(Courtesy of Congregation Ohr Torah) Last Wednesday evening, Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange held a well attended Yom Hazikaron program with Dr. Gedalya Fendel of Moshav Shuva, which is located in the Gaza envelope between Kibbutz Be’eri and Kfar Aza. The program started off with the Ohr Torah youth leading the attendees with the singing the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah, as well as the prayer for the state of Israel, “Avinu Shebashamayim….” Eitan Rubin led the Kel Male Rachamim for those who lost their lives Al Kiddush Hashem, sang the misheberach for Tzahal and recited Tehillim for the current situation in Israel.

Fandel was a first responder on Oct. 7. He showed a video with many pictures that highlighted his experience in the months that followed. He spoke about the field hospital that he set up in which many lives were saved. He showed pictures of the thousands of burnt cars that have been relocated as a lasting memorial and a testament to that most horrific day in Israeli history.

Fandel also spoke about his role in the IDF when the Israeli Army went into Gaza following the massacre of Oct. 7. He was inside the third tank that entered Gaza, leading Israel’s response to the massacre and kidnapping.

He emphasized that even though Yom Hazikaron is a time to remember the many innocent civilians that were raped, tortured and brutally murdered that day, there is a positive result to report on. He spoke about how communities that were affected in the south of Israel are rebuilding. Many of those who were evacuated are coming back and the spirit of people in the area is one of unification, more than ever before.

He is part of a project called Revival Forest. Each tree planted will have fruits to eat from, and there is a QR code to scan that will tell the viewer about a fallen hero, with their name and personal story of bravery or miracle attached to them. This will create a display of life that honors each individual’s sacrifice and journey. The forest that will be located in Moshav Shuva will link the Israeli public and visitors to the area within the Gaza envelope. It will be free of charge.

To donate to this amazing project and for more information, visit friendsofsderot.org/revival-forest

The program was followed by a Yom Ha’atzmaut dinner with a blue and white theme and with Israeli food and drink.