Heroes of Our Time [High School, Staff]

Brief

This program introduces campers to the idea of what makes a hero, especially in the context of the events of October 7 and its aftermath.

Equipment

  • Four screens (tablet, laptop, TV) to show the videos about the heroes.

  • Printed passages describing heroes to display at each station.  Ideally, sheets should be enlarged to 11x17.

  • “Hatikva 6” 

    • Screen (tablet, laptop, TV) to show “Hatikva 6”

    • Printed lyrics for “Hatikva 6”

Activity length: 60 minutes 

  • Opening (5 minutes)

  • Stations (45 mins)

  • Wrap up and Hatikva6 song (10 mins)

Age Groups

High School, Staff

Topics

Zionism

Adaptable for Shabbat

Not adaptable for Shabbat.

Download for Printing


Goals & Overview

  1. Introduce participants to diverse stories of heroism from October 7th.

  2. Spark discussion about the concept of heroism and its value.

  3. Strengthen feelings of belonging and pride in Israel among participants

Thought Questions / שאלות למחשבה

  1. How have the events of October 7th and the subsequent war impacted you as a person, as an American Jew, as an Israeli Jew?

  2. Have you felt pride at times?

  3. What, if anything, has sparked a sense of pride?

  4. Have you felt fear at times?

  5. What, if anything, has sparked fear?

For the facilitator

October 7 was the most difficult and tragic day in the history of the State of Israel. A day of immense sorrow, marked by countless heartbreaking stories.  Yet, out of this devastating catastrophe, heroes emerged.  Ordinary individuals selflessly left their homes and headed into danger, fighting valiantly and saving lives.  These individuals embodied the spirit of heroism from times past, reminiscent of biblical figures and Israel’s previous wars. Their actions gave us the opportunity to tell a different story, a story of resilience and hope. This activity highlights four out of countless stories of heroism.  This program can be done as an Edah activity in stations or spread over multiple days.


Program

  1. The facilitator introduces the session and explains that the purpose of the activity is to learn about acts of heroism that took place on October 7.

  2. The facilitator begins the conversation by asking chanichim to suggest examples of heroes in their lives, in the United States, or in Israel.

  3. The facilitator divides the Edah into 4 groups who will rotate between four different stations.  

    1. Each station should be monitored by a staff member.

  4. At each station the groups learn about a hero/ine.

    1. View a short video.

    2. Ask for chanichim to volunteer to read one of the passages on the sheet about the hero.

  5. The subgroups come together to hear “Hatikva 6,” a song about superheroes.


Hero #1: Rami Davidian

Post Video Trigger Questions

  1. What were your thoughts after having seen the video and having read about Rami?

  2. What did Rami do that made him a hero?

  3. Do you agree that it is a Jewish obligation to do what Rami did?  Why or why not?


Hero #2: Inbal Liebrman

Post Video Trigger Questions

  1. What did you think of the video and what Inbal did?

  2. What made Inbal a hero?

  3. Inbal's story was shared in the immediate aftermath of October 7th. Dozens of news outlets reported on Inbal's actions, and thousands of people on social media shared her story and praised her heroism. Why do you think it was necessary to tell her story in particular, amidst all the grief and pain?


Hero #3: Rachel Edri

Post Video Trigger Questions

  1. What of the video and what Rachel did?

  2. What makes Rachel a hero?

  3. Do you think there is a difference between Rachel's heroism and that of the police and army who rescued Rachel and David? 

  4. How do Rachel's actions challenge traditional notions of heroism and bravery?


Hero #4: Youssef Ziadna and the Joint Arab-Jewish Emergency Relief Center in Rahat

Post Video Trigger Questions

  1. What were your thoughts about the video and story about Youssef Ziadna?

  2. Do you think the people who volunteer and lead the relief center can be considered heroes? Why or why not?

  3. Many Israelis risked their lives during October 7th to save others. Why do you think Youssef’s story stood out to so many people?


גיבורי על (Super Heroes) - התקווה 6

An Israeli named Asaf Perry captured the remarkable spirit of ordinary Israelis who, when called upon, selflessly set aside their everyday lives and transform into heroes. Omri Glickman, the songwriter and leader of the band Hatikva 6, couldn't ignore the power of Asaf's words and their moving portrayal. He transformed the post into a song that celebrates the nation of Israel and its everyday superheroes.

 

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