#141: A Wedding in the Shadow of War: Courage, Hope & Joy Amid Heartbreak with Rabbi Doron Perez

Send us Fan Mail Rabbi Doron Perez on Courage, Zionism, and Holding Grief and Joy After October 7 In this episode of From The Inside Out Podcast with Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein, we interview Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chairman of World Mizrachi and president of the World Zionist Organization, about Jewish identity, Zionism, and faith after October 7. Perez describes his South African upbringing, growing observance, deep Zionist family ties, and making Aliyah twice. He argues anti-Zionism that denies Jewish self-determination “between the river and the sea” is a modern metamorphosis of antisemitism, while noting some opposition stems from ignorance, and stresses Jews must develop courage. He recounts how his sons Yonatan and Daniel fought at Nahal Oz; Yonatan was wounded and Daniel was killed on October 7 and taken hostage. He explains the family’s decision to proceed with Yonatan’s wedding while Daniel was missing, and his teachings on living with pain without escaping it, yearning as ongoing connection, authentic leadership, rejecting despair, and Daniel’s motto “Im lo ani, az mi?” This episode is brought to you by: Colel Chabad Pushka App Colel Chabad is one of Israel’s oldest continuously operating charities, supporting families with food security, widows & orphans, and emergency relief.   Their Pushka (Charity Box) App makes it easy to turn inspiration into action with simple daily giving—small “micro-donations” that add up to real impact over time. To join thousands of daily givers, download the Pushka App on iOS or Android and start giving today: https://pushkapp.cc/Inside  Kosher Travelers: Pesach 2027 in Rhodes, Greece. Join Rivkah and Rabbi Laibl Wolf at the Elysium Resort for Pesach on the island of Rhodes. You’ll find stunning Mediterranean views, incredible food, inspiring speakers, Chol Hamoed tours of the Greek islands, and a family-friendly program. Mention “From The Inside Out” when you book! https://koshertravelers.com Email: [email protected] | Call/WhatsApp: +972-50-786-5200 Rachel’s Promise: An Evening of Music, Connection & Hope. This evening for women and girls is in honor of Rochel Imeinu’s Yahrzeit (11 Cheshvan). It features Rabbi Joey Haber, emcee Chani Gottlieb, Miriam Lakritz Susna, Koleinu, and Echoes. Wednesday, October 21st | Doors 7:00 PM, Program 7:30 PM Young Israel Beth El, 4802 15th Avenue, Borough Park, Brooklyn Tickets: $65 | VIP front rows $100 https://rachelsplaceproductions.org | 718-506-9900 Follow From The Inside Out: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheInsideOutPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QPbCxeQW89n5KPtODgQqb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromtheinsideout.podcast/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 04:44 Doron Perez journey 12:14 What Zionism means 27:24 Courage and Nahal Oz 33:20 Rhodes Pesach promo 36:30 Wedding amid crisis 42:06 Holding grief and joy 47:28 Carrying Grief Forward 50:08 Yearning After Hope Ends 54:35 Yearning as Presence 58:15 Rochel Promise Event 59:43 Im Lo Ani Az Mi 01:09:24 Leading Through Pain 01:14:16 No Despair Only Hope 01:22:59 Wisdom to Live By 01:28:57 Final Blessings COMMUNITY Join the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 101, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have: 💫 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fromtheinsideout.podcast/  💫 Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0W4PRglR5B4kC  💫 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheInsideOutPodcast?sub_confirmation=1