Teens celebrate the power of connection at TorahNoar Unity Conference

BY TOVA POINT

As Israeli society grapples with deep-seated divisions, a beacon of unity emerged this month, on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Av, when a lively crowd of thousands of teens from across the country gathered at Binyanei Hauma in Jerusalem to take part in an energy charged Unity Conference, billed “Aderaba.”

The Aderaba conference was the initiative of Sulamot, founded by the Chief Rabbi of Gush Etzion, Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, and the Rothenberg Family Foundation, founded by Robbie Rothenberg. “When we talk about achdut, it’s not just a buzzword – we need to take action. The idea of this conference was to teach the youth exactly what it means to have achdut, and to give them practical skills to bring achdut to the world,” said Rothenberg.

Rav Rimon, who also penned a special prayer for unity, to be recited in synagogues this Tisha B’Av, expressed his aspiration that the teens absorb the positive messages and leave the conference as “unity ambassadors.”

“I believe in the power of our youth,” said Rav Rimon. “It’s summer vacation - they could be doing so many other things today but they all chose to come here, to learn about achdut.”

Speakers at the conference included rabbis, educators, activists and public figures from across the spectrum of Israeli society.

In one memorable session, Michael Edri, an altruistic organ donor who is religious, stood on stage with the recipient of his kidney, Aviram Fidel, a secular Jew from Tel Aviv with extreme left-wing views. The two discussed the extraordinary bond they’ve cultivated despite holding polarizing political beliefs. “I’m from a religious, Zionist community, and Aviram takes part in the anti-government protests – really there is nothing that ostensibly connects us,” remarked Michael. “Nevertheless, our kidney donation has made us the best of friends. Not a week goes by when we don’t talk, our families are close; and really, we’ve succeeded in overcoming all the political arguments. We feel that what bonds us is far more powerful than any argument.”

Aviram Fidel echoed Michael’s sentiments and called on all the youth present at the conference to emulate their example and work toward connecting all the factions within the Jewish people.

Chani Lifshitz, the dynamic Chabad emissary from Kathmandu, Nepal, spoke animatedly about her experiences at the Chabad House she runs with her husband, Rabbi Chezki Lifshitz.