In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, Michael Greenfield and Ushy Schwartz sit down with Chaim Meisels and Akiva Shapiro, two unexpected warriors who left their lives behind to fight for Israel. Their journeys from vastly different backgrounds—one from the Satmar Hasidic community, the other navigating dual citizenship—led them both to the Israeli Defense Forces, a decision that would change their lives forever.
Chaim grew up in Williamsburg, surrounded by a world that rejected Zionism, yet he felt an undeniable pull toward the Jewish homeland and the fight to protect it. What started as a fascination with the Holocaust turned into a burning mission to stand with Israel—even if it meant leaving behind everything he knew. Akiva, born in Israel but raised in America, found himself forced into a choice he never expected when the IDF came knocking. Instead of avoiding his duty, he ran straight toward it, ultimately serving in one of the most intense combat units.
They share raw, unfiltered stories of what it’s really like to transition from civilian life to the battlefield, the brutal realities of war, and the mental toll that lingers long after the fight is over. From navigating family backlash and community judgment to the trauma of combat and the struggle to reintegrate into society, this episode pulls back the curtain on the sacrifices few are willing to make.
Why did Chaim leave the ultra-Orthodox world for the army? How did Akiva accidentally get drafted—and what made him stay? And what happens to soldiers once the war is over—when the cameras turn off, but the battle in their minds never stops?
This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a wake-up call about sacrifice, identity, and what it truly means to fight for your people. Don’t miss this deep, emotional, and brutally honest discussion that will change the way you see Israel, its soldiers, and the price of freedom.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
01:39 Meet Chaim and Akiva: Background Stories
02:19 Akiva's Path to the Israeli Army
04:20 Chaim's Journey to the IDF
04:59 The Reality of Serving in the IDF
11:50 The Zionism Debate
21:32 Nevut: Supporting Lone Soldiers
24:54 Personal Reflections and Experiences
30:25 The Importance of Community and Support
43:07 Confronting Hate: Strategies and Responses
43:43 The Reality of War: Civilian Impact and Military Ethics
46:01 Hostage Negotiations and Moral Dilemmas
48:44 Personal Reflections and Political Aspirations
50:00 The Role of Media in Modern Conflicts
57:55 The Psychological Toll of War
01:21:15 The Importance of Unity and Support
01:21:55 Conclusion and Call to Action
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