NAOMI RAGEN BLOG
Scenes from Israel Remembrance Day, 2019
by Naomi Ragen
May 8, 2019

…With haredim entering the IDF in ever greater numbers to fulfill their compulsory military service, things are changing. This year, for the first time, an official ceremony was held at Jerusalem’s Heichal Shlomo to honor fallen haredi soldiers like Yitzchak Tubal, who took time off yeshiva studies to join the army. On Yom Kippur, 1973, he was leading the prayers for his unit. A few hours later, Egyptian soldiers launched a murderous surprise attack. When a grenade landed at his feet, he didn’t hesitate, covering it with his body to absorb the entire impact and save the lives of his comrades.  READ MORE

This Yom Hazikaron, watch Jerusalem U’s award-winning documentary When The Smoke Clears in honor of the IDF soldiers protecting Israel. The film follows three former Israeli soldiers battling life-altering mental and physical scars as they return to civilian life. Showing what can be achieved when people come together, it’s a story of optimism, brotherhood and, ultimately, healing. Screening is free for Amazon Prime members, click here.