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Ethel Berdah’s apartment in Tel Aviv was destroyed by an Iranian missile less than two weeks ago. In this episode, Ethel joins Aviva Klompas to share what it’s like to lose everything in an instant and how she’s navigating life in the aftermath.

Originally from France, Ethel moved to Israel to build a life, never imagining she’d be caught in the crosshairs of a war between regional superpowers. Her story offers a rare, personal glimpse into the human cost of living under the threat of Iranian attack.

Guest Bio:

Ethel Berdah is 41, originally from France, and has been living in Tel Aviv since 2012, after spending a few years in New York. She arrived just weeks before Operation Pillar of Defense, when rockets began firing at the city for the first time in decades — and chose to stay. She works in high tech at Mavens, a Zynga/Take-Two company, and lives with her husband and their dogs. Over time, her family joined her, and together they’ve built a life rooted in Israel.

She has lived through many conflicts over the years, but October 7 marked a moment when her commitment to this country became unshakeable. Most recently, her apartment was destroyed by an Iranian missile during the latest escalation.