Yeshivat He’Atid marked Yom Ha’Atzmaut 2025 with a day of vibrant and meaningful celebration under the theme “Building Bridges Between Us and Israel.” The day began with a moving communal Hallel, followed by a school-wide hafrashat challah, as faculty blessed dough prepared by Morah Ortal that would later be used for fresh pita—a symbolic and tactile connection to the Land of Israel.

Students then “traveled” to Israel by checking in at passport control and boarding a mock flight. Once “arrived,” they explored hands-on stations that brought Israeli history, culture and innovation to life. They milked a cow and juiced fruit on a kibbutz, admired the Bahá’í Gardens, took part in army training and engaged in an archaeological dig. They also created art, baked pita and imagined Israel’s future through innovative design.

A powerful reflective activity invited students to create a chain link featuring verses from Shir HaMa’alot (Psalms 126 and 130). The completed project, led by the sixth grade, now proudly decorates our Hall of Prayer as a symbol of unity and hope.

The seventh grade explored Israeli cuisine by preparing mock meals from an Israeli restaurant and learning how food connects Jewish people across generations and continents. The day concluded with a spirited daglanut (flag dance) performance by the sixth grade and a joyful balloon release by first and second graders, who sent heartfelt notes and prayers skyward to shamayim.

He’Atid extends a warm thank you to the incredible parent volunteers from Grades 1—8 who supported art and pita-making projects throughout the day. Your time, energy and enthusiasm made the experience truly special for the students.

It was a day full of ruach, unity, creativity and connection—truly building bridges between the students and the Land of Israel.