Commemorating history and embracing unity

Israel’s 76th Independence Day, commemorated last month amid ongoing conflict, underscored the enduring efforts to protect our homeland and emerge from current crises stronger than before. This vivid reflection of the historical narrative of Jewish perseverance continued with the celebrations of Lag BaOmer, which honors the Bar Kochva rebellion, followed by Jerusalem Day, commemorating the 1967 victory and the reunification of our capital. The theme of overcoming adversity and rejuvenating is a thread that runs through each of our annual observances.

The State of Israel was born from the extraordinary perseverance and sacrifices of countless generations. For centuries, Jewish communities faced relentless persecution, displacement, and existential threats. Yet, they clung steadfast to the dream of a national homeland. This resolve was galvanized by the Zionist movement in the early 20th century, which inspired mass migrations to the Holy Land despite daunting conditions and geopolitical opposition. Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948 was a culmination of these enduring efforts, crafted from a legacy of hardship, hope, and unwavering determination.

To ensure young Israelis appreciate and uphold their heritage, it is essential to incorporate the lessons of our historical struggles for independence into their education. A key aspect of our national identity and resilience is the ethos of mutual responsibility, reflected in the saying “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh lazeh” (all of Israel is responsible for one another), as well as the determination and resilience of our leaders and citizens. This spirit has been vital in overcoming existential threats, fostering unity, volunteerism, and a strong civil society, which enhances our ability to support each other and thrive in challenging times.

It is this understanding that inspired the Menomadin Foundation to observe this year’s Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, by sending a special delegation to the March of the Living held in Poland. Holocaust survivors, alongside survivors of the October 7 attacks, symbolically retraced the harrowing path from Auschwitz to Birkenau, highlighting the urgent need to remember the Holocaust and for Jewish communities worldwide to remain resolute and united against antisemitism and to steadfastly uphold the vow of “never again.” The Menomadin delegation, which joined some 8,000 students from around the world on the march, helped shine a light on the link between the past atrocities committed against our people and today’s terrorism and justification of genocide.

Education serves as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations are not forgotten but serve as inspiration for the challenges ahead. Exposing students to the diverse narratives that have shaped the Jewish people’s identity can help cultivate a more inclusive understanding among the youth of today, equipping them to embody the values of unity, determination, and resilience, which are essential for confronting the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Incorporating educational initiatives that teach perseverance and unity into the education of the young generation empowers them to stand together against hatred and injustice, confront the rising tide of antisemitism and extremism, ensuring a resilient and unified future.