One Family, One Mission: A Powerful Conversation with an IDF Soldier

One Family, One Mission: A Powerful Conversation with an IDF Soldier

This past week, our 7th grade students (and some 8th grade students) had the privilege of hearing from Sergeant Major Ari K, a dedicated soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Ari, who has been serving in Gaza and Lebanon since October 7, shared his experiences, values, and unwavering commitment to protecting the Jewish people. His words were inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply meaningful to our students.

Ari’s motivation to serve started before he was even born. One grandfather survived Auschwitz, and the other fought on the beaches of Normandy. Their stories shaped his deep-rooted sense of responsibility as he said that “Protecting the Jewish people is inside of me.”

He reminded our students that fear is natural, but pushing through fear is what defines bravery. “Fear is not something you get over. It’s recognizing that something is scary, but knowing that doing the scary thing is more important than being afraid.”

Ari didn’t shy away from the gritty realities of military life. He spoke of sleepless nights, makeshift living conditions, and moments of extreme uncertainty as time changes. Ari shared that he sleeps when he cans and eats when he can.

One student asked when he felt most nervous. His answer? The waiting—those in-between moments when action hasn’t yet begun, or during ceasefires when the unknown looms large.

He also spoke about the sacrifices he and his family have made. “I’ve missed all my kids’ birthdays. My anniversary. Every parent-teacher conference for the last year and a half.” Yet, his children have stepped up. He shared how his son, who had his bar mitzvah just before the war, takes his younger brother to shul each week and sits in his father’s seat—keeping tradition alive in his absence and how he makes kiddush each Friday night while his father is not there.

Ari’s words went beyond his military service. He encouraged our students to embrace their Jewish identity with pride and confidence when he told them that the most important thing they can do is to learn about who they are as a Jew right now. He emphasized that the Jewish people, whether in Israel or the U.S., are one family, deeply connected no matter where we live:

When asked about the biggest lesson he has learned, he responded without hesitation: “Nothing is like serving the people you love. There is no greater honor than wearing the uniform of your people.”

Ari shared that his most powerful and proudest moment as part of the IDF since October 7 came when he was sent to retrieve the body of a fallen hostage from Gaza. Wrapping the body and ensuring it was brought home for burial, he told our students, was the greatest honor of his life—a testament to the Jewish value of chesed shel emet, the highest act of kindness for someone who can never repay you.

Our students were engaged, curious, and deeply moved by Ari’s visit. They asked insightful questions, leaned in to listen, and left with a deeper understanding of Israel, Jewish peoplehood, and their own place in this story.

At Schechter, we strive to nurture strong, knowledgeable, and proud Jewish students. Thanks to speakers like Sergeant Major Ari K, our students continue to grow in their learning, love for, and commitment to Israel.

We are incredibly grateful to Beth and Jeff Kopin, who made this visit with Sergeant Major Ari K. possible for our students. Their generosity and commitment to Israel education ensures that our students have meaningful opportunities to engage with those on the front lines of defending our people.

As an educator, I feel deeply honored to facilitate these powerful learning experiences for our children. At Schechter, Israel is one of our core values—not just as a place we learn about, but a vital part of our Jewish identity. It is critically important for our students to not only study what is happening in Israel, but also to hear directly from those who are living it and dedicating their lives to protecting and strengthening our people.

May our students continue to grow as knowledgeable, passionate, and proud Jews, committed to the values of Am Yisrael.

Am Yisrael Chai!