Beyond the Uniform

In this episode, international lawyer and tunnel warfare expert Daphne Barak addresses common misconceptions surrounding the legality of the Israel–Hamas war. She explains the legal framework governing armed conflict, outlines how Hamas conducts tunnel warfare, and clarifies the operational and legal constraints under which Israel operates. The discussion provides an extremely interesting and informed analysis of how international humanitarian law applies to the conflict and what it truly allows in practice.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Levi, who was born and raised in the Netherlands, unaware of his Jewish roots until the age of 17. What began as a personal discovery quickly became a life-changing journey: he embraced his Jewish identity, made aliyah to Israel, and joined a combat unit in the IDF. Today, Levi continues to serve as a reservist on the frontlines in Gaza, while also actively advocating for the rights of lone soldiers and Israeli reservists in the Knesset.

Refael is a former career military officer who served as a lieutenant colonel in the IDF before leaving the reserves in 2017 to pursue a new path in coaching and business. But following the October 7th terror attack, he was once again called to serve—this time for over a year in reserves. A dedicated father and business owner, Refael was forced to abruptly put his life on hold, juggling the intense demands of military duty, family responsibilities, and the challenge of rebuilding his coaching business in the midst of a national crisis.