Shulamith notes Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut

Yom HaZikaron

Yom HaZikaron: a day of solemn contemplation and reflection, a day of mourning for Chayalei Tzahal who gave their lives in defense of our Holy Land and for victims of terror who died al kiddush Hashem.

In the Shulamith Middle Division, the annual Yom HaZikaron commemoration began with a brief introduction by eighth grade student coordinators, Shoshana Farber and Michal Haas. They explained the significance of Yom HaZikaron, highlighting soldiers who died defending our land in the War of Independence, the Six Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and in Lebanon.

They explained that in Eretz Yisrael, sirens blare for one minute at 8 pm on the evening of Yom HaZikaron, and again for two minutes at 11 am.

During this time, Israelis stop everything, including driving, and stand in silence to show their respect for the fallen soldiers. In keeping with this tradition, students and faculty watched a video of the Moment of Silence in the Central Bus Station of Yerushalayim, and stood quietly in deference to the fallen heroes.

Mr. M. Landau, father of fifth grader, Hodaya described his experience when he served in the IDF and the special bond he still has with those who served with him.

He explained that chayalei Tzahal refer to each other as “Achi”— my brother.

Students and faculty were brought to tears as Mr. Landau described his friend and fellow soldier, Sgt. Oren Tzelnik, a’h, who was killed in action in 2002. He told of how his brother in arms was so willing to courageously defend Eretz Yisrael and risk his life for our beloved Land and of how Oren asked to put on Mr. Landau’s tefillin before what turned out to be his final battle.

Six eighth graders lit memorial candles in honor of the kedoshim.

The eighth grade then performed two songs under the guidance of their music teacher, Mrs. Yehudit Markovich. The commemoration closed with the tefillah of Kayl Malay Rachamim and the singing of Hatikvah.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut

On Tuesday, May 6, the solemnity of Yom HaZikaron gave way to the joy and celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut! The day began with a united Tefila Chagigit, and recitation of Hallel, thanking Hashem for the miracle of Medinat Yisrael. Mrs. R. Billet, principal of the Middle Division, spoke to the students about the import of the day.

The Shulamith Women’s Organization provided donuts with white icing and blue sprinkles. The festivities continued with dancing and merriment as Mr. Jeff Neckanoff, of Azamra DJ, “rocked the house!”

After blue and white ices provided by the G.O., students created care packages for IDF soldiers, filled with basic personal items, which included a pair of warm socks, travel toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, pens and other essentials. Included in each package was a personal note of gratitude to the recipient.