Max Levin - Under The Stretcher

"A gripping account of American Jewish youth's service in an elite unit of the Israeli paratroopers. A must read for young people who are considering serving as a Lone Soldier in the IDF or making aliya to Israel."

~ Michael OrenFormer Ambassador to the United States of America

Under the Stretcher is the journey of Max Levin from St. Louis to Los Angeles, to summers in Israel, to a battlefield, to being an instructor.

It is more than a journey of time, it is a journey of strength, determination, passion, compassion and loss. Max Levins, Under the Stretcher, gives us life lessons of perseverance in situations no one could be prepared for, until the moment in which they happen. At that defining moment, his thoughts would go back to his family, his training, friends, team and officers, all who gave him honor, dignity and the ability to act. A boy who dreamed, acted on those dreams, worked hard, and became more than a solider. He became a better human being, helping others to become better than themselves and wishing for a world of peace.

Under the Stretcher tells the story of Max Levin, yet it motivates all of us. To be carrying a stretcher with the goal of saving a life. Max Levin carrying the stretcher helps us see our choices and the legacy we can make.

~ Russell RobinsonCEO Jewish National Fund

Maxs story exemplifies what it means to be a good soldier and the morals that we instill in our young men and women. He goes above and beyond and shows a new side of being an Israeli soldier, one that not only faced difficult decisions but also shows the vulnerabilities and strength our young men and women endure. I recommend this book to all that support Israel, its army, and those that want to better understand on the ground situations here in the Middle East. Maxs story has shown the reality of being an IDF soldier today and his continued commitment to the reserves (miluim).

~ Brigadier General Rami ZurSecond Division Commander of the Paratrooper Reserves Units 55 and 5535

I am enormously proud of Max and all that he has accomplished. His story exemplifies what it means to be a true Zionist, one that is willing to learn, feel, and support our great nation even at great risk to his own life. He shows that Israel is not just a land for Israelis but for all Jews, one that we must defend and protect at all costs.

~ Naty SaidoffFounder and principal owner of Capital Foresight & Chairman of the Board of Israel American Council (IAC).

Max's story is riveting. I have the pleasure of knowing Max personally. He is a leader. He is a zionist. He does not quit. This book is a testament to all of his wonderful qualities. I can undoubtedly sayUnder the Stretcher is a MUST read.

~ Natalie Elisha Gold, CEO Goldberg LLP, Media personality and 4x bestselling author

Max,

I started reading your book today and simply could not put it down.

I finished the entire book in one sitting.

You forgot to tell me to have some kleenex nearby.

Max Levin takes us on a journey of dedication, will power, and ultimately triumph. For anyone who wants to know the real path to protecting the State of Israel, Max takes us through unforgiving 'sands' and endless tribulations toward creating one of the finest fighting forces in the world. He also details for us the intense emotions in the midst of battle, and the loss of beloved 'brothers' who fell in the defense of their Jewish homeland. Under the Stretcher is a must read for those who care about Israel, and for all of us to understand what it really takes to defend a nation.

~ Dr. Bruce PowellFormer Head of DeToledo High School and Milken High School

As a former teammate of Maxs and now the current commander of the Palchan Tzanhanim Unit, I am very proud to see that Max has shed light on many of the difficult situations and decisions our IDF soldiers have to make every day. His story and our teams story will shake you to the core of what it means to be an IDF soldier and make difficult decisions in dire circumstances. I highly recommend this book to any who aspire to one day become a special forces combat soldier or simply want to learn more about what it really means to be an IDF soldier today.

~ Major Ofir TuchtermanCurrent head of the Special Forces UnitPalchan Tzanhanim

Max Levin is an extraordinary individual. While still in his 20s he has already lived, seen, experienced, suffered and survived enough to fill a book, the one before you. It is a story of ordeal and adventure, of idealism put into practice, devotion, unyielding will and true grit. The book is written in a simple but engaging style, clear-eyed and with utter honesty. But one feels that Maxs tale has only just begun

~ Joey PriceHead of Languages Department at Tel Aviv University