On the eve of the most difficult day on the Israel calendar, Israel memorial day, ATZUM shared a meaningful morning with Dallas’ Yavneh Academy student delegation to the March of the Living. Rabbi Levi Lauer spoke about our commitment as Jews to fulfill the mitzva of memory in honoring those who sacrificed everything that we might live with sovereign dignity. An extended and thoughtful discussion ensued.
Two Israeli terror victims K, 17 and A 27, joined the session and shared their experiences of the terror attack they survived. They spoke with great candor to the students about their struggle for recovery and the group asked about their commitment to Israel, their frustrations and their hopes for the future.
In addition we were privileged to have high school and one year program students volunteering with ATZUM, speak to the group about their weekly work with families effected by terror. Before leaving, each of the Dallas students made beautiful occasion cards to be send to families on the yahrtzeit of a murdered family member or before holidays when loved ones are painfully missed.
We thank the participants from the Dallas Yavneh Academy for making this session a priority of their visit and for caring so deeply.
Karen Bloom is a cousin of our late project coordinator, Roberta Bernstein (ז”ל) for whom the survivors of terror project is named. Eighteen months ago, Roberta, her husband and daughter were tragically killed in an automobile accident. In February, Karen ran a half-marathon through the areas of the Bronx where Roberta grew up. Karen’s marathon fundraiser raised $5,606 for the survivors of terror project. We greatly value Karen’s partnership in our efforts to alleviate the urgent human need of Israeli terror victims.
