RABBIS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND 700 PEOPLE ENJOYED A BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING EVENING IN HONOR OF COMMUNITY IDF VETERANS AND THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.
On April 25th, DSN hosted an unforgettable family event to celebrate a monumental day in the history of the Jewish nation. The crowd filled the DSN gymnasium with an electric atmosphere. It was an exceptional night that will be remembered for years to come.
Teenagers Shula Abadi and Abraham Tobias were the Masters of Ceremonies, the perfect fit for a family event. The evening began with inspiring and holy words from Rabbi David Tawil of the Larchwood Synagogue. Then, 12 former IDF soldiers, men and women from our community, were recognized in-person. An emotional video showcased interviews with, and pictures of, the soldiers during their years in the army. Next, the Larchwood choir was introduced. Led by Chazan Abie Betesh, the impressive group gave special performances, singing Israeli songs, beautifully and melodically, adding to the meaningfulness of the night.
Finally, the main attraction came to the stage, Itzik Dadya and his band. His performance was an epic, magical and emotional way to celebrate Israel. The lighting effects were sensational, including a large blue Jewish star as the backdrop to the stage. Audience members were waving their flags, singing along, and smiling from ear to ear.
Children received glow sticks, and everyone, both adults and children, received gorgeous custom t-shirts, donated by Leon Sakkal. The unique shirts were emblazoned with a historic 75th anniversary Israeli logo.
Zoe Benun, a community member who met her husband while they both served in the army, was touched. She was a combat scuba diver in the Navy and her husband was in the counter-terrorism unit. Zoe said, “The video, honoring past soldiers and the singing was very emotional and beautiful. That night I felt especially lucky to have Deal, NJ as my home away from home.”
The success of the event was due to the dedication and hard work of volunteers Jacqueline Musry and Honey Dayan, along with the help of Frieda Shamah, DSN’s Youth Program Director, and DSN’s Facilities Director David Belhassen. Honey expressed her gratitude. “DSN made this dream a reality. We once again gave the community a night to remember!”
Frieda enjoyed every moment. “I loved seeing all the children dancing, pumped up and celebrating Israel. You can tell the level of fun and importance because the community poured through our doors in droves. This is what it is all about!”
DSN’s President Lee Zekaria expressed his gratitude and admiration for the event. “I didn’t think last year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut event could be topped, but somehow our team found a way. The opening ceremony was another level, as were the choirs, the soldier video, the kids crushing it as MCs, and Itzik — they were all incredible! Thanks to the whole DSN team, absolutely nothing happens without each one of you! There’s nothing like seeing the community come out and have a night like that. G-d willing there will be many, many more!”
