Boots on the Ground

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Boots on the Ground

SC MEDIA PRODUCTION JERUSALEM LTD

39 episodes

1 week ago

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari welcomes Aron Schoenfeld — a passionate Zionist, dedicated volunteer, and IDF reservist who made Aliyah during the height of COVID with his wife and children. Aron shares the formative experiences and education that shaped his deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, and how that foundation ultimately inspired him to create “Smiles for the Kids.” What began as an effort to support the families of reservists quickly expanded: first to helpin...

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In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari welcomes Aron Schoenfeld — a passionate Zionist, dedicated volunteer, and IDF reservist who made Aliyah during the height of COVID with his wife and children. Aron shares the formative experiences and education that shaped his deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, and how that foundation ultimately inspired him to create “Smiles for the Kids.” What began as an effort to support the families of reservists quickly expanded: first to helpin...

Show more...

Episodes (20/39)

Boots on the Ground

Never Too Late to Serve: Aron Schoenfeld’s Courageous Journey ep 22

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari welcomes Aron Schoenfeld — a passionate Zionist, dedicated volunteer, and IDF reservist who made Aliyah during the height of COVID with his wife and children. Aron shares the formative experiences and education that shaped his deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, and how that foundation ultimately inspired him to create “Smiles for the Kids.” What began as an effort to support the families of reservists quickly expanded: first to helpin...

1 week ago

41 minutes

Boots on the Ground

The sheep dog from Idaho protecting the Jewish people, with Josh Boone - Ep 21

In this powerful and personal episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Josh Boone, the “sheep dog from Idaho” whose journey has taken him from being the only Jewish kid in his high school in Boise to serving as an IDF sniper and dedicating his life to defending the Jewish people. Josh shares how growing up as a minority in rural America forced him to fight for his identity, and how that upbringing shaped his resolve. The transition to Israel brought new challenges,...

3 weeks ago

41 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Judea and Samaria, Chareadi Draft and the postive side of war with Rabbi Ben Packer Ep 20

In this episode, Ari sits down with Rabbi Ben Packer for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about the critical role of the farms in Judea and Samaria in strengthening both security and prosperity throughout the region. Together, they explore how agricultural presence shapes strategic realities, the challenges faced on the ground, and the broader national implications. Ari also presses Rabbi Packer on one of the most contentious issues in Israeli society today — the Chareidi draft — pushin...

3 weeks ago

41 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Hasbarah Is Not the Answer: Changing the Conversation on Israel- ep 19

For decades, Israel’s supporters have invested enormous effort into hasbarah, the attempt to “explain” Israel to the world. Yet time and again, this strategy achieves the opposite of what it intends. In this episode, Shaun and Ari explore why the hasbarah approach fails, how it keeps Israel on the defensive, and why true strength begins with refusing to justify one’s existence. They examine the deeper issues behind Israel’s communication, how insecurity and guilt shape the way Israel present...

1 month ago

38 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Political Indecision and Failures of Leadership with Chaim Brenner ep 18

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Haim Brenner for a hard-hitting conversation on the failures of political leadership and the cost of indecision in Israel’s current security crisis. With the Rafiah tunnel standoff and ongoing Israel–U.S. coordination challenges as the backdrop, they unpack how hesitation and lack of clarity at the top can endanger national strategy, weaken deterrence, and erode public trust. Together, they explore what true leadership s...

1 month ago

21 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Law, Morality, and the IDF: A Conversation with Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch Ep 17

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch, former Military Advocate General of Judea and Samaria, for a discussion on the ongoing scandal surrounding Israel’s Military Advocate General. Together, they unpack what this controversy reveals about Israel’s military justice system, how it impacts public trust, and what true honesty and morality should look like within the ranks of the IDF. From the tension between legal oversight and oper...

1 month ago

59 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Ballots and Battles: Possibilities and Predictions for Israel’s Political Future. ep 16

In this special episode of Boots on the Ground, recorded from afar with Shaun still on reserve duty and Ari travelling in the U.S., we unpack the growing talk of new elections in Israel. What scenarios could actually trigger them? From the ongoing Haredi draft debate and Ben Gvir’s political threats, to the looming Knesset budget vote and the government’s paralysis on appointing an investigation committee into the failures of October 7th, we explore the pressures shaping Israel’s political fu...

1 month ago

43 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Free Speech, Service, and Israel’s Future with Brig. Gen. Dannny Van Buren (Res.) - ep 015

Host Ari Kalker sits down with Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Van Buren, founder of Nikra’im LaDegel (“Called to the Flag”), for a powerful and deeply inspiring conversation on free speech, democracy, and service — and what they mean for Israel’s future. Together, they explore how Israel can rebuild unity, restore integrity in leadership, and shape a shared vision rooted in purpose and responsibility. 👉 Subscribe to Boots on the Ground for real, unfiltered conversations on Israel’s war, pol...

2 months ago

41 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Home at Last: Celebration and Uncertainty - ep 014

Hope fills the air as hostages finally return home and families are reunited in scenes of profound relief and joy. Across Israel, there is a sense of celebration, songs, tears, and gratitude after months of anguish. Yet even as the ceasefire brings a brief calm, uncertainty looms. Is this a step toward lasting peace or just another pause before the next challenge? Shaun and Ari reflect on the powerful contrast between devastation and celebration. And on President Trump’s visit and speech in ...

2 months ago

35 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Israel on All Fronts: Borders, Diplomacy, and a Trump-Netanyahu Meeting - 012

In this episode, we break down the latest developments on Israel’s borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. We also dive into the recent meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump,what it means, the possible outcomes, and how it could reshape the regional dynamic. We’ll close by looking at world opinion and why, despite the challenges, there are real reasons for optimism about Israel’s future. Plus Ari will be traveling and speaking in the U.S. soon. If you’d like to hear him...

2 months ago

41 minutes

Boots on the Ground

From Service to Reservist: How Combat Duty Shapes Professional and Personal Life in Israel – ep 011

Ari sits down with Master Sergeant (Res.) Haim Brenner to explore the realities of life as a combat soldier in the IDF and how military service shapes the professional and personal paths of young Israelis. They dive into the ongoing challenges of continuing combat service as a reservist, discussing how commando training prepares soldiers for life after the army — and what we can expect from the next generation of warriors.

3 months ago

35 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Aryeh Adventures: Honoring Legacy Through Inclusion and Resilience - ep 010

Ari sits down with Yoni Glatt to share the moving story of Aryeh Adventures, a camp founded in memory of Yoni’s uncle, who was tragically murdered in the 9/11 attacks. The camp’s mission is to make inclusion a lived reality by bringing together children with learning and mental disabilities and their mainstream peers, creating bonds of friendship, understanding, and acceptance. More than just fun and recreation, Aryeh Adventures is a place where barriers are broken, differences are embraced, ...

3 months ago

30 minutes

Boots on the Ground

A Commander’s Vision for Israel’s Future: A Conversation with Colonel Hezi Nehama - ep 009

In this powerful episode, Ari sits down with Colonel Hezi Nehama, a legendary IDF commander whose service began in Sayeret Matkal, the army’s most elite unit. From his early days in Israel’s top special forces to commanding positions across the IDF, including the Alexandroni Brigade and extensive combat experience in Gaza, Hezi shares hard-earned lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of Israel’s soldiers. Speaking with the candor of a seasoned commander, he praises the bravery of t...

3 months ago

37 minutes

Boots on the Ground

From Victory to Stalemate: Israel’s Tactical Brilliance, Strategic Failure - ep008

Ari and Shaun pull no punches in dissecting the gap between Israel’s brave soldiers, who continue to dominate tactically on the battlefield in Gaza, and the failures of senior military brass and political leaders, who squander these victories and leave Israel strategically stuck. They tackle the absence of vision at the top, the cynical politicization of the hostage protests, and the dangerous cost of leadership paralysis. Yet, even amid frustration and anger, they end with a call to ho...

4 months ago

34 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Beyond the Beef: Feeding Body, Fueling Spirit - ep007

In this uplifting episode, Ari speaks with Etan and Malkie about a unique and powerful way of supporting Israeli soldiers in the field: Beef jerky!. Far beyond a simple food item, these packages offer true nourishment for both body and soul, protein for strength, and soul food that reminds soldiers they are cared for and never forgotten. Born out of the horrors of October 7, as a way to provide physical sustenance, has become a source of spiritual encouragement, transforming into a miss...

4 months ago

49 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Beyond the Uniform: Duty, Nation, Destiny, and the Journey Within - ep006

In this heartfelt episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari and Shaun reflect on their ongoing reserve duty, moving between borders and battlefronts. They speak openly about the physical and emotional toll, the moments of fear and pride, and the deep sense of responsibility that keeps them going again and again. From personal struggles to national purpose, they explore what it truly means to wear the uniform,not just on the outside, but deep within. This is a conversation about identity, resilience...

4 months ago

35 minutes

Boots on the Ground

War, Faith, and Aliyah: The Choice to Come Home - ep005

Ari sits down with Marc Rosenberg, Vice President of Diaspora Partnerships at Nefesh B’Nefesh, for a powerful conversation about Aliyah during one of the most challenging and rapidly changing periods in Israel’s history. They explore the motivations behind moving to Israel in a time of war; balancing Zionist ideals, personal safety, family decisions, and practical realities. From the dreams that inspire Aliyah to powerful personal stories and the tough questions that follow, this episode ex...

4 months ago

49 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Drafted or Doomed? The Ultra-Orthodox, Israeli Politics, and the Leadership We Need - ep004

Shaun and Ari dive into one of the most contentious debates in Israeli society: the ultra-Orthodox draft. But this isn’t just about military service—it's about the deeper fractures shaping the country. What role should the Haredi community play in a modern Jewish democracy? Can real integration be achieved, or are we stuck in a cycle of mutual resentment and political blackmail? More than that, we explore how this issue reveals a broader crisis: Israel’s leadership vacuum. For decades,...

5 months ago

40 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Coalition Cracks and Syrian Chaos: Israel’s Balancing Act - ep003

Shaun and Ari discuss the political tremors shaking Israel’s government as the ultra-Orthodox parties exit the coalition, leaving Netanyahu with a fragile grip on power, and what could come next? They also turn their attention to the escalating crisis in Syria. Who are the Druze, and why is their fate so deeply intertwined with Israel’s strategic and moral concerns? From historical context to present-day dilemmas, boots on the ground explore Israel’s role in maintaining stability amid the gr...

5 months ago

32 minutes

Boots on the Ground

Deals, Deadlocks, and Draft Cards - ep002

Following Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, Shaun and Ari go head-to-head over the limits of any possible hostage deal. What are the short-term gains—and what are the long-term pitfalls? They debate Israel’s red lines, the zero-sum nature of the conflict, and the political calculus driving decisions behind the scenes. From high-stakes negotiations to the Knesset power plays and the looming Ultra-Orthodox draft crisis—this episode exposes the complex and often cynical intersection of war, politi...

5 months ago

35 minutes