The Heschel High School heard from Heschel parent and IDF Maj. General Nadav Padan on Oct. 24. Over Zoom from Israel, Maj. General Padan discussed the intelligence failure which led to the events on Oct. 7 and the IDF’s plan to counterattack. He also shared insights into the diplomatic aspects of this conflict, giving students a more well-rounded understanding of the war. 

As both the Israeli and Palestinian death tolls have increased, discourse about the war has mostly consisted of questions relating to morality rather than the logic behind the IDF’s actions. The diplomatic perspective Maj. General Padan offered helped to inform Heschel students and faculty of the latter.

Junior Olivia Levine spoke about how Maj. General Padan’s point of view added to her understanding of the war. 

“I learned that there are a lot of complexities to the conflict, specifically relating to the IDF’s consideration for civilian casualties,” she said. 

Rabbi Ezra Frazier, who teaches a senior elective on Israel, spoke to Maj. General Padan’s unique and critical perspective. 

“It’s one thing to talk about reconciling military strategy with morality in the abstract,” he said. “The program with Padan gave a real diplomatic perspective about life or death decisions. And the fact he is a Heschel parent helped us all feel very connected to the mission.”