AMIT Fall 2014 Magazine

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B U I L D I N G I S R A E L . O N E C H I L D AT A T I M E .

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FALLEN SOLDIERS IN OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE First Sergeant Eitan Barak, 20 Major Amotz Greenberg, 45 Sergeant Adar Barsano, 20 Second Lt. Bar Rahav, 21 Staff Sgt. Bnaya Rubel, 20 Staff Sgt. Oren Simcha Noach, 22 Sergeant Ben Itzhak Oanounou, 19 Staff Sgt. Daniel Pomerantz, 20 Sergeant Shon Mondshine, 19 Staff Sgt. Shachar Tase, 20 Staff Sgt. Max Steinberg, 24 Major Tzafrir Baror, 32 Captain Tsvi Kaplan, 28 Staff Sgt. Gilad Rozenthal Yacoby, 21 Staff Sgt. Oz Mendelovich, 21 Staff Sgt. Nissim Sean Carmeli, 21 Staff Sgt. Moshe Malko, 20 Staff Sgt. Jordan Bensemhoun, 22 Staff Sgt. Yuval Dagan, 22 Staff Sgt. Tal Ifrach, 21 Sergeant Nadav Goldmacher, 23 Second Lieutenant Yuval Haiman, 21 Sergeant Major Kasahun Baynesian, 39 Lt. Col. Dolev Keidar, 38 Sergeant First Class Oded Ben Sira, 22 NCO Ohad Shemesh, 27 Staff Sgt. Avitar Moshe Torjamin, 20 Captain Dmitri Levitas, 26 First Lt. Natan Cohen, 23 Second Lt. Paz Elyahu, 22 Staff Sgt. Li Mat, 19 Staff Sgt. Shachar Dauber, 20 Master Sgt. Yair Ashkenazi, 36 Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, 20 Staff Sgt. Guy Levy, 21 Staff Sgt. Guy Boyland, 21 First Sgt. Amit Yeori, 20 Second Lt. Roy Peles, 21 First Sgt. Gal Bason, 21 First Sgt. Avraham Grintzvaig, 21 Captain Liad Lavi, 20 CWO Rami Kahlon, 39 Sgt. First Class (res.) Barak Refael Degorker, 27 Staff Sgt. Moshe Davino, 20 Staff Sgt. Adi Briga, 23 Corporal Niran Cohen, 20 Corporal Meidan Maymon Biton, 20 Staff Sgt. Eliav Eliyahu Haim Kahlon, 22 Sergeant Dor Dery, 18 Sergeant Sagi Erez, 19 Sergeant Barkey Ishai Shor, 21 Sergeant Daniel Kedmi, 18 Sergeant Nadav Raimond, 19 Staff Sgt. Matan Gotlib, 21 Staff Sgt. Omer Hay, 21 Staff Sgt. Guy Algranati, 20 Staff Sgt. Shay Kushnir, 20 Captain Omri Tal, 22 Sgt. First Class Daniel Marash, 22 Staff Sgt. Noam Rosenthal, 20 Capt. (res.) Liran Adir (Edry), 31 Staff Sgt. Liel Gidoni, 20, Major Benya Sharel, 26 Second Lt. Hadar Goldin, 23

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

fall2014

By Debbie Isaac

WELCOME BACK FROM THE LOST SUMMER: ”LOST” because our students’ carefree yearly escape evaporated while staying in or near to shelter as rockets rained down on them; our teachers’ vacations went up in smoke, as they remained home to look in on students while caring for their own families; our principals and headquarters staff ‘s prep time for the upcoming academic year vanished while serving on the front lines or fretting over loved ones who were serving; and all of us could concentrate on nothing other than what was happening in our country and how we could be of help.

In these pages, you will learn that no one was sitting idly—remarkable activities were taking place that exemplify what AMIT is and what AMIT does.

Throughout the period of hostilities, I was in constant contact with our senior staff in Israel to ensure that our students and staff in distress were being looked after. It was important to share with them our expressions of concern and those forwarded by all of you. Your concern does and did make a difference.

Over the summer, we provided both formal and informal assistance to staff and students, as well as to troops in combat and their families, especially those of wounded soldiers, and children coping with the stress of constant rocket fire. AMIT staff identified and sent care packages to all our families with a member serving on the front lines. The principal of the Elaine Silver Technological High School for children from difficult family backgrounds organized her students and staff to cook couscous for hundreds of soldiers in the school kitchen. The students of our new school in Jerusalem, Hedvat HaTorah, which serves the Haredi sector, collected a large van of provisions that the principal drove to the front for distribution. Students of the Dyckman Ulpana in Beersheva assisted families of wounded soldiers at Soroka Hospital. Students in Sderot ran activities for younger children confined to the bomb shelters.

These are but a few examples. The beauty of our AMIT family appears in something as simple as a “what’sapp group” among the principals, which was initially created to share educational ideas, but found valuable service as a vehicle of support for those heading into the front lines, most as high-ranking officers.

We are beyond proud of our many former students and current staff members who served in Gaza this summer; it was a difficult fight, and we worried constantly for their safety. We are terribly saddened by the loss of three of our students in the fighting. Others are still recovering from their wounds. Remarkably, their parents, in their grief, speak highly of the values that were instilled in their sons

by AMIT despite the fact that, in some cases, those very values influenced the decision to enter a combat unit.

Our task now is to move on to recovery with determination; thwarting the aims of those who sought to harm the State of Israel, by becoming ever stronger.

As a result of meetings with our principals, we have begun this process. We immediately provided our students in the south with the freedom to just have some fun at outings planned strictly to let loose. We are seeing to it that both students and staff have safe avenues to express their anxieties as they heal. We are providing psychological counseling and workshops to all who need it.

The war did not, and will not, prevent us from moving forward with our goal of providing our students with every opportunity for success.

Wishing you all a year of peace and happiness! 

Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 3

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TABLE OF CONTENTS BUILDING ISRAEL. ONE CHILD AT A TIME.

fall 2014 – stav 5775 Vol. LXXXVI No. 4

FEATURE STORIES 8

:: OPENING DAY

AMIT delegation and Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister of Education Shai Piron visit AMIT schools in Sderot.

14 :: OPERATION EDUCATIONAL EDGE

The special needs of the schools hit hardest by the war. Therapy treatments, family assistance, tutorial help.

18 :: REMEMBERING

Interviews with the families of the of AMIT’s fallen soldiers: Hadar Goldin, z”l, Ben Yitzhak Oanounou, z”l, and Eliyahu Eliyav Chaim Kachlon, z”l.

24 :: WHEN DUTY CALLS

Five AMIT staff members tell their stories about being called to serve.

26 :: CHAYLIM BODIDIM

Interview with David Moed who served as a chayal boded in Operation Protective Edge.

27 :: U.S. SENATOR BEN CARDIN OF MARYLAND Interview with Maryland’s junior Senator.

28 :: BEERSHEVA ROUNDTABLE

AMIT principals from schools in Beersheva discuss their experiences during the war and how AMIT helped the soldiers and the students.

COLUMNS 3 7

:: President’s Message :: Impressions

AMIT NATIONAL COUNCIL OFFICES National Office 817 Broadway New York, NY 10003 1-800-989-AMIT (2648) 212-477-4720 Fax: 212-353-2312 email: info@amitchildren.org Baltimore/Boston/Washington DC 2800 Stone Cliff Drive, Unit #112 Baltimore, MD 21209 410-484-2223 410-370-9411 Call for Fax: 410-484-2223 email: robbiep@amitchildren.org Chicago 3856 B West Oakton Skokie, IL 60076 847-677-3800 847-372-8702 Fax: 847-982-0057 email: amitchicago@amitchildren.org

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Cleveland 23743 Greenlawn Avenue Beachwood, OH 44122 216-382-4441 email: amitcleveland@amitchildren.org Southeast Region 2700 N 29 Ave, Suite 203 Hollywood, FL 33020 954-922-5100 Fax: 954-922-5199 email: robini@amitchildren.org Los Angeles 1122 S. Robertson Blvd., #9 Los Angeles, CA 90035 310-859-4885 Fax: 310-859-4875 email: michalt@amitchildren.org

Philadelphia P.O. Box 342 Wynnewood, PA 19096 410-484-2223 410-370-9411 Call for Fax: 410-484-2223 email: robbiep@amitchildren.org AMIT UK Friends of AMIT Women UK 152/154 Coles Green Rd. London NW2 7HD Phone: 44-208-438-6353 AMIT FRANCE c/o: Mrs. Carole Hannaux20 Chemin des Brasseurs, 57500 Saint-Avold, France phone: +33-611-487-314 email: france@amitchildren.org

AMIT SWITZERLAND c/o: Adv. Jennifer Osborn Unter Altstadt 10 6301 Zug, Switzerland Phone: + 41-41-729-0808 email: switzerland@amitchildren.org AMIT Israel – Petach Tikvah 28 HaMaccabim Street Petach Tikva 49220 Phone: 03-912-3101 AMIT Israel – Jerusalem Hechal Shlomo Building 58 King George Street, 1st Floor, Jerusalem Phone: 02-673-8360 Fax: 02-673-8359

FIND AMIT ON

9/25/14 6:00 PM

letter from the editor WHEN WAR COMES TO ISRAEL, THE SHOULDERS SLUMP,

there is a deep inhale followed by an extended sad exhale, and the hand of Jews worldwide cup the eyes—unaware, perhaps, but

President

collectively reciting the Shema. Slowly the hand moves from the

Debbie Isaac

eyes and covers the mouth as if a moment of silence were needed

Executive Vice President

before our thoughts can become words. War’s colossal power

Andrew Goldsmith

destroys normalcy.

Vice President, Marketing and Communications Chana Shields

Early in September, I traveled to Israel. I had the privilege of interviewing AMIT principals, teachers and students who

Editor in Chief/Creative Director

were directly affected by the war in Gaza. And, most difficult, I

Robert Ephraim Sutton

interviewed the families of Hadar Goldin, z”l, Eliav Eliyahu

Design

Chaim Kachlon, z”l, and Ben Yitzhak Ouanounou, z”l – three

Game6Media

soldiers who were killed during the war and who were

Editor Emerita

graduates of AMIT schools.

Micheline Ratzersdorfer

This issue of AMIT magazine is solely devoted to the events

Signed articles do not necessarily represent the

surrounding this past summer and AMIT’s contribution to its

opinion of the organization. Reproduction of any material requires permission and attribution.

students, staff, the soldiers and the State of Israel. 

To view us online visit

www.amitchildren.org AMIT Magazine (ISSN 1085-2891) is published quarterly;

Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer by

Robert E. Sutton

AMIT. AMIT National Office:

Editor in Chief

817 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10003.

1-800-989-AMIT, 212-477-4720, Fax 212-353-2312

About The Cover

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Education Shai Piron and AMIT President Debbie Isaac with AMIT students from Sderot.

email: info@amitchildren.org B U I L D I N G I S R A E L . O N E C H I L D AT A T I M E .

Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y., and additional mailing offices.

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bobbys@amitchildren.org

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AMIT enables Israel’s youth to realize their potential and strengthens Israeli society by educating and nurturing children from diverse backgrounds within a framework of academic excellence, religious values and Zionist ideals. Some 70 percent of AMIT students live in development towns or other “peripheral” areas of the country. AMIT approaches each child as an individual, maximizing his or her potential, and enabling our students to become vital, productive members of Israeli society. The AMIT schools promote religious tolerance, service to the state and the recognition that every child is blessed with unique talents and abilities. Founded in 1925, AMIT operates 108 schools, youth villages, surrogate family residences and other programs, constituting Israel’s only government-recognized network of religious Jewish education incorporating academic and technological studies.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to

AMIT: 817 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10003.

AMIT, founded in 1925, has a proud history of service to Israel and the Jewish people.

Our name, in English, stands for “AMericans for

Israel and Torah.” In Hebrew, AMIT is an acronym for “Irgun Mitnadvot l’ma’an Yisrael v’Torata” (Organization of Volunteers for Israel and Her Torah).

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IMPRESSIONS

the world is upside down

By Andrew Goldsmith, Executive Vice President

AL QAEDA ARE NOW THE MODERATES; ISIS IS THE new Al Qaeda. Egypt’s military are now our allies, and we’re fervently hoping that neither side wins in Syria.

Former almost ally Turkey now spews 1933 Germany anti-Semitic rhetoric. Europe is exploding in antiSemitic acts as the veneer between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is gone. The UNHCR is investigating us for war crimes—the most ethical and moral army ever to walk the earth—while HAMAS urges their children to die to increase a body count for the evening news. And, with the exception of Canada (who knew?), the world seems to be accepting the preposterous suggestion of moral equivalency between us and HAMAS. It has not taken long at all—it’s been less than four months. The kidnapping and murder of our three boys brought our nation together in a way not witnessed since the Yom Kippur War. The discovery of bodies caused tears across the spectrum of the Jewish people, and comfort came from the most unlikely of sources—the mothers of the murdered teens who displayed incredible bravery and astounding faith.

We heard of the abhorrent murder of an Arab teen, and none could believe that our people were responsible. And then the rockets began. Our people spent the summer in shelters and we watched, feeling absolutely impotent as the world demonized our nation. Organic relief efforts occurred throughout our network of schools—students organized to send food, toiletries, provide day care and programming for younger students in shelters across Israel, all while 250 of our staff served in Operation Protective Edge or had an immediate family member in combat.

At AMIT, we carefully formed a response consistent with our mission: to preserve and enhance our student’s well-being. We immediately identified 2,000 students living in areas under constant rocket fire and most at-risk for psychological trauma. Without delay, we provided unlimited counseling to any student in need. We then identified an additional 20,000 students being affected by the war. Each student was

provided with a touch point—a virtual or real hug—to check in with them and offer tangible assistance.

While we mourn every soldier lost, three of our AMIT alumni won’t ever come home—they died as heroes protecting the Jewish people. Some of our alumni are wounded and face a very long path of recovery. We began the school year with ways for students to express their feelings in a safe, supportive setting and help heal the less visible wounds left by the war.

But making sense of how to respond on a spiritual level was a struggle, until I recalled words spoken at an AMIT event in Newton, MA, by honoree Maurice Aghion on behalf of him and his wife Sarah. Perhaps unknowingly foreshadowing events to come, Maurice said: “The supposedly more civilized world is still hostile to Israel and to Jews. We are called names and assigned the worst evils.

So, what can we do about it? King David has the answer: When my enemies talk, I listen.

The more the world shows us hostility, the more we have to show each other compassion; the more our morals are maligned, the more we need to refine them; the more public embarrassments we suffer, true or fabricated, the more ethical we must become, the more we are slandered, the more we must restrain our own speech.

Even within Am Yisrael, we are very much challenged.

What man sees one way, Hashem sees a very different way. How do we choose between rights and obligations, accumulating and sharing, self-gratification and selffulfillment? Between me, myself and I versus my neighbor, my community and my people? Does our success make us proud or grateful? Do we admire the rich and famous or honor parent and teacher? Do we connect with the winner, or do we help the fallen get up? Do we focus on the first of the class and exclude the last? In short, do we live by V’Ahavta LeReacha Kamokha?”

So, without fanfare or delay, let the world do its job and let us redouble our efforts to do ours.  Andrew Goldsmith can be reached at andrewg@amitchildren.org

Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 7

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FEATURE

T

OPENIN

he start of school brought a sense of joy and excitement

inaugurated and celebrated the first day of school in Israel at

to rocket-scarred communities in southern Israel, and on

AMIT Toranai Chadash Elementary School.

Monday, September 1, AMIT opened its schools. Israeli Prime

The Prime Minister’s visit to the new AMIT religious elementary

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Minister of Education

school included helping first-grade students with their very first

Shai Piron, AMIT President Debbie Isaac, Amnon Eldar, Director

lesson about the Hebrew alphabet.

General of the AMIT Network, and Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi

“I know that you spent your vacation doing things not according

8 :: Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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ING DAY

By Robert E. Sutton

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi and students of AMIT Kiryat Ha’Chinuch Junior and Senior High School celebrating the first day of school.

to what you planned,” the Prime Minister said. “I hope that

strength,” he said. “We are the People of the Book and today

during the upcoming holidays you will have the chance to have

the people of the tablet as well. We hold on to our heritage and

some fun, to play and to be with your families and friends,”

also the future. Study the Bible, our heritage, math, computers

Prime Minister Netanyahu told the first graders.

and science. Acquire knowledge for the sake of the nation of

“Be good friends with each other and hunger for knowledge.

Israel, for the state of Israel, for the land of Israel, for yourselves

This is what distinguishes us and gives our people special

and your families.” continued on page 10

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with first graders (and future voters) of AMIT Torani Mada’i Elementary School in Sderot.

continued from page 9 Education Minister Shai Piron added that he was assigning a special assignment to the first graders this school year, which he noted wasn’t homework but classwork. “Look around you. See who may not have many friends and who may have had few visitors this summer.

If a kid doesn’t come to school because he is sick, don’t forget to call him. Show respect to your teachers. Our greatest test is not how we acted during days of war, but how we will act in peacetime,” the Education Minister said.

The AMIT delegation then visited the AMIT Kiryat Ha’Chinuch Junior and Senior High School. Decked with balloons, colorful posters, and a table of treats, the school opened in a welcome sign of familiarity after the war with Hamas.

But this was not an entirely normal first day for the students of AMIT Kiryat Ha’Chinuch. Though the return to school is always something of a national

holiday, emotions were mixed this year, with the students showing signs of the anxiety of a violent and trapped summer. Regular curriculum was suspended for the beginning of the school year and security remained a concern, although a cease-fire seemed to be holding.

The day began with an assembly in the school gym that doubles as the auditorium. Principal Motti Arbel welcomed the students and told them that for the “first few weeks, we will slowly begin classes and take those weeks to reacquaint ourselves with the school and with each other. You are back in school. You are standing. You are breathing. Let’s continue.” Arbel stated, “AMIT Kiryat Ha’Chinuch provides meaningful educational experiences and opportunities for you, our students, with the goal of ensuring that all of you are prepared to become productive citizens of Israel, life-long learners and most important, remember that Torah is at the center of everything we do.”

AMIT Torani Mada’i has over 185 students, many from the former Soviet Union. The school offers enrichment in science, including astronomy and chemistry; English, beginning in first grade; music and art; extracurricular activities to develop reasoning and thinking; and a special program in entrepreneurship for fifth and sixth graders in which pupils design, produce and try to market a new product.  Following Motti’s passionate welcome, The Director of Religious High School Education, Ram Zahavi, spoke of how our faith in Hashem gave Israel and in particular the population of Sderot the strength and determination to defeat the enemy. Taking from the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy), Mr. Zahavi

10 :: Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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“It is great to be back at school. It is the best. My friends are here, it is possible to walk around, to talk, to finally be happy.”

– Talia, 10th grade student recalled that in the portion Va’Etchanan, Moshe Rabbeinu beseeched Hashem, “Give me a chance to go into the Land of Israel. Let me enter the Land.” Moshe did not merit that request. “Every boy and girl who lives in Israel has earned that which Moshe was unable to receive,” said Zahavi.

Debbie Isaac, President of AMIT, greeted the students and the faculty and said how pleased and excited she was to welcome them to school after such a horrific and lost summer. She reminded the students that “AMIT will assist you

after the difficult summer and remember to ask for help from your principal, teachers, and guidance counselors.”

POST-WAR THERAPY FOR AMIT STUDENTS After the war, the students are back at school with the feeling that the entire nation supported them and understood their distress, and that they were not alone. Specially trained therapists and social workers are reporting that the students are in a state of uncertainty.

They don’t believe the war has ended and that a cease-fire will be long-lasting.

The students—from elementary school to senior year students in high school— are extremely distressed after almost two months of survival in a routine of ongoing missile attacks and running to a shelter. Now expressions of anger, violence and aggression are appearing.

The war shook up the family unit, and the pressure, the disruption of routine and the chaos have left the students in a situation of restlessness, tension, acting out, lack of concentration and problems

AMIT Kiryat Ha’Chinuch has a student population of 460 students, including students from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. This school includes both a yeshiva and an ulpana track for students who are interested in more intensive Judaic studies. In AMIT’s first five years in this school, the bagrut success rate went from less than 20% to 70%, and enrollment has greatly increased.

Families who sent their children out of Sderot for high school are now keeping them in Sderot. AMIT is the sole provider in Sderot of religious, Zionist education on both elementary and secondary levels. The school won the Religious Education Prize as well as a prize for excellence in environmental studies. 

Laughter is the best medicine.

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continued from page 11 with being attentive and functioning.

While the AMIT delegation was touring the schools, they were witness to some unique therapeutic treatments, two of which were especially interesting: BEATING THE ODDS Seated in a circle, and led by a social worker, twenty-two students were pounding away on West African Djembe drums. Drumming Therapy is a method of utilizing the power of rhythm and pounding and applying it to a group for the purpose of healing. Group drumming breaks down barriers, promotes freedom of expression, non-verbal communication, unity and cooperation. And most important, drumming releases pent-up emotions, helping to significantly decrease depression, anxiety, an-

ger and stress – all the emotions felt by the children of Sderot.

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE In a roomful of bored and skeptical teenage boys, a teacher is trying to explain how laughing can help reduce a lot of the “tough feelings you are going through. We need to laugh and laugh together. Laugh at each other and with each other.” One at a time, the teacher approaches a boy and stares, makes a face or jiggles his body. At first the boys roll their eyes and seem embarrassed to be part of this tipshut (stupidity). After a few minutes, one student smiles and begins to giggle at the ridiculous behavior of his teacher. The giggle turns to a chuckle, which swells to all-out laughter.

It’s contagious. The entire group begins to laugh out loud, some even hysterically. Let the healing process begin. 

“The opening weeks of the school year are to include a host of nonacademic activities, including performances, tours, cultural events and talent shows, in an effort to provide to students some of the normal summer activities which were canceled due to the war.”

– Shai Piron,

Minister of Education.

Table of treats for the first day of school.

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Pounding those drums and healing.

A few words from Ilan Abekasis, Assistant Principal at AMIT Kiryat Ha’Chinuch: Q. How was this first day of school?

A. I have worked at this school for twenty-five years, and this year is one of the happiest first days I have ever witnessed. You could see the happiness on the faces of the children as they arrived for school. This shows how important school is for them. School is not just school. It is like a home.

Q. What are the plans for this coming year?

A. In pedagogical terms, most of the teachers are starting new programs for a more meaningful learning experience. We will approach the students in a new way, with less stress, less exams and more practical experiences. A new team of young, dynamic teachers will talk to the students on a daily basis – eye-to-eye – to understand their issues and problems, to be as close as possible to the students, both in terms of their thinking, and their actions.

Q. How did the AMIT Network help the school during the war?

A. Throughout the years and especially throughout the past two months, the support of AMIT has simply been unbelievable. Obviously, at times of crisis, or times of war, the support is even greater. Whether sending care packages to parents of soldiers who have been called up or families of teachers who were called up. The connection with the AMIT network is constant. We consider them to be like a mother and father. They are always thinking and concerned about us, and providing us with that all-important shoulder to lean on. 

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FEATURE

AMIT

OPERATION EDUCATIONAL EDGE Current Initiatives in the Network’s Southern Schools & Special Needs for the Future

T

he acute stress reaction brought on by the recent war in Gaza will not abate so easily for a lot of children in the south of Israel. Many of the students will

experience post-traumatic stress disorder months after the war. And the symptoms may stick around for years if left undiagnosed and untreated.

From the first day of the war, AMIT has been assisting and supporting its students and teachers. Here are the many initiatives and resources that were implemented during the war and most important, those that need to be funded for future needs.

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SCHOOL AMIT Sderot Religious Junior and Senior High School

INITIATIVES TO DATE - Recorded individual needs of each student - Alumni coordinator to collect information about wounded alumni - Outing for yeshiva track to Petach Tikva pool - Outing for ulpana track to Elkana - Torah lessons under the threat of missiles and chesed activities by students for needy residents in the city.

SPECIAL NEEDS - Therapy treatments (music, movement, theater, art therapies) that will allow students to express distress and work through their experiences

- Remediation in all subjects to close learning gaps for those students who were supposed to go take the “last chance” Bagrut exams in math and English.

AMIT Sderot Gutwirth Junior and Senior High School Dina and Moses Dyckman Ulpanat AMIT in Beersheva

- A two-day trip to Jerusalem for 450 girls

- Therapy treatments in music and art for the relief of stress and expression of distress.

- A two-day trip in order to hold dialogue with different groups about the situation, hardships, difficulties and anxieties.

AMIT Daisy Berman Yeshiva in Beersheva

- The school held sports days, and a field trip that included field games, music, and gift of a special t-shirt for each student over the summer.

- Therapy treatments, group discussion to reduce stress.

- A two-day trip for yeshiva students for stress reduction and team-building.

AMIT Wasserman Junior and Senior High School in Beersheva

- The junior high school building became home to 120 Home Front Command reserve soldiers who slept and bathed there. Electricity and water costs will be higher, as well as expenses for renovation of the rooms at the end of the operation (including repairing the fence)

- Therapy treatments to reduce stress for students - Assistance to 10 families of children in need. Their situation worsened due to the Operation and they were left without food.

AMIT Elaine Silver Technological High School in Beersheva

- Outings - Took groups of students to movies and pizza or meetings in different places, including transport - Outing - a trip to Jerusalem for students and younger siblings, visit to Herzl Museum and Biblical Zoo

- Increasing therapy treatments following a period of stress.

AMIT Kiryat Malachi Junior and Senior High School

- Outing- Trip to Jerusalem for 160 students, Western Wall and Paintball

- Therapeutic treatments to relieve stress, express and process experiences and hardships.

- Math remediation for 20 students who missed “last chance” summer Bagrut due to war.

- Assistance to a family that has three sisters who attend the school, an Ethiopian family that has a disabled child at home.

AMIT Fred Kahane Technological High School in Ashkelon

- Outing - Each class went bowling at a reinforced bowling alley with their teacher - Outing for all students - Superland amusement park in Rishon LeZion from school budget

- Increasing therapy treatments for students.

AMIT Ashkelon Bet High School

- Outings including sports days, movies, bowling

- Therapy treatments for students - Remedial assistance for summer Bagrut exams in math and English

12 AMIT Elementary Schools in the South*

- Array of therapies for students: music, art, movement, dance.

*6 Beersheva schools 3 Sderot Schools 3 Kiryat Malachi schools Costs of implementing above-mentioned programs: NIS 50,000 per high school x 9 high schools = a total of NIS 450,000 for high schools/NIS 20,000 per elementary school x 12 schools = a total of NIS 240,000 for elementary schools Following the war, the Knesset decided on a 2% across-the-board cut for all government ministries except defense.

With the second highest budget after Defense, the Education Ministry stands to have their budget reduced by $140 Million. This cut will provide one –quarter of the total increase in the Defense budget as well as non-educational monies that will be used to assist communities closest to the border with Gaza.

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ACCO AMIT Rambam Religious Elementary School AMIT Kennedy Junior and Senior High School AFULA AMIT Yehuda Junior and Senior High School and Yeshiva AMIT Yeshivat Hesder ASHDOD Yeshivat AMIT Ashdod AMIT Mekif Bet Ashdod AMIT Mekif Yud Ashdod ASHKELON AMIT Fred Kahane Technological High School BEERSHEVA AMIT Rambam Elementary School AMIT Torani Madai Netivei Am Elementary School AMIT Afikim B’Negev Elementary School AMIT Hazon Ovadiah Elementary School AMIT Or Hammer Elementary School Neot Avraham Elementary School AMIT Junior and Senior High School AMIT Daisy Berman Yeshiva Dina and Moses Dyckman Ulpanat AMIT AMIT Elaine Silver Technological High School BEIT SHEMESH AMIT Shachar Junior and Senior High School for Girls AMIT Dvir Junior and Senior High School for Boys AMIT Beit Shemesh Yeshiva High School AMIT Beit Shemesh Ulpana High School AMIT Bellows Ulpanat Noga GIVAT SHMUEL Ulpanat AMIT Givat Shmuel HAIFA AMIT Anna Teich Ulpanat Haifa HATZOR HAGLILIT AMIT Honi HaMe’agel Elementary School for Girls AMIT Shevet Sofer Elementary School for Boys AMIT Hatzor Haglilit Junior and Senior High School AMIT Hatzor Haglilit Ulpana Track AMIT Hatzor Haglilit Yeshiva Track JERUSALEM AMIT Frisch Beit Hayeled Reishit Yerushalayim Elementary School AMIT Nordlicht Religious Technological High School AMIT State Technological High School Midreshet AMIT

16 :: Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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hiva

s

THE AMIT NETWORK

More than 28,000 students in 110 schools and programs in 29 cities and towns

KARMIEL AMIT Karmiel Junior and Senior High School KIRYAT MALACHI AMIT Etzion Elementary School AMIT Harel Elementary School AMIT Netzach Israel Elementary School AMIT Kiryat Malachi Junior and Senior High School AMIT Kiryat Malachi Ulpana Track AMIT Kiryat Malachi Yeshiva Track MA’ALE ADUMIM AMIT Tzemach HaSadeh Elementary School AMIT Sde Hemed Elementary School AMIT Yaffe Nof Elementary School AMIT Wasserman Torah, Arts and Sciences Junior and Senior High School for Girls AMIT Junior and Senior High School for Boys MATEH YEHUDA AMIT Lavi Elementary School AMIT HaElah Elementary School AMIT Matityahu Elementary School AMIT Even HaEzer Elementary School Yeshivat AMIT Nachshon Junior and Senior High School MEITAR AMIT Chemdat Elementary School MODI’IN AMIT Modi’in Arts and Sciences Junior and Senior High School NETANYA AMIT Rambam Religious Elementary School AMIT Bar Ilan High School for Boys OR AKIVA AMIT Rabbi Akiva Religious Elementary School AMIT Etzion Religious Elementary School AMIT Hannah Senesh State Elementary School AMIT Rothschild State Elementary School AMIT Nechemia Tamari State Elementary School AMIT Atidim Junior and Senior High School AMIT Ofek Technological High School PETACH TIKVA AMIT Kfar Blatt Youth Village AMIT Wurzweiler Agricultural and Technological High School Yeshivat AMIT Eliraz High School Yeshivat AMIT Kfar Ganim Yeshivat HaHesder Orot Shaul Petach Tikva AMIT Junior College AMIT Menorat HaMaor Haredi Track

RA’ANANA AMIT Kfar Batya Youth Village AMIT Noam Elementary School AMIT Schiff Junior High School AMIT Gwen Straus Junior and Senior Science High School for Boys and Yeshiva AMIT Gruss Agricultural and Technological High School AMIT Bienenfeld Hevruta Yeshiva and Kollel AMIT Renanim Junior and Senior Science and Technology High School for Girls AMIT School of Society and Law RAMAT GAN AMIT Ginsburg Bar Ilan Gush Dan Junior and Senior High School for Boys RAMLE AMIT Ramle Technological High School REHOVOT AMIT Gould Junior and Senior High School for Girls AMIT Hammer Junior and Senior High School for Boys Yeshivat AMIT Amichai ROSH PINA AMIT Pre-Army Religious Studies Program SDEROT AMIT Haroeh Elementary School AMIT Torani Mada’i Elementary School AMIT Torani Chadash Elementary School AMIT Sderot Religious Junior and Senior High School AMIT Sderot Yeshiva Junior and Senior High School AMIT Sderot Ulpana Junior and Senior High School AMIT Sderot Gutwirth Junior and Senior High School Ulpanat AMIT Shirat Yeshivat Hesder of Sderot, AMIT Track SHOHAM AMIT Beatrice and Irving Stone Meysharim School TEL AVIV AMIT Eisenberg Junior and Senior High School for Girls TZFAT AMIT Florin Taman Junior and Senior High School for Girls AMIT Florin Taman Junior and Senior High School for Boys AMIT Tzfat Yeshiva Junior and Senior High School AMIT Tzfat Evelyn Schreiber Ulpana Junior and Senior High School YERUCHAM AMIT Kol Yaacov Elementary School AMIT Kamah Junior and Senior High School Midreshet Be’er Yeshivat AMIT B’levav Shalem Junior and Senior High School

Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 17

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IN MEMORIAM Hadar Goldin, z”l

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”

Benjamin Disraeli

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Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, z”l, 23, of Kfar Saba, was killed in battle in Gaza on August 1. Hadar was a graduate of the AMIT Gwen Straus Junior and Senior Science High School for Boys and Yeshiva Track. AMIT spoke with Hadar’s parents, Leah and Simcha Goldin on September 4.

AMIT: Tell me about Hadar Leah Goldin: Let me first tell you about Hadar’s relationship with his twin brother Tzur. Hadar and Tzur complemented each other. Hadar was left-handed, Tzur was right-handed.

This was symbolic.

They were a team—Hadar-Tzur or Tzur-Hadar. One team.

Hadar is five minutes older than Tzur, so it should be Hadar-Tzur.

Each one had his own style; for example, they made movies together. Hadar always had the camera because he didn’t like it when people filmed him. That is his nature—he filmed and Tzur acted. Hadar was a generous and very caring boy.

My sister-in-law called him Neshamela (little soul) from the time he was two years old. The truth is that Hadar is five minutes older than Tzur, and Tzur has the character of a younger brother. Tzur had the kind of personality that he could never lose. If he would lose any game it would be like Tisha b’Av. Hadar knew how to lose, how to let Tzur win.

With big children that is one thing, but to see little children of two or three years old knowing how to resolve things peacefully—that is amazing.

He was very scientific. He studied biotechnology. He was also an artist, very talented. He painted these wonderful pictures over here on the wall.

Hadar and Tzur always learned music, art. Hadar learned Capoeira, a Brazilian form of martial arts, Tzur learned Karate. We didn’t send them to the same after-school activities. Always different.

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AMIT: It sounds like Hadar was a renaissance man.

Leah Goldin: If he were listening, he would burst out laughing at the mention of the Renaissance.

The thing with him was simplicity.

Simple words, simple interaction with people. Not long words or confusing. Even so, he knew Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by heart—in English.

In terms of what he wanted to do, I don’t think—we don’t know. It is very Israeli. Until a child finishes the army, he doesn’t know. Only then does he decide.

AMIT: Why did you choose to send him to AMIT? Simcha Goldin: There were many reasons. One is that we had heard many good things about AMIT in Kfar Sava. Also, the principal is a good friend. He knew Hadar and Tzur as children. He and I learned Gemara together. Also, the students who came from Kfar Sava were an excellent group— a really good social group.

Leah Goldin: It began with our eldest son—he also learned in AMIT Rananim. I loved the principals motto, “Love the things I do and do the things I love.”

Also, the combination of science, faith, the humanities, Jewish values and the high quality of teachers and principals, and developing the creative potential of the students— these are the qualities that we see in AMIT. Itamar Haikin, Principal: I remember he used to sit in the first or second row of the classroom. The teachers would give tasks to the students, little tasks. He would always wait to see if anyone else volunteered. If not, he would say, “HaRav, I will do it.”

We, as the AMIT Network, had the

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great honor to have Hadar in our school.

Simcha Goldin: I have never seen any other school like AMIT. When Hadar and Tzur went to school and came home—when you usually ask your child, “How was it in school today?”, they answer “Ich”—Hadar and Tzur would say, “It was fun!” We, as parents, looked at one another. If the student says it is fun—that doesn’t happen in every school.

There is something important to remember, something very interesting. I was amazed by the values instilled within the students of AMIT. AMIT: How would you like him to be memorialized by AMIT? Simcha Goldin: Through action.

Our point of view and his would be remembrance.

Hadar was a sweet boy, sensitive and happy. On the door to his bedroom was a drawing he made with the saying, “Enter with a smile”.

Leah Goldin: Let me tell you a story. It’s called the chet of virtues. In the army, at certain times, when an officer speaks with his soldiers, they have to stand in the shape of the letter chet. Almost every week the officer would state a specific virtue.

Each soldier had to speak about that virtue, and point to someone else in the unit who that week had performed an action which was related to that virtue. Faith, tolerance, kindness, forgiveness— whatever. So I asked Hadar, “Does that mean that you were thinking about this all week?” “Of course not!

In basic training we don’t even get two minutes to think.” To me, that means that he was able to think of his fellow soldiers. In the middle of very difficult training, he, and of course other soldiers, would stop and

think about values and virtues that others do.

Hadar was amazing because he would see the good in others in a different and remarkable way.

Simcha Goldin: You are being modest. It could be because you told Hadar and Tzur, when they were very young, to look for the good in others.

Leah Goldin: No. This is something built in. This is not something that is taught. < “We were raised to love the nation and the land. Our grandparents are holocaust survivors who participated in the Independence War, our father is a regiment commander on reserve duty, it is something rooted in our home. We live life, lots of education, love, and we were taught to know how to make the right decisions.”

– Hadar Goldin, z”l

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IN MEMORIAM Eliav Eliyahu Chaim Kachlon, z”l

“But in a large sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot hallow this ground.

The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract” Abraham Lincoln

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Staff Sgt. Eliav Eliyahu Chaim Kachlon, z”l, 22, of Tzfat, served in the 7th Armor Brigade. On Monday, July 28, he was killed by a mortar attack along the Gaza border. Eliav graduated from AMIT Tzfat Yeshiva High School. AMIT spoke with Eliav’s parents on September 8.

AMIT: Tell us about your son.

David Kachlon: First of all, I want to say that my son Eliav was to complete his army service on August 3. He was killed on July 28 – five days before he would have completed his service.

My son Eliav was born 22 years ago. When he was born we called him Eliyahu. At the age of three he was seriously ill. Baruch Hashem he survived, and the Rav requested that we add the name Chaim to his name, Eliyahu Chaim. When he grew older, his friends decided to call him Eliav, as a nickname.

Eliav studied at the AMIT school here in Tzfat, the yeshiva.

We are religious people, with kippot srugot (crocheted), and we were glad when Eliav decided to study in the yeshiva.

He was an excellent student. Loved by all his friends. At the end of the shiva his friends came with one of the teachers, they made a book of their remembrances of him.

His mother and I raised him, yet we never realized the extent of his kindness. As a child he gave kavod (honor) to others, he was a child who would give everything he had to anyone less fortunate. He was a boy who loved the world of Torah and he was very close to many Rabbis, including Rav Shmuel Eliyahu, and his father Rav Mordechai Eliyahu.

Rav Shmuel Eliyahu told us that the day before Eliav was killed, he met with him near the front. He hugged him, shook his hand and blessed him.

Yesterday (Sunday, September 7) the army took us to the place where he was killed. They took the families of the four soldiers who were killed along with Eliav, near Beeri, at

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the gathering area. When we arrived, one of the mothers began looking for her son’s glasses. There were lots of eucalyptus leaves all over the ground.

As she was brushing aside the leaves, she found my son’s kippah. His kippah.

There was dried blood on it. The blood of my son. It was very difficult to see this. Very emotional. We thanked her, and sat there in the place where our son was killed. We lit candles, we prayed and said Tehillim and recited Kaddish. This was the most difficult moment of my life.

Let me change the subject. Eliyav loved going to the mikvah. He would drag me with him to the mikvah. Now that he is gone I have taken it upon myself to go to the mikva every Friday.

It is hard for me. I don’t like being there without Eliav. I look up and say, “Eliav, give me strength.” I go in to the water, and don’t feel anything. I cry but I don’t feel anything.

Eliav’s Mother: He was always a very happy child. Very wise and very aware.

He learned Torah just like the other students, but when he came home to retell the stories, he would find very deep messages within them. His father would say, “Listen to what he is saying. He is a genius.” I assumed that he was saying that because he was a proud father. But I was wrong. He really was a very smart child.

Studying wasn’t everything. He liked to fool around. He had a lot of energy.

He was always moving. One minute jumping, then sit, then fall. We were always taking him to the doctor because of his mischief. He loved his friends. He loved to give to others. He loved to pay attention to others. He would always give for the betterment of others.

Two years ago one of his very good friends was seriously

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wounded. He couldn’t walk. Today he can get around with the help of a walker. During shiva, he came to me and said, “You have no idea. I owe your son my life. Eliav was with me all the way. From the moment they rushed me to the Rambam hospital – all the way.”

During shiva his parents came to us and asked whether we would agree to let them name their kindergarten after our son, Eliav.

They want to call it Brothers of Eliav Kindergarten. We told them that we would be very happy.

David Kachlon: I want to talk a little bit about AMIT. We are a religious family. My grandfather was a Rabbi in Libya, in Tripoli. My father was an educator for twenty-seven years.

We are national religious. AMIT is the same.

I love AMIT because they have done so much. While my son was a student at AMIT, there was always someone there to listen. The principals, the teachers, there was always someone to speak to. If there was any kind of problem with Eliav, there was someone to talk to.

I also want to say that AMIT did not abandon us during the shiva.

Everyone came, the principal, teachers, all his teachers.

AMIT - How do you want him to be remembered?

Eliav’s Mother: His Zionism. His love of the land of Israel. His love of Torah. His love for everyone.

His concern for others. The way in which he honored his parents.

David Kachlon: I want to say something very important. During shiva, we had people from Chicago, Toronto, New York, Rome, London.

People came to give us a hug. This shows that our children did not die in vain. They created unity amongst

the Jewish people. I hope that this will not end. At my son’s funeral there were 10,000 people. I can’t even imagine that number. Where did so many people come from?

They came to strengthen us. Druse came, the Ethiopian community paid their respects. Also Arabs came to comfort me. They came to tell us, “Friend, we are with you.

Even though we are Arabs, we are with you.” There were also Arab friends who were afraid to come. I told them to come. We know that there are extremists on every side, and it is the extremists who cause problems. We felt that everyone accompanied us with love. We are grateful. For the land of Israel and the Jews. Everyone knew how to give a hug and not to fight.

Everyone hugged us back.

The unity we saw amongst the Jewish people was beautiful. I still feel it today. I hope it will never change. Yesterday I sat and saw the blood of my son on his kippah. We took some earth from where Eliav died and used it to bury his kippah near our home. We will not have to travel far to be close to him. <

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IN MEMORIAM Ben Yitzhak Oanounou, z”l

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.”

Mark Twain

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Sgt. Ben Yitzhak Oanounou, z”l, 19, from Ashdod, served in the Golani Brigade and was killed when Hamas terrorists targeted his APC in Gaza. Ben Yitzhak was a graduate of AMIT Yud Ashdod High School. AMIT spoke with Ben’s mother, Sarit Oanounou on September 8.

AMIT: Tell us about your son.

Sarit Oanounou: My son began his studies at AMIT Yud Ashdod in the seventh grade. He began in the Yeshiva track.

He graduated school with bagrut (matriculation), of course.

Let us go backwards. What was he like as a person? He was a child who had a lot of joy in life. He was happy. He was very respectful, to his parents, to his friends, to everyone. He was gentle. The army was his goal. He wanted to continue.

He wanted to become an officer.

He was selected to try out for the elite paratrooper unit.

Ben went for this tryout, and passed it. But he wanted Golani. In the end he got into Golani.

He loved the Golani, and he loved the army in general.

In the first month he received an award for excellence.

Over time, at every stage of basic training, he did well. He became a platoon leader. We were there for the swearingin ceremony and watched with pride when he received his beret. Ben received an award for excellence within his division. Then he went to the north with the Golani.

He was in the north for only two weeks, and then the war began. His group was sent to Gaza.

AMIT: What do you remember about your brother?

Ben’s sister: When I started school, he was always there to look after me. He was an amazing big brother. Sure, we would fight occasionally, but we would always make up afterwards.

He would make me laugh. He was such a special boy.

Sarit Oanounou: He was very responsible. Everyone loved him, the soldiers, the officers, everyone. He excelled at everything. If you gave him a goal, he went all the way.

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He never stopped in the middle.

Even injured, he would get up and continue. They would tell him to stop and sit at the side. He would insist on continuing.

Now I’ll take you back to the last conversations I had with my son.

Ben phoned me on the Thursday, right before the ground offensive.

I think it was 18 of July, or the 17.

Ben phoned. He wanted to go in. I didn’t think that they would send him in to Gaza because he was still only in his first year of military service; he had only just received his beret. Everything was so quick.

I always said to him, “Even if there is a war, there is no chance that they will send you.” He kept saying, “Mom, don’t get excited. You don’t understand. You don’t know. You will see that they will send me.” I would say, “Ben, leave it. There won’t be a war, and you will not be sent in to Gaza.” I didn’t know how difficult this war would be.

He called me on the Thursday and said, “Mom, I think we will be going in soon. I love you very much. And there is nobody like you in the world.” He was talking like he was leaving us. He also said that he had written us a letter. I started to cry. I hadn’t seen him in a month. Ben also started to cry. I said to him, “Ben, don’t worry everything will be ok.” Then he… then he said, “Mom, I’m not crying because I’m scared. I am very excited to be going in. I am crying because I miss you all at home. I haven’t seen you for a month.”

I had a very difficult Thursday. I cried all night. I was in Eilat with my family; I was terrified and scared.

Even though we keep Shabbat, I told Ben that I would answer the phone on Shabbat. He said, “Ok,

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Mom. Don’t worry.” He spoke to his younger brother, who is 8. He said, “Yishai, I love you. Let’s pray together that I come home safely.”

Yishai got off the phone and cried.

On Friday, he phoned. I said, “Ben, how is everything, have you gone in? How are you?” He cried on the phone. I asked, “Ben, why are you crying?” He said, “They have delayed it. They have decided not to go in to Gaza. That is why I am crying. I want to go in already. Why does our country have to live in fear? All the residents of the south? Why should you have to run to Eilat? Enough is enough already. I want to fight.” He started to blame me. He said, “It is your fault, it is all because of your prayers. You prayed that we would not go in to Gaza.” I said, “Baruch Hashem, you have not gone in. G-d will find another path. Calm down.

Everything will be ok.”

That was the first night I slept in over three weeks. And I said to him, “Ben, I will be awake—any time you call me, I will be waiting.” Then at 3:00 pm on Shabbat I received a phone call. It was Ben. “We are going in. I am the happiest person in the world.” When he told me he was happy, I didn’t want to cry on the phone. I held back my tears to try and give him strength. I blessed him. “With the help of G-d you will go in, and do what has to be done, and come home safely. Everything will be ok. G-d is with you, and all the righteous people.” Afterwards they told me that he was not supposed to go in. “He told his commander, “Even if you do not send me in, I am going in anyway.” He drove them crazy. He kept on insisting, telling them to speak to his commander…he forced them. When they told him that he was going in, he was supposed to go

with his commanding officer, Nico.

When Ben climbed in to the APC everything changed. Another soldier came, a reservist, a higher-ranking officer, and he told Ben to get out of the APC. Ben had to get out, because there was no room. Nico, his commanding officer, said, “Listen Ben, you wait for me. Do not go in on this wave. Wait for me. Don’t go in without me.” Then Ben hugged Nico, and said, “I love you very much.

I love you more than anything in the world. You are the best officer ever.” They were supposed to meet afterwards. But Ben got into another APC. It was hit. And, we know what happened—I lost my son.

AMIT: Do you have anything you want to say to the AMIT membership in the United States?

Sarit Oanounou: My message to the Jews in the United States and throughout the world is that, our country is a small country, and not loved by the world. But it is a blessed country, and our soldiers give themselves to the country. They sacrifice themselves for the country.

That is what Ben did. That is what he loved. He chose that path. He, simply, fought for Eretz Yisrael so that there will be no more wars in the future.

This war it was like no other. The nation and Jews all over the world were united. There is no place like the State of Israel. This is our country.

This is our home. This is Ben’s legacy to our Am Yisrael. Everything comes from Heaven. This is what G-d decreed. Ben died as a hero al kiddush Hashem. <

Interviews conducted by Robert E. Sutton

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FEATURE

WHEN DUTY CALLS

W

hen a war is raging in Israel, like the one we saw this summer, the stakes are very high. Everyone is on alert...and so many get the call. A recorded message informs you that your life is about to change immeasurably—no information other than a meeting point. Your unit has been called up, and you are expected to appear within a few hours. That was the reality this summer for many AMIT teachers whose civilian lives are dedicated to educating and nurturing the next generation of Israelis. One might think that would be service enough!

We sat down with four teachers from the AMIT Kfar Ganim School in Petach Tikva, to gain some insight into what the life of a “normal” AMIT teacher was like this summer. The men interviewed ranged in age from 27 to 36. For some, this is their third war experience, having served in the Second Lebanon War while still in regular army service, and Operation Pillar of Defense.

We asked them to tell us about what is was like to be called up.

Amir Cohen teaches 12th Grade: “When I received my army call-up I was under the chuppa at a wedding of one of our graduates. While I was making the blessings I received a phone call. I was instructed to report to the army. We knew that we were at a critical time, that we were about to be called up, but I thought that I would be able to celebrate this student’s wedding properly. I stayed another half an hour at the wedding, but then I had to go, and I was sent to the north to replace a Golani brigade, brigade 13. I was there for a month. It was very difficult for my wife at home.”

Nitzan Berger teaches 11th Grade: “We had worked until late on Thursday night getting the house ready for Shabbat. I have a three-week-old daughter. We had no prior warning, but we knew that once troops started going into Gaza that we would also be called up, because of the role of my unit in the reserves. My wife and children took me to a school in Petach Tikva, from where my reservists from my unit boarded a bus for the south. I said goodbye. I didn’t know how long I would be away. The bus took us to base 1, and after a few training exercises we went into Gaza. I am part of a support unit called the infantry brigade. Specifically, we are experts at firing mortars.

We follow behind the troops that are fighting and leading the way, and they direct us. If they see a terrorist or a target they point

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S

us in that direction and we shoot. That is the task that we did.”

Netanel Strauss, homeroom teacher: “My wife hands me the phone as I’m about to bathe my daughter. I’m telling her, “Just one minute, I have to finish bathing and dressing my daughter.” I had been called up. We were in shock.

They say to you, “Drop everything and come now, not 24 hours, now.” You don’t know what to do. They are tearing me away from my life. What shall I take?

Where shall I go? What are we doing? It took me a few seconds to work out what was going on. Within a few hours I was in my uniform at the meeting point. We replaced regular soldiers in the south of the Jordan River Valley, north of the Dead Sea. We patrolled the Dead Sea area, security for the residents nearby, security of Highway 90, through the Jordan River Valley. This was our task for 31 days.”

ble. It is our task to maintain resiliency.” heard that we were going south, I told “We are concerned about the soldiers my wife to pack and take our children going in to Gaza and coming out. My and go south to her mother—so when command center is located on the she gave birth I would be closer to her. road to Gaza. We are the coordination She was preparing for birth, and I was between the army and nearby cities in Gaza preparing for war. Our mazal and towns. We give the municipality a was that my unit was doing five days picture of what is going on. The civilians in Gaza then out for a few days rest. within the country are the frontline. The It worked out that those five days rest army is inside Gaza, but the missiles are coincided with the birth of my son. I being shot into the country. We have to was able to be there on that day. The give an assessment to the municipality following day I went back to the front. about what will happen.”

Our mazal continued. Two days before the brit milah, I was out of Gaza again.

I was able to be at my son’s brit milah. A few days later, I Amir Cohen and Nitzan Berger was back in Gaza.”

Eli Edri, a former principal in Sderot, is now support director for AMIT schools in the south. He is an officer with the Home Front Command: “My role as officer in the Pikud Haoref is to assist the population in times of war or national emergency. Each day during the war, I gave an overall as-

Baruch Gurtzweil, homeroom teacher: whose call came while he was learning at the Yeshivat Hesder, where he spends his vacation: “At 5:00 in the afterBaruch Gurtzweil and Netanel Strauss noon I received a recorded call. I didn’t know if it was real, or practice, or what. I’m not used to this. I also called my officer, who confirmed that it is serious and for real.

I came home. My wife was in her ninth month; she was due a week later. This is very complicated. She objected.

She wanted me to stay home. I told her that when it is an emergency call-up to the army the sessment of the situation as it pertains first thing is to show up, and then I’ll to the general population. The assessexplain things, and it would all work out. ment is based on phone calls we receive I went to the meeting point. I was sure from civilians—I analyze why they that when I explained the situation— called. Was it because they could not that she is expecting within a week— locate a bomb shelter, fear, they didn’t that the army would send me back hear the siren, they want to leave the home. At the base, we were told that city, their home has been hit. I take this we would not be replacing other units, information. We want civilians to be but were going to Gaza. As soon as I able to continue life as normal as possi-

Edri’s team had the difficult task of trying to help guarantee people’s safety during a funeral for a local boy—even while the rockets were flying around them: “At the very end of the second funeral there was a siren. Everyone had to lie down on the ground, on the graves.

There are no bomb shelters in a cemetery. We have to tell them to shorten the service. That is difficult. How can you tell a family to shorten the funeral of their son? It is very difficult.”

And in typical Israeli fashion Edri shared the lighter side of some of the requests.

“There was some kind of problem with the Iron Dome, and civilians wanted to have the Iron Dome placed next to their house. Lots of funny things like that.

There were helicopters in the air all the time. People were calling to ask them to move. I am in the army—do you think I can ask a helicopter to move?” 

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Statement of Ownership, Management & Circulation (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Title of publication: AMIT Magazine. 2. Publication No. 594020. 3. Date of Filing: 10-16-2014. 4. Frequency of issue: QuarterlyWinter, Spring, Summer, Fall. 5. No. of issues published annually: 4. 6. Annual subscription price: $1.50 included in annual membership dues. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4761. 8. Complete mailing address of the headquarters or general business offices or publisher: 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4761. 9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor: Publisher: AMIT, 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4761. Managing Editor: Robert E. Sutton, 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4761. 10. Owner: AMIT, 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4761. 11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 12. The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income tax purposes, has not changed during the preceding 12 months. 13. Publication title: AMIT Magazine. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Fall 2014. 15. Extent and nature of circulation: in each set of figures below, the first refers to average no. of copies of each issue during preceding 12 months, and the second refers to actual no. of copies of the single issue published nearest to filing date: a. Total no. of copies: 38,780; 47,050. b. Paid Circulation (by mail and outside mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 36,780; 45,050. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions: None; None. (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: None; None. (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: None; None. c. Total Paid Distribution: 38,780; 45,050. d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 1,500; 1,500. (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: None; None. (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: none; none (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 500; 500. e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 2,000; 2,000 f. Total Distribution: 38,780; 47,050 g. Copies Not Distributed: None; None. h. Total: 38,780; 45,050. i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 94.8%; 94.8%. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Required: winter 2015. 17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Robert E. Sutton, Managing Editor

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INTERVIEW ing weapons to be hidden, and access to weapons that they had control over to go back to Hamas.

Your thoughts on the relationship between the United States and Israel.

The relationship between the United States and Israel is solid.

As Prime Minister Netanyahu has said on many occasions, everything he has asked for from the United States, we have been there. Secretary Kerry, representing the U.S. view, has been very effective in doing that.

Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland Since 2007, Ben Cardin has served as the junior United States Senator from Maryland. Cardin, who has never lost an election, was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s 3rd congressional district from 1987 to 2007.

AMIT: As of this morning, Thursday, August 21, 2014, missiles are still being launched towards Israel and the war in Gaza continues. When and how do you think it will end?

Senator Cardin: Well we certainly hope it’s going to end with peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis. I think we understand the framework of peace, two states, the Jewish state and the Palestinian state living side by side in peace with prosperity for its people. That’s where we have always been focused, at least in recent times [as] to how to resolve the conflict.

It’s difficult right now because of the role of Hamas. Hamas is controlling the activities through their attacks on Israel. And I think it’s been pretty clear, at least to the Congress, that the way to move forward with peace is to first neutralize Hamas’s ability to shoot missiles into Israel. So first and foremost is to demilitarize the Gaza region and to prevent the reconstruction of tunnels and terrorist attacks against Israel.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and yourself asked that Secretary of State Kerry launch an independent investigation about the Hamas rockets that were found in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency sites. Can you give us an update on that?

You are absolutely correct. The two of us led an effort, and we will continue to do that, for an independent investigation of the United Nations. The United States contributes considerable resources to the United Nations. We have strong reason to believe that they allow their facilities to be used as shelter for terrorist activities and that they were complicitous with Hamas in allow-

In Berlin, Dortmund and Frankfurt this past summer there were demonstrations and a number of the placards read: “Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the gas; Jews must be gassed.” And in Paris and Copenhagen, the Israeli government is warning Jews not to wear their yarmulkes when they are out in the streets. I would like your thoughts on the Anti-Semitism that’s almost pervasive throughout Europe.

We have seen a huge spike in Anti-Semitism. Look at the violence, look at the attacks on property and people. The concerns in Western Europe of Jews being able to, as you point out, wear yarmulke or to practice their religion has been challenged. What is of tremendous concern right now is that in some countries the governments have been very weak on dealing with this; in some cases they have been complicitous.

The recent activities in Russia dealing with Ukraine, we saw some direct signs of promoting Anti-Semitism. In Hungary, the second largest party is openly Anti-Semitic. And there are countries with a lack of governmental leadership to combat Anti-Semitism, and that is a major, major concern.

Tell us a bit of about your background.

Well, I grew up in a very strong Jewish community, very tightly knit Jewish community. I grew up in an Orthodox family, a very Zionist family. My mother worked in many Zionist activities, so did my father. So it was part of our upbringing. I grew up with talking about politics at Shabbat dinner, so it was part of my family tradition.

Did you know that AMIT was originally Mizrachi Women of America?

I knew the name AMIT was familiar. Oh my goodness, my family has a long history with Mizrachi Women. My wife (Myrna) is very, very active in the Jewish community. Well, AMIT is a great group.

Senator, Thank you very much for your time.  Interview conducted by Robert E. Sutton This interview was conducted August 21, 2014 - five days before a ceasefire was declared.

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FEATURE

T

he following article is taken from a roundtable discussion that took place at AMIT Wasserman Junior and Senior High School. In attendance were principals from AMIT schools in Beersheva along with AMIT President Debbie Isaac and Dr. Amnon Eldar, Director General of the AMIT Network.

Beersheva, Israel, September 1, 2014/6 Elul 5774 – The war Israel fought against Hamas this summer began during summer vacation, but that didn’t stop AMIT’s dedicated educators, who were themselves living under rocket attack, from reaching out to their frightened students stuck in bomb shelters.

“There were massive attacks, non-stop air-raid sirens, explosions, missiles and rockets exploding over houses and between the buildings,” said Asaf Cohen, principal of AMIT Comprehensive School in Kiryat Malachi, whose vacationing staff quickly mobilized to provide emotional and tactical assistance to traumatized students and their families.

“From previous situations we already knew there were some students who required immediate help through the city’s mental health center, through the school and our counselors.” Teachers also reached out through phone calls and social media.

By the middle of the war, Cohen said during the discussion, it was clear what the children needed most was some respite from the rockets, so the school organized a trip to Jerusalem, first to a park and then to the Western Wall, and finally to a bowling alley.

The outing, which the AMIT Network sponsored, “helped the kids connect with the teachers and each other. Meeting faceto-face is meaningful,” Cohen said.

“Our connection with the students was very intense,” seconded Orly Oshri, principal of the AMIT Netiv Am Elementary School. “There were constant phone calls between the teachers and the students, and there was even studying through the vacation through What’s App. We sent out questions and they sent back the answers. The parents could call me whenever they wanted, even at 10 p.m.”

Although the vast majority of schools in the south cancelled staff meetings during the war, Sharona Maimon, principal of the AMIT Rambam Elementary school in Beersheva, encouraged her teachers, who were themselves coping with the war, to come in for a meeting.

“I said, ‘Let’s do it anyway,’ and it turned out to be an excellent idea,” Maimon explained, because it provided the teachers with an outlet to share what was going on in their lives.

“There was one teacher whose children were right in the thick of the fighting in Gaza. One had a son in the Golani brigade. One had three children who were called up. Each one spoke up and everyone listened. This feeling that they were being listened to was very special.”

Tzipi Harpenes, principal of the AMIT Elaine Silver Technological High School, whose students are from mostly disadvantaged homes, said her teachers also had a strong desire to help

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their students while dealing with their own stressors.

“In my own case, my entire family lives within 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Gaza border and I have six children, including one with PTSD from the last round of fighting. We spent the war in the bomb shelter under the blankets.”

But that didn’t prevent Harpenes and her staff from reaching out to their students.

“Our students are youths at risk, and the teachers who were able to visited the students – some of them in foster care - in their homes once a week.” Thanks to these on-site visits, the teachers realized their students couldn’t leave their homes, even for a fun outing, because they were caring for their younger siblings.

“Beginning the third week of the war, every time we took the kids out we also took the younger siblings,” Harpenes said. “If we went to a movie or the zoo we brought the younger siblings with us.”

Perhaps because they themselves were feeling so cared for by the school, the students felt a desire to help soldiers serving in Gaza.

“We discovered that there was a unit of 300 to 400 religious soldiers who wanted a higher level of kashrut” than the other soldiers, Harpenes recalled, and the students cooked and delivered kosher meals to them.

The principals say the cease-fire of late August ended the fighting – at least for a while – but left a series of emotional and logistical problems in its wake.

Many older students were unable to take the matriculation exams they’d spent a year studying for, and many of those who took the exams found it impossible to concentrate, even when they took them again. And most of the students, from the youngest to the oldest, were relieved but also afraid to go to school, fearful an air raid siren would sound on the way, or that they wouldn’t be able to reach the shelter at school in time.

Like all Israeli schools, AMIT’s school year started with a rocket drill to familiarize children with the schools’ shelters.

The drill reassured many children but left others feeling vulnerable.

“There is a lack of confidence, especially in the younger children,” Cohen of AMIT Comprehensive related. “The older kids pretend they aren’t bothered, but we know better. Then there are the seventh graders, who are in new schools this year.

Normally we would invite them to the school for a few days beforehand, to get to know the teachers, but Home Front command forbade us. In the end the kids came in for an hour.”

Some students have had a harder time adjusting to school than others. Much depends on their wartime experiences.

Two of Harpenes’ students were injured by a rocket that landed on their home. Only one was able to start the school year on time.

“The other was too afraid to leave the house, so a teacher goes to him. He came home wrapped in bandage,” she said.

All the principals said the war forced them to start school differently this year. Realizing many of the children and teach-

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Roundtable participants ers had been literally cooped up all summer; they scheduled many more physical activities, performances and local outings during the first weeks of school. They also encouraged the children to identify something positive about the summer and the IDF’s mission to protect them.

Several of the educators said they would love to treat their students to a full-day trip now that it is finally safe to travel.

“In response Amnon Eldar, Director General of the AMIT Network personally assured the principals that funding from AMIT would be forthcoming..

“Take that money and use it to go out, plan a day and go. Tell us what you need to organize and AMIT will arrange it for you.

We are here for you,” Eldar said.

The educators said the focus now is on reducing trauma and fostering resilience.

“I think our role has changed somewhat during this period,” said Haim Maor, principal of the Afikim B’Negev Elementary School. Our task is to be much more patient and to project optimism. Some students and teachers passed this period in relatively good shape while others’ experiences were extremely difficult. Someone needs to support these teachers as they support their students.”

Maor said the war was a reminder of the strength of AMIT’s students, both past and present.

“Perhaps we sometimes don’t view our youths in as positive a light as we should. Perhaps we sometimes focus more on their difficulties than their strengths. The youth of today, who adults malign, fought in Gaza, for us. That was a very strong educational message for all of us.” 

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INTERVIEW David Moed (2nd left)

Where were you stationed prior to the war in Gaza?

We were stationed in the north in the Golan for training exercises. Then the three teenage boys were kidnapped. The army then stationed us in Efrat to help in the search for the boys.

What were your emotions when they found the boys?

Obviously we were devastated. We all knew there was a slim chance that they would be found alive. Israelis have so much hope. So one has to hope that maybe they were just injured, maybe we can find them. However, we were all upset Were you sent down south to Gaza?

Yes, for two weeks we were stationed in the south, basically waiting everyday to find out if and when we would enter Gaza.

AMIT’S Chayal Boded AMIT had the honor of interviewing David Moed, a chayal boded (lone soldier) who fought in Operation Protective Edge. His mother, Debbie is a long time member of AMIT and currently holds the position of Vice President, Financial Resource Development.

AMIT: David, tell us little bit about your background.

David Moed: I was raised in Englewood, New Jersey and went to Moriah for day school and Frisch for high school. After high school, I spent a year learning in yeshiva at Eretz HaTzvi in Jerusalem. I left yeshiva about a month and a half early to take a five week prep course for the army called Garin Machal and from there I was drafted.

Did you see the tunnels?

My immediate unit actually found two tunnels and I had the opportunity to actually look at one of the tunnels. So we found two tunnels. They’re concrete, about seven feet tall, four feet wide and they are built forty feet underground.

There are two types of tunnels. Underneath Gaza, there is another city, which is all tunnels, which runs between houses and from city to city – and then there are tunnels that led into Israel.

Did your religious upbringing help you during the war?

Well, I carried my tefillin with me. I had it all the way. And I saw soldiers who were not religious start putting on tefillin in Gaza. And they would joke with us “don’t think we’re turning religious now”. A lot of people are not religious but they understand it, they respect it.

What is the definition of chayal boded?

Chayal boded means that you don’t have any immediate family - no parents, no siblings living in Israel. So I had that status.

When did you first hear about AMIT? Okay. Well my family always says, lets see “how long it takes Mom to bring up the subject of AMIT. It’s a given that it’s going to happen. But I was shown AMIT at a very young age. I was always involved. We always used to visit the schools. I was twinned for my bar mitzvah and we celebrated in Israel at AMIT Kfar Batya. And I remember it was such a fun day.

What about military training itself?

I tried out for the paratroopers, which was a 24-hour trial. The army pushes you to your physical limit, tests your reaction and watches how you work as a team.

In your time in Israel, Did you have any time to visit AMIT schools?

Well whenever there were missions I would join my parents for at least a day. Like I said, AMIT is a part of the family for us.

And did you get into the paratroopers?

I did. We had four months of basic training along with jump training. You do a week of training and the second week you parachute.

Are you planning on being part of AMIT? Definitely. It’s a rite of passage for all of us in the family. I am looking forward to it. 

What was the prep course?

It was a lot of physical preparation in addition to learning Hebrew.

Interview conducted by Robert E. Sutton

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