We Remembered. We Celebrated. We Stood as One CommUNITY.

On Tuesday, April 21st, over 1,000 members of​ our community came together for an unforgettable Yom Hazikaron Commemoration and Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration.

The evening began in the auditorium with deeply personal remarks from our Head of School, Mrs. Lisa Stroll, who spoke as the mother of a son serving as a reservist in Israel and about the profound importance of the State of Israel to our people. From there, our middle school students led the entire ceremony, honoring fallen​ Israeli heroes like Shachar Friedman, Eden Nimri, Yedidya Bloch, and Agam Naim with a maturity and poise that left the audience in awe.​ May their memory be a blessing.

The siren sounded. Rabbi Ari Karp recited Yizkor, and Hebrew Academy parent Joshua Markovitz delivered a moving Kel Malei Rachamim. Our 5th grade girls performed a deeply meaningful and solemn dance that moved the room to silence. Candles were lit, including a final candle dedicated to the innocent Israeli civilians whose lives were cut short during the “Roar of the Lion” war.

And then​, as is the miracle of this day​, grief gave way to celebration. Prayers for Israel and the IDF were led by Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and former IDF Special Forces Commander Idan Volkman, the flag was raised, and the crowd moved to the gym for a full Yom Ha’atzmaut party featuring Israeli superstar Gad Elbaz.

In one evening, our community held it all memory and joy, mourning and pride, tears and dancing.

Am Yisrael Chai.