Michael Lewis Joins National Project to Erect Seven Giant Flags Across Israel
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Actor Michael Lewis is part of a new national initiative, "Otef Israel Project," to erect seven giant flags across Israel. The first flag, measuring 17x24 meters and flown from a 61-meter pole, was raised in Nitzanei Oz in August 2026, costing approximately 1.8 million shekels. The project aims to commemorate October 7th, foster unity, and honor Israeli heritage. The initiative was co-founded by Yan Studin and Yoav Lazar, who were inspired by personal experiences during the war.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Michael Lewis joined the "Otef Israel Project" to erect seven giant flags nationwide.
- The first flag was raised in Nitzanei Oz in August 2026, attended by President Herzog.
- The Nitzanei Oz site features a 61-meter flagpole and a 17x24 meter flag, costing 1.8 million shekels.
- The project commemorates October 7th and aims to strengthen Israeli identity and unity.
- Co-founders Yan Studin and Yoav Lazar were motivated by personal wartime experiences.
Actor and content creator Michael Lewis has joined a group of entrepreneurs and reservist soldiers in a national initiative called "Otef Israel Project." The project aims to erect seven giant flags at significant locations nationwide, commemorating the events of October 7th and fostering unity, heritage, and Jewish-Israeli identity. Lewis is described as an active partner in the vision of connecting people and deepening a sense of belonging.
The initiative was founded and is led by Yan Studin, alongside entrepreneurs Yoav Lazar, Shahar Levy, and Michael Lewis. The first flag was raised on August 2026 in Nitzanei Oz, near the Brigade 5 monument. The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Yitzhak Herzog, bereaved families, and hostage survivor Elkana Bohbot.
The engineering specifications of the Nitzanei Oz site are remarkable. The flagpole stands 61 meters tall, making it the tallest in Israel, equivalent to a 20-story building. The flag itself measures 17 by 24 meters, covering an area of 408 square meters, within a complex spanning approximately 800 square meters. The Nitzanei Oz site, with an estimated cost of 1.8 million shekels, includes seating areas, shaded pergolas, water fountains, lighting, and access paths, designed as an open space for remembrance, visits, and gatherings.
Yan Studin, a resident of the Gaza Envelope and a co-founder, was evacuated from his home after October 7th, having lost many friends. His mother and son were nearly killed in their home in Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha when terrorists attempted to set it ablaze. Inspired by seeing a large Jordanian flag across the border while evacuated in Eilat, Studin conceived the idea of a massive Israeli flag visible from afar.
He was joined by Yoav Lazar, a former company commander and reservist who served hundreds of days since the war began. Lazar was called to action on October 7th, fighting in the difficult rescue operations in Kfar Aza. His first child was born just two days before he entered Gaza for combat, and he met his son for the first time only after three months of continuous fighting. The group's motivation to complete the remaining six flags across the country stems from this blend of entrepreneurship, bereavement, battlefield bravery, and volunteer spirit.