Beth Sholom’s 71st annual dinner celebrates ‘Heroes Among Us’

The theme of Congregation Beth Sholom’s 71st annual dinner on June 4 was the “Heroes Among Us.”

The first Orthodox synagogue on Long Island honored members who have served in the Israel Defense Forces, as well as the parents of current IDF soldiers and wounded IDF veterans.

The dinner was coordinated by co-chairs Lester Henner, Tzvi Kaplan and Melodie Scharf.

“Our life changed on Oct. 7, and I don’t know if it will ever be the same,” Scharf said. “I feel for the hostages, and I’m just hoping for their safe return.”

The dinner served as a fundraiser for Israel, and attendees discussed the impact of Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7 and why it is more important than ever to acknowledge those who served, or are currently serving, in the IDF.

“As I am speaking here this evening, the war is still raging on,” Scharf said. “This isn’t a war we expected, but we have no choice but to fight for our survival. Although the world is a very tense place right now, we also come here this evening to support our shul and everything that it stands for.”

A somewhat somber, respectful tone replaced the often light, humorous atmosphere of an organizational dinner, in keeping with the theme of honoring those who have played a role in defending Israel. The shul members who have served include Shoshana Adams, Arie Bar, Rabbi Daniel and Naomi Bennun, Eli Harris, Haim Lallouz, Brad Legum, Rami Macanian, Shimon Sabah, Sol Steinlauf and Yaffa Yacker.

The younger congregation members who are currently serving in the IDF — Celia, Max and Sam Cohen, Kayla Flaum-Souskila, Elijah Gurvitch, Natasha Kaplan-Marans and Ariel Weiss — were also recognized. Their parents, who attended, stood on their behalf.

“This year our recognition sphere is different, as we all know,” said Bruce Schneider, the synagogue’s president. “After all we’ve been through, these times are different. However, some are living through these times at an even greater and more anxious level.”

Schneider described all of the former and current IDF soldiers as the temple’s heroes among ordinary people.

“We wish each and every one of you good health, a safe return home and, of course, a sweeping victory over our enemies,” he said, to applause and cheers.

A video presentation featured interviews with parents of IDF soldiers, Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich, Schneider, and current and veteran IDF members.

“Tonight the uniform that we honor is a uniform we all stand behind, its color that’s the most drab olive green that is so beautiful, magnificent and filled with pride as we see those who represent it,” Freundlich said. “The Jewish people’s return to our homeland, the ability of the Jewish people to defend ourselves, and to live at home.”

As Freundlich noted his regret for never having worn the uniform, he expressed his pride and respect for those who did. He said he was grateful to have interviewed the honorees about their experience, and was brought to tears every time.

“To see the pride in how the honorees spoke, the English they shared, fallen comrades, resilience demonstrated, we as a community could not be more proud to have amongst us so many soldiers,” he said. “All we can say is Kol Hakavod” — all the honor — “and thank you.”

Some 3,720 soldiers have been wounded since the beginning of the war last October, Freundlich said, adding, “We will continue to do our part to support all of our brave soldiers.”

Shoshana Adams, 92, served in the IDF in the 1950s, the infancy of the state of Israel.

“Seventy years ago, I was Sergeant Shoshana in the Israeli Air Force, busy deciphering codes,” Adams said. “I stand here tonight as a representative of CBS and veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces. On behalf of all that serve now and served before, thank you so much for all the accolades. Am Yisrael Chai!” The people of Israel live.