Around 2,000 people participated in an Independence Day event organized by Orthodox Union (OU) Israel for English speakers on Tuesday at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem.
Several of the organization's senior leadership were in attendance, including its Executive Director, Rabbi Avi Berman; Center Director, Rabbi Sam Shore; and President, Rabbi Stuart Hershkowitz.
Participants and Olim (immigrants) from around the English-speaking world also attended the event, including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and South Africans.
"In these days, I look at the prosperity and flowering of Israel thanks to those who gave their lives for it," said Berman in his opening address. "We will celebrate today thanks to them and in their merit, and thanks to the Almighty who gave every Jew in the world the strength, enthusiasm, Torah, and devotion to be entirely loyal to the State of Israel."
"I am certain each of us had a meaningful Remembrance Day," Berman added. "We drew a great deal of strength from this significant day to thank our heroes-the IDF soldiers and all security personnel-and those who even gave their lives so that we could live here in this wonderful country."
Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King also attended the event, saying, "It was important to me to come from the military base not far from here and take part in this moving event. Just a few hours ago, the siren sounded; I met the wives of friends buried on Mount Herzl, and now we are going to celebrate and dance.
"This contradiction is the character of the People of Israel and the State of Israel," said King. "On one hand, the Western Wall and the missing Temple, and on the other, skyscrapers. 'From darkness to light'-that is our definition."
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Rabbi Sam Shore also spoke, saying, "For nine years now, we have held this special event here, an emotional prayer for English speakers and new immigrants."
"We thank God for the great merit of being part of the mission and the work for Aliyah and integration in Israel in every way, including through this prayer," continued Shore. "It is my personal privilege to be part of the OU organization, bringing the English-speaking public in Jerusalem and across the country together to give thanks for the gift of our wonderful generation and for the flourishing State of Israel.
"This is an emotional and significant event every single year for our community," Shore concluded.
Sima Kellner, the director of the "Yachad" program for special needs, also spoke at the event, telling the story of her nephew, IDF Staff Sgt. Maoz Morell, who died in February 2024 after being wounded in battle in the Gaza Strip.
"When we made Aliyah three years ago, I was excited to have the opportunity to connect with my nephews-a deep connection, not just meeting once in a while," said Kellner. "Maoz was quiet, and I thought it would take time to get to know him, but that eventually it would happen."
"Unfortunately, a deep face-to-face acquaintance never occurred, but after his fall, I discovered sides of him I hadn't known before," Kellner continued. Maoz was very determined and planned everything exactly as he wanted. This was true in high school, at the Hesder Yeshiva he chose, and in the army. He pushed to succeed."
When he went to fight in Gaza, Maoz brought a small Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just) book, which he kept in the front of his vest," Kellner added. "When everyone else went to sleep, Maoz would open the book and study."
Kellner then described how Staff Sgt. Morell had been fatally wounded in Gaza while protecting his fellow soldiers after several were wounded by an enemy grenade.
"He provided cover the entire time while the soldiers were being treated, until he was wounded, lost consciousness, and was rushed to the hospital," Kellner said. "There, we were granted the privilege to say goodbye and hold his hand even in that difficult state.
"Maoz will not have children, but if someone takes from his character traits and his legacy, then he has a continuation in this world," concluded Kellner.