On the last night of Hanukah the Sephardic Community Center warmly welcomed Israeli combat soldiers, both men and woman, who are themselves children and/or siblings of fallen soldiers; people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Israel and Jews all over the world. This event was part of The Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Legacy Program, which the community supported so generously this past summer.
When the soldiers first arrived at the center, they were quiet, somewhat shy and reserved. After all, they were in a new environment with people they had never met. They sat at tables talking amongst themselves, sharing a wonderful buffet dinner and desserts that our dedicated volunteers had prepared for them. Our members went from table to table greeting and getting to know our guests to make them feel at home.
A short welcoming speech was made by Jack Cayre, President of the SCC, “I am very grateful to people like yourselves that give to your country. I welcome you and thank you for coming.” A presentation was made of a FIDF plaque to the SCC and a special thanks was given to Barbara Beyda for organizing this extraordinary evening.
This exceptional group is unique. Each soldier serves Israel even though they have lost a loved one in war. On that condition an Israeli citizen is exempt from serving, but this dedicated and outstanding group has chosen to serve in combat groups anyway.
When the Hanukah candles were lit, suddenly their beautiful Israeli faces began to glow. We all stood respectfully to sing the American National Anthem, led by lovely singer Danielle Bitton. When Hatikvah was sung, the thrill of standing side by side, our voices mingling with those of these passionate heroic soldiers was overwhelming. However, it was when the dancing began to the music our DJ Rickey Esses arranged, our young adults, coupling and grouping (some of us older folk, too) held hands, arms around arms, snaking through the space, the love we felt for our beautiful soldiers and their respect and gratitude towards us, which they kept repeating over and over again, was incredibly binding. From out of nowhere cameras, theirs and ours, appeared. Everyone joyfully began taking pictures of each other. “Come, stand with us! Let’s take pictures together!” Us with them, them with us. By this time we knew each other’s names. Indeed, how blessed we felt to have made these new found friends. Laughter filled the air as we continued dancing all night.
Many of them took the time, then and there, to sit down and write warm and loving notes to some of us. “You are such warmhearted people. As a soldier who lost a brother in the last war, and now as a combat fighter, I can’t tell you how much this trip means—so much more than words can say. I say this from the bottom of my heart” said one of the visiting soldiers.
Saying goodbye, after the few short hours we spent with them, knowing that they are going to the front to do battle again, was very difficult. They are so young. As for our young adults—seeing these soldiers, the same age as they, putting their life on hold, putting on uniforms and serving in the army, was indeed an inspiration for them as well as a profound learning experience.
Our thanks to the SCC, the volunteers, and the donors for their generosity of spirit for this reception, which they were proud and honored to host. It was an opportunity, in a small way, to celebrate those who defend our history and heritage, honoring those who defend the existence and territorial integrity of the State of Israel.
Through its expanded range of social, educational and recreational programs, the FIDF helps ease some of the daily tensions and burdens faced by soldiers and their families. Anyone that would like to make a donation can call the New York branch at (212) 244-3118 or email fidf@israelisoldiers.org
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
