The OU’s B’Yachad LaNetzach project, launched before Yom Hazikaron, aimed to commemorate the many chayalim who made the ultimate sacrifice in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, by pairing soldiers with shuls and schools.

Over 250 institutions participated and continue to participate in this project by learning and doing mitzvot in their soldiers’ memory and connecting to the bereaved family.

Join Rabbi Motzen as he interviews some of those who participated in this meaningful OU initiative. For more information about B’Yachad LaNetach, please email Rabbi Yisroel Motzen.

Commemorating the Sacrifices of Chaylim

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Rabbi Yossi Katz- Congregation Anshei Chesed, (Linden, NJ)
Rabbi Yossi Katz of Anshei Chesed in Linden, NJ talks about the journey of their shul to learn more about St. Sgt. Boris Dunavetsky, H'YD. Boris grew up in Russia and traveled to Israel on his own for high school. He enlisted in the IDF at 18 and joined the Armored Battalion, inspired by his great-grandfather who served with the Soviet army in WW II. Boris was reliable, fun, loved to cook, being in the army was one of the best times of his life. He was killed by an anti-tank missile on December 17, 2023. (Intro Music from “A Kumzitz In The Rain.”)
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Devora Sa'adon, mother of, St. Sgt Hallel Sa'adon, H'YD
Devora Sa'adon, talks about her son, St. Sgt Hallel Sa'adon, H'YD. Hallel was always smiling and loved life. He loved animals and nature. He became a professional horse rider and instructor. He also spent a year of volunteering on a farm as a shepherd for a year before joining the army. He served in the Nachal brigade -his friends and commanders said he was the most professional soldier on the team. On October 7, 2023, when Hallel was under attack near Kibbutz Sufa, everyone had no choice but to retreat to the safe space. Hallel decided not to go in and gave his life to protect his friends instead.
Rabbi Avraham Weinrib of Zichron Eliezer in Cincinnati, OH
Rabbi Avraham Weinrib of Zichron Eliezer in Cincinnati, OH talks about Lt. Col Netanel Yaakov Elkouby H'YD, a father of five children. Rabbi Weinrib describes hearing a recording of Netanel speaking to his soldiers, where he expressed his love for them, displaying his great leadership. Rabbi Weinrib spoke about the importance of making a personal connection to those brave IDF soldiers we have lost in these times of tragedy where the individual stories can otherwise get lost in the vast numbers.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union, explains why the OU embarked on the B'yachad Lanetzach initiative. He discusses how the program was received in different communities and how we should think of and elevate soldiers of the IDF.
Mrs. Yael Schwarzenberger, Ohr Chadash Academy Parent (Baltimore, MD)
Mrs. Yael Schwarzenberger, a parent of students at Ohr Chadash Academy of Baltimore, Maryland, discusses the soldier adopted by their school. Eyal Twito, HY'D, had a special relationship with the students and has inspired them to continue growing in his memory.

B’Yachad Lanetzach Mishloach Manot Project

The families of the fallen soldiers are still reeling. Every day, but especially days that are supposed to be happy, can be crushing. To deliver personalized Mishloach Manot to the family of the soldier you were paired with, please out this form no later than February 15th.

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