Beyond the Uniform • קול האוניברסיטה

Beyond the Uniform

Hosted by: Rachel Safdie, Rachel Eskandry

Beyond the Uniform tells the stories of Israel’s unseen heroes—and those who rise to action when the world stops watching. From soldiers and reservists to volunteers, medics, and families of hostages, this podcast brings you into the lives of the people behind the headlines. You won’t hear about Israelis from the media—you’ll hear from Israelis themselves. Honest, emotional, and often unexpected, these conversations reveal the human strength, pain, and resilience that define life in a country under constant pressure.

Image Credits: Rachel Safdie

Rachel Safdie

Rachel Safdie is a Brazilian-Israeli activist and digital creator who uses her platform to combat antisemitism and advocate for Israel on the global stage. A former reporter and IDF Spokesperson, she is currently studying Government at Reichman University while leading a fast-growing online movement that reaches millions. Through bold storytelling and unapologetic advocacy, Rachel brings […]
Rachel Eskandry

Rachel Eskandry is an American-Israeli advocate, former IDF lone soldier, and Government student at Reichman University. After years of pro-Israel leadership in the U.S., she moved to Israel alone at 18 and served in a unit focused on bridging the IDF, Israeli civilians, and the Palestinian population. Today, she’s committed to fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism […]

From Abroad to the Frontlines – Levi’s Story

Beyond the Uniform

11/06/2025

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.

Image Credits: Rachel Safdie

Back in Uniform – How Refael Answered the Nation’s Call

Beyond the Uniform

04/06/2025

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.

Image Credits: Rachel Safdie

The Advocate – Meirav Safdie and the Global Battle for Israel’s Hostages

Beyond the Uniform

28/05/2025

Born and raised in Israel, Meirav Safdie served in the IDF before earning a degree in International Relations at the University of Geneva. After spending 20 years in Brazil, she returned to Israel in 2018, completed a master’s in government at Reichman University, and went on to manage the Derech Eretz political party. Since the war began, she has devoted herself to the Hostage Families Forum—supporting families, coordinating donations, and organizing international delegations.

Image Credits: Rachel Safdie

Equal Duty – “I Represent the Ones Still in Gaza” With Yonatan Shalev

Beyond the Uniform

21/05/2025

In this second episode of Beyond the Uniform, we sit down with Yonatan Shalev, an IDF reservist from a special unit who has become one of Israel’s most vocal and courageous activists.

After years of service on the front lines, Yonatan founded Katef el Katef, a grassroots movement of reservists advocating for equal military service across Israeli society. He recently made headlines for demanding for equal duty, passionately demanding justice on behalf of the soldiers still fighting in Gaza and honoring those who never made it home.

Image Credits: Rachel Safdie

Cameron – A Lone Soldier on October 7th

Beyond the Uniform

14/05/2025

In this first episode of Beyond the Uniform, we sit down with Cameron, an American who moved to Israel to serve as a lone soldier. He shares what led him to leave home, join a special unit in the IDF, and how everything changed on the morning of October 7th. Cameron was on guard duty at 6 a.m. when the attack began. He fought terrorists, lost friends, and lived through one of the darkest days in Israel’s history. This is his story—told not by the media, but by the person who lived it.

Image Credits: Rachel Safdie