YU Hosts Tekes in Commemoration of Israel’s 77th Independence Day
Yeshiva University hosted a tekes hama’avar, a transitional ceremony, on April 30 to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the State of Israel’s declaration of independence. Hundreds of students from both campuses came to honor Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, and after, to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.
Held in Lamport Auditorium, the tekes featured Gabi Sackett, the program director of Yeshiva University Israel and an IDF reservist, his wife Rivke Sackett, YU President Ari Berman, Rabbi Meir Goldwicht and additional YU students who served in the IDF. The Y-Studs performed throughout the event and the program culminated with a concert by the singer Eli Marcus.
The evening opened with an introduction by Senior Student Life Manager Sam Gelman, who spoke about the guilt that many American Jews feel being outside of Israel post Oct. 7.
The tekes also featured a video from student leaders, demonstrating the advocacy and outreach for Israel that YU students have done.
A candle was lit by Kovi Pahmer (YC ‘26), an IDF veteran who was called from reserves mid-semester to serve in Gaza after Oct. 7 in commemoration of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. President Berman then addressed the students, expressing that although YU students are far from Israel, they feel intrinsically connected to the land. He then shared personal reflections about his son who is serving as a reserve soldier, and his neighbor in Neve Daniel, Ephraim Jachtman hy”d, an IDF soldier who was killed in December 2023.
“The Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut tekes was a powerful and meaningful event that made me feel deeply connected to all of Am Yisrael, even from across the ocean,” Leah Goldfischer (SSSB ‘26) told The Commentator.
The central speaker of the event was Gabi Sackett who enlisted in the IDF. He spoke about the emotional toll of missing home, but also of the immense purpose he felt as a soldier. Sackett described how soldiers prioritized Judaism and avodat Hashem — opening up a sefer during any free moment. He also shared how, with the help of donors, he was able to coordinate a full Shabbat kiddush in Gaza, giving soldiers a taste of Shabbat and home.
Following his speech, Rivke Sackett spoke about the experience of being the wife of a reservist. Taking care of children without her husband, she found strength in her community. She ended expressing her deep love of Israel, and the sadness she feels being apart from Israel during this year’s Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut.
“It was really special to hear from Gabi and Rivke Sackett relate to their experiences living in Israel post October 7th,” said Lauren Zalisky (SCW ‘26). “I found it especially meaningful hearing from Rivke about her struggle and resilience being the wife of a soldier called up to defend the land of Israel.”
To mark the transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Haatzmaut, two YU students who are IDF veterans — Mendy Kanofsky (YC ‘25) and Kfir Slonimski (YC ‘26) — raised the Israeli flag. The students then proceeded to the gym for Maariv, accompanied by Tehillim and song. This led into a concert and dancing with Marcus. The evening concluded with Israeli food in the cafeteria.
“The tekes was a beautiful way of integrating all of the complex emotions that students have been feeling over the past year and a half — both the highs and the lows,” Rebecca Henner (SCW ‘26) told The Commentator. “It allowed us to think about all of the sacrifices that so many people in Am Yisrael have made for the Jewish people over the past year and a half, and also allowed us to celebrate all the incredible nisim that Am Yisrael has witnessed related to the state of Israel.”
Photo Caption: Rabbi Meir Goldwicht speaking at the tekes hama’avar
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University