During his time as a CAMERA Fellow, Jonathan Razon, now a junior at Yeshiva University, hosted two major events with Izzy Ezagui and Kasim Hafeez, both of whom gave their unique perspectives on Israel.
Izzy Ezagui is an American-born IDF veteran who volunteered for the IDF at the age of 18 without knowing any Hebrew. He was then sent into Opetation Cast Lead where he lost his arm. After he lost his arm, Ezagui was determined to reenlist in a combat unit and with the help of Maj. Gen. Galant he was able to achieve his goal.
Now Ezagui remains a Special Forces reservist and receives invitations to speak at various events, including those on college campuses and many other venues. When Ezagui came to Yeshiva to speak he discussed his story, which the audience was inspired by and enjoyed.
Kasim Hafeez was raised in an observant Muslim community in the United Kingdom and grew up in a sea of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel propaganda. His father taught him that Hitler was a hero and that his only failure was not finishing the Holocaust and for much of his life he believe that Israel was the root of all the world’s evils.
Hafeez’s life changed when he read The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz and subsequently visited Israel. Now Hafeez is a self-proclaimed Muslim Zionist and works for Christians United for Israel (CUFI). When Hafeez spoke to the students at Yeshiva University over 100 students came to hear about his incredible personal journey.
These two speakers are equally passionate about Israel and their incredible journeys continue to inspire people across the country.
