Discover the incredible journey of Daniel Kopilov, from a young immigrant to an IDF hero, and how his story of resilience and hope deeply impacted Jacob Finkel.
By Jacob Finkel | September 12th
In the latest episode of Fearless Interventions, released today, we had the immense privilege of sitting down with Daniel Kopilov, a distinguished IDF veteran. Unfortunately, Max couldn’t join us for this episode, as he was stranded on the stunning Norwegian Gem cruise ship, recording a remarkable episode of his own. While Max enjoyed his cruise adventure, I enjoyed spending time with Daniel and discovering his incredible story.
Producing this episode presented its own set of challenges. With Max absent and our preparation time-limited, we faced hurdles. However, the chance to cover Daniel’s experiences was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.
Daniel’s journey began in Ukraine, where he was born, before moving to Russia and ultimately making aliyah to Israel at just 15 years old. Fluent in Russian, Hebrew, and English, Daniel's multilingualism is a testament to his diverse background. Daniel's response was strikingly nonchalant when asked about his decision to join the IDF. For someone who has experienced many transitions, his choice to serve in the Israeli military seemed as natural as any Israeli citizen’s.
Despite having the option to return to Ukraine and fight there, Daniel chose to remain in Israel, where he felt a stronger connection. His initial plans included becoming a commercial pilot and later working as a tourist security guard. However, his path took an unexpected turn. After completing basic training, Daniel was stationed on the Lebanon border to defend against Hezbollah. A few months into his service, he was selected for a commander’s course to address a shortage of leaders in the IDF.
Following his training, Daniel and his unit were deployed to the Gaza Strip to search for survivors in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. On his very first day after completing the commander’s course, Daniel’s unit was ambushed. A terrorist had set a booby trap in a house they were inspecting, resulting in an explosion that severely injured Daniel. Despite the immediate threat, his teammate's quick actions saved his life. The severity of Daniel’s injuries necessitated the amputation of his leg.
During his rehabilitation, Daniel faced a new set of challenges. Fortunately, he received care at a top-notch facility renowned for treating wounded soldiers. The respect and support extended to Daniel and his fellow soldiers highlighted the profound appreciation for their sacrifices. Despite the drastic shift in his plans and the physical and emotional hurdles, Daniel remained remarkably optimistic. He viewed his injury as a sign that there was a greater purpose to his experience, especially as hostages were released shortly after that.
Daniel will never pilot an El Al commercial plane or serve as a security guard for Birthright groups, but he’s adapting his aspirations to his new reality. His story is a powerful lesson in resilience and adaptability. Despite adversity that would overwhelm most, Daniel’s positive outlook and ability to pivot inspire. Ever since I spoke with Daniel, I have had a more positive outlook on my personal negative experiences, from injury to heartbreak and everything in between. I now have a different lens when thinking about my hamstring injury. Instead of being consumed by wishing I was healthy or given the proper treatment I needed. I now like to think of what I can be in the future as I approach my penultimate track and field season, working forward without looking back.
Author Bio:
Jacob Finkel is the co-host and co-creator of Fearless Interventions. A Newton North High School senior in Massachusetts, Jacob balances a weekend job, track and field, and school activities while staying connected to his Jewish heritage through his podcast and Jewish summer camp. With a passion for combating antisemitism, Jacob uses his platform to educate and inspire, believing that spreading love is the best way to counter hate.
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