Mizrachi Mission to Israel

From joyful and inspiring to solemn and somber.  After distributing sandwiches to soldiers as an expression of hakaras hatov for putting their lives on the line defending Medinat Yisroel, we journeyed to Har Herzl to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Visiting Har Herzl is undeniably a moving experience. We witnessed a soldier mourning at the graveside of his recently fallen older brother, and a mother grieving over her son's fresh grave. Connecting with strangers who have passed away isn't always easy, but during our trip, we formed a bond with one particular מת. We visited the grave of the soldier whose piano we heard played atop Mitzpe Yericho just two days prior. After learning about him and experiencing his music, we felt as though we were paying respects to a beloved friend. Additionally, we paid our respects at the grave of Binyamin Airley, whose mother recently addressed us at yeshiva.

Our final morning in Israel began with an unforgettable experience at Crave. Situated in the Machaneh Yehuda Shuk, Crave is a beloved sandwich spot. Following the October 7th attacks, business in the shul dwindled. However, owners Ricka and Yoni saw an opportunity: to transform Crave into a Chessed center. Now, they pack sandwiches sent to Chayalim, while infusing the store's atmosphere with lively music, best captured in accompanying videos. We assembled 150 sandwiches before delivering them to a large army base near Yerushalayim.

Even after visiting Sderot, נתיב העשרה, and חוזר הגלגל, the most intense and meaningful moments were yet to unfold. Our next stop was Tekumah, where the burnt-out cars from October 7th were gathered, each bearing the remnants of lives lost on that tragic day. I remarked to the boys that while our religion celebrates life, our enemies glorify death. We chant “Am Yisroel CHAI!” while they bellow only calls for our death and destruction.  The chilling sight of hundreds of charred vehicles stacked upon one another was a frightening reminder of what happenned on Simchat Torah. I shared with the boys the sanctity our religion places on every aspect of a Jewish body, emphasizing that death doesn't negate life but rather informs the fragility of it. When we encounter death, it is used as a vehicle to inspire us to use our lives wisely and productively, inspiring us to be better. As the boys walked silently amidst the wreckage, they certainly absorbed the gravity of the moment. Following th...

 *MISSION UPDATE #10* Following our deeply meaningful and intense visit to נתיב העשרה, we participated in a lighter, yet productive activity at גלגל החוזר. This site serves as a hub for collecting, organizing, and distributing produce and essential pantry items to soldiers, displaced families, and the underprivileged across the South. Engaging in a hands-on activity, our boys sorted through beautiful Israeli produce, lending a hand to Shlomi, the CEO and founder of the operation. Remarkably, Shlomi initiated this endeavor at the young age of 15. As an elementary school teacher by profession, he shared a recollection of October 7th, a day etched in his memory. With tears in his eyes, he recounted how the news from Sderot stirred a deep concern for his 6-year-old students, imagining the fear they must have been enduring. Shlomi urged our boys to strenghten their acts of chessed, and emphasized the importance of loving all Jews indiscriminate of their background and look, for the sake...

I mentioned to Rabbi Kaminetsky on the bus that what I have found most amazing about this mission is the range of experiences and emotions that we are seeing and feeling. Just yesterday we were bowling with children whose fathers were in miluim...and this afternoon...well this afternoon was quite different.  After our tour of Sderot, we traveled to נתיב העשרה, the closest ישוב in Israel to the Gaza border.  We were privileged to be led around the ישוב by Micha, a member of the community's security team.  What we saw and heard there left a searing impression on our collective memories.  We gathered at the point at which Hamas terrorists paraglide straight into this town from the skies, deadsest on killing as many people as possible. We stepped into a bomb shelter, where one of the terrorists emptied his nine bullet clip into an innocent elderly woman who was attempting to take cover. We witnessed the scene of a house completely demo...

This morning, our day commenced in Sderot, guided by Rabbi Ari Katz, PR Director at the renowned Sderot Yeshiva. Rabbi Katz led us to the former site of the Sderot police station, now a barren lot of rocks and pebbles. He recounted the gripping account of the intense battle that unfolded right where we were standing, and how Hamas terrorists overtook the station, tragically claiming the lives of all 7 officers. We learned of the brave efforts of Sderot's residents, including one individual who bravely neutralized a Hamas sniper positioned on the station's rooftop. At this holy אדמת קדש, we recited a chapter of Tehillim in memory of the heroes lost that day. Next, we toured the yeshiva, which has resumed full operation, a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people. Remarkably, the yeshiva emerged unscathed from that fateful day. Adorning the yeshiva's entrance is a sign proclaiming, "Here is the battlefield... Fight!"—a sentiment we al...

What an utterly emotional and deeply moving evening we've experienced tonight! Let me take you on a heartfelt journey through our four-part journey to Mitzpe Yericho. PART 1 - AN UNFORGETTABLE VIEW As we reached Mitzpe Yericho, a quickly growing yishuv just a short drive from the heart of Yerushalayim, we were greeted warmly by DRS Alum Rabbi Eli Wagner (DRS '07). Words fail to capture the breathtaking scene and view you can experience from the hilltops of Mitzpe Yericho. I overheard one student whisper, "This is the most incredible sight I've ever seen in my life." From the heights of the yishuv, we were able to see Jordan, and more significantly, the Jordan River, and the precise points at which Yehoshua Bin Nun led the Bnei Yisroel into Eretz Yisroel after forty years of wandering in the Midbar.  PART 2 - THE LEGACY OF ARIEL ELIYAHU z"l At the overlook, we heard from Rav Achia Eliyahu, whose son, Ariel, the eldest of his seven children, was just 19 when he...

This afternoon, we had a wonderful opportunity to spend time with children whose fathers have served in miluim, experiencing lives different since October 7th. We rented out a bowling alley in Maaleh Adumim, offering a much-needed outlet to our new friends.  It was amazing to witness how the shared language of ahavas yisroel transcends all other language barriers (alongside the universal language of bowling!)  We listened to stories from the children and their parents about their experiences on that challenging day, gaining firsthand insight into what families similar to ours are currently enduring. These families truly cherished this special time.

Our second day in Israel commenced with Shachsris and a delicious and varied Israeli-style breakfast at Kiryat Moriah.  Afterward, we headed to the World Mizrachi headquarters to listen to Rav Doron Perez, the Executive Chairman of Mizrachi. Rav Perez's son, Daniel, went missing in action on October 7th, and his fate remains uncertain. His other son, Yonatan, was wounded in battle. Rav Doron spoke about the remarkable unity demonstrated by the Jewish people following October 7th, emphasizing that our enemies consistently underestimate the consequences of attacking us, which ultimately leads to their downfall. During the session, one of our students, Benaya Aryeh, inquired how Rav Perez copes with the uncertainty surrounding his son's status. Rav Perez, with deep emotion, expressed that it's especially challenging for his wife, who constantly worries about their son's well-being. Rav Doron emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outloo...

Today was a day filled with profound and meaningful moments, and after a very early start following a long flight, we finally reached Yerushalayim and the Kotel. As we approached this sacred site, we guided the boys in performing kriah, tearing their shirts as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, followed by a special prayer. Our Maariv service at the Kotel was a moving one, allowing each boy to connect with the Hashem in their own personal way during the individual davening time that followed. To conclude the day on a lighter and relaxing note, each boy received a card for dinner at one of the many food establishments in the Rova HaYehudi. It was heartwarming to see many of our alumni studying in various yeshivot, and several boys enjoyed spending time with siblings and family members. Now, we have settled into our lodgings at Kiryat Moriah, where the boys had the opportunity to unwind, get a hot shower, and play some ball. We hope they will have a restful nig...

Our next stop was to the Bring Them Home headquarters which shed light on the crucial work being done to advocate for the release of hostages. Led by dedicated individuals, this organization tirelessly pressures and encourages the Israeli government to pursue deals that will bring our fellow Jews home.  We had the privilege of hearing from former Israel ambassador to Paris, Daniel Schick, who provided insight into the complexities of this delicate situation. Following Daniel's enlightening discussion, we visited Hostage Square, a makeshift exhibit highlighting the plight of hostages and their families. We walked through a model Hamas tunnel, and gained a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by those held captive.  However, the most emotional moment came unexpectedly when we encountered Daphna Elyakim, one of the hostages who was released in the first wave of released hostages three months ago. Seeing her seated next to her own hostage poster was a sur...

At our next stop, we were deeply moved as we visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where over fifty brave soldiers are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Each encounter with the four chayalim we spent time with left an indelible mark on us.  Each soldiers story of bravery and sacrifice that left us in awe. One soldier survived multiple grenade attacks, while another courageously battles injuries sustained from shrapnel, including serious wounds to the skull. Their strength and determination in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young men only slightly older than our students.  Please join us in davening for the speedy and complete recovery of our new friends: Shalev ben Tesma Omer ben Osnat Ofer ben Michal Noam ben Tova May they be granted a full recovery and may their bravery continue to inspire us all.

Bruchim Habaim! With Hashem's help, we arrived safely in Israel, filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Our mission to inspire the next generation and teach life lessons has already begun, and nothing compares to the experience of bringing 32 boys to Eretz Yisrael at this meaningful time. Today marked the beginning of our journey, and our first stop was to Ir Yehuda where we had the privilege of visiting a farm in Tel Aviv owned by Yair, a dedicated farmer since the 1960s. Yair has faced challenges, particularly since the recent conflict, which has impacted his work. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and helped Yair pull weeds from his farm, allowing his beet and radish plants to thrive.  Rabbi Kaminetsky shared insightful words, highlighting the significance of our actions. Just as we cleared away the weeds to promote growth, he explained how this parallels our spiritual journey—sometimes, we must rid ourselves of negativi...