On Nov. 18, 2023, Binyamin Meir Airley, HY”D was killed in battle in northern Gaza. Binyamin was 21 years old, a paratrooper in the IDF and Jen and Rob Airley’s oldest son. In his memory, the family founded Beit Binyamin, located in Tzfat. Beit Binyamin provides respite and recovery to those directly affected by war: IDF soldiers, families of soldiers who have served over 200 days in war, and families who have been directly affected by the trauma of the war.

“As the Mishna in Pirkei Avot says: ‘Who is strong? He who conquers his inclinations,’” said Jen.

“All of Binyamin’s external strength, heroism, bravery and magnitude came from the inside. He worked on himself for years to fight the evil inclination. He desired purity and holiness, abhorred unproductivity and wasting time. For years he avoided using a smartphone unless needed for security and army duties, and eschewed materialism, claiming it was totally unnecessary. He opted for solitude while cow-herding to think, spent time on the farm to build and plant, and secure our land, and invested time learning about Jewish history, Torah, self-improvement and growth,” she said.

“He saw all people as equal, didn’t care if they were big-shot money makers, high-level government employees, children with special needs or at-risk teens that he worked with. All were equal to him. He loved life and very much lived life, balancing fun and laughter with growth and action. He knew how to chill by a wellspring, seashore or mountaintop with a bonfire, music and coffee or do guard duty to protect a remote community all night and work in construction of building homes, welding and woodworking during the day. He shunned … attention except when it came to defending his, our, land.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the energy in Beit Binyamin that Binyamin infuses,” Jen continued. “Come enjoy and relax, reconnect with friends, your family, yourself and God, heal your insides so you can strengthen your external abilities thereby being able to keep fighting—-with and for—-our people and our land.”

Executive director of Beit Binyamin, Mordechai Kaplan, told The Jewish Link: “I’ve been uniquely privileged to give back to those who have given so much for Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. To their brave families—separated from their sons, fathers and brothers, sometimes for over 200 days—we offer a sanctuary of peace in the mystical city of Tzfat. Here, they finally have a chance to breathe, reconnect and find strength together during an uplifting Shabbat. These moments of respite give such strength to our chayalim and all those affected by this war.”

Abie Goldberger, who grew up in Teaneck and served as a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade, agreed. Expressing just how important and meaningful Beit Binyamin is to all IDF soldiers, Goldberger spoke about his journey to joining the IDF.

“Growing up in Teaneck, I always anticipated living a normal life in America, despite seemingly faraway dreams of serving in the IDF. After graduating high school, I came to Israel for the year, which led me to deepen my religious commitment and further develop my connection to our homeland. Having learned in Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, it was a very natural decision to draft through Lev Lachayal, the yeshiva’s Hesder program.

“Beit Binyamin is a haven for all soldiers,” he continued, “where they can find more than just food and a place to stay. The center fosters a deep sense of genuine care and camaraderie while working to help soldiers navigate the various challenges that arise from serving in the army. I’ve heard and witnessed countless examples of how transformative the experience can be. It’s not just a building or a facility, but a lifeline for those feeling isolated or overwhelmed. It provides a place for lone soldiers to feel at home and helps many Israeli soldiers transition back into civilian life. Beit Binyamin offers the highest level of attentiveness and care for those who’ve given so much of themselves to serving our country.”

Zach Amos, another lone soldier from Teaneck, served in the Combat Engineering Corps of the IDF. Amos wanted to join the IDF because he grew up in a Zionist home. “I then went to a Yeshivat Lev HaTorah and developed my sense of Zionism even more,” he said. “I also decided I wanted to spend my life in Israel, and if I was going to live in Israel, I should give back to the country. But one of the biggest reasons to go to the army was that I felt the growing antisemitism in the world, and the rest of the world doesn’t want us so we should make sure we have a place to be Jews. And I feel that was fulfilled by being in the army, especially after almost seven months in Gaza.

“My main job in my unit was to be the reconnaissance drone pilot during our missions to enter buildings with the drone before humans did in order to reduce risk of loss of life,” Amos continued. “I additionally would look for enemies who may be a distance away and keep watch while my unit would work, as well as video from the sky to document our work as well as analyze how we could be more efficient on future missions.

“Beit Binyamin is amazing because they care for everyone, not just the lone soldiers,” Amos said. “The war takes a toll on everyone and Beit Binyamin is there to let you unwind, relax and rejuvenate. The facilities are top-quality and very accommodating; the food is phenomenal and all the more so compared to war rations. But the best part is that everyone is able to express themselves, whether with art or music and it’s in the holy city of Tzfat, the city of air. The fresh air of Tzfat and the quietness of the location allow for the highest form of relaxation and permit us to unplug from the world around us.”

And now, to share Binyamin Meir Airley’s lev and neshama through Beit Binyamin even more, Mordechai Kaplan offered an update: “We are excited to announce that Beit Binyamin is now opening its doors to visitors, tour groups and organizations. This is your opportunity to explore a unique space, located in the Old City of Tzfat, that blends history, resilience and being part of the ‘Unbreakable Spirit.’”

For more information, to donate or visit Beit Binyamin, contact office@beit binyamin.org or visit the website at www.beitbinyamin.org

Susan R. Eisenstein is a longtime Jewish educator, passionate about creating special, innovative activities for her students. She is also passionate about writing about Jewish topics and about Israel. She has two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education from Columbia University.