Israel at School

From Nursery through High School and beyond, I attended Yeshivas that did not even mention Yom HaAtzmaut or Yom HaZikaron. Until I spent a year in Israel, post high school, I was barely aware that these days existed on any calendar, or that there was any controversy surrounding these days.

In High School, I remember that there were a few classmates of mine who felt that we should say Hallel on Yom HaAtzmaut, but not knowing anything about it, and not being one to want to add more things to say during davening, I didn't pay much attention.

Now, I send my kids to a school that tells celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut with a BBQ, concert, and Hallel. Israel is very much a part of their education, and their education is probably a factor in our moving to Israel. However, I can't say I am comfortable with a concert during Sefirah on Yom Haatzmaut.

There were many factors involved in choosing the school my kids attend, but Israel was one of the factors. And it came down to a choice. Did we want to pick a school where Israel was non-existant in the classroom, or pick a school where Israel played a major role in the kids' education. And even though I am not always comfortable with the way they express support for Israel, I think we made the right choice for our kids.

I'd rather they get too much of Israel education and culture than none at all.