TABC students had the privilege of hearing from alumnus Jacob Lerer ‘19 who was visiting the U.S. (for two fellow alumni’s weddings!) days after his release from service in Gaza. Jacob made aliyah with his family following his shana alef at Torat Shraga. He then drafted with a Hesder unit from Yeshivat Yeruchum and returned to yeshiva in the fall after his Hesder service. He told the boys his story of spending October 7 in yeshiva, dancing and celebrating Simchat Torah, when they got word of the massacre that was happening in the south. The rosh yeshiva told the talmidim to check their phones to see if they were called up, and Jacob and his unit were. He started up north and then was sent to Gaza. He spoke about seeing Hashem’s hand during his recent experiences, specifically when he was in the lookout position for his tank and spotted a Hamas terrorist aiming an RPG rocket at them. In a split second, they turned and eliminated the terrorist before he hit them. He reminded the audience how everyone in Israel is personally affected by the war and how those in America can and should do everything possible to make a difference, to keep Israel in the forefront of their minds every day, to do whatever they can (volunteer, donate, daven, learn and if possible, visit Israel) to help. TABC is proud of the over 40 alumni who have served or are serving in Operation Swords of Iron.