Sgt. Benjamin Anthony - Our Soldiers Speak

About Us

At Our Soldiers Speak we delve between the headlines and media coverage of the military operations of the IDF and, in so doing, work to separate fact from sensationalism, to distinguish between perception and reality, and to compare the media headlines to the truth.

Our objective is to educate our audience about what transpires on the front lines of battle as well as the context from which the media extracts military events and transforms them into “incidents.”

All seminars are undertaken in strict adherence to the following criterion:

Lectures are presented by speakers fluent in English. In this way, we hope to overcome the language barriers that have tended to make sensitive and complicated discussion ever more difficult to broach.

All lecturers are current reservists with firsthand combat experience in the Israel Defense Forces. Their experiences form the basis of all presentations. Lecturers speak from their personal insight into the dynamic on the ground, rather than from the point of view of a media analyst.

Lectures are convened with the aim of clear communication with all those who follow the Israel-Palestinian conflict, regardless of their personal views or where they stand on the issue. Any party with a genuine interest in this issue is cordially invited to attend.

All lectures are followed by comprehensive question-and-answer periods which last as long as questions are forthcoming. Any question asked in a respectful manner will receive a thorough response.

At Our Soldiers Speak we work to establish common ground between the soldiers of Israel and people the world over who are interested in knowing about the actual mindset and motivation of an Israeli soldier. We offer the listener a rare opportunity to hear an IDF soldier’s firsthand account of real events, presented in clear, fluent English.

If you would like to organize a seminar or lecture, please email us at inquiries@oursoldiersspeak.org. There is no venue to which we will not travel. No group is too large or too small.

We look forward to your contact and thank you for viewing our site.

Testimonials

University of Ottawa, Canada: "The room was filled to capacity and you could hear a pin drop as Sgt. Anthony described his service in the IDF..."
Benjamin Singer, Former Israel Advocacy Coordinator
Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada: "I cannot honestly say that I have ever been as impressed with a speaker before as I was with Sgt. Anthony..."
Fallon, University Student
York University, Canada: "It was a really educational, enlightening and important talk, giving Toronto students a better understanding of the real Israel."
Emily, University Student
University of Western Ontario, Canada: "... I want you to know that the night you spoke became a rallying point for our students..It truly rallied everyone together."
Avi Braemer, Program Director Israel on Campus
Hampshire College (MA): "Sgt. Anthony's composure, honesty, and knowledge of the conflict made him a fantastic speaker to bring to Hampshire..."
Samantha, University Student
University of Pennsylvania (PA): "Sergeant Benjamin Anthony captivated his audience, leaving the listeners with a final message and call to action."
Zack, University Student
Drexel University (PA): "[Sgt. Anthony's] motivating character was able to resonate with the students and move them to action in advocating for Israel."
Shoshana, University Student
George Washington University (DC): "[Sgt. Benjamin Anthony] was an incredible speaker. I was speechless after he finished."
Molly, University Student
George Mason University (VA): "After [Sgt. Anthony's] lecture, students became more involved on campus and realized the importance of standing for Israel..."
Michaela Cohen, Jewish Community Centre of Northern Virginia (VA)
Elon University (NC): "Sgt. Benjamin Anthony's speaking abilities are superb, and he makes a point to reach out every member in the audience."
Ron, University Student
University of Cincinnati (OH): "No one left the room with the same opinion on Israel as when they walked in."
Lauren, University Student
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (IL): "[Sgt. Anthony's] speech was inspiring, empowering, and motivating..."
Julie, University Student
Oklahoma University (OK): "I can say without hesitation, that Sgt. Anthony's visit to my campus was the most beneficial pro-Israel event at OU in semesters"
Erik, University Student
UCSB (CA): "Benjamin's speech was truly inspiring, not only to Israel activists but to students of many different backgrounds."
Abraham, University Student
University of Pittsburgh (PA): "I was moved by your speech. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all that you do."
Jennifer, University Student
Stanford University (CA): "Benjamin Anthony inspired me and my peers to understand how crucial the U.S.-Israel relationship is..."
Jeremy, University Student
UC Davis (CA): "Sgt. Anthony brings an impeccable speech which I believe must be heard by all, whether they are for or against Israel."
Gabriella, University Student
Westmount Shul and Learning Centre, (ON): "He was very well received by all our members and guests, regardless of their religious background or age."
Rabbi Michalowicz
North Suburban Synagogue Beth El (IL): "Every single person in the room was mesmerized and engaged in his discussion of how to combat the negative propaganda against Israel..."
Merle Tovian, Director of Continuing Education
Park Slope Synagogue, (NY): "...The audience's interest never lagged, and everyone learned a lot, even audience members with family in the Israeli military."
Steven Drachman
CHAT, Canada: "He paints an honest picture of the issues and is a voice we must listen to. He is impressive and inspirational."
Parent of student
Yitzhak Rabin High School, Ottawa, Canada: "... Sgt. Anthony's words of inspiration to both my synagogue membership and student body were riveting, moving and heartfelt."
Rabbi Howard Finkelstein, Principal
Kind David High School, Vancouver, Canada: Days after Sgt. Benjamin Anthony's talk the high school students were still discussing, debating and engaging in real conversation about our their responsibility educate themselves about Israel and its challenges.
Rabbi Stephen Berger, Northwest Director, NCSY
J.E.C High School, (NJ): "Not only did your speech impact me, but it also impacted the majority of the students."
Isaak Sverdlov, Student
Solomon Schechter Day School, (STL): "Our students were so engaged in this presentation that an hour was not long enough to learn from Benjamin Anthony."
Susan Low, Upper School Director
Dartmouth College (NH): "As Netanyahu commented, "We face three major strategic challenges: the Iranian nuclear program, rockets aimed at our civilians and Goldstone." Sgt Anthony addresses the last of these challenges."
Daniel, Medical School Student
: "Sgt. Benjamin Anthony's talk was a very moving and powerful experience that I believe all college students should have the opportunity to hear."
Adam, University Student
: "Sgt. Anthony's openness to all topics and sides of any argument made his presentation that much more honest... I was proud to hear him speak."
Gabriel, University Student
: "Sgt. Anthony, I really wanted to thank you....You opened the way for all sorts of thoughts and ideas that anyone could understand just as humans...I couldn't have been more impressed..."
Eliana, University Student
: "Sgt. Anthony's speech was inspirational. His emphasis on the IDF's respect for human life and the hardships faced by Israelis everyday really helped the audience better understand Israel's struggle with terrorism."
Coleman, University Student
Miami University of Ohio (OH): "One of the best events that Miami Students for Israel (MSI) has held that I have been a part of..."
Matthew, University Student
Student of Christian Faith
Smith College (MA): "I am still recieving messages and texts from atendees who feel differently today (with regards to their Judaism and Israel) than they did two days ago."
Daniele, University Student
Amherst College (MA): "...audience members asked questions for well over an hour; he answered them all thoughtfully, comprehensively, and graciously."
Samantha, University Student
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (IL): "I undoubtedly speak on behalf of everyone in attendance, both for and against Israel, when I say this event was nothing short of spectacular."
Orie, University Student
: "Meeting you and learning about your views and organization provided a different perspective on approaching the conflict. It inspired hope...."
Daniel, University Student
: "Really, thank you so much for coming to our campus and talking with us; it was an experience that I can guarantee many of us are never going to forget...."
Tali, University Student
: "I can honestly say that your speech and even more so your confidence and control of the room has impacted me more so than any other."
Emily, University Student
: "I have been through Jewish day schools my whole life and have never been to such an effective Israel�advocacy program."
Jeff, University Student
Yale College (CT): "Their first-hand accounts...gave us a much needed, honest account of the difficulties faced by the army...They are highly recommended"
Josh, Student, President, Yale Friends of Israel
Columbia University (NY): "He has an ability to very quickly address people's questions in a direct and interesting manner. Having him speak is an opportunity that should not be missed!"
Aviva, Student
University of Southern California (CA)
: "Benjamin...speaks from the bottom of his heart, painting a picture every human being can relate to regardless of race, religion or political affiliation."
Shanel, Student, President, SCSI
Emory University (GA): "...a factual, honest message that deserves the attention of anyone interested in hearing an accurate, first-hand account of frontline realities in the Middle East."
D.P.Daizon, Audience Member
Tufts University (MA): "When we put a human face on this conflict, we open the possibility for dialogue. While this might not solve the conflict, it changes the atmosphere of the debate on campus and allows us to do serious education rather than combat propaganda."
Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, Chaplain
UMASS, Amherst (MA): "This event countered negative media attention, while fostering an environment conducive to dialogue, where anyone would feel comfortable asking questions, regardless of political affiliations."
Andrew, Student
: "...it is imperative that we continue to invite speakers like Sgt. Anthony, who promulgate accurate information about Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict."
Aviva Slomich, National Student Coordinator
Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA) (MA)
: "Sgt. Benjamin Anthony presents a chilling and forceful portrayal of the psyche that the average 18 year old Israeli soldier endures in the IDF."
Frank Buchweitz, National Director, Community Services & Special Projects, Orthodox Union, NY (NY)
: "It is my strong recommendation that other organizations, synagogues and institutions invite Sgt. Anthony to speak and educate your community."
Rabbi Daniel Krauss, MJE, New York (NY)
: "...If you are concerned about the vilification of Israel in the media and on college campuses, I encourage you to invite Sergeant Anthony to your venue to tell his story."
Susan B. Tuchman, Director of the Center for Law and Justice, Zionist Organization of America (NY)
: "Your presentation was a valuable encounter and we are very grateful that you have devoted yourself to bringing truth to the public."
Howard E. Charish, Executive Vice President, UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey (NJ)
: "Sgt. Anthony, your presentation last night was excellent, insightful, and extremely informative."
Linda E. Gould, NJ Chapter of AJCongress, Program Vice-Pres. (NJ)
: "I implore you to fit Sgt. Anthony into a program at your synagogue, community centre, day school and wherever you can get a group together..."
Jonathan Rochlin, Brotherhood Co-President Temple Avodat Shalom and Co-Chair UJA NNJ C&P Division (NJ)
: "Benjamin Anthony transported the audience from their comfortable living room seats to the front lines in Israel's continued fight for survival."
Judy Diamondstein, Director of Development, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (PA)

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Legal Notices

'Our Soldiers Speak is an independent organization. The views contained within this site, by way of a lecture or in response to questions in no way reflect the views of the Israeli government or agency thereof, nor of the Israeli Defense Forces.'
Copyright © 2010 by Our Soldiers Speak, Inc. Copyright © 2010 by Benjamin Anthony