The event, hosted by Jerusalem College of Technology’s Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon and
Vice President Doni Fogel, features remarks from the father of hostage Eliakim Liebman.

(Courtesy of JCT) Rabbi Zev Reichman, rabbi of East Hill Synagogue of Englewood, recently attended an event honoring IDF reservists who are returning students at The Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) who served in the ongoing Iron Swords War.

The event, which took place at JCT’s Lev Campus last week, offered an evening of entertainment for some 300 people—primarily students who served in the IDF during the war, and their families.

Rabbi Reichman addressed the students, some of whom were still in uniform. “It’s a privilege to be here with my community this evening. To be in Israel during the war and to be with you—who have defended the Jewish people—is remarkable. We are so glad you’ve returned, and wish you and your families well. I am thankful to my friend Rabbi Rimon and JCT for making this event possible.”

Rabbi Reichman brought members of his New Jersey community to the uplifting event. He is a celebrated author of publications such as “Remove Anger From Your Heart: A Torah Guide to Patience, Tolerance and Emotional Well Being,” and “Flames of Faith: An Introduction to Chassidic Thought.”

In addition to enjoying a standup act by Israeli comedian Yair Jacobi, the students heard from Eliyahu Liebman, head of the Kiryat Arba Municipal Council and the father of the hostage Eliakim Liebman. The students, who are entitled to special aid at JCT as returning reservists, also received gift vouchers as a thank you for their service.

During his address, Liebman said: “The test of one’s faith is not when things happen according to plan, but rather when unpredictable events unfold. My wife and I didn’t plan to be the parents of a hostage. However, we need to continue to believe that what happened to us on Simchat Torah will make us grow. On one hand, we are in great pain, but we will also come out of this stronger as a nation.”

He continued: “My son worked as a security guard at the Re’im music festival. When the attacks began, people ran for their lives. My son, along with another friend, stayed there for three hours to help Jews escape until they were caught by Hamas and were taken into Gaza. Every morning, I recite the matir asurim blessing [thanking God for freeing imprisoned people]. I ask for God’s blessings and pray for my son’s safe return. I thank you for fighting to restore security to the people of Israel and working to ensure my son comes back home.”

JCT Vice President Daniel Fogel, who himself recently returned from months in IDF reserve duty, spoke of his military service before delivering two messages to the JCT students.

“As I worked in the United States until a year-and-a-half ago, at the onset of the war I was exempt from reserve duty. However, I immediately reached out to my old unit. They told me to go home. After making a few inquiries, I learned of a new armored corps unit that was being established, and I knew where I needed to be.”

He explained: “This was the first time since the Yom Kippur War in 1973 that an armored unit would be assembled during wartime. I’m very proud to have been a member of the first company of the ‘Phoenix Unit.’ We recruited commanders and warriors, technical crews and staff officers—overwhelmingly via word-of-mouth and WhatsApp. Each of us was discharged or exempt from reserve duty. We then set upon recommissioning long-since-decommissioned Merkava tanks. Strewn across the country, these tanks were to be sold or scrapped. We—this unit of old warriors with old tanks—went and defended our families, our People and our Nation. For months we defended the Gaza Envelope communities and Israel. Thank God, we fulfilled our mission.”

Fogel added: “Now, thank God, we have returned home. Many soldiers are still on the battlefield—our prayers are with them. Some of us returned wounded—we pray for their full and speedy recovery. And of course, there are those who sacrificed everything and who will never return—may God avenge their blood. Our experiences, however, will stay with us forever. Most of us returned of sound mind and body. However, even when we are ‘OK,’ getting back to routine is far from easy.”

Fogel continued with two main messages for those returning.

First, he said: “Some people come back with physical injuries and some return with their mental health impacted. None of us should be ashamed or shy away from asking for help. Reaching out for help is healthy and right.”

Second, he conveyed that “whether you need help or not, be kind to your partner, your children, your family and your friends. But above all, be kind to yourself. We, as the People of Israel in general and at JCT in particular, are dedicated to helping you to the best of our abilities. May we know peaceful and quiet days to come that will be full of tranquility and redemption.”

As for Rabbi Rimon, he revealed to the audience that aside from an occasional wash, he has not taken off his suit since October 7.

“For me, this suit is sacred because I hugged thousands of soldiers whom I met in Gaza, on the northern border and in Judea and Samaria,” he said. “You came back to school when many of your classmates are still continuing their mission to defeat the enemy; meanwhile, you’re faced with the task of getting back to routine. This is a task you must fulfill with the same dedication as when you were in uniform. That is because an integral part of being victorious is maintaining a routine.

“The enemy tried to break our spirit and destroy our resolve,” Rabbi Rimon continued. “JCT has mobilized to provide you with a comprehensive support system so you can succeed in your mission to finish your studies and earn a degree, to move on, integrate into the job market and leverage the skills you acquired here.”