(Courtesy of Bnei Akiva) This past week, Bnei Akiva brought communities together across North America in powerful displays of unity and ruach. Through moving Yom Hazikaron commemorations and uplifting Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebrations, tens of thousands were inspired by a shared commitment to Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael.
It began with remembrance. On Yom Hazikaron, communities gathered for meaningful tekes ceremonies. These programs created space for reflection and storytelling, honoring Israel’s fallen heroes. This year’s theme, “כפינו ברגבי אדמתה” (Our hands are steeped in her soil), emphasized that Bnei Akiva members are not bystanders, but active participants in shaping the future of Am Yisrael and Religious Zionism.
Communities gathered to hear the stories of heroes like Elchanan Kalmonson, who drove over two hours to Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7 and went door to door rescuing families from terror. They learned of the return of residents to Kibbutz Alumim after a year away from their homes, testaments to the resilience of the Jewish spirit and the strength of Am Yisrael worldwide.
Navigating the emotional transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’Atzmaut was especially challenging this year, as the war in Gaza rages on. Yet, communities moved forward together honoring sacrifice and embracing hope.
Bnei Akiva’s “Tekes-in-a-Box” kits brought the tekes experience to 50 schools and synagogues across North America. Complete with yizkor stickers, misheberach cards, speaker scripts, candles, and a fully designed presentation. The kits empowered local leaders and Bnei Akiva shlichim to host meaningful programs for their local communities.
Over 16,000 people attended in-person Bnei Akiva events in cities like Teaneck, Woodmere, Chicago, Montreal, Atlanta, Lower Merion and many more. Online, more than 18,000 viewers engaged with videos of inspiring stories and words of Torah shared throughout the week showcasing how united the Jewish community was in celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut together.
Bnei Akiva was proud to join the many community sponsors in Teaneck where over 5,000 people gathered to commemorate and celebrate as Bnei Akiva’s moving tribute video played on the big screen, spotlighting the faces and stories of Bnei Akiva members making a difference across the Jewish world as we ushered in the 77th Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
The energy was electric, and it’s only the beginning. Bnei Akiva is growing, and we’re ready to bring this spirit, strength and impact to even more communities through meaningful programming rooted in Torah and a deep love for Israel.
Want to bring Bnei Akiva to your city? Contact Noah Sonenberg at [email protected] or learn more at bneiakiva.org.
