DRS MIZRACHI MISSION UPDATE #7

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 fell in combat against Hamas on the first day of the war. Ariel was killed when his tank was involved in a massive explosion. Ariel's passion for music was palpable. He adored songs celebrating the land of Israel. But it was his unique zeal for Torah study set him apart. In just his short lifetime, Ariel completed Shisha Sidrei Mishnah by 13 and all of Shas Bavli before graduating high school!



Rav Achia's eyes glistened with tears as he recounted Ariel's story on that October day, evoking incredible emotions from all of us. In memory of Ariel's love for music, a piano was dedicated in his memory, and sits at the highest point of Mitzpe Yericho. Led by Rabbi Kaminetsky, we sang sons dedicated to Ariel, our voices carrying across the breathtaking landscape, yearning for him to hear our heartfelt tribute. There is no way for me to properly formulate in writing what that experience was like!


PART 3 - THE YESHIVA OF MITZPE YERICHO

Next, we visited the yeshiva in Mitzpe Yericho, where we were privileged to hear from one of the Magidei Shiur about his service as an Army Rabbi. A striking sign adorned the beis medrash: "Here are the frontlines...Fight!" It was a poignant reminder that the battlefield of this war extends well beyond the physical one in Gaza, and continues to spill onto the spiritual battlegrounds within our shuls and Batei Medrash. Our tefillos, learning, and maasim tovim certainly make a difference! 


PART 4 - AN UNFORGETTABLE DINNER

Our day culminated in a memorable dinner at the Pilichowskis' beautiful home. Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, is the Director of Education for Nefesh B'Nefesh, and his wife serves as the Mayor of Mitzpe Yericho. The Pilichowskis graciously hosted us on their magnificent porch overlooking Israel. During a delicious dinner, Rabbi Pilichowski held us spellbound with a riveting account of the Raid on Entebbe, drawing parallels to a recent hostage rescue mission. Through his narrative, Rabbi Pilichowski reinforced the nation of Israel’s resilience in the face of adversity, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of our people.





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