SAR Academy in Riverdale, New York welcomed Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin HY”D, for a powerful Yom HaZikaron ceremony on the iconic steps of the school.
Speaking to students, faculty, and staff, Rachel urged everyone to pause and absorb the significance of the moment.
“Try so hard to remember this moment for the rest of your lives… this is holiness. This is a moment of holiness!”
Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day, honoring those who gave their lives defending the State of Israel, victims of terror, and the fallen hostages, including Hersh, who was held in Gaza for 328 days before being murdered by his captors.
The emotional gathering took place on the same steps where, in the dark hours following October 7, the SAR community gathered each morning in prayer and unity. Rabbi Krauss reflected on those difficult days and the strength shown by the school community.
Students also launched a moving solidarity initiative by wearing masking tape marked with the number of days the hostages had been held. What began as a simple gesture became a lasting symbol of care, pain, and responsibility.
Rachel asked those gathered to remember the scene around them, to truly see one another, and to carry forward the memory of a community united in grief, faith, and purpose.
Though Rachel and Jon spoke from unimaginable loss, what many said stayed with them most was their unwavering emunah and strength.
🎥 Full SAR ceremony available online HERE.
Stay informed with the latest Jewish news, real-time Jewish breaking news, and in-depth Israel news coverage from our newsroom. For continuing updates, expert perspectives, and trusted reporting, visit our main news hub here.
Israel and the Middle East –
Jewish Politics –
Jewish Culture and Lifestyle –
Videos –
Jewish World
Source link
