The Do Good Podcast

Sword of Iron Israel Volunteering
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NON-PROFIT

The Do Good Podcast is a powerful and heartfelt series that shines a spotlight on the incredible stories of volunteers who have traveled to Israel over the past 18 months to uplift and support its people during challenging times. Each week, listeners are invited on an inspiring journey through the eyes and voices of those who chose to bring light where there was darkness. Whether you’re seeking hope, strength, or a call to action, The Do Good Podcast reminds us that one act of kindness can spark a movement. Because when we do good, we inspire others to do good too.

  1. 1D AGO

    Sometimes life clears a path before we even know why

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood On October 6, 2023, Benay Weinribb was living in Austin, Texas, when she unexpectedly lost her job. At the time it felt unsettling. In hindsight, it felt like preparation. A few months later, while visiting her parents in New York for a family simcha, Benay made a decision that would redefine her year. With family connections in Israel and a heart pulling her forward, she booked a ticket with no structured plan, no formal agenda, and no clear roadmap. She simply knew she needed to be there. Landing at Ben Gurion Airport, she dove straight in. That very evening she joined her nephew to help tie tzitzit for soldiers. From there, her days unfolded organically. Using the Sword of Iron Facebook community, she planned her volunteering on the fly, travelling between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, joining farming initiatives with the Leket bus to support Israeli farmers, picking fruit, and working the land. Her journey extended to visiting wounded soldiers at Sheba Hospital and participating in a guided trip with the JNF, where she also volunteered at a soldiers’ BBQ. Everywhere she went, connections were formed. Restauranteurs, fellow volunteers, soldiers, families. Each introduction seemed to lead to another embrace, another opportunity to give, another reminder of shared purpose. Benay’s story is not about grand speeches or headlines. It is about showing up. It is about compassion translated into action. It is about stepping into uncertainty and finding meaning through service and connection. Perhaps the most touching story is the one she shares about meeting Shiri Bibas’ sister on their moshav. It is both heartbreaking and heart warming in equal measure This episode is a powerful reflection on love for Israel, on community built in difficult times, and on what happens when someone chooses to say yes without knowing exactly how the story will unfold. An inspiring conversation about courage, connection, and commitment. Enjoy the episode. Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    45 min

  2. FEB 18

    Stand up Speak Up - affecting positive change

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Rachel Feldman from Montpellier, Vermont, an American whose connection to Israel spans decades and whose life was irrevocably changed by October 7. Rachel had previously lived and worked in Israel as part of the Israel Teaching Fellows programme, supporting underperforming schools and building lasting relationships with her students. One of those pupils, Ronnie, later became a firefighter. On October 7, while attending the Nova music festival, Ronnie was murdered by Hamas after attempting to save his friends. When Rachel learned of his death, something shifted forever. Returning to Israel was no longer a question. It became a certainty. Rachel took a three month leave of absence from her senior governmental role in Vermont and traveled to Israel. She arrived as part of a delegation and spent her first days visiting the massacre sites, bearing witness to the devastation and loss. Upon returning to the United States, her advocacy for Israel led to her role being changed and her voice effectively muted. Once Chief of Staff to the Governor, she was instructed not to speak publicly about Israel. Within weeks, Rachel made the decision to return. This time she went back independently, determined to strengthen the land and people she loved. Basing herself in Jaffa, she continued to advocate for Israel openly through social media, while also giving television and radio interviews to US outlets directly from Israel. Alongside her advocacy, investigative journalism  she volunteered wherever she was needed, baking challahs, supporting soldiers through Sar-El, and offering practical help on the ground during a time of national trauma. This is a powerful conversation about grief, moral courage, and choosing action over silence. Listen to Rachel Feldman’s extraordinary story of volunteering and advocacy as she strives to do good while the world around her is in chaos. Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    40 min

  3. FEB 11

    Helping Hands on the farm - Shabbat Otef Farming in Israel

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood Helping Hands on the Farm — Shabbat Otef Farming in Israel Since the outbreak of war, communities across Israel have rallied to support each other in new and meaningful ways. One of these grassroots responses is ShabbatOtefFarming.com, an initiative that connects volunteers with local farmers in need of extra help. Elisheva Picker created the website which functions as a hub where volunteers from all backgrounds and ages sign up to work alongside farmers on agricultural tasks such as weeding, harvesting and general farm support.  What makes this initiative especially unique is its weekly rhythm around Shabbat. Volunteers often organize their efforts on Saturdays, bringing people together to lend a hand on farms in the Otef region and beyond, with transportation provided thanks to partnerships with organisations like Leket Israel.  Over time, the group has grown to include hundreds of members dedicated to building community resilience and sustaining Israel’s agricultural life even in challenging times. For many participants, it’s not just agricultural work,  it’s coming together, learning from one another, and supporting farmers whose labour feeds both land and spirit.  Enjoy this wonderful episode with Elisheva sharing her story and how we can help the farmers in the Otef on a shabbat.  Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    38 min

  4. FEB 5

    The Citizens Kitchen - Feeding Israel with love and food

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood In this episode, we speak with Aaliyah Fastman, co-founder of Tel Aviv–based cooking studio Citrus & Salt, about how a small, community-driven food business was suddenly transformed by the events of October 7.  Aaliyah shares the deeply personal story of how Citrus & Salt pivoted from hosting cooking classes and cultural food experiences to becoming Citizen’s Kitchen—a grassroots initiative dedicated to feeding soldiers, displaced families, and others impacted by the war.  What began as a few emergency meals quickly grew into a large-scale operation powered by volunteers, compassion, and the belief that food can be a form of care, resistance, and connection in times of crisis.  This conversation explores how community rises in moments of devastation—and how something as simple as a home-cooked meal can become a lifeline. Take a listen and subscribe so you dont miss an episode  Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    39 min

  5. JAN 29

    The Magic House - Lives of Others - a beautiful story about saving dogs

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood Today we’re spotlighting Lives of Others, a remarkable dog rescue charity in Ramat Gan, Israel run by Tali Abadi and a dedicated team committed to transforming the lives of abandoned and mistreated dogs. This isn’t a typical shelter — it’s a network of home-style sanctuaries where dogs are rehabilitated with patience, love, and community support. One of their main sanctuaries, known as The Magic House, shelters up to 60 dogs and serves as a community-center where local volunteers walk dogs, children learn about animal welfare, and trainers help prepare dogs for their forever homes. The charity intentionally avoids euthanasia and excessive confinement, focusing instead on dignity and care. In usual years, Lives of Others finds loving families for around 250 dogs. But more recently, they’ve faced a drop in both adoptions and donations, even as abandonment rates climb. These challenges highlight how critical community support is right now. The charity also has deep emotional ties to personal stories — like that of a young Israeli soldier whose love of dogs inspired the creation of The Magic House in his memory after he fell in battle on October 7. Whether through adoption, fostering, walking dogs, or simply sharing their story, there are many ways we can help Lives of Others continue their life-saving mission. Want to help? Walk a dog, foster, or consider adopting — and please spread the word! 💙 #Animals #AdoptDontShop #LivesOfOthers   Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    38 min

  6. JAN 21

    Beef Up Our Boys an amazing story of how beef jerky is helping our soldiers

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood In the aftermath of October 7, as Israel faced one of the most challenging moments in its history, Chaim Rutenberg helped create a powerful grassroots initiative: Beef Up Our Boys. What started as a simple idea getting high-protein food to soldiers on the front lines - quickly became a movement of care, resilience, and action. Beef Up Our Boys is an Israeli-led startup and volunteer effort dedicated to supplying IDF soldiers with nutritious, kosher, high-protein meat snacks like beef jerky and biltong. These aren’t just treats - they’re practical fuel for soldiers operating under intense physical and emotional strain, often in conditions where proper meals aren’t guaranteed. But this story is about more than food. It’s about how civilians turned compassion into logistics. How communities mobilised overnight. How a small idea scaled rapidly to meet a national need. And how something as simple as a packet of jerky became a symbol of solidarity, morale, and unwavering support for those protecting the country. In this episode, we explore: How Beef Up Our Boys began in the days after October 7The real needs of soldiers on the ground and how nutrition plays a role in resilienceThe power of grassroots action in times of crisisWhy this initiative represents the best of Israeli innovation: fast, human-centred, and impact-drivenThis is a story of ingenuity under pressure, of people refusing to stand still in the face of tragedy, and of how meaningful support doesn’t always come in grand gestures -  sometimes it comes in a small package that says: you are not alone. Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    40 min

  7. JAN 14

    Let's Keep DOING GOOD coz thats what we do

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood Season 2 kicks off with an absolute inspiration. In Episode 1, we’re joined by Yocheved Rutenberg, CEO and founder of the Sword of Iron group, who shares her powerful journey of commitment to the people and land of Israel. Yocheved gives us an inside look at what Sword of Iron is planning for 2026, how the community has grown to over 47,000 volunteers worldwide, and how the organisation is now running Birthright volunteer tours—creating even more opportunities for people of all ages to come to Israel and make a difference. She also opens up about her personal life, sharing exciting news about her engagement and upcoming marriage, and how that joy fuels her drive to keep working harder every day. There’s no better way to launch Season 2 than with this incredible woman who has inspired tens of thousands to support Israel through action and heart. Listen, download, and subscribe so you never miss an episode — and don’t forget to leave us a review to help spread the word. We’re so excited to welcome you into Season 2 with this unforgettable conversation. Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    37 min

  8. 09/19/2025

    Thats a wrap - the Season One finale

    Let us know what you think of each episode when you have had a listen #dogood As we close out Season One of The Do Good Podcast, Brad takes a moment to reflect with gratitude on all of the inspiring stories shared so far. In this special episode, he shares the studio with Tikva—a true hero dog who survived being shot on October 07 and was rescued from the streets of the Negev. While Tikva can’t tell her story herself, the lessons she brings us—resilience, hope, and healing—are powerful reminders to carry forward. Her story speaks volumes. She carries in her spirit a message of survival, healing, and the kind of hope we all need in difficult times. Her name, Tikva, means hope—and that is exactly what she offers us as we look ahead. As we wrap up this first chapter of our podcast this is a chance to thank you for being part of our community—we’ll see you in Season Two. So Happy New Year everyone and here’s to carrying Tikva’s hope into tomorrow—and to all that’s to come in Season Two. Don't forget to leave a review and tell us what you think :) #DOGOOD

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Do Good Podcast is a powerful and heartfelt series that shines a spotlight on the incredible stories of volunteers who have traveled to Israel over the past 18 months to uplift and support its people during challenging times. Each week, listeners are invited on an inspiring journey through the eyes and voices of those who chose to bring light where there was darkness. Whether you’re seeking hope, strength, or a call to action, The Do Good Podcast reminds us that one act of kindness can spark a movement. Because when we do good, we inspire others to do good too.

Information

  • Creator
    Sword of Iron Israel Volunteering
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Do Good Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Do Good Podcast