From a Moving Yom HaZikaron Tekes to a Joyous Yom Ha'atzmaut

Last week, we commemorated Yom HaZikaron and celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut as we journeyed from mourning to joy and pride in the State of Israel.

On Yom HaZikaron, the seventh grade led the middle school and their parents through a powerfully moving tekes (ceremony), sharing stories and final words of those who have fallen, and honoring their memories. The ceremony, performed again at Young Israel of New Rochelle in the evening, captured both the pain of loss and the resilience of Am Yisrael.

Students in elementary grades participated in age-appropriate programming designed to help them reflect on the day’s significance. Quiet spaces and storytelling sessions reinforced that each name remembered represents a life, a family and a legacy.

The mood then transitioned to one of joy as we celebrated Israel’s 78th year!

The day began with special tefillot and a spirited school-wide Hallel, followed by performances from each grade, Israeli-themed activity stations with crack-the-code rewards, a Ganon "flight" to Israel, and an all-school chagigah featuring an incredible daglanut by our eighth graders.

The celebration continued into the evening as the WDS community enjoyed a festive dinner with Israel-themed crafts, activities, and daglanut.

Thank you to our bnot sherut, shinshinim, Morah Ronit, faculty, Rabbi Klinger, the PTA, and Events Coordinator Ilisa Klapper for two incredible days of love for Israel.