They did it! With determination and love, Boys Town Jerusalem’s 11th graders completed Israel’s challenging 43-mile Sea-to-Sea Trail, hiking from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. Every step of the three-day journey was dedicated to the memory of BTJ grad IDF Staff Sergeant Noam Masgadian, who was recently killed in battle.
The Sea-to-Sea trek offers opportunity
Each day began at 5 AM for nine hours of hiking through the rugged terrain. For BTJ Dean Rabbi Meir Linchner, this marked his 16th Sea-to-Sea trek since he initiated the endeavor. “These three challenging days offer a rare opportunity to connect with each student and to share unforgettable experiences.”
Nearly 100 students completed the hike
BTJ High School Principal Avichai Charazi proudly noted that nearly 100 students, including those from a Special Education class, completed the long-anticipated trek.
“Climbing up and down steep cliffs for three days was tough,” 16-year-old Uriel Vaknin admitted. “We’re all different, but together we did the impossible!”
This year’s trek was in memory of Noam Masgadian
This year’s trek, held shortly after the Gaza ceasefire and Noam Masgadian’s death, carried special weight. “There was a palpable sense of strength, of determination and meaning,” Principal Charazi reflected. “Our boys walked each step with trust and their heads held high.”
Fallen soldier Noam’s family hiked with the boys
Dedicating this year’s Sea-to-Sea trek to Noam Masgadian, who graduated BTJ just two years ago, deeply moved both the students and Noam’s family who joined them.
“Noam’s father and brother hiked along with us, and his mother and siblings met us as we reached the finish line,” shared Uriel Vaknin. “I carried a flag with Noam’s picture the entire way. I know he was with us – we weren’t alone.”
“My student Noam Masgadian’s photo is the most recent one on my desk,” Principal Charazi said quietly. “May he be our last graduate to fall.”