As someone who grew up in Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), I’ve had the unique opportunity to see the intersection of human rights, advocacy, and leadership from both a military and a nonprofit perspective. The lessons I learned during my service as a Human-Rights Officer in the IDF have shaped the way I approach my work in the nonprofit sector, particularly in Jewish community organizations. These experiences not only taught me about the challenges of defending human rights in complex situations but also gave me a deep understanding of the importance of advocacy, leadership, and personal responsibility.

I’ve often found that people are surprised to hear about my role in the IDF. Many assume that military service is purely about defense and combat, but in reality, my time in the IDF was as much about protecting human rights and ensuring ethical behavior as it was about defense. Now, working in the nonprofit sector, I find myself reflecting on those experiences and how they’ve helped me navigate the challenges of leadership and advocacy in the Jewish community.

The Value of Responsibility

One of the most important lessons I learned in the IDF is the value of responsibility. As a Human-Rights Officer, I was tasked with ensuring that soldiers under my command adhered to ethical standards in their interactions with civilians, detainees, and others. It wasn’t just about following orders—it was about understanding that our actions had consequences and that we had a duty to uphold the highest standards of human rights.

This sense of responsibility translates directly to my work in the nonprofit world. Whether I’m working on programs that serve the Jewish community or advocating for greater support for Israel, I always keep in mind that my actions can have a lasting impact. Nonprofits, particularly those serving the Jewish community, often deal with sensitive and deeply personal issues, whether it’s providing services to vulnerable populations or advocating for Israel on the world stage. The sense of responsibility I developed in the IDF has helped me navigate these challenges with care and thoughtfulness.

In the military, it’s easy to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, and that same feeling extends to nonprofit work. Whether you’re serving a local community or advocating for broader causes, the work you do matters. It can change lives, shape opinions, and leave a lasting legacy. But with that power comes responsibility, and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day.

Navigating Complex Situations

Another critical lesson I took from my time in the IDF is how to navigate complex situations where there are no easy answers. In Israel, we often found ourselves in situations where human rights and security concerns clashed, and it was our job to find the balance between protecting people and maintaining order. These were not black-and-white situations; they required careful consideration of all sides and an understanding of the broader context.

This experience has been invaluable in my work with Jewish nonprofits, especially when it comes to advocacy. The issues we face in the nonprofit world are often complex, whether it’s advocating for Israel in a politically charged environment or addressing internal community challenges. There are rarely clear-cut solutions, and it’s essential to approach each situation with a nuanced perspective.

The ability to remain calm and focused in the face of difficult decisions is something I learned in the IDF, and it’s a skill I’ve relied on throughout my nonprofit career. When emotions run high, whether in the military or in the boardroom, it’s critical to keep a level head and focus on the bigger picture.

The Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy is at the heart of both my military and nonprofit experiences. In the IDF, my role as a Human-Rights Officer was essentially one of advocacy—advocating for the rights of those who might otherwise be overlooked or mistreated. I learned early on that advocacy is not just about raising your voice or making demands; it’s about understanding the needs of others and working within the system to create positive change.

In the nonprofit world, advocacy takes on many forms. For me, it’s often about advocating for the Jewish community and for Israel, whether it’s through education, fundraising, or community outreach. But the principles are the same. Advocacy is about understanding the needs of the people you serve and finding ways to support them, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.

One of the most powerful lessons I took from my time in the IDF is the importance of listening. True advocacy starts with understanding, and you can’t advocate effectively if you don’t take the time to listen to the people you’re trying to help. Whether I’m working with a small community group or speaking at a large event, I always try to lead with empathy and understanding, taking the time to really hear what people are saying.

Leadership Through Service

Leadership is another area where my military experience has had a profound impact on my nonprofit career. In the IDF, leadership is taught through service—you lead by example, not by command. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my career. Whether I’m leading a team at a Jewish community center or working on a larger advocacy project, I always try to lead by serving those around me.

In the nonprofit sector, leadership is about more than just managing people or projects. It’s about inspiring others to take action and empowering them to make a difference. In the IDF, I learned that leadership is about putting others first and working together toward a common goal. That same principle applies in nonprofit work. It’s not about personal recognition or success; it’s about creating something bigger than yourself and leaving a positive impact on the world.

A Shared Responsibility

Ultimately, my experiences in the IDF and in nonprofit leadership have taught me that we all share a responsibility to advocate for what’s right, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to lead with integrity and empathy. The lessons I learned in Israel have shaped who I am today, and they continue to guide me in my work in the Jewish community.

Whether in the military or the nonprofit sector, the core values remain the same: responsibility, advocacy, and leadership. These are the values that drive me, and I hope that by sharing these lessons, I can inspire others to take up the mantle of service and make a positive difference in the world.