Ronen Koehler - From Command to Community: Leading in Times of Crisis

Episode 73 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Ronen Koehler, a former submarine commander and a leader of Brothers and Sisters in Arms. We recorded this conversation during Israel’s war with Iran, with Ronen joining us from inside a public shelter in Tel Aviv. He reflects on the urgent, grassroots work of transforming neglected public shelters into safe and humane spaces, the evolution of Brothers and Sisters in Arms since October 7th, and the leadership lessons he carries from military service to civil society. It’s a conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the power of citizens to step up when systems falter. Take a listen.