Here I Am With Shai Davidai

In this “Here I Am: Summer of Hope” special episode, Shai interviews an impressive young activist with a moving story of heartbreak, hope, and transforming tragedy into leadership. Yonatan Shimriz’s brother was kidnapped on October 7 and later tragically killed in Gaza by soldiers who thought he was a Hamas terrorist. From that unimaginable loss, Yonatan created the Kumu movement: a vision for Jewish unity, resilience, and a new generation of leaders to meet Israel’s challenges head-on. Kumu is more than a movement. It’s a platform to encourage young leaders to step up and secure a better life for all Israelis. In this powerful conversation, Yonatan shares his journey of grief, courage, and determination — and why he believes every Jew must “get up” and take responsibility to be the leaders Israel needs right now.

In this “Here I Am: Summer of Hope” special episode, Shai interviews an impressive young activist with a moving story of heartbreak, hope, and transforming tragedy into leadership. Yonatan Shimriz’s brother was kidnapped on October 7 and later tragically killed in Gaza by soldiers who thought he was a Hamas terrorist. From that unimaginable loss, Yonatan created the Kumu movement: a vision for Jewish unity, resilience, and a new generation of leaders to meet Israel’s challenges head-on. Kumu is more than a movement. It’s a platform to encourage young leaders to step up and secure a better life for all Israelis. In this powerful conversation, Yonatan shares his journey of grief, courage, and determination — and why he believes every Jew must “get up” and take responsibility to be the leaders Israel needs right now.

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai COMING SOON BUY MERCH! NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Wendy Sachs Link to Documentary: https://www.october8film.com/ Instagram: @wendysachs / https://www.instagram.com/wendysachs Twitter/X: @wendysachs / https://x.com/wendysachs In this episode, Emmy Award-winning producer and director Wendy Sachs joins host Shai Davidai for an insightful conversation. Wendy shares her journey as a secular Jew with a strong Jewish identity, reflecting on her formative experiences at a Jewish day school in Miami and her transformative trip to Israel as a teenager. She discusses her early activism, her passion for journalism, and how her love for Israel shaped her career path. Wendy and Shai dive into the making of her documentary film "October 8th," exploring the personal and political impact of recent events in Israel and the U.S. Wendy recounts her experience on October 7th, the reactions within her professional and social circles, and the challenges of navigating identity, activism, and journalism in today’s climate. The episode offers a candid look at Jewish identity, the complexities of political alliances, and the power of storytelling. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAmPodcast #ShaiDavidai #WendySachs #October8thFilm #JewishIdentity #JewishFilmmaker #JewishDirector #JewishProducer #JewishMedia #JewishInfluence #JewishPerspective #JewishNarrative Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Simon Deng Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Deng Website: https://africanjewishalliance.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/africanjewishalliance/?hl=en In Part 2 of 2 of "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," host Shai continues his powerful conversation with Simon Deng, a former Sudanese slave and human rights activist. Simon shares his journey from Sudan to the United States, his advocacy through the Sudan Freedom Walk, and his efforts to raise awareness about genocide and human rights abuses. The episode explores Simon’s solidarity with victims worldwide, including his recent walk in Israel to support hostage families, and his reflections on hope, faith, and the universal fight against evil. Don’t miss this moving conclusion to Simon’s inspiring story. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SimonDeng #HumanRights #SudanFreedomWalk #Sudan #Darfur #GenocideAwareness #RefugeeStories #AntiSlavery #Activism #SocialJustice #HopeAndFaith #NeverAgain #JewishCommunity #Israel #HostageFamilies #Unity #AgainstInjustice #SurvivorStories #Podcast #Inspiration #Freedom #Advocacy #Humanitarian #Peace #Solidarity #Empathy #Resilience #GlobalAwareness Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Simon Deng Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Deng Website: https://africanjewishalliance.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/africanjewishalliance/?hl=en In this powerful episode (Part 1 of 2) of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Simon Deng, a former South Sudanese slave and renowned human rights activist. Simon shares his harrowing childhood experiences—growing up in a war-torn village, witnessing violence, and ultimately being kidnapped and forced into slavery at the age of nine. He recounts the trauma of being separated from his family, the brutal realities of life as a child slave, and the resilience that helped him survive. Simon also reflects on his journey to freedom and his mission to be a voice for the voiceless, using his story to advocate for human rights and justice. This deeply moving conversation sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by many and the enduring power of hope and activism. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SimonDeng #HumanRights #SouthSudan #Survivor #Slavery #ChildhoodStories #Inspiration #Freedom #Activism #HumanRightsActivist #SurvivorStory #AfricanHistory #Sudan #Resilience #Hope #Justice #Awareness #Podcast #Interview #TrueStory #Motivation #OvercomingAdversity #VoiceForTheVoiceless #RealLifeStories #modernslavery #slavery Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Dan Khan IG: https://www.instagram.com/its_dankhan/?hl=en In this episode of "Here I Am," Shai Davidai sits down with Danyal Khan—a Muslim-American U.S. Army veteran, founder of the American Peace Committee, and interfaith leader. Danyal shares his journey from a small village in Pakistan to the United States, reflecting on his experiences as an immigrant, his family’s challenges after 9/11, and his decision to join the U.S. military at a young age. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the impact of propaganda, and the importance of standing up against discrimination. Danyal discusses his motivations for supporting the Jewish community, raising his children with pride, and fostering interfaith dialogue. This candid discussion offers unique insights into resilience, allyship, and hope for a more inclusive future. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #DanyalKhan #Podcast #MuslimAmerican #USArmyVeteran #InterfaithDialogue #AmericanPeaceCommittee #ImmigrantStory #JewishCommunity #Allyship #AntiSemitism #Islamophobia #Identity #Propaganda #Peace #Inclusion #Diversity #Resilience #Family #Community #TexasToNYC #Post911 #MilitaryLife #SocialJustice #Tolerance #Empathy #Unity #HumanRights #PersonalJourney #pakistan Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Yardenne Greenspan IG: https://www.instagram.com/yardennegreenspan/?hl=en In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with his wife, Yardenne Greenspan, for an intimate and powerful conversation. Together, they reflect on their personal experiences as Israeli Jews, the impact of October 7th, and the challenges of maintaining identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Yardenne shares her journey of self-discovery, the complexities of being openly Israeli, and the difficult choices many Jews face in today’s world. The episode also touches on their family’s response to crisis, community activism, and the importance of authenticity and empathy. Join Shai and Yardenne for a moving discussion about identity, courage, and the meaning of belonging. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #YardenneGreenspan #Podcast #JewishIdentity #IsraeliJew #October7th #Resilience #JewishCommunity #PersonalStory #JewishLife #Israel #JewishPride #JewishVoices #Family #Authenticity #JewishExperience #JewishPodcast #JewishWomen #JewishHistory #JewishTrauma #JewishResilience #JewishDiaspora #JewishCulture #Empathy #Belonging #JewishActivism #HostageAwareness #JewishSolidarity #JewishCourage #JewishSupport Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW ORDER MERCH!! https://here-i-am.printify.me/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadyxrG4LjvtjdxST9OlPhLrlkc98L0bnOwVevbq-B4YRP33yIQgwimjqE5bYw_aem_HDn3ScZcGWRnbD_8A36Zlg NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Sheikh Musa Drammeh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheikhmusadrammeh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/halalfinder_com/ In Part 2 of a powerful conversation on "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," host Shai Davidai continues his discussion with Sheikh Musa Drammeh. Together, they explore complex topics including community safety, the impact of 9/11, racial profiling, and the challenges of bridging divides in New York City. Sheikh Drammeh shares his unique perspective as a Black Muslim imam, reflecting on his experiences with activism, interfaith work, and efforts to promote peace and understanding across diverse communities. This episode is the second of a two-part series—be sure to check out Part 1 if you missed last week’s episode! 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SheikhMusaDrammeh #MuslimsIsraelDialogue #ImamMusa #PeacefulCoexistence #InterfaithDialogue #Activism #SocialJustice #Equality #AntiMisogyny #WomenEmpowerment #Islam #Judaism #Israel #Palestine #MiddleEastPeace #ReligiousTolerance #HumanRights #CommunityLeadership #Podcast #Interview #FaithLeaders #Coexistence #DialogueForPeace #MuslimVoices #JewishVoices #PeaceInitiative #ReligiousActivism #Inspiration Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW ORDER MERCH!! https://here-i-am.printify.me/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadyxrG4LjvtjdxST9OlPhLrlkc98L0bnOwVevbq-B4YRP33yIQgwimjqE5bYw_aem_HDn3ScZcGWRnbD_8A36Zlg NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Sheikh Musa Drammeh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheikhmusadrammeh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/halalfinder_com/ In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Sheikh Musa Drammeh, President of Muslims Israel Dialogue and Imam of the Co-op City Mosque. Sheikh Musa shares his inspiring journey from his childhood in West Africa to becoming a leading voice for peaceful coexistence and activism. He discusses his lifelong fight against misogyny, his efforts to promote equality and justice within the Muslim world, and his unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sheikh Musa boldly advocates for the rights of both Jews and Palestinians to live in peace and security, challenging cultural and religious norms along the way. This thought-provoking conversation explores faith, activism, and the pursuit of harmony among all people. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SheikhMusaDrammeh #MuslimsIsraelDialogue #ImamMusa #PeacefulCoexistence #InterfaithDialogue #Activism #SocialJustice #Equality #AntiMisogyny #WomenEmpowerment #Islam #Judaism #Israel #Palestine #MiddleEastPeace #ReligiousTolerance #HumanRights #CommunityLeadership #Podcast #Interview #FaithLeaders #Coexistence #DialogueForPeace #MuslimVoices #JewishVoices #PeaceInitiative #ReligiousActivism #Inspiration Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai NEW ORDER MERCH!! https://here-i-am.printify.me/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadyxrG4LjvtjdxST9OlPhLrlkc98L0bnOwVevbq-B4YRP33yIQgwimjqE5bYw_aem_HDn3ScZcGWRnbD_8A36Zlg NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Jess Escalante IG: https://www.instagram.com/_jescalante_/?hl=en In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Jess Escalante, a proud, queer, progressive Jew and inspiring activist. Jess shares their unique journey from El Salvador to the United States, their experiences growing up in a multicultural environment, and the intersection of their Jewish identity and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The conversation explores Jess’s path to Judaism, the challenges and acceptance they found along the way, and their reflections on recent events in Israel. Together, Shai and Jess discuss the complexities of identity, community, and the importance of inclusivity within Judaism and beyond. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAm, #ShaiDavidai, #JessEscalante, #Podcast, #JewishIdentity, #QueerJew, #ProgressiveJew, #LGBTQ, #LGBTQJewish, #JewishCommunity, #Activism, #JewishActivist, #QueerActivist, #JewishPride, #Inclusion, #Diversity, #Intersectionality, #Israel, #JewishValues, #ConversionStory, #TransJewish, #JewishPodcast, #JewishVoices, #JewishLife, #Identity, #JewishProgressive, #JewishLGBTQ, #JewishStories, #JewishCulture, #JewishHeritage, #JewishExperience Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com