At MTA, Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut were observed as one unfolding story, moving from reflection and remembrance to gratitude and celebration. On Yom HaZikaron, the school was filled with visible reminders of sacrifice and loss. Screens displayed the names of fallen soldiers, while posters throughout the building honored those who gave their lives, especially since October 7. Each shiur also connected with the memory of a specific fallen soldier, giving talmidim the opportunity to reflect in a more personal way.
The tekes in the beis midrash brought the school together in a powerful act of remembrance. Through T’hilim, memorial candle lighting, Keil Malei, Acheinu, and a one-minute silence marked by a siren, talmidim were able to pause and reflect. A particularly meaningful part of the program was hearing from Jonah Eisenberg, a former IDF soldier and current YU student, who gave talmidim a personal connection to the bravery and sacrifice behind the day. This connection carried directly into Yom HaAtzmaut, when remembrance gave way to celebration. The day began with Hallel led by Rabbi Axelrod, setting a tone of gratitude for the day and all that it represents for the Jewish people.
Later in the morning, talmidim joined together in the beis midrash for an Achdus Seder centered on connecting to Eretz Yisrael from Chutz La’aretz. Learning across grades gave the program a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. Rabbi Cohn then offered personal reflections on his family’s decision to make aliyah, helping students think more deeply about what a real connection to Israel can look like in life. The day concluded with a chagigah with music, dancing, schnitzel sandwiches, and a virtual reality tour of Israel. The celebration was filled with energy and joy. More than just a program, it was a meaningful expression of pride, achdus, and gratitude.
