(6) From American Teen to IDF Commander - A Soldier's Journey Through October 7th

Defining Moments

At 14, Avi Samter sparked his family's aliyah with a simple question in his mother's car. By 23, he was commanding an elite IDF counter-terrorism unit during Israel's darkest hours. In this powerful conversation, Avi shares his journey from New York's Five Towns to the frontlines of Israel's war against Hamas, offering a deeply personal account of October 7th, his multiple missions in Gaza, and the profound loss of his close friend Yona Brief. Through his thoughtful reflections on service, sacrifice, and identity, Avi provides a unique window into the generation of young soldiers defending Israel, revealing both the heavy burden they carry and the unwavering spirit that drives them forward.