263. Surviving October 7. Dorin Cohen. Survivor of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. A Young Mother Courageously Tells Her Unimaginable and Harrowing Story. Remembering the Hostages Still Being Held by Hamas. “I’m going to tell you a story about heaven…”

Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence, combat, death, sexual assault, violence against children and more.  

Dorin Cohen grew up in Ashkelon, Israel and most recently lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza with her husband, Itamar, and her two young boys, Adam and Jonathan, where they survived nearly 30 hours in their bomb shelter on October 7. Dorin has a Bachelor's degree in Law from Ono Academic College and is currently pursuing an advanced studies degree in Child Development at Bar-Ilan University.

Earlier this month in New York at an event titled Understanding Israel, Dorin bravely shared her story. It’s a story of unthinkable cruelty, an unprecedented moment, and unparalleled heroism. You might think you know the story of October 7th, but you haven’t heard it through Dorin’s eyes. Hers is a story that is much bigger than the division that has unfolded around the world since Oct 7th and the combat that has followed. Dorin’s story is one of a young mother, a wife, a human being, and a hero–who showed a kind of courage that few will ever know. No matter where you stand on Israel/Gaza/Palestine, this is a story you need to hear. Because it’s about much more than Hamas and Israel, it’s about the most basic brutalities and beauties of humanity. And it’s a story everyone in the world must hear. 

It comes from the Understanding Israel event that was hosted by friend of the show and former guest, Eli Elefant (Episode 252 - Nov. 16, 2022). Dorin was introduced by her friend, Rachael Braverman. And her unforgettable talk followed the panel with Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz that was moderated by our Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) and broadcast exclusively by Righteous Media in our previous, important, special Episode 262 posted last week. 

After experiencing this unimaginable trauma, Dorin and her family are now working to build a new life–maybe in Israel–maybe in America. You can help them on this path by donating what you can to this GoFundMe page set up by their friends. 

Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant. 

-Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know. 

-Watch Dorin Cohen’s powerful remarks from the Understanding Israel event on YouTube.

-Donate to help Dorin and her family. And encourage others to do the same. 

-Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. 

-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. 

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season. 

-Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. 

Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.