Shalev Atoun, 27, married to Lihi and father of Refael and Ari. I was born and raised in Nitzanei Oz, where my love for this place and its people has always been with me. I served as a warrior and commander in the 890th Battalion of the Paratroopers, and today I work in design and construction.

“Otef Israel” project began as a family dream. Since childhood, I heard my father talk about establishing a project to raise a flag at the Nitzanei Oz Junction, as a symbol of national pride and connection. I decided to fulfill my father’s dream, which later became my own – to unite all parts of Israeli society around the flag, the symbol that unites us all.

The flag is much more than a symbol for me. It represents our shared values – the sacrifice, commitment, and Israeli identity shared by each of us, Jews, Arabs, Druze, Christians, and Muslims. “Otef Israel” was born from the desire to immortalize the flag in our daily lives, to create a sense of pride and belonging, and to unite people for the common purpose of doing good and preserving the state’s values.

Yan Stadden, 39, Moshav Dekel. Married to Caroline and father of Lee, Reef, and Tai. I’m the CEO of YSLA Landscape Architecture for the past 8 years. My office has been in the Eshkol Regional Council since its first day, with the intention of developing the area where I grew up and chose to live and raise my children.

“Otef Israel” for me is important project that symbolizes the strength of both Jewish and Israeli people. After the difficult year we’ve experienced, this project symbolizes for me the unity of our people and the duty to fight for our existence in the land of Israel. The flag has strong foundations in the ground, the pole is strong, standing firm and upright, and the flag flies high in the sky with pride. We, as people, also have strong roots. we need to continue standing tall and show the world the strength of the people living in Israel. The strength of people connected through different communities, cultures, traditions and religions. Only together will we prevail.

“Am Israel Chai”!

Shahar Levi, 45, Art Director, marketing and advertising expert, social activist and entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in design and marketing, I’ve gained practical and extensive knowledge that has made me a leading and respected figure in the industry with an extensive business and social network.

Currently, among other things, I serve as a professional manager and partner with Michael Lewis in social initiatives, including retreats in Israel and abroad dedicated to treating victims of the October 7th events, incorporating tools from mindfulness and personal empowerment.

“Otef Israel” project, is a tangible expression of the social vision I work toward. The project was born from a commitment to promote unity, solidarity, and welfare to create bridges between people and communities, and to remind us all of our collective power as a nation for a more united, better, and inclusive future for us all.

Michael Lewis, 37, actor, content creator, and social entrepreneur. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing on stages and bringing joy as an actor throughout Israel, and these days I also conduct mindfulness workshops and retreats focusing on courage and positive thinking, trying to inspire others along the way.

As a proud Israeli, I use this gift and see it as a mission to lead positive and empowering social change for our children’s future and for unity and creating a strong Israeli society.

I believe in focusing on connecting people and promoting values of unity and mutual responsibility. For me, “Otef Israel” project is much more than professional work – it’s the realization of a vision to strengthen the sense of belonging in the country and create a united, value-driven world full of opportunities for everyone, all under one flag.

Yoav Lazar, 30, Jerusalem. Married to Yarden and father of Tom. In my recent past, I served as a Company Commander in the Paratroopers Brigade, 890th Battalion. From the time I released from serving until today, I serve as a Vise Company Commander in the Paratroopers Reserve Brigade 55.

“Otef Israel” is a project that symbolizes the essence for which I served over 200 reserve duty days in the last year during the “Haravot Barzel” War. As a father to a child who born at the beginning of the war, the project represents for me, more than anything, the duty to fight for the realization of our values as Jews and Israelis in the land of Israel under one flag, and in the same breath, the endless yearning for unity and mutual respect.

All this, so we can ensure our children will grow up in a better place to live.