Yavneh Academy was privileged to have Rabbi Yosef Mendelevich, a former refusenik, address their seventh grade students. Rabbi Mendelevich shared his story of being repeatedly refused the right to immigration, and being imprisoned for eleven years in the former Soviet Union because he is a Jew. He stressed how important it is to stand up for Am Yisrael and for one’s beliefs. The students were spellbound by his presentation and had many questions for Rabbi Mendelevich after the presentation. The Yavneh family is so happy for the opportunity to have the students to meet and hear from a true hero of Am Yisrael.