RKYHS students began Yom Ha’atzmaut with a musical Hallel and concert with Duvie Shapiro from Israel. In their morning classes students at RKYHS then had the opportunity to participate in a lively Yom Ha’atzmaut video presentation that went over the history of Yom Ha’atzmaut, showed a modern day Israel to “David Ben Gurion,” featured “man on the street” interviews with RKYHS classmates on Israel related questions and more.

The keynote program of the day was a powerful presentation from Sgt. Benjamin Anthony of the MirYam Institute. Sgt Anthony spoke about his experience in the IDF and impressed upon students that now, and when they go onto their college campuses and beyond, they have a responsibility to advocate for Israel and defend the one and only Jewish state.

They then had the privilege to hear from New Jersey Senator Cory Booker who addressed them on current events, conveyed to them the importance of how they respond to the current coronavirus situation and spoke about matters related to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Students enjoyed an Israel trivia competition in the afternoon. The full day of activities and programs at RKYHS concluded with making “Burgers with Mr. Berger”—a Yom Ha’atzmaut barbecue demonstration with Assistant Principal Gary Berger.