Federation Brings Israeli Soldiers to Charlotte To Enrich Community Events

from The Charlotte Jewish News June/July 2023

The Greater Carolinas Association of Rabbis Wildacres Interfaith Institute

The Charlotte Jewish News June/July, 2023

By Mary Eshet

As plans for celebrating Israel’s 75th Independence Day came together, Tair Giudice, chief impact officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC), wanted it to be a special moment. One way Federation accomplished that was by partnering with the Jewish Agency for Israel to host two Israeli soldiers, Halel Mintzer, and Koren Yohanan. The Agency’s mission is to strengthen Jewish identity and connect Jews to Israel and one another. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) is dedicated to fostering lifelong relationships with Israel and sponsors many programs for that purpose.

Halel and Koren made their way to Charlotte on April 23, taking just a short break from their military service. They spent four days packed with ceremonies, presentations, tours, and visits. Noah Goldberg, Israel and global Jewry associate with JFGC, helped put together the agenda and escorted them to various engagements. They played with children at the preschool, made a presentation to seniors of the Levine JCC’s Oasis program, and spoke with students from the Charlotte Jewish Day School (CJDS).

On Monday, April 24, they shared their stories as part of the community’s Yom HaZikaron Ceremony, when the community came together to pay respects to fallen soldiers and victims of terror who have given their lives for the State of Israel.

The community’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, to recognize Israel’s 75th anniversary of independence, took place on April 26 at Shalom Park. The unreliable weather and rain didn’t stop attendees from enjoying dancing to live music, good, authentic Israeli food, and fun. Koren and Halel participated by leading the audience in singing “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem.

Beyond the formal events and organized visits, the soldiers connected with people on an individual basis. “They were able to interact and talk to people, sharing their experience protecting the Jewish homeland,” said Tair. “Their visit was an opportunity to humanize the concept of the Israeli military. At the Federation, we continue to come up with new ways to connect our community to Israel, as we believe Israel should be an integral part of everyone’s Jewish identity.”

“They enjoyed their time here,” said Noah. “It was wonderful to see the common Jewish bond between two people from 7,000 miles away and the Charlotte community, which gave them a warm welcome everywhere they went.”

After having the opportunity to hear Irving Bienstock’s Holocaust survivor story for the Levine JCC Butterfly Project, Halel was so moved that she presented him with a pin from her army unit — a set of eagle wings with an inscription in Hebrew on the back that means “only victory.” Irving told Halel, “I was a child in the Holocaust and we were defenseless for 2,000 years. To receive such a gift from a soldier in the Israeli army is the greatest gift.”

Mariashi Groner, head of CJDS, said Israeli soldiers are always welcome and this visit was no exception. Halel and Koren spoke to the third through sixth grade classes and shared why they serve and how important the land and country are to them. Mariashi said it makes the connection to Israel more tangible when people like Halel and Koren spend time with students. “It’s better than having a celebrity. You could tell how honored the students were and that they understood important people were visiting with them.”

Halel shared with the students how she had to stay in a sleeping bag in the forest for two days to find the enemy, describing how much patience and resilience were needed. One student asked, “Did you ever see the enemy?” She smiled, “Oh yeah,” she said.

Mariashi pointed out to the children the soldiers were not only brave in their military service, but also in coming here and speaking to large audiences in English, which isn’t their first language. “We can learn from their bravery and understand we just have to do our best,” she said. “These soldiers were mod- eling desired behavior for our children.”

Back in Israel, and once again on duty, Halel shared her impressions of her Charlotte visit in a social media post (translated from Hebrew): “Still trying to digest my experiences from the Memorial Day and Independence Day that occurred last week, among the more amazing experiences I had in my military service…Grateful for the opportunity to meet many diverse people in such a short time, to participate with them in ceremonies, to hear stories of Holocaust survivors, from people who lost loved ones, who love and appreciate the state of Israel.”

Each morning, the children at CJDS say a prayer for Israeli soldiers. Through visits from soldiers like Halel and Koren, the prayer is not theoretical, but for the real men and women who protect Israel day in and day out.

Main photo caption: Israeli soldiers, Halel Mintzer and Koren Yohanan, came to Charlotte as part of community Israel observances and celebrations.