Max Long shares his journey from Boston to Israel, detailing his experiences as a lone soldier in the IDF and the challenges he faced both in the military and as a Jewish advocate on campus. He discusses the importance of community support for soldiers, the impact of advocacy, and the personal toll of being targeted for his beliefs. Max emphasizes the need for truth in the narrative surrounding Israel and the significance of grassroots organizations in supporting soldiers and their families. Guest Bio Max Long, born in Boston and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, grew up in a proud Zionist family inspired by his grandmother, May Long, founder of Christians and Jews United for Israel. In 2015, he made Aliyah to Israel, serving in the Israel Defense Forces as a lone soldier—those without immediate family in the country—and later founded Growing Wings, a nonprofit that unites grassroots organizations to support and empower lone soldiers. Now based in the U.S. and studying at DePaul University, Max continues to champion Israel advocacy, build community for those who serve, and foster nuanced conversations around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
00:00 Max's Journey to Israel
11:08 Life as a Lone Soldier
22:39 Advocacy and the Narrative
35:20 Taking a Stand on Campus
36:37 The Connection Between Dogs and Palestine
38:49 Engaging in Civil Discourse on Campus
41:48 The Aftermath of the Attack
45:43 The Importance of Truth and Community Support
55:58 Grassroots Efforts and Community Resilience
59:42 Supporting Soldiers and Their Families
01:01:52 The Broader Jewish Experience and Identity