in and dive into the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and learn what life under nonstop rocket attacks looks like.
Our guest for this week’s Mission Brief is an experienced operations officer who has been living and serving in reserve duty along the northern front for the past 10 months—LTC Razili.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.
In today’s episode, we dive into the courageous stories and challenges faced by women who are serving in combat positions on the field.
SGT Talia, a commander in a mixed combat unit, speaks about her experience as a leading female in the battlefield and the reality of life during war.
Tune in to hear her story and the remarkable contribution of women defending their country.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.
How does one emotionally handle losing their loved one in battle?
In this special Memorial Day edition, we sat down with two Casualties Officers, CPT Yaakov and MAJ Meytal, for an intimate conversation about grief. Their day-to-day includes accompanying and visiting those who have lost their loved one, and supporting their journey of healing with care.
This episode is dedicated to our sons, our brothers, our sisters, and our loved ones who have fallen in battle to protect Israel.
Tune in and take a step into Gaza’s underground and discover how combat engineering troops approach threats and any hostile surprises they might encounter—all through the eyes of CPT Simha, Operations Officer in the 98th Brigade.
CPT Simha discusses everything from demolition scenarios to unique explosives developed in light of emerging threats in the field.
Don't forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.
This week’s Mission Brief discusses close-quarters combat in Gaza and the tactical challenges our troops face in the field.
Our guest for this week’s Mission Brief is ready for any threat that might present itself. SSGT R. is a commander in the IDF Special Forces counterterrorism LOTAR unit.
How does one operate under heavy fire, make extreme life-threatening decisions and improve their tactics to stay one step ahead of the enemy? Answer these very questions by listening in.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes.