• 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.

  • Join us in uplifting Israel's soldiers and their families Support Our Heroes Smiles for Chayalim is a platform dedicated to supporting Israel’s soldiers and their families through compassion, connection, and global solidarity. Founded by someone who has experienced both civilian support work and active service, the site shares authentic stories from the field, highlights the realities behind the uniform, and showcases the powerful impact of care packages, donations, and community support. Through storytelling and action, Smiles for Chayalim bridges civilian and military communities and proves that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

    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

  • Join us in uplifting Israel's soldiers and their families Support Our Heroes Smiles for Chayalim is a platform dedicated to supporting Israel’s soldiers and their families through compassion, connection, and global solidarity. Founded by someone who has experienced both civilian support work and active service, the site shares authentic stories from the field, highlights the realities behind the uniform, and showcases the powerful impact of care packages, donations, and community support. Through storytelling and action, Smiles for Chayalim bridges civilian and military communities and proves that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

    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

    Two Weeks Before Passover, the Phone Rang
    March 16, 2026 · Aron's Story
    I started a new job last week. Monday morning. New desk, new team, new ID badge that still smells...
    My Kids Were in Costume. I Was Checking Ceramic Plates.
    March 5, 2026 · Soldier Profiles
    This was shared with us by someone we have supported who asked to remain anonymous for security...
    Abba, Is That You?
    March 1, 2026 · Family Support,Aron's Story
    We knocked on the door of a random apartment in Modiin. My son Elliot was with me. He was ten. We...
    Preparing for the Unknown
    February 26, 2026 · Aron's Story
    I got promoted recently. Rasap of my unit. Logistics Officer. The title sounds administrative...
    Waiting for the Next War
    February 24, 2026 · Aron's Story
    The news broke. US and Iran were escalating. Satellites picked up movement. Analysts were talking...
    A Lot of Good Men
    February 21, 2026 · Soldier Profiles
    The biggest thing I learned in three months of service is something most Israelis already know...
    From the Front Lines: A Soldier’s Perspective
    February 18, 2026 · Aron's Story
    Our base sat 50 meters from the Gaza border, right by the entrance to the Nitzarim Corridor....
    The Phone Call
    January 14, 2026 · Reintegration
    The transfer was scheduled for today. Josh Boone was hours away from getting the mental health...
    You Too Can Draft Via Shlav Bet
    December 26, 2025
    Shlav Bet started as an answer to a problem Israel didn't anticipate. When waves of Ukrainians...

  • Book Aron

    To invite Aron to speak at your event, contact:

  • Speaking fees support Smiles for Chayalim programs.

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