The Bergen County Yom Ha’Atzmaut Experience offered a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to Israel’s 77th independence day, seamlessly blending remembrance with festivity. More than 4,000 people attended the event, filling the venue with high energy. The event began with a Yom Hazikaron ceremony honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terror, setting a reflective tone that highlighted the sacrifices made for the state of Israel. This included a video from Yeshivat Yerucham featuring “Min HaMeitzar,” and a powerful recording of Daniel Pomerantz’s final phone call to his family before he was killed during Operation Protective Edge. The evening transitioned into a lively Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration with Bnei Akiva videos sharing uplifting messages, a captivating drone show, and a spirited musical performance by Eitan Katz that brought the audience to their feet in dance.
Another highlight of the evening came from the Nefesh B’Nefesh video featuring Rabbi Ezra and Adina Weiner, who were the assistant rabbi and rebbetzin of Teaneck’s Cong. Rinat Yisrael for 10 years. They said, “This year especially, we understand the sacrifice of what it means to have a land, to have an army, to have the IDF … how lucky and fortunate we are to be living here. It’s very special.”
Their words captured the emotional core of the evening, reminding attendees that Israel’s independence is both a gift and a responsibility. The event successfully fostered a sense of community and pride, leaving attendees inspired and connected to Israel and the Jewish people.
