Last Tuesday evening, BPY held a powerful Yom Hazikaron program that was open to the entire community. BPY families, alumni and community members joined together to show hakarat hatov to the chayalim (soldiers) who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom to live as Jews in Eretz Yisrael. After a welcome by Rabbi Zucker, on behalf of the entire administration, the evening started out with the sounding of the same tzefira (siren) that is heard throughout Israel on Yom Hazikaron. The piercing sound of the siren cut through the silence as everyone remembered the fallen soldiers. This was followed by Rav Accoca’s recitation of Yizkor and Rav Royi Gabbai’s chanting of “Kel Maleh.”

BPY middle school students, in a solemn yet beautiful multimedia performance, helped memorialize the lives and contributions of some of the young soldiers that gave their lives for Medinat Yisrael. Through narration, song, video presentations and dramatizations they recognized and gave respect to these angels who paid the greatest price for our freedom. The students helped portray a personal side of these young men and women while also touching upon the impact their loss has on those that love them, the parents, siblings, spouses and friends.

The evening ended with everyone rising to sing “Hatikvah” and “Ani Mamin.” Without hope and emunah, the Jewish community would not be where we are today—transitioning into a celebration of Medinat Yisrael on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

A special thank you to Morah Adi Abebe for creating and directing the production of this powerful program. Yashar Kochachem to the BPY middle school students who spent countless hours preparing for this program to remember and celebrate the young soldiers who deserve unending gratitude.