566: Heroes of October – The Kalmanson Force

Our story today is a tale of bravery, self-sacrifice, courage, despair, and hope that occurred on October 7th 2023. Two brothers and a nephew decide to save people in Kibbutz Beeri, while terrorists are still roaming and hiding in the Kibbutz. It is a unique and moving story told by two eyewitnesses. We continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages and soldiers, and mourn with the families who have lost their loved ones. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me." Psalm 23:4            Thanks to everyone who took part in this episode: Dov Green (the voice of Dany Fuchs) Fania Tagar (Narrator) Yuval Malchi (the voice of Menahem Kalmanson) Ori Ben Dor - Sound Design Ofir Swaid - Guitar Adi Harari - Producer Michal Katz - Transcriber Maya Thomas - Translation A special thanks to Menahem Kalmanson, Danny Fooks, Josh Zylbershlag, Daniella and Yosef Ben Nun, Shira Zaguri, and the Shira Banki Way.   Behind the Scenes A few weeks ago, Yosef and Daniella Ben-Nun contacted us and said they were extremely moved by the Kalmanson episode we produced in Hebrew together with the Shira Banki Way. They enlisted the Jewish Syrian community of NY and NJ, and we got to work. Please share this episode so others will learn what happened in Israel on October 7th. The Way (sbw.org.il) was established to engage in educational activities and promote positive values and tolerance in the public sphere. The organization was founded in memory of Shira Banki, who was tragically murdered at the Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem before she turned 16. Shira embodied values and ideals, striving to make the world a better place. In early 2024, we produced three episodes in Hebrew that share the remarkable stories of heroes who acted on October 7th. Among them are a 50-year-old kindergarten teacher, a Muslim Bedouin minibus driver, and the Kalmanson brothers, who drove from their home to southern Israel to offer assistance. This episode tells the story of the Kalmanson brothers, their nephew, and the residents of Kibbutz Berri. Through their experiences, listeners can gain insight into the events of October 7th and 8th in one specific location in Israel. This episode weaves together themes of courage, despair, and hope. We aspire for the message of unity echoed throughout this story to resonate in Israel and beyond.     Menahem Kalmanson   Danny Fooks   Danny Fuchs, Yuval Malchi and Ori Ben Dor in Kibbutz Beeri