Arky Staiman, a Baltimore native and Israel Defense Forces reservist, shared his story of resilience, survival and inspiration at Yeshivat Noam with students in grades five through eight. Staiman, who made aliyah and served in the elite IDF unit Yasar, a specialized search and rescue team operating behind enemy lines, has spent years navigating dangerous missions in Gaza, facing terrorists and booby-trapped buildings. His experiences were put to the test on Oct. 7, when his unit was called into action amidst the ongoing conflict.Outside of his IDF service, Staiman has become a motivational speaker, using his experiences in the military to inspire and uplift audiences. Arky’s message went beyond his military experiences, offering advice on mental resilience, physical well-being, family bonds and faith. Yeshivat Noam students were focused, listening and even laughing while hearing about Arky’s experiences inside and outside of the Israel Defense Force.