Almong Meir Jan and Ben Ladany are two Israeli survivors of the Israel-Palestine war. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Beverly Hills High School welcomed two guest speakers as part of its commitment to real-world, firsthand learning.

On Monday, Nov. 24, more than 200 BHHS students had the rare opportunity to hear from Almog Meir Jan, a former hostage recently rescued from captivity, and Ben Ladany, a wounded IDF soldier and survivor of a brutal ambush, as part of the school’s guest speaker series.

Meir Jan was abducted from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023, was in captivity for over eight months and was rescued during Operation Arnon, one of the war’s most daring missions. Since returning home, he has traveled internationally to share his firsthand experience.

Ladany served in the IDF’s Oketz K-9 unit alongside combat dog, Jack. During a mission in Gaza, he was ambushed and shot seven times. Jack was fatally wounded while protecting Ladany and his team. After surviving two months in a coma, Ladany now shares his story.

“Few educational experiences are as powerful as hearing directly from someone whose life has intersected with history in such a profound way,” BHHS Principal Loan Srirkasa said.

For information, visit bhusd.org.