PHOTOS COURTESY OF C. SCHVARCZ PHOTOGRAPHY
ON THE EVENING OF APRIL 25, FOUR THOUSAND YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH PARENTS, STUDENTS, ALUMNI, STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS GATHERED AT THE CONEY ISLAND AMPHITHEATER FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION FEATURING MORDECHAI SHAPIRO AND JOEY NEWCOMB.
Head of Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaisi shared, “While our community consists of many different backgrounds and traditions, it is on this day that everyone gathers to commemorate, to pray, to celebrate and to show gratitude for the greatest gift Hashem has given us, ‘like one person with one heart.’”
Upon entering the venue, guests were transported to the shuk in Jerusalem “Machane Flatbush,” which brought with it the smells and flavors of Israel. Popular Israeli snacks like bissli, Israeli gummy candy, prigot juice from Holon supermarket, ice pops from 32 F, and popular fare like pulled beef sandwiches, french fries and knishes from Prept by Ray T, were available throughout the night. YOF exclusive concert merchandise was also for sale so attendees could have a memento from the night.
A meaningful Yom HaZikaron program opened the evening. All in attendance stood for a siren and moment of silence to honor all those who lost their lives defending our homeland. The Elementary School choir, led by Ricky Sasson, performed two beautiful Yom Hazikaron themed songs, “Ana Hashem” and “Rise Up.” Rabbi Tsaidi’s opening remarks paid tribute to our Israeli soldiers.
Joel Braverman High School Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda led attendees in a powerful Tefillah Chagigit (holiday songs and prayers). Several high school and middle school students accompanied him on stage to enhance the tefillah. The JBHS choir and chamber choir, led by Mordy Weinstein, got the crowd excited for the rest of the evening with their renditions of “Yerushalayim” and “Lashuv Habaita”. Special guest Joey Newcomb had families jumping out of their seats and singing along to popular favorite, “Thank You, Hashem.”
Next, was the moment everyone was waiting for, Mordechai Shapiro’s grand entrance. From the moment he set foot on stage, guests were on their feet, singing along to favorites like “B’yachad” and “Ani Yehudi.” A sea of Israeli and YOF flags and YOF thundersticks filled the crowd.
A spectacular light show featured intricate and synchronized lighting effects that perfectly complemented Mordechai’s energetic performance, creating an immersive experience for the audience. As a special surprise, the Flatbush Elementary School Chamber Choir, led by Eric Stern, took the stage to perform with Mordechai Shapiro. The evening ended in true YOF fashion when JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser joined Mordechai on stage for “Hatikvah.” Hearing the voices of thousands of Flatbush family members united in the National Anthem of our homeland was a beautiful moment to behold.
“I’m so proud to be a part of a yeshivah community, which demonstrates its support for Medinat Yisrael in such an inspiring way. Love for Israel, achdut, gratitude to Hashem and togetherness pervaded every moment of the program,” added Rabbi Beyda.
The evening was a truly memorable 75th birthday celebration for Eretz Yisrael.
YOF is indebted to the thousands of guests who came to the event to show their support. Extra thanks go out to Special Events Coordinator Hana Hasson and Events Associate Esther Chehova for all of the effort they put into making sure this spectacular evening was a success.
The Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration is dedicated by the Mamiye Family.
