Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with journalist and debut author Aron Heller.

Some 1.5 million Jewish soldiers fought for the Allies in World War II, and 250,000 of them died in battle. One of those who fought and returned was Heller's grandfather, Mickey Heller.

In his new book, "Zaidy’s Band," Heller attempts to trace his grandfather's military service, but is met with resistance by his patriarch whenever the subject is broached.

However, before we learn about Heller's grandfather and his friends, we delve into the longtime journalist's vast experience covering Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day and hear how the concepts of "hero" and "survivor" have shifted over the years.

And so this week, we ask Aron Heller: What matters now?

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Author Aron Heller (courtesy) / Background: Mickey Heller (far left), Ralph Oren (second from right), and friends in front of a bomber plane. (Courtesy of the Heller family)

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