Medinat Yisrael is unique in that the observance of Yom Hazikaron, the national Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, leads right into Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. The reason for this is simple, yet profound. As Jews, we recognize the direct cause and effect relationship between the two observances. Without Hashem’s help and those who gave their lives to defend Artzeinu Hakedosha, we would not have the opportunity to proclaim “Hodu l’Hashem ki tov ki l’olam Chasdo” and “Zeh hayom asah Hashem, nagila v’nismcha bo” on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

It is with this in mind that TABC marked both days in meaningful ways. On Yom Hazikaron the entire yeshiva gathered together in the Beit Knesset. Dr. Elliot Prager read part of the moving eulogy delivered at the levaya of the IDF’s most recent fallen soldier, Sgt. Eliyahu Drori. The yeshiva then heard from Michael Goldman (son in law of Rabbi Ezra Wiener) who served in the IDF during the last operations in Gaza. He poignantly described how one of the members of his unit was killed and exhorted students to live their lives in a meaningful way, to ensure that the sacrifice of all the soldiers was not in vain.

In celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, and with a deep understanding that our return to Tziyon has brought to life Zera’im, and b’ezrat Hashem Kodshim and Taharot as well, the broader TABC community made a siyum on shisha sidrei Mishna in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Mishnayot were studied by our talmidim, parents, alumni, faculty and administrators. Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Adler, made the siyum, and addressed the blessings of the full flowering of Torah in Medinat Yisrael as a realization of the vision of Yeshayahu HaNavi, “that from Tziyon the Torah shall go forth, and the word of Hashem from Yerushalayim.” The siyum was followed by a beautiful chagiga led by Shim Craimer, and concluded with Israeli style food from Sababa Grill. TABC is deeply proud of its commitment to religious Zionism, as evidenced by this unprecedented siyum in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, and of all of our alumni who have made aliyah and served in Tzahal. May the recognition of Hashem’s gift of Medinat Yisrael serve as a merit through which we will merit the full redemption.