FIDF (Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces) visited Yavneh Academy this past week. After expressing hakarat hatov to the visiting chayalim and to tzahal for protecting Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, Head of School Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, introduced Mr. Howard Gases, Director of the New Jersey Tri-State Region chapter of the FIDF. Mr. Gases explained to the Yavneh Middle School students that through the generosity of many people, FIDF works in Israel not only to create social and cultural programs for the chayalim but to establish much needed programs for bereaved families. FIDF also works to bring chayalim to schools in the United States so they can share their important message with younger children.

Yavneh Academy students had the unique opportunity to listen to Yonah, Tikva and Or—three chayalim currently serving in the IDF—explain their current roles within Tzahal. The students also posed thoughtful questions such as, “What is the most frustrating misconception that Tzahal faces?”, “What is the most rewarding part about being in Tzhal?” and “Is it hard to serve near Yerushalayim?”

Finally, as a culmination of one of Yavneh’s chesed projects on Judah Marans Day of Loving Kindness, Lower School students presented the chayalim with large envelopes filled with cards of well wishes for chayalim that will be distributed to troops in Israel.

Yavneh thanks FIDF for spending time with the students and hope that all of Israel’s chayalim stay safe.