HALB 7-8 graders greet 22 injured IDF chayalim

Twenty-two seventh and eighth graders at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach got together with several injured Israeli soldiers on Dec. 1.

The meeting was arranged by the Belev Echad, which brings wounded IDF veterans to New York City for a ten day tour “to enjoy the camaraderie of those with similar experiences, and receive thanks and support” from the Jewish community.

The students traveled to Republic Airport in Farmingdale, where they met the soldiers, and learned firsthand “that the young men and women of the IDF are serving on the front lines, risking life and limb to ensure the safety of the Holy Land.”

Zachary Sicklick ’18 remarked that he was “inspired that the soldiers risked their lives to serve in the army.” Simon Pinter ’17 said that “it makes me realize how much these soldiers sacrifice their own lives to let us have our homeland.”

In anticipation of meeting the soldiers, the students researched the soldiers’ bios and prepared questions and comments. The students realized that they were talking not to random people but to heroes. The injuries sustained by many of these young soldiers during their years of service forever changed the course of their lives. 

The students were enthralled by the story of Hilal Besan, an Israeli Druze citizen. He lost his twin brother in the tragic fire in the Carmel region five years ago. His uncle was killed while serving in the IDF. Two years ago, Hilal was critically wounded in a shooting incident in the course of his service as a guard in the Rimonim Prison. Hilal has been going through intensive rehab at the Sheba hospital. He received a tzlash (medal) for his incredible courage the day of the attack.

“It made me so much more grateful and made me feel like any problem I have is nothing compared to their experience,” said Gabrielle Isaacs ’18. “If the soldiers were able to keep going and walking on their injured leg, I can handle any of my problems. It made me realize how lucky I am and that if I set my mind to do something I could do it.” 

The students expressed their gratitude to the soldiers by bringing them candies, chocolates, and thank you cards. Rabbi Uriel Lubetski, Middle School principal, shared with the soldiers a stack of thank you letters that students wrote and read Batya Rogoff’s letter in which she said, “Thank you so much for all that you do for Israel. You risk your lives every day to save our country and I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it so much.”

The students characterized their encounter as a spiritual experience that they will never forget. “It showed me how amazing Israel is that people risk their lives every day for it,” said Atara Sicklick ’18.