Zichron Ya'akov, Druze Village Isfiya, and Yom HaZikaron: The Latest Happenings from the 8th Grade Delegation in Israel

The past few days have been busy for  the 8th grade delegates in Israel.  In addition to visiting Zichron Ya'akov and  Rothchild  park, the students visited the Druze village Isfiya (near Haifa), where they learned about the Druze culture and religion. Delegates also went for a hike in Alona Park and saw the Carmel area that was ravaged by fires this past December.

Kadima students at the Ort Yom HaZikaron Ceremony

For Erev Yom HaZikaron students went to Rokach Elementary school for a community Yom HaZikaron ceremony.  It was a beautiful ceremony covering Israel's 7 wars.  The program included readings, music and a dance show. Family members who had lost their loved ones were there commemorating their loss. 

Earlier today, delegates started Yom HaZikaron with Shiur Chinuch (an Advisory type class), where they discussed the IDF moral and ethical code, its importance, and how it makes Israel's army is unique.  Later in the day, the delegates were part of Ort Singalovski's Yom HaZikaron ceremony - our students, wearing their Kadima shirts, along with Rabbi Bluman and Mrs. Yalovsky read a poem in both Hebrew and English in front of over a thousand people!  During the ceremony the delegates heard from the mother of Alon Avrahami, a graduate of Ort 7 years ago, who was lost to one of Israel's wars. She had managed to deeply touch all of our hearts. 

During our Yoman Masa time, Kadima students discussed all that they have heard, seen and experienced during the last day. Our students were impressed and touched by the sadness around them and how Israel changed for the 24 hour period that is Yom HaZikaron.  They also witnessed traffic stopping as sirens signified a moment of silence in remembrance of 23,000 people who had lost their lives to defend the State of Israel. We know that our students will keep this memory with them for many years to come.