Ben Porat Yosef students from toddlers through middle school enjoyed a host of Israel experiences and learning to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. Early childhood students took their stamped ‘passports’ and flew to Eretz Yisrael. They visited an army base, a Bedouin tent, the Kineret, Machtesh Ramon and the Kotel in Yerushalayim where they wrote notes to put inside the cracks of the stones.

Each elementary school grade created an exhibit that focused on events of a particular decade in Israel’s history for BPY’s “Museum of Israel.” Students visited different stations emphasizing different aspects of life in Israel: the scenery, the sports, the spices, the innovation and technology. They sang and danced in a Tel Aviv disco, created an invention that solved a pressing problem and enjoyed ping pong on the beach, a Krav Maga lesson and a virtual tour of Machane Yehuda.

Middle school students participated in a Hagganah experience with IDF training and a history lesson. IDF veterans taught about the Battle of the Lamed Hei, a convoy sent to re-supply the Gush Etzion bloc that was ultimately attacked, and showed a film about their mission. The chayalim then conducted a re-enactment of parts of this historic mission, stopping to discuss the moral dilemmas the Lamed Hei faced, emphasizing how Tzahal soldiers are tasked with the obligation of conducting themselves in an ethical manner while fighting the battles of war. Later, with BPY parents in attendance, students performed a Kululam song, as well as, an outstanding daglanut performances and all enjoyed a delicious falafel dinner.