By: The Magen David Staff
Magen David had the wonderful and unique privilege of hosting Gilad Shalit and his unit for their final intensive therapy, to “close the circle” of the trauma that affected us all in June 2006. Fourteen members of this unit of the Armored Brigade of the IDF and three career IDF officers specializing in dealing with post-traumatic stress therapy were welcomed by MDY and the Syrian community of Brooklyn for 10 days.
The members of Gilad Shalit’s unit were met at JFK Airport by Dr. Chagit Hadar, Hebrew Department Chair at MDY and Ms. Elyse Nadjar, Director of Hesed Activities. They were welcomed to our school and our community as befitting of the men that dedicate themselves to the security of the State of Israel and Jews around the world. The primary purpose of the unit’s visit to NY was to complete the therapy they started after Gilad was kidnapped.
During that incursion, Hanan Barak and Pavel Slocker were killed and Roi Amitay was severely injured. The trauma of that event has affected these men and indeed the entire Jewish world.
As a community, we recognize the need to not only provide for soldiers in the midst of combat, but also to help them recover from the emotional and physical traumas of the experience of war as well.
In heartwarming welcome ceremonies MDY embraced the members of the unit, demonstrating true Syrian hospitality. With thanks to Hashem, we welcomed these heroes to our community. Rabbi
Rabbi Dr. Baruch Hilsenrath reminded the soldiers and the students that three years ago Gilad Shalit’s father stood in the same auditorium to ask for the community’s help and support in securing his son’s release. At the time, Rabbi Hilsenrath promised Mr. Shalit that one day we would be celebrating Gilad’s safe return.
On Friday morning, MDY welcomed students from NY and NJ to a panel discussion with the unit, to hear from the men themselves what it means to serve in the IDF and how they dealt with the trauma of the devastating events. We heard from each unit member. They discussed their commitment to the IDF’s principle of leaving no man behind; and the importance of serving in the IDF and protecting their country and their people against ruthless enemies. They also discussed the camaraderie that is established between soldiers and how that crosses over between secular and religious Jews, creating bonds and establishing unity. The men discussed how moral conflicts arise in dealing with an enemy that uses children as shields and how they have put their own lives in danger to save Palestinian children. And we heard from Gilad Shalit, as he recounted the difficulty of the isolation during his years in captivity. He is thankful for the efforts of the Jews around the world who demonstrated, lobbied and prayed for his release, even as he struggles to have a semblance of normalcy in his everyday life.
At the end of the school day, hundreds of community members came watch the Magen David Varsity Basketball team play against the unit. Although the men of the unit might have preferred a soccer match, they held their own against our champion team. The high spirits of the crowd and their rousing cheers bolstered the efforts of the soldiers and a great time was had by all.
The unit participated in Shabbat services at three local synagogues: Ahaba v’Ahva, Shaare Zion and Congregation Hokhmah U’Mussar. At every location, shuls overflowed with crowds of well-wishers wanting a glimpse of the unit and especially Gilad Shalit, who for many, represents the answered prayers of years of beseeching HaKadosh Barukh Hu for his safe return.
Throughout the week in NY, Magen David provided a place for the men to receive their intense therapy and many of the men commented on how much the therapy was helping them. On Rosh Hodesh Heshvan, the unit was welcomed by our boys to celebration in our atrium. It was an emotionally charged moment for our boys and the entire unit. MDY also arranged for the men to appear at Yale University, Yeshivah University and to spend their final Shabbat in NYC welcomed by Kehilat Jeshurun. While the unit appreciated visiting communities throughout the tri-state area, they always felt they were returning home to Magen David Yeshivah High School.
As we bade the men a tearful farewell, we wished them a safe journey and strength and purpose in their endeavors in the IDF and as the individuals we had come to know and care for. They presented Magen David with a gift of appreciation for our hospitality.
The men have since written to us to check on our entire community’s status after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. They wanted us to know that their thoughts and prayers are with us. They said it is now our turn to be “giborim.”
