A siren was blown for two minutes as our students stood respectfully, paying close attention to the images of young Tzahal soldiers that were being shown. They were pictures of young men and women, not much older than our students, who face danger and struggle with adversity everyday. Flags of the different military units were carried and a candle was lit in memory of the soldiers and citizens who fell in each war and act of aggression that Israel has endured.
The program focused on this summer’s war in Lebanon and the loss of 123 soldiers during those two months. Tzahal soldier and medic, Matan Nachmani, 22, spoke to us about the brutalities of that war and specifically about Adi Cohen z”l, his close friend who died in his arms while on a mission to uncover Hezbolleh terrorist cells.
We first met Matan on our Israel Chesed Mission over Thanksgiving and our students bonded with him immediately. This was the first time Matan has ever been away from Israel on Yom ha-Zikaron and he told us that he appreciated the opportunity he was given to memorialize Adi z”l.
A special dialogue was presented by Lara Barak (’07) and Ms. Yael Oz (Hebrew Faculty). Ms. Oz spoke in Hebrew about her “ordinary” lifestyle in Israel. Lara not only translated but offered her own insights and understandings. What truly made this conversation special was when Lara explained their family connection; she and Yael are first cousins.
Sergeant Marc Aspis (’02) also served in Lebanon this summer. Marc spoke about his army experience and how difficult it can be for an American to be a chayal boded. His humorous army stories made us laugh and his passion for Eretz Yisrael was inspiring. We were all humbled by his remarkable strength of character and faith.
To view the program in its entirety, please visit Yom Ha'Zikaron 2007 and select from the Content Selections to view the Tzahal imagery, to hear the reading of 123 names of our fallen chayalim, introduced by Gilad Thaler, to listen to Lara and Yael, to watch the film about Adi Cohen z”l , and to hear Marc and to view his visual presentation. Although you were not at the program, you will be able to appreciate their extraordinary presentations by visiting the site.