On September 15, Israel Bonds hosted their second in a series of virtual events, called “Selichot from the Kotel with Israel Bonds: An Extraordinary Global Experience.” Broadcast over Zoom, Facebook Live, YouTube and the Jewish Broadcasting Service, the event featured greetings from Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, an interview with Reut Ifat Uziel, a performance of “Jerusalem of Gold” by Shuli Nathan, Selichot from the Kotel and New Year greetings from rabbis around the world.
Jason Langsner, a National New Leadership co-chair, opened the event by introducing Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion: “On behalf of my New Leadership co-chair Teri Herbstman, I want to express our shared pride in representing the younger generation of Israel Bond supporters. It is a special privilege for both of us. At a time of year when our thoughts are naturally turned to Israel and Jerusalem, the words of Mayor Lion are sure to inspire.”
Lion began, “I don’t think we could ever have imagined what these past six months would bring us. When we think back to our prayers on Rosh Hashanah, Avinu Malkeinu, mana hamagefa m’nachlatcha, these words speak to us now more than ever.”
Lion continued, “From here in Jerusalem, where we have paid a high price these last months, I want to send my prayers and support to all of you in your communities who have also seen very dark times. Friends, you are not just friends of Israel, you are partners in Israel. You understand that we all have the responsibility to each other, kol Yisrael araivim zeh la’zeh. Together with your support, we can be sure that Israel will continue to go from strength to strength. Shana Tova U’metuka. May you be written in the book of life!”
Rabbinic Advisory Council Chair Rabbi Sam Klibanoff of Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston, New Jersey, joined Canadian Rabbinic Council Chair Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, delivering their wishes for 5781. “I want to take this opportunity to wish all of the Israel Bonds community a happy, healthy, prosperous year and a year of bonding,” expressed Klibanoff.
After a video presentation of archeological work at Robinson’s Arch, which was once a gateway to the Temple mount, Izzie Steckler, co-chair of Israel Bonds New Leadership division in Montreal, said, “Selichot prayers are composed from biblical verses, culminating in declaration of the 13 attributes of God. These prayers for forgiveness begin with prayers of confession to which we declare our sins and imperfections to each other and to God. Jewish tradition teaches that confession is always followed by forgiveness because this is what God desires most. The relationship between prayer and forgiveness lies at the heart of the Selichot service.”
The event continued with an interview with Reut Ifat Uziel, daughter of Dr. Yitzhak Ifat, one of the three paratroopers staring at the newly liberated Kotel in that famous photo. She recalled going to Jerusalem as a child on Yom Yerushalayim and meeting her father’s unit. “When I was 12, we went on my bat mitzvah trip to New York, A man, who had a number on his arm, approached my father and said you are one of the soldiers in that picture.”
The Bonds event occurred on the same day as the signing of the Abraham Accords between the U.S., Israel the UAE and Bahrain. Speaking from the South Lawn of the White House, Israel Bonds President and CEO Israel Maimon expressed, “I am so excited being here as the president of Israel Bonds. I represented all of you, our staff, lay leaders and investors. The atmosphere here is amazing. Normal relations with Arab citizens is so exciting.” Maimon added, “After many years and the Middle East in such chaos and wars, it is a new hope and new time. It is so great to be here at the White House to celebrate. Israel is strong, strength brings security, strength brings allies and eventually strength brings peace.”
By Judy Berger
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