Typically, at this time of year, the eighth grade class at Yeshivat He’Atid fundraises for their graduation trip. However, this is not a typical year, prompting the students to selflessly shift their focus to help their brothers and sisters in Israel.

In a remarkable combination of kindness, love for the land and people of Israel, and entrepreneurship, students developed and brought to life a plan to sell Israeli flag Jibbitz charms and use the proceeds to help chayalim. These charms can be added to Crocs to enable our community to literally “walk with purpose and stand with Israel.” So far, the sale brought in over $1,000 that was used to purchase 100 pairs of thermals for IDF Brigade 551, Unit 699.

The broader school community, both past and present, was also able to get involved in this chesed initiative. Each package included handwritten notes and pictures from students school wide to show their support and love for our chayalim during this challenging time. In addition, graduate Arielle Pfefer (Class of ‘21) returned to help with packing and organizing. Finally, after preparing the packages, they were sent to Israel with the help of Luggage for Israel—an organization run by Chaverim of Hackensack.

Yeshivat He’Atid’s Director of Guidance Ariela Brum was inspired by the students’ motivation and effort. “Watching the eighth grade come together for something bigger than themselves was so heart-warming. Rather than raise money for their own benefit, they worked as a group to raise money for Israel. Having supported two classmates as their fathers returned to Israel as part of the IDF, the class knew they wanted to make a difference. Watching how this chesed initiative united the students was truly inspiring,” she said.

To walk with purpose and stand with Israel, contact [email protected] to get your own Israel flag Jibbitz.