At HANC, 68 reasons to celebrate Israel

The Hebrew Academy of Nassau County High School imbues a love of Medinat Yisrael in every student, which was evident in the display of passion for Israel at the school’s annual Yom Ha’Zikaron  commemoration and Yom Ha’atzmaut  celebration on May 11 and 12.

On Wednesday, the 3rd of Iyar, the entire high school gathered in the auditorium to honor fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror who gave their lives to defend our homeland. Mrs. Penina Aronowitz, Chairperson of the Ivrit Department, organized a moving program for Yom Ha’Zikaron together with student volunteers. Students read poems which were guided by a student-produced multi-media presentation. 

As is done in Israel on this day, a two-minute siren was sounded during which everyone felt the solemnity of the day, remembering fallen soldiers. For the conclusion of the program, the school stood for Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem.

The connection to Eretz Yisrael was evident the following day,  Thursday, the 4th of Iyar, when the school gathered to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. 

In honor of the 68th birthday of Israel’s independence, HANC High School welcomed two guests to celebrate.

The first was a former IDF tank commander, Ron Weinreich, who was seriously injured in the second Lebanon war when his tank was buried under a collapsed building. After recovering from his injuries and learning to deal with his new life in a wheelchair, he moved to California to pursue his music dream. His inspirational story, his singing, and his call to action to defend Israel on college campuses left an indelible impression on all of HANC’s high school students.

The students and faculty then participated in an incredible, spirited chagigah and concert by Eitan Katz and band which culminated with a moving kumzitz.

The ruach and the achdut among the students and faculty were palpable. The day was magnificent.

HANC thanks the Student Life Team for all of their time and effort in making Yom Ha’atzmaut 5776 such a memorable day for all.