Danielle V. Minson — Raising the Bar
On a Personal Note
By Mano Ben Harosh
This week, Lila became an IDF soldier! Lila had prepared by doing monthly weekend seminars in Chicago for six months through “Garin Tzabar”—a program to prepare young Americans interested in IDF service. But she came to Israel a month before the program’s Israel phase because she wanted to take an extra Hebrew immersion course. She had just finished high school and had excellent opportunities to pursue her personal interests at a fine US college along with her friends. But she chose a different path.
We are extended family to Lila through mutual grandparents—all of whom were murdered in Auschwitz. And Lila’s decision to give service to the Jewish state was cemented at Auschwitz. Two years ago, at age 16, Lila visited Auschwitz as part of an educational trip to Poland (AHMSI). There, she saw how her great-grandparents perished because they had no one to protect them. Lila decided to do her part to ensure that never again will Jews perish because no one was there to protect them.
Lila is only 18 years old but our shared historical memory connects us across continents and epochs. How can one not admire a girl who is so determined and principled? How can one not appreciate her family in the United States who support her wholeheartedly?
Lila’s extra Hebrew studies paid off. She did well enough on the IDF exams in Hebrew that the IDF offered her the choice of serving in many different roles. Lila chose to join a special unit of “instructor coaches” for new recruits who come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. Without intensive individual support, these recruits would likely fail out of the IDF training and be left with a dim future.
Because Lila came to Israel on her own, the IDF categorizes her a “lone soldier.” But we will consider her our soldier daughter.
Seventy years ago our grandparents once took the train which did not come back. This week our Lila took the bus to the IDF induction center accompanied by her friends, her Israeli family and the host team from Garin Tzabar.
Lila reminds us that we purchase our freedom with our determination and effort.
Our beloved Lila–go in Peace and come back in Peace.
We are proud, and we love, and adore you.
(Mano Ben Harosh (husband of my cousin Orit Ben Harosh) wrote this in Hebrew. Sharon Root Spiegel asked the Chaverim M’Israel at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati to translate it. I edited the language to explain some Israeli words.
Our Success by Six Israel Exchange participants, beautifully coordinated by Sarah L. Weiss our JCRC Director, got to meet Lila as she was preparing for her exams and interviews in November. Lila was able to get to instructor-level Hebrew because of the foundation that Yavneh Day School / Rockwern Academy Alumni gave her and the reinforcement from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel.)
