Felix Unger holds the Israeli flag as Rabbi/ Cantor Hanan Leberman and Rabbi Mathew Marko lead Tifereth Israel Synagogue in the singing of Hatikvah. (Photo: Cailin Acosta)
By Cailin Acosta
Cailin Acosta
SAN DIEGO – On Monday, May 13, Tifereth Israel Synagogue combined both Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in one night. To celebrate both would appear to be a difficult task but Rabbi Mathew Marko and Rabbi/Cantor Hanan Leberman were up for the challenge.
The night started with standing together in silent solidarity as we listened and closed our eyes to the sound of a siren. Leberman noted that not only do we observe and honor the fallen Israeli soldiers but unfortunately this year we also have to include the hostages, families, and all of Israel that is hurting. The congregation recited kaddish as a yahrzeit candle flickered on the stage. Leberman shared a beautiful poem written by his wife Ariel Leberman about a 32-year-old mother, Shiri Bibas, being held hostage with her two young children.
The cantor, who commutes between San Diego and his home in Jerusalem, shared the following story about a fallen hero:
“Before I say a prayer for the hostages. I want to tell you about a hero I remember this Yom HaZikaron. A friend and a brother in arms that I had the honor of serving with, Omri Michaeli.
“I see his face everywhere. In the mess hall, at the gym, in the barracks, in the kfar (village), at the shuk, passing me on the street. Smiling, bringing confidence to all who know him. Leading us bravely in the most humble way. When you went out on a mission with Michaeli you knew you were okay. So, when I opened my social media accounts here in San Diego, a day after October 7, and saw posts of so many of the people who served with you saying ‘I can’t believe you are gone’ it was like a punch to my gut. How? Not Michaeli. Not our best.
‘No one was surprised when you were one of the first to head down south to the otef (literally envelope, the Israeli communities close to Gaza). You had done it many times before. In Tzuk Eitan (2014 Operation Protective Edge) when you came back from abroad, to lead our unit in the fight. You became an icon for all of Israel with the famous picture of you being taken out of Gaza on a stretcher with an Israeli flag. Only a couple of months before October 7, you were injured in Operation Bayit vegan (House and Garden) in Jenin and you still ran as fast as you can to protect our people on October 7.
“You fell in the battle of Kfar Aza (a kibbutz within San Diego’s sister city of Sha’ar Hanegev). Your last battle took place attempting to free our innocent youth in the young people’s quarters of Kfar Aza. Where so much of the fighting took place.
“Your spirit lives within all your brothers who ever served with you. You were the ultimate expression of the mitzvah ‘love your fellow as yourself.’ You saw a world that has lost its way, with such clarity. Every child threatened or taken was your child, every mother and father was yours, every sibling was your own, every grandparent was yours. There was never a difference for you. It didn’t matter if the battle was taking place in Jenin or in Gaza if there were Israelis in danger you protected them like they were your own flesh and blood.
“So as I look out on my beloved San Diego community, far away from our homeland I see your face, smiling humbly. Giving confidence to everyone around you.
“Had you not been the hero you were that day and every day, there is a good chance there would be more innocent people taken that day. Your memory is calling out to me, to get up and bring safety to our people. To bring back our hostages. May our prayer and kavanah have the same power and ferocity that Omri Michaeli zecher tzadik livracha (the memory of the righteous) showed that day and every day in defending our people and bringing all our hostages home.”
After a moment of silence, the music picked up with Rabbi Marko on the guitar engaging the congregation in HaTikvah and chanting Am Israel Chai. The mood in the room went from solemness to joyful excitement. Everyone was clapping, locking arms, swaying and singing along. As I looked around the Cohen Social Hall, all I saw were smiles and pure happiness from the young children to the more mature attendees. I could feel the connectedness and closeness from all the members as we locked eyes, blew kisses, and hugged as an electric vibe passed through the room.
Leberman brought Israeli-themed props for the kids to wear and passed out Israeli flags. TIS member and IDF solider, Felix Ungar, held the Israeli flag and swung it the whole time we were celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut. What strength he had since that flag was very big and heavy.
TIS’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club members worked tirelessly in the kitchen in the morning until the event preparing an Israeli-themed dinner that included Israeli salad, falafels, hummus, pita, lentil salad, green salad, charcuterie-style cheeses, olives, and pickles and of course fresh fruit and decadent desserts. Wine and beer were also available for those who wanted to toast “L’Chaim” (“To Life”) during the celebration.
Many thanks were expressed for the hard-working volunteers from Sisterhood and Men’s Club, TIS maintenance, and security. This event would not have been successful without their dedication, help, and strength.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World.
