Yom Ha’Atzmaut at Hebrew Academy (RASG) Middle and High School was dedicated this year to learning about Israel and its importance to our lives and the world. Two weeks of intense learning in the classroom about Israel culminated with Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Students attended sessions with their teachers and learned about history, culture, military power, advocacy, slang, cooking, and more. The day started with joyous tefillah, including Hallel, and was, as usual, one of the most inspiring school days of the year.
In addition to the sessions with the dedicated faculty, the day featured captivating speakers. Derrick Sharp, the former captain and coach of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team, shared his story about becoming an Israeli. Garret Macrine spoke in the high school about his experience as an American in Tzahal. Matt Weisbaum, from Jerusalem University, spoke to high school students about anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Asked about the program, Hebrew Academy Senior Pesach Bixon said, “The take-away from this day, as a Jew, was that this was the biggest life lesson I have ever had.”