Bonus Episode: The People's Army - with Dr. Tuvia Book

Oct 21, 2024

Dr. Tuvia Book, an author and educator specializing in Jewish studies and the Israeli military, shares poignant stories about Israel's unsung heroes—the regular soldiers and reservists. He discusses the emotional journey of a lone soldier and the deep sense of duty driving these volunteers. The conversation highlights the innovative combat medical units within the IDF, showcasing their rapid response capabilities. Book also reflects on the solidarity within Israeli society that emerges during times of crisis, emphasizing resilience and unity.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Unsung Heroes of the People's Army

02:16 • 3min

From Division to Unity: Israel's Response to War

04:47 • 3min

Journey of a Lone Soldier

07:41 • 17min

Combat Medicine: Innovation and Resilience in the IDF

25:10 • 15min

Unity Amidst Divisions

40:24 • 7min

LIVE EVENT ALERT – PITTSBURGH: On Monday October 28th at 6:00 PM, Dan will be speaking at a live event in conversation with Dave McCormick, combat veteran, former CEO of Bridgewater Associates, and candidate for U.S. Senate. A West Point graduate, Dave was deployed to the Middle East during the first Gulf War with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later served as the Under Secretary of Treasury and Deputy National Security Advisor. Dave has distinguished himself as an outspoken ally of the Jewish community and of the U.S.-Israel relationship. In Pittsburg, Dan and Dave will have a conversation before a live audience and take questions. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-senor-and-dave-mccormick-live-in-pittsburgh-tickets-1042361389977?aff=oddtdtcreator

TODAY’S EPISODE: As Israelis continue to welcome the news of the elimination of Yahya Sinwar by IDF soldiers – and the implications – we are reminded that we have been spending a lot of time on this podcast over the past several months hearing about the impressive feats of Israel’s elite commandos, special forces and intelligence units.

But the soldiers who successfully took down Sinwar, were none of those…they were, simply, regular armored forces. Boots on the ground and tanks, with no early intelligence.

Behind the events that shape some of the most dazzling headlines these past couple months, are the soldiers and reservists you rarely hear about. They are, in short, the people who make up…the People’s Army. We want to put a spotlight on these regular soldiers and reservists who - day in, day out - do extraordinary things.

Tonight we are releasing a conversation we taped in July with Dr. Tuvia Book. Tuvia was born in London, and raised in both the UK and South Africa. After making Aliyah at the age of 17, and studying in Yeshiva, he volunteered for the IDF where he served in a combat unit.

Tuvia has been working in the field of Jewish Education, both formal and informal, for many years.

He is the author (and illustrator) of the internationally acclaimed Israel education curriculum; For the Sake of Zion; A Curriculum of Israel Studies (https://tinyurl.com/3anhrhw9) and Moral Dilemmas of the Modern Israeli Soldier (Rama, 2011) and Jewish Journeys (https://tinyurl.com/bmkj4wa2)