Celebrating Israel’s Independence Day at Gesher Yehuda

In order to gain an appreciation for what soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces do, students in grades 5 through 8 participated in an informative Yom Ha’atzmaut program at Gesher Yehudah Yeshiva. Reservist Yossi Tenami described what it was like to go into the army to fight for the land and people of Israel.

“We get to choose what unit we want to serve in but not everybody makes it through the physical tests.” Yossi related several harrowing stories about his work in undercover units, where he would often dress as the enemy and infiltrate terror cells. “We would identify the guy we were after, and when our commander was certain it was him we would make the arrest.” He went on to explain that Shabak (the information unit), follows terrorists for as long as it takes to capture them.

Coming on the heels of the terror attack in Boston, Gesher psychologist Dr. Mary Courtney felt the program was very effective. “Our children are not exposed to these situations often, so it is important for them to know how people are protected.”

An exciting army video showed the different stages of preparation the IDF recruits go through. The students saw how soldiers learn to go house to house, guard the marketplace and capture suspects on the road. “We learn to defend ourselves without harming bystanders,” Yossi explained.

He described how his unit captured a terrorist who was armed with an explosive device on his way to a mall. They got him well before anyone was hurt or any damage done.

The concerned students asked many thoughtful questions during the Q&A session that followed. Some born in Israel wanted to know what it might be like should they go back to serve. Others were interested in Krav Maga, the famous self-defense and hand-to-hand combat system of the IDF. Still others wanted to know what it was like to live and train as a oldier. Many of the staff commented on the ingenuity of the questions.

In accordance with Gesher Yehuda Yeshiva’s philosophy of seeking hands-on learning whenever possible, Yossi and Noel, his business partner, led the students in an airbrushing activity where they stenciled t-shirts with Israeli themes. The young men run airbrushing events, traveling throughout New York.

Learning about this important aspect of Israeli society fosters a love and admiration for the people of Israel. The response of our students towards the safety of Israel proves that our connection is everlasting. The event culminated with falafel in the schoolyard.

A special thanks to Rabbi Admoni for helping to arrange the visit.