Bellmore and Merrick synagogues mark Israeli independence with songs and solidarity

The Merrick-Bellmore Jewish Community Council hosted a variety of events last week, that brought together members of the Jewish community to honor Israel’s independence. As the war between Israel and Hamas continues in the Middle East, marking the 76th anniversary of Israel’s independence felt more poignant this year than in year’s past.

A family program on May 13 at Congregation Ohav Shalom in Merrick kicked off the week.

“As you are all aware, this is not a typical year in any way, shape or form,” Rabbi Ira Ebbin of Congregation Ohav Shalom said. “Normally, we have a tremendous celebration, but at the same time, it’s important to recognize the significance of the time we are living in.”

Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, fell on May 13, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, fell on May 14.

“It is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar in Israel,” Ebbin said of Yom HaZikaron. “And this year is, from everyone I’ve spoke to today in Israel, it is the one of the most difficult Memorial Days that anyone has ever experienced.”

Congregants from Ohav Shalom were joined by members of other synagogues in Merrick-Bellmore. Students from Ohav Shalom’s Hebrew School, as well as students from the Merrick Jewish Centre’s Hebrew School, performed several songs in Ohav Shalom’s sanctuary, including “Eli, Eli,” “Am Yisrael Chai,” “We’re Still Here,” and Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah.”

Rabbi Josh Dorsch, of the Merrick Jewish Centre, introduced the evening’s video presentation, featuring his friend Michael Levin. Levin went to Israel the year after graduating high school, and decided that he didn’t want to return to the U.S., deciding to join the Israel Defense Forces.

In Israel, Levin was considered a lone soldier, meaning he did not have any immediate family, or thus immediate support, in the country. He was killed in action in August of 2006 during the Second Lebanon War. His death had a major impact on Israel, and thousands of people attended his funeral.

“He was killed very suddenly, and that was just devastating — absolutely devastating,” Dorsch said. “This is my friend Mike Levin, and when I think of Yom HaZikaron, I always think of him.”

Following the video presentation and performances by the students, congregants were able to take place in meaningful mitzvah projects that support Israel Defense Force soldiers, as well as enjoy a falafel dinner in the social hall.

At Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore, the holidays were also marked with a meaningful evening, that began at 7 p.m. on May 12.

There was a memorial service, music, interactive activities and as well as a plethora of Israeli food, games and a communal art project. Those who attended were able to share their stories of Israel. 

And lastly, on June 14, the Merrick Jewish Centre welcomed David Harris, the former chief executive of the American Jewish Committee. Harris spoke about “The State of the Jewish People in 2024,” as part of the Rabbi Charles and Betty Klein Legacy Fund lecture series.

The Merrick-Bellmore Jewish Community Council unites the broader Jewish community on the South Shore of Long Island, and through events and programming, promotes a deeper appreciation and connection to Jewish heritage, combats anti-Semitism and supports the State of Israel. For more on the organization and upcoming events, visit MBJCCouncil.org.