It has been 38 days since the terrible attacks in Israel by Hamas occurred. 38 days of horror. 38 days of pain and suffering. On all sides. The attacks on October 7th will be with us forever. And as Israel comes to grasp what that means, we could all use some perspective. For most Americans this conflict is just another in a string of never ending wars. A blip on a phone screen. Just another Tweet. It’s easy to lose perspective.  But none of us can afford to lose perspective. Not when there are innocent children caught in the middle of all of it. And there’s no better way to get perspective than to talk to somebody that’s there. On the ground. In the thick of it. And so we are joined today by Eli Elefant. Eli Elefant, CEO of the Israeli firm Property & Building Corp.’s U.S. division. Born and raised in Israel, Elefant, served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1996 until 2002, most recently as a Special Forces officer. He fought in southern Lebanon in the late 1990s and during the second Palestinian intifada of 2000 and along the way, became an American citizen, philanthropist and advocate for veterans of all backgrounds. And while living in New York with his family, he has long served on the Board of Directors for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). He’s been in the fight and he knows the terrain. It’s a fascinating look inside and you can only get it here. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Eli’s conversion on YouTube. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  -Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices