Rabbi Chaim Jachter’s Chibat Ha’aretz class recently hosted Stephen Flatow, the father of Alisa Flatow z”l. Flatow spoke to the class, which included three of his grandchildren—Netanel Berkowitz (SINAI at TABC), Chaim Mermelstein ‘23 and Jordan Rieder ‘23—and shared the moving story of how his daughter Alisa gently led her family to full religious observance and love for Eretz Yisrael from a young age. Alisa was learning in Israel when she visited Gush Katif in the Gaza Strip on a Sunday. Her bus was attacked by an Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorist and Alisa was murdered. Flatow recounted the tragic episode and its aftermath during which he led a major effort to sue the Iranian government in court for compensation. The students were moved and inspired by Flatow’s presentation and his articulation of the indomitable Jewish spirit. Many thanks to Flatow for taking the time to speak to TABC students amidst his busy schedule during his visit to the U.S.
