Conservative commentators Ben Shapiro and Douglas Murray electrified a packed Binyanei Hauma Arena in Jerusalem last night (Tuesday).
During the Freedom of Zion Conference, Shapiro asked, "Is there anyone here who has served in the IDF in the last year?"
Several hands rose across the arena, belonging to young men and women who had traded their uniforms for civilian clothes for the evening.
"These are the people who put their lives on the line to defend the Jewish state," Shapiro declared.
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, rising to their feet in a spontaneous SEVEN minute standing ovation. Some soldiers could be seen wiping away tears as the audience cheered, while others stood tall.
The emotional moment came during a broader discussion about Israel's resilience and future, part of an event sponsored by Herut, The Center for Israeli Liberty. Murray and Shapiro, both known for their fierce advocacy for Israel, delivered impassioned speeches about "the spirit and strategy of Israel's fighting forces" in the wake of the October 7th Hamas attacks.