Nohad Mansour is a 22-year-old Druze-Israeli combat veteran from the village of Isfiya, situated on Mount Carmel in northern Israel. Growing up in the close-knit Druze community, Nohad was surrounded by a culture deeply rooted in tradition, loyalty, and service to the State of Israel. Since 1957, Druze men have served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and this history of military service has become a defining part of the community’s identity. Nohad, like many Druze, followed in the footsteps of those before him, driven by a commitment to defend his homeland.

After completing high school in Haifa, a culturally diverse city where he studied alongside Jewish and Arab peers, Nohad enlisted in the IDF and joined the prestigious 101st Paratrooper unit. For three years, he served with distinction, participating in critical operations and undergoing intense combat training. During his service, Nohad developed strong bonds with fellow soldiers from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcended religious and cultural differences. Despite facing challenges, including a hearing injury that could have exempted him from further duty, Nohad’s dedication never wavered.

Just two months after his mandatory service ended, the horrific October 7th Hamas attacks devastated Israel. Though Nohad was recovering from his injury, the call to action was too strong to ignore. Moved by a sense of duty and loyalty to his country and community, Nohad volunteered to rejoin his unit and head to Gaza to protect Israeli civilians. His return to combat exemplified his bravery and resilience, showcasing the depth of his commitment to safeguarding the lives of his fellow citizens.

Nohad’s time in Gaza was marked by harrowing experiences. He navigated collapsed buildings, traversed dangerous terrain, and faced life-threatening situations on a daily basis. These moments of intense combat offered a glimpse into the reality that many Israeli soldiers endure—constant danger, yet unwavering determination to complete the mission. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Nohad continued to fight, driven by the knowledge that his actions were protecting the people of Israel.

Now, in Canada, where he is visiting family, Nohad has taken on a new mission: to share his story and promote a message of coexistence. As a Druze-Israeli, Nohad offers a unique perspective on the relationships between different communities within Israel. The Druze community, though a minority, has long played an integral role in Israeli society. Through public speaking, Nohad educates audiences about the strong bond between Druze and Jewish people, emphasizing that this relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common goal of peace.

Nohad’s story is also one of loss. His close friend, Netta Epstein, a fellow IDF soldier, was killed in K’far Aza on October 7th, when he sacrificed his life to save his girlfriend by jumping on a grenade thrown by Hamas terrorists. Nohad’s connection to this tragedy is deeply personal, and it drives his passion for telling the world about the reality of life in Israel—both the hardships and the hope for a better future.

In his talks, Nohad provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the life of a soldier who fought in Gaza, sharing the emotional and psychological toll it takes, as well as the lessons learned from his experiences. Despite facing immense challenges, Nohad remains hopeful and believes in the power of shared humanity. He is committed to spreading his message of coexistence, showing that despite the conflicts and differences, communities can come together through understanding and collaboration.

Through his story, Nohad hopes to not only honor the sacrifices made by Israeli soldiers but also to foster greater awareness and empathy for the complexities of life in Israel. His journey from the small village of Isfiya to the frontlines of Gaza, and now to audiences in Canada, is one of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of peace.