In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement, about the sacrifices the Jewish People must make to preserve the precious gift of the State of Israel.

In a single day, Rabbi Doron Perez found out that his son Yonatan had been shot and injured in the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks—and his other son, Daniel, was “missing in action” and presumably held hostage. Only 10 days later, the family went on to hold Yonatan’s wedding, with Daniel’s status still completely unknown.

In this episode we discuss:

• What is the experience of a parent with a child who is held hostage?
• How does family life go on when a child is missing?
• What is the role of joy in a time of tragedy?

Tune in to hear a conversation about the tears of suffering that fuel our future tears of simcha.

Interview begins at 5:40.

Rabbi Doron Perez is the executive chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement, a position he has held since he returned to Israel in 2014 from Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the author of the book Leading the Way, and a sought-after speaker and scholar-in-residence in communities in Israel and around the world. At World Mizrachi, Doron’s major focus is on organizational transformation and invigorating the global Religious Zionist movement with its dual focus on Jewish and Zionist identity and destiny.

References:

Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5:2

The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez

Pachad Yitzchak al Shavuot by Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner

Jeremiah 31