Ory Slonim – Former Special Consultant on Israeli POWs & MIAs for 7 Defense Ministers

The One Way Ticket Show

Born in Israel in 1942, Ory Slonim grew up amidst the ravages of the country’s War of Independence. Ory came from a seventh-generation family that lived in Hebron, grew up in Tel Aviv, married, and became a successful lawyer.

In 1986, Israeli President Haim Herzog appointed Ory as special counsel to the Defense Minister for issues of POWs & MIAs, from the civilian world, concentrating on families. Ory enlisted in the mission, gaining senior cooperation with the Mossad. For his work, he accepted a payment of one Israeli Shekel per year.

Over the next thirty-six years, Ory searched the world for young IDF soldiers, pilots and reservists who were captured in battles and never heard from again. His mission to find the missing boys saw him traveling to nations that did not recognize Israel, and meeting with terrorist representatives. In the capacity of knocking on doors worldwide, and on families of the POWs & MIAs, Ory became known as the “Door Knocker.”

In addition, Ory has tirelessly worked for Variety – the Children’s Charity, having served as President and Chairman of the organization in Israel and as International President between 2003 – 2005.

In 2011 Ory was honored by President Shimon Peres with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Distinction.

On this episode of The One Way Ticket Show, Ory shares his one way ticket to a future in a place where all soldiers, POWs & MIAs will be back home and where children in need will be okay.

During our conversation, Ory also shares what it’s like dealing with terrorists and non-state actors, the painful conversations he had with families of POW-MIAs, draws from Moliere who said how uncertainty is uglier than the worst certainty, and highlights the importance of giving.

For more, pick up a copy of Ory's book: "A Knock At The Door: The Story of My Secret Work with Israeli MIAs and POWs".