Scholar - Mrs. Laurie Lans

As a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, Mrs. Laurie Lans served on active duty in the Middle East supporting Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2003 to August 2003. She was activated once again to full time service and joined the ground forces in Iraq from September 2005 to September 2006, and most recently served in Afghanistan June 2010 to June 2011. While stationed in war zones, Laurie upheld her duties not only militarily but also as a Jew despite the obstacles she faced. She tells stirring stories of events such as a giant menorah lighting ceremony in none other than Saddam Hussein's Palace and how she and her husband were the only Rabbi and wife to be sent to Afghanistan. She’ll all speak about the steps she took to honor the Sabbath and keep kosher. She describes amazing people she met along the way in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Jews from around the world who were just as surprised to see Laurie as she was to meet them, including one who eventually become her husband! In a recent interview LCDR Lans stated, “I’m grateful to G‑d for giving me the opportunity to serve my country; I’m so humbled to wear the uniform. Joining the military was one of the best decisions of my life. I’m also so proud to know I’ve been able to serve, even during war, never having to compromise my Judaism or devotion to the Jewish people.”