Bring Aron's Story to Your Community
Aron Schoenfeld brings a perspective few speakers can offer: the view of an American oleh who enlisted in the IDF at 44, served alongside Charedi fathers in the Shalav Bet program, and continues to support soldiers and their families through Smiles for the Kids. His talks combine first-hand military experience with the stories of the remarkable people he has met along the way.
Speaking Topics
Topic 1:
When Purpose Calls at 44
The story of leaving a marketing career to join the IDF, completing basic training alongside men half his age, and what it taught him about service, sacrifice, and showing up when it matters. Ideal for synagogues, federations, and community organizations exploring themes of contribution and aliyah.
Topic 2:
Bridging Communities
How the Shalav Bet program brought together Charedi fathers, secular Israelis, and American immigrants in a single unit. Stories from Har Herzl, from base life, and from the moments when barriers dissolved. For audiences interested in Israeli society and Jewish unity.
Topic 3:
The Hidden Crisis
What happens when soldiers come home. The employment challenges, family strain, and psychological whiplash of transitioning from reserve duty to civilian life. An important talk for communities looking to understand how to support returning reservists.
Topic 4:
Behind the Headlines
First-hand accounts from logistics bases near Gaza, the equipment gaps that cost lives, and the families who sacrifice alongside their soldiers. A ground-level view of Israel's ongoing security situation.
Past Audiences
- Synagogues and Jewish community centers
- Jewish day schools and youth groups
- Federations and philanthropic organizations
- Israel advocacy groups
- Corporate and professional groups
- Passover programs
Formats Available
- Keynote Address: 30-45 minutes with Q&A
- Shabbat Program: Friday night or Shabbat morning presentation
- Virtual Event: Live Zoom presentation for remote audiences
- Panel Participation: Join existing programs on Israel, military service, or philanthropy
- Fundraiser Speaker: Combine storytelling with direct giving opportunity
Watch Aron Discuss his Journey:
Blog
After the last round, three months of service, I was promoted to Rasap, the Logistics Officer for the security team in my battalion. The Rasap makes sure the people guarding everyone else have what they need. Gear. Supplies. Coordination.
I found out a month and a half ago, but the dates kept changing. The planning started right away anyway. I was called up effective May 24. We are scheduled to be in until October 12.
This blog is where I will document this round of Miluim. Not the classified parts. The rest of it. What the days look like. The men I serve with. What a logistics officer sees that most people never hear about.
Some of it will be hard. Some of it will be funny, because the army is funny whether it means to be or not. All of it will be real.
September 18, 2026 · Aron's StoryI'm Aron, founder of Smiles for the Kids and Smiles for Chayalim. Most of what I write here...August 16, 2026 · Equipment UpdatesPeople still ask me why the IDF runs short of equipment. I answered that in detail a few months...August 14, 2026 · Equipment Updates,Soldier ProfilesShe runs the logistics tent for her plugah and spends every hour of the day answering somebody...August 5, 2026This past Shabbos was day seventy of miluim. We are not halfway through this round. The news...July 16, 2026 · ReintegrationThe news out of Jerusalem is consistent. The war is winding down. Thirty percent of the...July 14, 2026Daniel wanted to be a soldier for as long as he can remember. He grew up in a charedi home. In...July 9, 2026 · Soldier ProfilesYesterday the order came down. Thirty percent of the reserves are going home. Not for a mission....July 5, 2026 · Equipment UpdatesOn Friday morning we woke to a phone call. There was a lockdown across the Gaza area,...July 5, 2026 · Aron's StoryYesterday I drove all over the Negev in a car with a ל on the back window. The learner's plate....Speaking fees support Smiles for Chayalim programs.
Donations can be made through Smiles for the Kids Inc.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER : 332583266