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A Yom Hazikaron I Will Never Forget

By Dani Katowitz

Being in Israel during Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haaztmaut is a very unique experience. Yom Hazikaron is the day of remembrance for the fallen soldiers of Israel as well as victims of Terror. This solemn day is directly followed by Yom Haaztmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, when we celebrate the existence of a democratic Jewish State.

These holidays are two of the most important holidays in Israel. The emotional experience of transitioning from a quiet, sad day of remembrance into a wild day of celebration was an experience quite unlike any other, a feeling that one can only feel after being in Israel to partake in these special days. 

The Nachshon fellows began the powerful week of holidays together and ended it together. We started by remembering those who lost their lives for our freedom, at a tekes (ceremony) sponsored by Masa. Thousands of Jewish young people and teens from all over the world who were in Israel for a sponsored program including Yeshiva students, Day School students and University students came together at Latrun, a site of an important battle in the War of Independence in 1948. We listened to and were reminded of some tragic stories of heroism as family members and friends spoke of their loved ones.

The Nachshon Fellows also had a unique opportunity to meet privately with Harriet and Mark Levin, parents of Michael Levin who was a lone soldier who died in action fighting in the Second Lebanon War in 2006. Michael Levin grew up in Pennsylvania and like all of us, he went to Jewish summer camp. Rabbi Zeff was his camp director. Michael had a passion for Israel and a strong connection with his Jewish identity. Nearly nine years later, Michael’s story still inspires young Jews to join the IDF and to make an impact in the Jewish community in North America and in Israel. Harriet and Mark not only shared Michael’s story, but taught us how Michael’s death can help us change the Jewish world ourselves. Harriet was emphatic that to be future Jewish leaders we do not necessarily need to join the IDF. By becoming Jewish educators, rabbis and cantors, or camp directors, we can also make an impact and make the Jewish world a better place, similar to her son Michael.

Yom Hazikaron is not an easy day for anyone in this country. In Israel, being the small country that it is, everyone knows someone who has been a victim of terror or lost their life fighting in a war. Yet, it is even harder for the family members of those individuals. It took a lot for the Levins to take time out of their emotional night to talk to us and inspire us. I admire them and how they handled themselves that night, a way in which I am sure they do everyday of their lives. It was an honor to meet them and experience Yom Hazikaron together.

May Michael Levin’s memory be a blessing z”l.