A defining aspect of the spring semester at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) is the observance of Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut, the Israeli holidays of remembrance.

On Monday, May 6, Central held a special observance ceremony for Yom HaShoah in order to give students a chance to learn and reflect on the day’s significance. “As the war rages on in Israel, the “Yoms” have a whole new feeling and meaning this year,” said Central’s Associate Principal, Ms. Leah Moskovich. “The season can feel dark and heavy, as well as extremely uplifting and educational. The programming team has worked tirelessly to find the right balance between honoring and remembering those fallen, and celebrating all that we have because of Medinat Yisrael.”

Monday’s program was coordinated by Central’s History of the Holocaust course, taught by Judaic Studies faculty member Ms. Sydney Daitch. Six seniors – Eva Koffsky, Abby Korori, Meira Leban, Shira Oppenheim, Emuna Posner, and Leora Strauss – shared six stories of lives impacted by the Holocaust, with a candle lit for each individual. The school was also fortunate to welcome Mr. Norbert Strauss as a guest speaker. Mr. Strauss, who was born in Germany in 1927, shared the story of his childhood and his family’s eventual escape to the United States. “It was extremely powerful,” said junior Tali Amar. “Hearing from survivors themselves is such a big opportunity that I make sure to never take it for granted. Listening to them shows us how far we have come, and how strong we are.”

On Monday, May 13, the school observed Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, with meaningful programming that reinforced YUHSG’s integral ties to Israel, including a special tekes with Nina and Yoni Tokayer: a Bnei Akiva “Tekes in a Box” program, packing Boots for Israel with the Young Israel of Holliswood, and hearing from two members of the IDF. Monday evening marked YUHSG’s second annual Yom HaAtzmaut Dinner, Maariv, and Community Concert, which featured singer Danny Palgon. Thank you to the Young Israel of Holliswood and the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates for partnering with us to make this event even more meaningful and unified this year!

On Tuesday, May 14, the school celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, with a schedule of fun and activities, including a breakfast, dancing, special sessions on Israel, a fun game of Israeli soccer, and a round of “Are You Smarter Than a Sabra?”

Taking AP exams, senior internships, and final projects in stride, YUHSG students are successfully completing the work of the 2023-24 school year and looking to the future with a sense of positivity and accomplishment. Upcoming events include the junior class trip to Split Rock Resort, the senior class Shabbaton in New Rochelle, the Central Senior Dinner on Tuesday, May 28, and the graduation of the class of 2024 at Lamport Auditorium on the campus of Yeshiva University, scheduled for Wednesday, June 5.