This has been an incredibly full and meaningful week here in Jerusalem.
As we commemorated Yom HaZikaron, the solemn day dedicated to remembering Israel’s fallen soldiers, I was deeply moved by the spirit and emotion that filled the city. I had the blessing of attending multiple memorials throughout Jerusalem. But as is the case every year, one of the most powerful moments for me was during the quiet early hours of the morning.
Each day, I pray at sunrise at the Western Wall. On Thursday at 5 a.m., as the sun began to rise over our eternal city, I saw two IDF soldiers standing beside the memorial flame that burns for 24 hours in honor of the fallen. It’s a moment of deep reverence, a flame that never flickers, symbolic of the eternal gratitude we carry for those who gave their lives for the Jewish people.
Even more moving this year was seeing some of those same soldiers, who had just finished their shift, join us for shacharit, wrapped in their tallit and tefillin. To witness those who protect us physically also connect spiritually with our tradition was a profound reminder of the strength and beauty of Am Yisrael. We owe our peace, our homeland, and our future to the bravery and self-sacrifice of these young heroes.
On Yom HaZikaron, I had the honor of attending the official Memorial/Remembrance Day ceremony at Har Herzl. Being there with so many friends and colleagues was inspiring. What truly stood out was how many people came over to express how thrilled they were that Aish is running the Aish HA’AM slate in the World Zionist Congress elections. This is no small thing. It’s a global recognition that Aish is making a difference, that our voice matters.
I want to remind everyone that voting ends this weekend. If you haven’t yet voted, please do so today at aish.com/vote. This is your opportunity to stand with us as we work to bring the voice of Jewish unity and Torah values to the global Jewish conversation.
Unfortunately, Israel was again faced with wildfires and heavy winds which forced the cancellation of all Yom Ha’Atzmaut ceremonies across the country. The fires caused the evacuation of homes in many communities in the corridor between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and major rescue operations took place throughout Yom Hazikaron to assist people who were stranded on the highways where the fires were raging. We pray for the safety of our firefighters and rescue teams.
Earlier in the week, I had the pleasure of attending the JNS (Jewish News Syndicate) Conference, a gathering of some of the most thoughtful voices addressing the future of the Jewish people and Israel. I’ve been fortunate to write many op-eds for JNS, and I deeply admire their commitment to honest journalism from a proud Jewish perspective.
There were so many powerful moments at the conference, but one that truly stood out on a personal level was this: my dear friends Jonathan and Irit Tratt were in attendance, as was Mark Levin, our longtime friend and supporter. About five years ago, I had a conversation with Mark during a Friday night dinner at Aish. At the time, he told me, “What we really need is a professional recording studio at Aish.”
That idea stuck with me. And though we didn’t have the means back then, I kept working toward it. Over the last few years, we’ve expanded our media efforts, and that dream began to feel more urgent and more possible. Finally, thanks to a generous donation from Jonathan and Irit Tratt, we were able to purchase the equipment and start building out the studio.
So there we all were, together at the JNS Conference. I brought Jonathan and Irit over to Mark and said, “Mark, five years ago you planted the seed of a dream. I never forgot it. And now, thanks to Jonathan and Irit, that dream is coming true.” It was a deeply moving moment with vision, generosity, and follow-through all coming together. Mark thanked them, they thanked him, and I stood there feeling profoundly grateful to be surrounded by such remarkable people who care so deeply about Aish’s mission.
There were other highlights too, like hearing Alex Traiman, CEO of JNS, speak passionately about the mission of JNS. In the middle of a major address on the challenges facing the Jewish people, he paused to acknowledge the Almighty as our partner in this journey. It was powerful. Sadly, at many Jewish conferences, I hear G-d mentioned more by Christian leaders than by our own. To hear Alex speak so clearly and proudly about G-d’s role in our mission was a powerful reminder of what truly grounds us.
My dear friend Gilles Gade, CEO of Cross River Bank, also addressed the crowd. His remarks were rooted in Aish’s landmark Discovery Seminar “Why the Jews”. Gilles taught for Aish years ago, and it was beautiful to see that wisdom still at the center of his message. He too, began his talk by thanking G-d, a powerful affirmation of faith.
One more moment that stood out was a panel featuring several ambassadors, including those from Argentina and Panama, both of whom are Sabbath observant and part of the Aish family. The ambassador from Panama even has a grandson studying at Aish right now. It was a proud moment for our global Aish family.
This week has been one long Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d’s name) from the solemnity of Yom HaZikaron to the celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut, to the thoughtful, G-d-centered discussions at the JNS conference. It reminded me why we do what we do at Aish, to ensure that the next generation of Jews knows their heritage, connects deeply with Torah, and understands that everything we do is in partnership with the Almighty.
As we approach the close of the World Zionist Congress elections, I urge you once again: Vote for AISH HA’AM.
Vote for Jewish values. Vote to amplify the voice of G-d in our world.
