Heroes of Our Time [Elementary, Middle]

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

• A space to look like a stage in the TV show ultimate Hero

• Screen to show a video

• Hatikva 6 music/words

Activity length: 45 minutes 

• Opening (5 minutes)

• Presentation of hero stories (30 mins)

• Wrap up and Hatikva6 song (10 mins)

Age Groups

Elementary, Middle School

Topics

Zionism

Adaptable for Shabbat

Not adaptable for Shabbat.

Download for Printing

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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 stories of heroism. 

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Program

1. The facilitator explains that the group will be part of a TV show competition called "The Ultimate Hero."

2. The facilitator begins the show by asking participants to define who is a hero and share examples of people they perceive to be heroes.

3. The facilitator plays the host of the show, and four madrichim act out each story in an engaging way, emphasizing the heroic aspects of their actions. 

1. Madrichim must be given ample time in advance of the activity to read their assigned story and create an engaging presentation for chanichim.  Madrichim should be encouraged to use costumes and props for their presentations.

4. After each story, the facilitator invites comments from the group, and votes on the most impressive hero story.

5. The group listens to the song Hatikva6 and reads the lyrics.

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Ultimate Hero Story #1: Israeli restaurant Ha’Achim Central Food Operation

When the war broke out in Israel in early October, brothers Asaf Doktor and Yotam Doktor, co-owners of a Tel Aviv restaurant appropriately named Ha’Achim (The Brothers), quickly sprang into action. They got a temporary kosher certification on October 10 and put out a call for volunteers on social media to make food for Israelis in its 10,000 square foot restaurant.

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The Ultimate Hero Story #2: Volunteers providing laundry services to evacuees staying in hotels

During the last three weeks, many families from the Gaza Strip , from the south of the country and from the north, who were forced to leave their homes and move to live in hotels, are faced with another problem: washing their clothes. As we know, the great majority of them came with very few clothes and they need clean clothes. 

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The Ultimate Hero Story #3 Couples who got married in the first days of the war.

Many Israeli couples chose to get married during the war and go forward with wedding plans despite the situation.   Here are a few stories.  Share one or more with the chanichim.

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The Ultimate Hero Story #4: Farmers from across Israel rush down south to rescue the local cows of the Kibbutzim

Under constant terrorist rocket fire, these brave farmers traveled from all over the country to tend to the cows; ‘they are already suffering from the loud noises of the rocket explosions and bombings.’

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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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