Wartime Diaries: Shai Davidai

A professor, an Israeli, a father… and a target.

In the immediate aftermath of October 7th, Shai Davidai – an Assistant Professor at Columbia University – became an unlikely public defender of Israel. And truthfully, even he was surprised by this turn of events: As a committed left-wing Israeli, he had spent years criticizing the government, and often took to the streets to demonstrate against its policies. But the atmosphere he witnessed on college campuses (and specifically on his own campus at Columbia), compelled him to speak up and speak out.

The end song is Yesh Lecha Chaver (“You’ve Got a Friend”) originally by Carol King, performed by Tzila Dagan. (Licensed by Israel Story through Acum)

Produced in partnership with The Times of Israel.

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