On Wednesday, November 13, middle school students had the honor of hearing from Ayelet Samenaro, the courageous mother of Yonatan Samenaro, a 21-year-old who was taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. Ayelet shared her heartbreaking story, offering a powerful message of resilience as she continues to fight for justice and demand accountability for her son and others still held captive. Her bravery left a lasting impact on the students, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of standing up for what is right.

The following day, Thursday, November 14, the middle school was privileged to host Beatie Deutsch, a charedi mother of five and a four-time Israeli national marathon champion. Beatie delivered an inspiring presentation, sharing her journey of excelling as a professional athlete in a male-dominated field while staying true to her family life and religious values. She spoke about balancing her love for running with her faith, offering the students valuable lessons on perseverance and discipline.

Beatie also led a special program for the sixth-grade bat mitzvah students, which was followed by a run in Riverside Park. This unique experience allowed the students to not only engage in physical activity but also gain insight from Beatie’s perspective on health, determination and the role of faith in overcoming challenges. MDS is deeply grateful to Beatie for dedicating her time and energy to inspire and motivate the students.

Both speakers left a profound impression on the middle school community, highlighting the power of resilience and passion in the face of adversity.