An Evening of Heroism, Survival, and Resilience at Weitzman National Museum

Heroism, Survival, and Resilience!
Location: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Join us for a night of stories that illuminate both the fragility and the strength of the human spirit. In this special program, we’ll hear testimonies from former hostage Almog Meir Jan and injured IDF soldier Ben Ladany- two young men whose lives were irrevocably shaped by the events of October 7 and the war that followed.

In this rare public appearance, they will share the challenges they faced, the decisions they made, the moments that defined them, and the lessons they’ve carried forward. This evening offers audiences a chance to hear first-hand accounts of survival, resilience, and meaning-making from two voices who have lived through the unimaginable.

Almog was kidnapped from the Nova music festival and held hostage in Gaza for 8 months before being rescued by the IDF. Ben, a lone soldier in the IDF’s Oketz K-9 Unit, was critically wounded in combat while attempting to save his partner, a military dog named Jack. Their stories unfold in very different settings, but both men will speak to what it means to endure trauma, rebuild identity, and return to the world with renewed purpose. In what will be an intimate, honest, and deeply human conversation, Almog and Ben will explore how they’ve made sense of fear, hope, responsibility, loss, and personal transformation- and what they hope others will carry with them after hearing their stories.

The evening invites all of us to reflect on the power of community, the weight of memory, and the possibilities that emerge when survival becomes a story of strength and renewal.

This event is in partnership with American Friends of Oketz 501.c3

American Friends of Oketz, the U.S. organization supporting the IDF’s elite K-9 Unit and its soldiers, veterans, and retired canine heroes. Their work includes psychological resilience programs, trauma support, veteran care, and medical support for retired military dogs.

If you would like to further support the unit and its veterans, you’ll have the option to add a voluntary donation to American Friends of Oketz during registration.
American Friends of Oketz, is a 501c 3 organization, dedicated to building a strong bridge of support and solidarity between the American community and Israel's esteemed Oketz K9 Unit and the Oketz Foundation.

Admission cost is $36 (no refunds) is going to support Almog Meir Jan and Ben Landany.
Any additional contribution is greatly appreciated and will support American Friends of Oketz.

Donate to Oketz in Honor of Ben.
Honor the bravery of Oketz soldiers and dogs.
Help us fund resilience, healing, and hope.

Learn More About Our Work:

Boaz Ozery, American Friends of Oketz
610-304-8032 | boaz@friendsofoktez.org
www.friendsofoketz.org
Thank you for standing with the Oketz soldiers, veterans, and their loyal canine partners.