Yeshivat Noam students attended meaningful ceremonies to remember Israel’s fallen, davened for and celebrated the accomplishments of Tzahal, and completed a siyum together in honor of Israel. Many aspects of the program for middle school were spearheaded by eighth grader Gavriel Katz and focused on heroes. The speaker for elementary school students was Nava Ort, who graduated from Yeshivat Noam in 2018. Nava eloquently shared memories of being inspired to serve during her days at Yeshivat Noam and spoke about her pride now that she is a member of Tzahal.

Yeshivat Noam grandparent Stephen Flatow spoke via Zoom with eighth graders about the life and loss of his daughter, Alisa Flatow, z”l who was killed by terrorists in a bus bombing in 1995. Mr. Flatow spoke beautifully about how Alisa inspired their family towards religious observance, about the memories of the bombing and about the importance of Israel. Mr. Flatow, who publishes op-eds regularly in the newspaper on behalf of Israel, emphasized the power of activism and the ability for each student to be an advocate for Israel.

Both of these phenomenal guest speakers engaged students and faculty with their stories, passion and experiences.