Israel’s lone warriors: Foreign students answer the call to arms - opinion By Jonathan Davis

In the chaos following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, an unlikely cohort answered the call to arms: international students. These “lone soldiers” – volunteers who leave their home countries to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – exemplify the growing phenomenon of Diaspora Jews taking active roles in Israel’s security.

Three hundred former lone soldiers are enrolled at Reichman University’s Raphael Recanati International School. Strikingly, over 20% of these students, already IDF veterans, reported for reserve duty in the current conflict. Their choice is particularly poignant since, without family in Israel, they face unique hardships balancing military service with studies and part-time jobs.

Nichole Amar, a third-year American student, epitomizes this commitment. Called up before her final year began, she served over 100 days in a Home Front Command unit. “When I got the call, I didn’t think of my studies or well-being,” Amar reflects. “I felt at peace putting everything aside to join the family of reservists.”

Read the full article in the Jerusalem Post here.

THE WRITER (center) and Sylvia Kassoff (far right), head of student well-being on campus, meet with reservists after they were discharged.

(photo credit: JONATHAN DAVIS)

Legal aid in action-Reichman University's Response Center for Displaced Families

By ADV. RAVIT KAUL COHEN

In the face of the October 7th terror attack by Hamas, Reichman University swiftly embraced its commitment to freedom and social responsibility. Recognizing the urgent need for support, the Legal Aid Clinics on campus emerged as crucial first responders. From drafting informative memos on the rights of those impacted by the war to establishing a dedicated legal aid response center, the university demonstrated its unwavering dedication to assisting displaced families.

From left: Adv. Yael Vias Gvirsman (with pink shirt), Adv. Ilan Yonash, Head of the Shira Banki Anti-Hate Clinic, Dr. Neta Nadiv, Head of the Experiential Program, Adv. Sharon Sionov, Head of Legal Clinics, the German Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Stefan Seibert and his wife Mrs. Sophia Gundelach (credit: ALON GILBOA)

Led by the Dean and staff of the Harry Radzyner Law School, Prof. Lior Zemer (Dean), Dr. Neta Nadiv (Head of the Experiential Program), and Adv. Sharon Sionov (Head of Clinical Legal Education), the Response Center was formed to provide free legal assistance, particularly to individuals evacuated from their homes in the south and north.

The Response Center is still active and until today have handled over 600 inquiries spanning a broad spectrum of subjects, including labor rights, youth, housing, mental health, social insurance, welfare, grants, and inheritance arrangements. The multifaceted approach of the Response Center reflects its commitment to addressing the numerous challenges faced by those affected by the conflict.

From left, first row: MK Karine Elharrar, Yarden Levy, Omri Kaplinski, Jonathan Cohen, Hadar Sutker and Aya Kador. From left, second row: Dr. Neta Nadiv, Head of the Experiential Program, Tal Horev, MK Karine Elharrar's Parliamentary Assistant, Prof. Lior Zemer, Adv. Geller Efrat and Adv. Einat Ka

(photo credit: ALON GILBOA)

In times of crisis, Reichman University’s legal aid initiative stands as an inspiration of support, showcasing the power of community-driven action in alleviating the legal burdens borne by displaced families.

Read the full article here.

Comrades in Arms: Anna Sobol Levy Fellows Gain Insights from IDF Reservists

Recently, the ASL Fellows of the Raphael Recanati International School and Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy had the opportunity to meet with their peers serving in the IDF reserves, Jonathan Davis, Reichman University friend and philanthropist, Prof. Bernie Munk. Prof. Munk recounted his time abroad and his solemn experiences during 9/11, engaging in a historical discussion about the overseas involvement of the US. The group discussed the life impacts on young adults of being in the military as well as in a combat environment. Reservist Ari Lewin in particular talked about the need for calmness and how an intense focus on the situation at hand in a combat zone cannot be taught in a classroom and how that skill can be readily applied to future aspects of one's life.

As Jonathan Davis was giving his closing remarks about Israel's need for regional security, a rocket siren went off and the group safely exited to the bomb shelter as seen in the picture. Following the official meeting, the ASL fellows continued talking to the IDF reservists about their personal experiences in the war following the harrowing events of October 7th. This was an exemplary opportunity for the ASL fellows to interact with and learn more about their counterparts in the IDF as well as a chance to reflect on what it truly means to be a soldier in both the IDF and US military.

Pictured L-R: Anthony Marco (ASL), Menachem Reinitz (IDF), Sam Weiss (ASL), Ari Lewin (IDF), Prof. Bernie Munk, Jonathan Davis, Valerie Susskind , Austin Land (ASL), Benjamin Amram (IDF)