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Ep. 344: The Israeli Bond with Ben Golan

In this inspiring episode of The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Ben Golan, a Shinshin (year-of-service emissary) from Haifa spending his gap year strengthening Jewish identity and Israel–diaspora connections on Long Island.

Ben shares the remarkable tapestry of his family history—from a great-grandfather who fled Germany after hearing one of Hitler’s early speeches, to a mother who immigrated alone from the Soviet Union at 17 in search of a future in Israel. Growing up in the mixed city of Haifa, Ben offers a refreshing firsthand look at true coexistence—Arab and Jewish neighbors living, studying, and sharing daily life side by side.

Listeners also get a fascinating glimpse into Ben’s unique teenage journey: his years in Chug Sayarut, a nature-oriented youth movement where he learned independence through wilderness treks; his acceptance into one of Israel’s few gifted-education tracks; and his early academic achievements, including research at the Technion, presenting at international conferences, and earning a first-year university scholarship.

Yet despite extraordinary academic opportunities, Ben chose something deeper—pausing it all to devote a year of service to the Jewish community and then begin his mandatory military service. His maturity, humility, and love for Israel shine through every moment of this conversation.

This episode is a rich and heartfelt look at Israeli life, identity, family, and purpose—told through the eyes of a young leader already shaping the future of the Jewish people.

A beautiful listen for anyone curious about Israeli society, youth culture, and the bonds that connect Israel and the diaspora.

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