Duty Calls: From Campus to Combat

In this powerful episode, we speak with Tzvi and Tali Wohlgelernter, who share their experiences during the October 7th and its aftermath. Tzvi served in the IDF reserves for six months while Tali maintained their JLIC community and family life. Their story provides insights into maintaining Jewish unity, family resilience, and community leadership during crisis.

Guest Background

- Tzvi and Tali previously served as JLIC directors at Rutgers University for three years
- Currently serve as JLIC Mizrahi directors in Israel
- Parents to four daughters
- Tzvi was called up for reserve duty on October 7th, 2023

Key Moments

October 7th Experience

• Started as a normal Simchat Torah morning
• Multiple sirens disrupted services
• Tzvi was activated as part of the first responders unit
• Community quickly mobilized to secure the city

Military Service

Tzvi served in multiple roles:
  1. Religious support for an artillery unit
  2. Writing Torah-based inspiration for commanders
  3. Yasar unit (classified combat unit handling sensitive missions)

Community Impact

• Tali managed both family and community responsibilities
• Community members stepped up to help maintain programs
• Expanded into new chesed opportunities related to the war
• Developed stronger bonds between religious and non-religious community members

Notable Quotes

"We don't just have to love each other because there's a mitzvah. We actually have to really respect different people and respect that they have a value that they're working on." - Tzvi

"These tears that we're shedding as individuals and more importantly, as a nation... ultimately will blossom into something beautiful." - Tali 

Additional Notes
- Discussion highlighted need for mental health support for military families
- Emphasized importance of maintaining unity gains post-crisis
- Demonstrated role of Torah leadership during national emergency