On Sunday, September 22, Great Neck Synagogue (GNS), had the honor of hosting Major (res.) Nerya Meir, head of the Department of Zionist Activity in the Diaspora, of the World Zionist Organization (WZO). This event was coordinated by GNS members Dr. Paul Brody, President of the Long Island Region of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and activist Yehuda Goltche.
The program opened with event Chairman, Dr. Brody, beautifully leading the sizeable assemblage in singing the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatikva,” with both the American and Israeli flags prominently displayed. Rabbi Polakoff, GNS senior rabbi, recited the prayers for the State of Israel and for the safe return of the hostages. The event speaker, Nerya Meir, a Major (res.) in the IDF, movingly led the audience in singing the “Mishaberach for the Chayalim.” Subsequently, all joined Nerya in singing “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael,” with great kavanah (concentration).
Mr. Meir is a lawyer by profession, and on October 7, 2023, when called up to be a reservist, he acted immediately and utilized his abilities as a paratrooper and a leader to guide his troops into action to defend our Nation. He shared the heartfelt experiences of his men, some of whom he lost in action, through the use of advanced technical video equipment. This added to Nerya’s magnificent storytelling about his troops.
We learned that before soldiers go into battle, they often write letters to their families in case they do not return. Nerya displayed the “Last Letters” written by three fallen soldiers, Yossi Chaim Hershkovitz HY”D, age 44, Ben Sussman HY”D, 22, and Audi Leon HY”D, 20 years old.
here wasn’t a dry eye in the room as these soldiers’ letters were read. Nerya stated that often people may tend to think more of the hostage situation and pay less attention to the soldiers who are risking their lives on a daily basis. As a result, there is a new WZO initiative, known as the “Wall of Heroes” (“Kir HaGvura”). This enables everyone to write letters to bereaved families, who have prepared bumper stickers about their dear ones to be distributed worldwide. For more information, and to be more involved, please contact Netta, the North American advisor of the Diaspora department at the World Zionist Organization: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Nerya’s presentation, “From the Front Lines,” was extremely well-received. He prepared a table full of bumper stickers depicting unique slogans by and about fallen Israelis that the audience collected. No funds were solicited. The purpose of the event was simply an opportunity to reach out to family members to show them that we appreciate their loved ones’ service to our Nation.
By Robyn Spector Blumner
