Avigdor Kahalani

Brig. Gen. (Res.)

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani is one of Israel's best-known and most decorated heroes, and one of the leading voices of the generation of fighters who shaped the country's security. In the Six-Day War he commanded a leading tank company in northern Sinai, was severely wounded and chose to return to the Armored Corps after a year of rehabilitation, earning the Medal of Distinguished Service. In the Yom Kippur War he commanded the 77th "Oz" Battalion of the 7th Brigade, which fought the Syrian army in the Valley of Tears in the northern Golan Heights, and for this he was awarded the Medal of Valor. He later commanded the 7th Brigade and the 36th Division and completed his service as Deputy Commander of the Ground Forces. In civilian life he served as a Member of Knesset and as Minister of Internal Security, headed the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers and founded the "In the Footsteps of Fighters on the Golan" project. Today he chairs the Tzevet veterans' organization and the 7th Brigade Association, and is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Distinction. Kahalani has written seven books, among them "Oz 77", which has been translated into six languages, and he brings to the stage one deep conviction, that Israel's secret weapon is the person behind the steel.

Topics

Decision Making
Heroism
Leadership, Service & Heritage
October 7
Personal Story

Languages

English
Hebrew

Lectures:

Heroism and Israel's Wars

An engaging, down-to-earth conversation with one of the State of Israel's great symbols of heroism. Through his own life experience, Avigdor Kahalani unfolds the story of the people of Israel from the War of Independence to the present day, taking the audience into the battles of the Six-Day War, the severe injury and the decision to stay in uniform and return to the fight. From there he leads into the Yom Kippur War and the battles on the Golan Heights, and explains how, precisely after the great victory, we lost the sensitivity we once had and nearly fell. Kahalani also examines the place of October 7 among Israel's wars, and returns again and again to the truth he learned on the battlefield, that the person behind the tank is the country's secret weapon. This is a lecture about perseverance, responsibility and love of the land, which leaves audiences captivated and full of pride.

Leadership, Service & Heritage
Personal Story
Heroism
October 7

Leadership on the Front Line

What makes people follow a commander into difficult, complex and dangerous missions? In a practical and inspiring lecture, Avigdor Kahalani breaks down the tools a leader needs to bring people along, drawing on decades of command in battle and in civilian life. He speaks about the ability to listen and understand, setting high standards, conduct in moments of trial and the power of personal example and professionalism, without which no one will follow. Kahalani teaches how to stand before people exposed, without a podium or aids, to see the people in front of you and understand what they fear, in order to lead them forward. A lecture especially suited to managers and executive teams, giving them practical tools straight from the field.