In commemoration of October 7, From The Inside Out Podcast with Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein recorded two timely and powerful podcasts.

In this episode, they interview Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chairman of World Mizrachi and president of the World Zionist Organization, about Jewish identity, Zionism, and faith after October 7.

Perez describes his South African upbringing, growing observance, deep Zionist family ties, and making Aliyah twice. He argues anti-Zionism that denies Jewish self-determination “between the river and the sea” is a modern metamorphosis of antisemitism, while noting some opposition stems from ignorance, and stresses Jews must develop courage.

He recounts how his sons Yonatan and Daniel fought at Nahal Oz; Yonatan was wounded and Daniel was killed on October 7 and taken hostage. He explains the family’s decision to proceed with Yonatan’s wedding while Daniel was missing, and his teachings on living with pain without escaping it, yearning as ongoing connection, authentic leadership, rejecting despair, and Daniel’s motto “Im lo ani, az mi?”

In this episode, they talk to Avi and Sam Rosenfeld, who lost their son Natan, a combat engineer soldier killed in Gaza on June 29, and reflects on the rupture of Simchat Torah 2023 and October 7 for the Jewish people. They share Natan’s personality, aliyah from London to Israel when he was seven, and how his friends and community honor him through gatherings, stickers, Torah scrolls, naming newborns, and projects like a pergola in Yerucham and a flower gemach. Avi describes Natan’s death in an RPG incident that he views as involving miracles, and both parents discuss grief, resilience, and their differing relationships with emunah and Hashem, including ongoing struggle, simple faith, and gratitude. They explain why they would make aliyah again, support their son Zevi’s upcoming combat enlistment, and emphasize choosing light, doing good, and living fully in Natan’s memory.