On April 30, the Young Israel of New Rochelle hosted the entire Jewish community for a Yom Hazikaron Tekes. Students from the Westchester Torah Academy (WTA) led the commemoration memorializing the soldiers who have fallen in defense of the State of Israel and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since Oct. 7, 2023.
The students began, “We remember and honor the heroism of Israel’s fallen soldiers, those who gave their lives for the establishment, defense and continued existence of our homeland.” They continued: “From the early days of Zionist settlement to today, including the brave souls lost in the current ongoing war, each one carried a world within them, dreams, stories, laughter and love. Their lives were cut short, but their legacy endures, etched in the hearts of a nation that will never forget.”
The WTA students explained: “Just as our sages once wrote down the teachings of our great leaders in Pirkei Avot, remembering each one’s teachings with the words, ‘He used to say,’ today, a new chapter is being written in the story of Israel; a Masechet Banim, a collection of lives cruelly cut short. Yet, their words, dreams and values continue to beat within our hearts.”
The students highlighted quotes from 18 fallen soldiers. The list included “I believed in the small act that creates great change” (Elchanan Meir Kalmanzon); “Be the first in everything. Do. Act. Change.” (Elkanan Neulander); “Exactly when it’s hard, find a point of light to help you face the challenge” (Noa Marciano); “Always lift your head, not your hands” (Eden Alon Levi); “If not me, when who?” (Daniel Peretz)’ and “Every generation has its own responsibility” (Barak Daniel Halpern).
Since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war, 1,253 soldiers and 779 civilians have been added to the list of Israel’s fallen. “While we cannot name each one here tonight, we carry the memory of every soul in our hearts,” the students said. “We will remember a few of the heroes whose names may not be widely known and honor … a legacy of sacrifice, courage, love of the land and deep belief in the path of righteousness.”
The first soldier to be remembered was Ariel Eliyahu, the eldest of seven children born to Rabbi Achia and Idith Eliyahu. From the age of 4 until his bar mitzvah, he lived in the U.S. while his parents served as shlichim. His parents described him as having a deeply generous soul. For his bar mitzvah, he completed the entire Shas of Mishna, and by age 17, he finished studying the entire Talmud, also having studied the entire Tanach several times. In addition to his Torah learning, Ariel studied photography, played the violin, and loved to bake. David Ronen, former IDF soldier who served in Tzanchanim, was invited to light a candle in memory of Eliyahu.
The second soldier highlighted was Adi Odia Baruch, born in Kiryat Netafim in the Shomron. Baruch was a wedding photographer and wrote poems. On Oct. 12, she was called up for reserve duty and on her way to Sderot, she was killed by a direct missile strike. Moreh Yiftach Moran, a close friend and colleague in photography, lit a memorial candle in her memory.
The third soldier was Lieutenant Colonel Yehonatan Shteinberg. commander of the Nahal Brigade. On the morning of Oct. 7, he left his home to join his soldiers in the Gaza border area. He encountered a Hamas terrorist cell near the Magen Junction and was killed in battle fighting alone. Moreh Haggai Reiss, who was a soldier under Lieutenant Colonel Shteinberg, lit a candle in his memory.
Following the Tekes, just as Israel turns mourning into celebration, Rabbi Avi Hoffman, WTA Rav Bet HaSefer, accompanied by WTA music teacher Moreh Haggai Reiss, led the community in Ma’ariv, including a musical Hallel. The event concluded with a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration dinner featuring Israeli cuisine.
