After an inspiring musical Hallel, RKYHS began their Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations with a talk from Dov Ben Shimon, EVP and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. Ben Shimon spoke about Jewish unity and the importance that Jews abroad maintain connection with our brethren in Israel.

After an enjoyable chagiga, students attended an informative program on anti-Zionism on campus. Students watched a video that presented difficult situations that pro-Israel students have had to face on college campuses. Seniors Avi Bendory and Nina Kahn presented several myths that students might hear about Israel on college campuses and they then dispelled the myths using historical truths in order to give the students the facts to back up their pro-Israel advocacy in college.

For the remainder of the day, the students chose from a wide variety of programming, ranging from sessions on Israel’s technological prowess or military ingenuity, Israeli TV, music and other culture, an Israeli taste test challenge, Israeli dance, krav maga and Israeli art in a simulated artist’s corner in Tzfat.