As battles continue to rage, the entire Boys Town Jerusalem student body gathered on Israel’s first Memorial Day for victims of the Swords of Iron War. Paying tribute to over 700 soldiers slain, BTJ students were urged to boost their own efforts to help the needy, as the school continually strives to help students confront their own losses.
Nearly every Israeli family has dealt with loss
“In these terrible times of bloody battles and terrorism against Jews, bereavement has touched nearly every Israeli family,” instructor Rafi Naftali solemnly told students. “To honor the memory of the fallen, we must increase our good deeds, tolerance, and devotion to G-d.”
Teachers asked students for introspection
Senior BTJ instructor Rabbi Elimelech Yaakov shared, “I cannot describe my pain at standing at the graves of my students. We must cry before the Almighty as we fervently pray for the safety of our soldiers and all of Israel.” High School Principal Avichai Charazi asked students, “Where are you today in respect to last year, when our society was so divided and weakened? Are you more tolerant of your friends and family? Are you making extra efforts to help those in crisis? As we witness miracles in Israel’s north and south, we are one People, lifting our heads in strength.”
Students and teachers who lost family this year were an active part in the assembly
Seventh grader Liad Alon then lit a torch in memory of his uncle Sgt. Major (res) Netanel Harush who recently fell in battle. Afterwards, with solemn determination, BTJ math instructor Shlomo Marantz spoke about his son Master Sgt. (res) Tzvi Marantz, killed three weeks ago in fighting Hamas terrorists. At age 32, Tzvi left a wife and three young children. “Throughout his entire life, Tzvi was sensitive to people’s needs, and lived to help others,” his father shared. “Till his death in battle, he encouraged his comrades to care for one another. In his memory, I ask you to please look to help those in need.”