This Yom Hazikaron

Looking out last week at the area where AMIT’s Memorial Park for Fallen Soldiers will soon rise, several images came to my mind. First and foremost, I thought of the poster filled with photos of the 61 AMIT school alums who are among the 891 Israeli soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our Jewish homeland after the October 7th attack. It was a moving moment for me to know that the members of our AMIT family who have been killed in action during all of Israel’s wars will have this permanent memorial place in the fast-rising Gabel & Straus Family Campus at AMIT Kfar Batya in Ra’anana.

With Yom Hashoah about to begin soon after my visit, I also thought of the historic photo taken 77 years ago showing three smiling orphans who survived the Holocaust. They were able to begin new lives thanks to the care and education they received at the Bessie Gotsfeld Children’s Village and Farm School that she opened in Ra’anana when it was little more than a small town surrounded by sand dunes. With Israel celebrating its 77th anniversary this year during Yom Ha’atzmaut later this week, these thoughts gave me a sense of awe regarding our people’s ongoing resilience as they face up to and overcome hateful, violent attacks that would overwhelm others – often drawing their strength from the Jewish values that unite us.

As we pray for better days ahead for the people of Israel and for peace to prevail, it is also a time to recommit ourselves to do everything in our power to close Israel’s societal divisions that threaten the country’s long-term cohesiveness and strength. We should be inspired by those who have given so much – including their lives – to create a Jewish homeland that our ancestors could only imagine. Bringing together different sectors of Israeli society must be a multi-tiered effort involving Israelis from all fields of endeavor and from all levels of Jewish observance.

When it comes to the educational sector, which I am most attuned to via my leadership position with AMIT, we have already seen where a broad-based, values-centered education can succeed in bringing together students from different backgrounds in respectful and inclusive dialogue. There is no doubt these students will go out into the larger world with a greater understanding of the values all Jewish people share, as well as how to effectively work with others who bring different perspectives regarding ways to incorporate these values into their lives.

It is why I am excited about initiatives that will be launched at our new campus that will further enhance efforts now taking place at AMIT’s 88 schools to create learning environments that encourage open dialogue, tolerance, religious commitment by choice, and a love of Jewish heritage. This is particularly important in schools located in Israel’s periphery, where most students must overcome socio-economic disadvantages. Empowering them to gain the skill set and self-confidence needed for them to have access to “Start-Up Nation” means that Israel must be turned into a leading “Education Nation” that truly lifts the sights of career possibilities for students in every corner of Israeli society.

For those who believe in Hebrew numerology, the 77th year featuring its double 7s is a great place to move this journey forward. Seven symbolizes completeness and spiritual wholeness. We will only be fully complete as a people if we move ever closer to unifying not only Israeli society – but also all Clal Yisrael. This must include closer relationships being built between US Jewry and our brothers and sisters in Israel. They truly put their lives on the line every day – as outside regional threats continue to grow. We must be there for each other, especially at a time when worldwide anti-Semitism continues to rise.

Unfortunately, this will once again be a Yom Ha’atzmaut that will have a somber undertone – tempered by the losses of Israelis killed in action or acts of terrorism, and continuing to have in our thoughts the 59 Israeli hostages whose fates are still uncertain. For them, and for all Clal Yisrael, let’s commit ourselves this coming year – each one of us- to participate in at least one action that will help to further unite the Jewish People. This would be a most meaningful way to make the memories of all those who served the State of Israel into a blessing not only for their family – but also for the country and its people that they loved and helped to secure.