Life is pretty intense these days. Our lives are filled with events and activities that evoke strong emotions; but now, an additional layer of intensity prevails.
For starters, we have been treated to watching released hostages reunite with their families. We see them walk through the doors and embrace their long-lost loved ones after over a year of fear, worry, and dread. We see them wearing headphones in helicopters as they are transported for medical evaluation and care. During the flight, they write messages of strength and thanks to all of am Yisrael. These scenes are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. They also reveal the strong spirit of individuals who endure unimaginable cruelty.
While these reunions highlight strength, the IDF ceremonies offer another powerful display of courage and dedication. Combat soldiers go on a Masa Kumta, known as the March of Glory, a long hike at the end of their basic or advanced training. This is followed immediately by a Tekes Kumta, a ceremony at which they are given a beret in the color unique to their brigade. Usually, commanders place the berets on the heads of outstanding soldiers. Having attended several such ceremonies, I have witnessed firsthand the profound sense of pride and joy they evoke. Sadly, I missed my son’s Tekes Kumta due to Covid-19 restrictions. Watching the chayalim march to traditional army music and throw their caps into the air evokes a profound sense of pride and joy. But the pride stirred at those same ceremonies is sometimes laced with sadness.
Adi Buntzel, the younger sister of Sergeant Amit Buntzel Hy”d, a commander and fighter in the Paratroopers who fell in Gaza, completed a training course and will serve in the same unit as her fallen brother. At her Tekes Kumta, her father placed Amit’s beret on her head as they both burst into tears. He told her that Amit’s beret now belonged to her and she should wear it with pride.
Agam Berger is one of the recently released hostages, who gained even more fame by her commitment to keep Shabbos while in captivity. Bar, Agam Berger’s younger sister, completed a military course. Her ceremony took place just a few days after Agam returned from captivity. With her twin sister at her side, Agam placed a purple lanyard, a braided shoulder cord worn by designated military aides, on Bar’s shoulder, and they, too, burst into tears. Bar and Agam were joined by their sister and parents in a big family embrace, while the soldiers around them cried and clapped.
Even mundane activities carry a deeper meaning and emotional weight. Liri Elbag, also recently released from captivity, loves sushi. It’s her favorite food. Her sisters vowed not to eat sushi until Liri returned. Shortly after Liri came home, she and her sisters went out to eat sushi. But there was more to it than just eating sushi. It was a victory. Despite having been in captivity for over a year, Liri survived and is returning to normal activities. Hopefully, she will heal and return to a full life.
In the 1940s, the members of Kibbutz Be’eri purchased a generator so they would have electricity. The shack they built around it became the workshop of the school that was then located in Be’eri. When the school moved, the place continued to be used as a carpentry shop. That is how “Nagariatria,” a combination of the Hebrew words that mean carpentry shop (nagariah) and geriatrics (geriatriah), was born. The Nagariatria, where they made toys, swings, and strollers for children, provided employment for older residents of Be’eri, and eventually for the next generation, as well. This shop was the center of the battle zone with the terrorists on October 7 and was destroyed. The manager of the shop was killed.
Three elderly members of the kibbutz who worked in the shop before October 7 reopened the shop in another part of Be’eri. The three have resumed their work, but now it carries a far deeper significance. The work helps them by creating something new, preserving continuity, and helping them heal.
These moments – of joy, pride, and sorrow – remind us of the profound sacrifices and spirit that shape our lives today.
Please continue to daven for the recovery of the wounded, the release of the remaining hostages, and the success and safe return of all soldiers and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
