From soldiers to politicians, last week’s speakers at SAR High School shared their stories of heroism and their journeys for justice.

Yaniv‘s Story

After praying for Yaniv when he was injured in battle in Khan Yunis, SAR students had the opportunity to meet him in person. On October 7, his platoon was awakened by a missile that landed nearby. “It was then that I understood that being a real commander is being a commander at war,” he said. “We had been fighting in Gaza for two and half months. I had to go inside a building first; I was scared but I had to lead.” As soon as the platoon entered, there was an explosion. “My face, legs and hands were burned and I was taken to the hospital. When I awoke, I learned that 14 of my soldiers were injured and three died right next to me. I felt guilty for letting their families down because I didn’t bring them home safely. Then I realized that even though I was in the hospital, I was still their commander and they needed me. I began calling and visiting soldiers and their families and I still keep in touch.” Yaniv is a role model for the Jewish people and will always have a deep love of Israel and Am Yisrael and all that they do.

Dvir’s Story

On October 7, Dvir’s job as special forces for the parachuters began. From his first day of service, surrounded by 30 soldiers, his commander gave them each a partner who would stand by them always. After a few months, Dvir was stationed inside Khan Yunis and entered a house the terrorists were shooting from. “They set off a bomb when they heard us getting closer and I found myself seriously injured,” he said. “My leg was almost disconnected and I knew that in a few seconds I was going to die. Somehow, an angel put tourniquets on my legs and a helicopter transported me to the hospital. I was in a coma for days and when I woke up I learned that there were 14 injuries that day and that my partner had been killed. I was in the hospital for 11 months with 16 surgeries. I realized the beauty of Am Yisrael and everything we do for each other. There are no people like the Jewish people and I am so thankful for that.”

Assita’s Story

A member of the European Parliament, Assita was brought up in South Africa where she was told how to live her life without the freedom of making her own choices. After reading a book by Simone de Beauvoir about equality, respect and how to change your own destiny, she learned there could be a different life for women like herself. “Reading changed my life,” she said. “It helped me find my way out of poverty and domination, and become my own person.” She realized that if you remain silent in the face of injustice you are being complicit, and decided to get involved in politics instead. She went to the capital city in her hometown and asked to speak at a public gathering then continued speaking publicly whenever possible. “I ended up running for election in Belgium,” she said. “I want to fight for justice, women’s rights, European values and more.”

Thank you to El-Ami’s “Together For Them” project (https://www.together-for-them.com), which empowers IDF wounded soldiers to lead by example through local workshops and community events in Israel and the diaspora, for bringing Yaniv and Dvir to SAR.