OCTOBER 1ST @ 7PM EST

(VIRTUAL EVENT HOSTED ON ZOOM)

Why Attend?

By attending this event, you will gain insights from two individuals who have been on the front lines and witnessed the reality of the current crisis firsthand—what is often referred to as "Ground Truth." In a world where information is often diluted or misrepresented, understanding Ground Truth is crucial. It bridges the gap between assumptions and the actual events unfolding on the ground, offering a deeper comprehension of complex issues.

This event provides unfiltered, authentic perspectives that only people directly involved can offer, making it an invaluable experience for those seeking to understand the full scope of this current global crisis.

Additionally, by attending, you'll have the unique opportunity to ask your own questions, ensuring that you gain personalized insights and clarity on the issues that matter most to you.

Moreover, your participation will directly support Beyond the Teams (BTT) and its mission to empower and uplift our military veterans through underfunded programs focused on rehabilitation, recovery, and global humanitarian efforts.

How to Participate:

A donation to Beyond the Teams is required for access. We have established suggested donation tiers to encourage greater contributions and to offer potential VIP experiences for higher supporters.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a compelling and impactful evening.

Access to the Event:

You will receive an email or text with a unique Zoom link a day before the event.

Event Summary:

The Power and Impact of Service Across Borders. At Beyond the Teams, we believe that we're at our best when we're serving others. Whether it’s service to your country as a soldier in Israel or the USA, or at every age and stage of life—as a parent, a citizen, or a volunteer—service breaks down barriers, crosses borders and connects us as human beings.

Through this virtual event, we will bring you stories from two individuals whose paths of service have united them, and all of us. This is the mission of Beyond the Teams: to inspire service. Nurit Leon, honoring her son’s memory, and Commander Conrad Kress, through his experiences with Sar-El, share a common goal—to make the world a better place by sharing stories that aim to connect us through compassion.

Commander Kress, a retired US Navy SEAL, has volunteered in Israel with Sar-El, a program that unites volunteers from all over the world to support the Israeli Defense Forces. Nurit, mother of a fallen IDF hero, dedicates herself to honoring her son’s legacy. Staff Sgt. Adi Leon, was a soldier in the Sabra Battalion, Givati Brigade, who fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip, at only 20 years of age. Their stories show how service transcends borders, bringing people together in a common cause.

On the ground in Israel, the next generation of Israeli youth are demonstrating the importance of character gained through service to country, while discovering a profound sense of purpose and deep camaraderie in their experiences. Further afield, volunteers from all over the world, including 80% from the USA, are stepping up to serve through Sar-El, answering the universal call to service.

We will explore the Ground Truths—the reality of life in Israel amidst conflict. Citizens face daily threats, from car bombs detected by alert neighbors to missile warnings sent via a mobile app announcing the need to seek cover by location. Apartments, schools, hotels, and homes are equipped with safe rooms, a stark necessity against missile attacks. While the world hears about the horrors in Gaza, the ongoing daily struggles of Israelis often go untold. Businesses are disrupted as many workers are called to serve in the IDF, and life carries on under the constant strain of alarms, the necessity of metal detectors in public places like schools, and the resilience required to endure it all.

We’ll conclude with a Q&A to hear your thoughts and questions. Join us to hear these powerful stories and engage in a meaningful discussion about the impact of this crisis on individuals, communities, and the world.

Biography Commander Conrad Kress, US Navy SEAL (Ret.)

Commander Conrad Kress is a founding member of Beyond the Teams and a retired US Navy SEAL with a distinguished military career. Conrad enlisted in 1977 and completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) in 1978. He served in multiple platoons with Underwater Demolition Team 11, in 1981 he transferred to the SEAL reserve unit while attending San Diego State University, then returned to active duty in 1986 as a BUD/S Instructor. In 1991 he was commissioned as an Officer in the Medical Service Corps. He deployed to numerous areas of the world in support of Naval Special Warfare operations, was assigned to the White House Medical Unit, planned and executed Humanitarian and Medical Civil Action Programs throughout South East Asia and Oceania. Conrad spent the last remaining years of his career assigned to multiple Special Operations Commands. This is where he coordinated, planned, and directed the efforts of joint (multi—service) Special Operation missions throughout the Pacific and Central (Middle East) Areas of Operation. Commander Kress holds degrees from San Diego State University, George Washington University, and the University of Nebraska, and has earned numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit. He embodies the vision of Beyond the Teams : "We're at our best, when we're helping others become their best!"

Biography Nurit Leon, Proud Mother of a Fallen IDF Hero

Nurit Leon is the CFO of Surecomp, a leading fintech company, where she has worked for over 23 years. Born and raised in Jerusalem, Nurit has deep roots in Israel, shaped by a family history marked by resilience and survival. Her father, Dr. Saul Perlberg, was a Holocaust survivor and a prominent physician who founded the Urology Center at Hadassah Har-Hatzofim hospital.

Nurit brings disciplined leadership into both her professional and personal life, drawing from her experience as a former Taekwondo black belt and IDF lieutenant. She holds a BA and MBA in Economics and CPA certification and leads global financial operations with expertise in legal, tax restructuring, M&A, and strategic growth. Her long-standing career with Surecomp is a testament to her belief in fostering a supportive, creative, and growth-oriented workplace.

Nurit’s life took a different course following the tragic loss of her son Adi in combat during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict while serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. Adi left behind a letter that captured the values he lived by, which have since become a beacon of hope for many. Inspired by his words, Nurit and her family created “The Lights of Adi,” an educational initiative that distills his values of leadership, empathy, courage, and service into a program that has been adopted by schools, communities, and youth movements worldwide.

Through “The Lights of Adi,” Nurit is committed to fostering a generation of young people who lead with compassion and integrity. The initiative has been translated into five languages and is now a powerful tool for promoting social unity and personal responsibility

Nurit continues to honor her son’s legacy through this project while balancing her professional responsibilities, striving to make a positive impact on society through both her work and personal mission.

About Beyond the Teams

Beyond the Teams is a group of former Navy SEALs and like-minded individuals, who have teamed up to undertake a new kind of mission. We are challenging ourselves and others to focus outward, and looking for opportunities to unite, heal, and give back to our communities. We have dedicated our efforts to include veterans, their families, as well as non-veterans & groups here and abroad. Our mission is to improve the human condition wherever possible.

About SAR-EL

SAR-EL is a volunteer program that allows civilians from around the world to work alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in non-combat support roles. It was founded in 1982 during the Lebanon War when there was a shortage of manpower on the home front to help maintain military bases, as many soldiers were deployed in combat zones. SAR-EL provides logistical support by helping with tasks such as packing medical supplies, repairing military equipment, maintaining bases, and other essential duties, freeing up soldiers for combat and other critical operations.

Volunteers in the SAR-EL program typically work on IDF bases for a few weeks, experiencing Israeli military culture and contributing to the country's defense without engaging in combat. It's a way for civilians to support Israel's defense efforts in a non-military capacity while also fostering a sense of global solidarity with Israel.

Though it is not part of the IDF directly, SAR-EL plays an important complementary role, aiding the army's logistical efforts and building international goodwill and understanding around Israel's military and societal needs.

Beyond the Headlines of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

By Beyond the Teams

Beyond the Headlines of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israel Firsthand with Commander Conrad Kress, US Navy SEAL (Ret.) and Nurit Leon, Proud Mother of a Fallen IDF Hero