YCQ marked Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut with meaningful and age-appropriate ceremonies. Due to the events of the past few months, this year’s activities were especially poignant and inspiring.
On Monday, students and staff honored the memory of the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, and were inspired by the heroic sacrifices made to ensure the establishment and continuation of Medinat Yisrael. Special guest speaker Rabbi Shlomo Kimche, Vice Chairman of Bnei Akiva’s Educational Network, shared beautiful insights and reflections that truly encapsulated the spirit of the Yom.
In preparation for the day, students also participated in a meaningful project entitled “Adi’s Lights,” commemorating Sergeant Adi Leon z”l, who fell in battle in October. Before he was killed in action, Adi left his family an incredibly powerful letter, detailing his appreciation for his family, friends, and country. His family, alongside the WZO, turned the letter into an educational kit and curriculum which students used to reflect on the ideas described in his message. The Leon family was so touched by our students’ commitment to honoring Adi’s legacy, and Adi’s mother sent a personal video describing her son and expressing her gratitude for partaking in the project.
Yom HaAtzmaut, was a day like no other. After davening, the entire school gathered outside in the yard to participate in YCQ’s annual school-wide musical Hallel. Over 1,000 students and staff members sang and praised Hashem for the gift of Medinat Yisrael. Led by JHS rebbe and Jewish music star Rabbi Ophie Nat, the sea of blue and white was a remarkable display of achdus and hoda’ah. Fourth Grade students Israel Babaev, Benjamin Gurovich, and Elad Khaimov, and Eighth Grader Mikey Fried wowed the school with moving renditions of Eyal Golan’s “Am Yisrael Chai” and the Mi Sheberach for the IDF. Throughout the day, students participated in special lessons, games, and activities connected to Eretz Yisrael. Students engaged in meaningful Kumzitz singing.
The Early Childhood Program enjoyed an amazing hands-on tailored program of their own. Students grabbed their passports, boarded an El Al plane, and arrived in Israel for a short visit. In Yerushalayim, they davened at the Kotel and bought snacks at the shuk with shekalim. Students ventured south to Eilat where they snorkeled, went fishing, and were given ices to cool down from the heat. In Yaar ben Shemen, they learned about the value of cultivating the land and planted little trees of their own. Their busy trip concluded with a stop in Tzfat, the holy Northern city, where they visited an art gallery and made beautiful colorful candles.
Thank you to everyone who made these two programs so meaningful. YCQ looks forward to a continued future of peace and celebration for Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. May Hashem continue to watch over His people and may we merit the ultimate Geulah speedily. L’shanah haba’ah B’Yerushalayim!
