The St. Louis Jewish community is invited to hear Arky Staiman, a Baltimore native and Israel Defense Forces reservist, share his story of resilience, survival and inspiration on Sept. 19 at Epstein Hebrew Academy. 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.

“Every mission presents its own challenges, but my team and I always remain focused on our goal — to ensure that no soldier is left behind and that we all return safely,” Arky shared in a previous interview.

Arky’s Journey: From the IDF to inspirational speaker

Outside of his IDF service, Staiman has become a motivational speaker, using his experiences in the military to inspire and uplift communities across the U.S. He’s known for his down-to-earth storytelling, which connects deeply with his audiences. During his recent U.S. tour, Arky delivered more than 40 sold-out presentations, where he shared the lessons learned on the battlefield—lessons that translate into everyday life.

“I talk to people who just want to say thank you. My story isn’t just about war, it’s about finding strength, resilience and hope even in the toughest of situations,” Staiman said.

How Arky Staiman inspires audiences 

Arky’s message goes beyond his military experiences, offering advice on mental resilience, physical well-being, family bonds and faith. He emphasizes the power of mental strength, sharing, “In a war zone, my unit used meditation to stay focused. If we can do it under fire, you can do it in daily life.”

Attendees at the St. Louis event can expect to hear more about these personal strategies and insights, leaving with actionable advice on how to navigate their own challenges. Staiman’s positive energy and relatable approach to difficult topics ensure that the audience walks away feeling inspired and ready to take on their own “missions” in life.

This community-wide event, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Epstein Hebrew Academy and the Saul Brodsky Educational Resource Fund, is free and open to the public. It is a chance for the St. Louis community to hear firsthand about the values that drive Staiman in his ongoing efforts for peace and security, both in Israel and abroad.

What: Arky Staiman: “My Mission: Lessons From Gaza”
When: Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Epstein Hebrew Academy (back entrance), 8645 Old Bonhomme Rd.

For more information, visit the Epstein Hebrew Academy’s website or contact the event organizers directly.

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