Fall 2024: Commemorating October 7 in Israel
This week marked a year since the face of our community was once again changed forever. On Monday, October 7, we gathered at Kibbutz Magen, where we had the privilege of meeting Segui Arad, a member of the security team who defended the kibbutz on that day. (Segui is also the uncle of one of our students, Eden). We were honored to then be joined by President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal. We got to share our personal stories with President Herzog and hear his own accounts of October 7.
Our day included a powerful address by Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog at Jewish National Fund-USA's panel in memory of Ofir Libstein z"l, the former mayor of Shaar HaNegev. Ofir was a hero and champion of peace in the Otef (Israel Envelope). We also participated in a time capsule burial ceremony at the new Shaar HaNegev Regional Track and Sports Complex.
Later, we toured Kibbutz Re'im, and took part in a meaningful olive tree planting ceremony. In the evening, we attended a memorial ceremony at the kibbutz, paying our respects to those whose lives were lost.
Later in the week, we visited the Abu Ghosh Crusader Church, where Brother Olivier shared his insights on a life of prayer and service. We also explored a 12th-century crusader farm in Ein Hemed National Park, enriching our understanding of the region's history.
We then had the opportunity to tour the Jewish Quarter with an educator from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, and learned more about Kabbalah (mysticism). We concluded our week with a heartfelt ceremony honoring the heroes of October 7, alongside Jewish National Fund-USA's mission, where students performed songs and delivered moving speeches at our Muss South Campus, in Be’er Sheva.
This week was filled with profound experiences that reaffirmed our purpose and showcased the strength of our community and reminded us ever so clearly: Am Yisrael Chai!
Our day included a powerful address by Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog at Jewish National Fund-USA's panel in memory of Ofir Libstein z"l, the former mayor of Shaar HaNegev. Ofir was a hero and champion of peace in the Otef (Israel Envelope). We also participated in a time capsule burial ceremony at the new Shaar HaNegev Regional Track and Sports Complex.
Later, we toured Kibbutz Re'im, and took part in a meaningful olive tree planting ceremony. In the evening, we attended a memorial ceremony at the kibbutz, paying our respects to those whose lives were lost.
Later in the week, we visited the Abu Ghosh Crusader Church, where Brother Olivier shared his insights on a life of prayer and service. We also explored a 12th-century crusader farm in Ein Hemed National Park, enriching our understanding of the region's history.
We then had the opportunity to tour the Jewish Quarter with an educator from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, and learned more about Kabbalah (mysticism). We concluded our week with a heartfelt ceremony honoring the heroes of October 7, alongside Jewish National Fund-USA's mission, where students performed songs and delivered moving speeches at our Muss South Campus, in Be’er Sheva.
This week was filled with profound experiences that reaffirmed our purpose and showcased the strength of our community and reminded us ever so clearly: Am Yisrael Chai!