If there’s anything that these unprecedented times have taught us, it’s that with a little creativity, we can still be together—without actually being together. Yom Ha’atzmaut is the perfect example of this concept. Most community members associate Israel’s Independence Day with an exciting day of school filled with blue and white donuts, a special classroom curriculum, informative assemblies and lively dancing to celebrate our homeland.
This year, with most of our traditional customs off-limits, things had to be a little different. While we needed to find a way to recognize the 72nd year of Israel’s official statehood safely and at home, the celebration needed to be big and impactful. After all, Israel deserves it.
In came the SCA, the organization that has been turning an otherwise bleak several months into an opportunity to learn, connect and grow—at any time of day—from the comfort of home. To commemorate Yom Ha’atzmaut, the SCA planned an exciting series of programs in conjunction with Tanach (bible) study, to honor Israel.
The programming was dedicated by the family of Mr Stanley Chera A”H to his memory. Mr. Chera was one of the founders of the SCA. He was a visionary leader whose dedication to our community spurred the formation of this amazing organization, and many other organizations in our community—and the world-at-large.
From Sunday, April 26th through Wednesday, April 29th, the SCA hosted hundreds of hours of content dedicated to celebrating our homeland. Streamed from SCATorah.org and over Zoom video, over 4,000 people were able to celebrate this holy and joyous occasion.
First up was the Yom Ha’atzmaut Day of Learning on Sunday, April 26th. From 8 am to 8:30 pm, over 60 classes were live-streamed. The program offered dozens of insights into the miracle of Israeli independence, each from a different perspective, from rabbinical and Torah insights, to the thoughts of soldiers and community members.
Paul Kopyt, who recently made the dream of aliyah a reality, led a session featuring Cynthia Benun, a young community member who shared her experience serving on the front lines with the IDF. A session led by Rabbi Joseph Beyda helped us picture Israel on her 100th birthday; while Mrs. Emily Labaton took us back in time to study some of the earliest voices of Zionism. Major Yaakov Selavan led an exciting, heart-racing talk that felt like it was straight out of an episode of Fauda. He took us into a bunker near the border of Syria and told the story of how an IDF unit was miraculously saved from certain death.
The SCA also offered an array of programming for children. Mrs. Jacqueline Terzi led an Israel Scavenger Hunt and Mrs. Liat Dahan taught about the greatness of our tiny homeland. Rabbi Nathan Zaboulani took an in-depth look at the city of Hebron and ended his segment with a captivating video featuring the Abraham family’s clandestine purchase of a major building in the middle of Arab-held Hebron, more than a decade ago. Dozens of other sessions kept thousands glued to their screens all day, all in celebration of Israel.
On April 28th, the SCA partnered with AIPAC, The Sephardic Community Center, DSN, Hillel, Barkai, and Magen David Yeshivahs for a special tribute to our fallen soldiers. There was a musical performance, and an important message about our community’s connection to Israel. It was a beautiful way to recognize the important role we play as Zionists in America on the eve of Israel’s 72nd birthday.
Wednesday marked Yom Ha’atzmaut here in America, which would typically be the day our schools would transform into mini-Israels, with Hebrew music pouring out of loudspeakers, and Israeli flags and streamers filling the hallways, as we felt an outpouring of pride for our homeland.
The moment the SCA kicked off the celebration, it was clear that all of these traditions were still on deck, only this time they were happening at home. As families tuned in to the different programs on Zoom, many featured hand-drawn Israeli flags in the background, homemade Kotel walls made out of construction paper, and even a few virtual background changes that transported attendees to their favorite spots in Jerusalem.
It was the perfect way to set the tone for an uplifting day, which featured special addresses from rabbis and leaders, classes, music, and a movie to mark the occasion. Over a dozen different sessions streamed throughout the day, including a live Q&A with Joey and Kady Harari, which allowed viewers to ask the couple their most pressing questions about life after aliyah.
An interview with Mr. Jeffrey Beyda revealed inspiring details about his decision to enlist in the IDF almost 30 years ago. The re-telling of his experience as an IDF veteran was an impactful follow-up to the session with the Friends of the IDF.
Addresses by Rabbi Shimon Alouf, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks from London, and Rabbi Shabtai Sabato from Jerusalem provided further insights into the day, while Dr. Joe Friedman’s virtual tour of Israel made us feel like we were there.
The day culminated with a screening of the documentary Beneath the Helmet, which helped us better understand what it’s like to risk it all while defending Israel with the IDF.
In many ways it was one of the most impactful Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations I’ve ever experienced. The SCA rose to the occasion and flooded us with loads of inspiration. The overwhelming love and excitement was felt by all who participated.
Thank you to the rabbis, teachers, speakers, IDF soldiers and veterans who gave of their time to enlighten us. And to all of the SCA affiliate organizations for helping us make this year so special and unique. While this Yom Ha’atzmaut may not have been the traditional one that we were used to, it certainly was a memorable one that we’ll tell our children and grandchildren about years from now—hopefully, in Jerusalem!
