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| Local Heroes at SHA Twenty one Jewish veterans and active US military joined together in the Seattle Hebrew Academy auditorium on November 11, 2004 to be honored on Veterans Day. Albert Behar, a U.S. Army veteran, affectionately known as "Grandpa Albert" to the Seattle Hebrew Academy children, emceed the program. “You are here today to meet real heroes!” Behar reminded the children. SHA Alumnist, Tech. Sergeant Mikhail Ekshtut captivated the students with his eloquent description of a life of service. Sgt. Ekshtut a 14- year Marine Corps veteran and current Air force reservist recently returned from Iraq. His duties included providing security to the chaplains. “ I’m a Gabbai with a gun” he joked. Ekshtut’s unit provided air cover to the elite troops that grabbed Saddam Hussein out of a hole last December. Sgt. Ekshtut took pride in the fact that he personally recited Tefilat HaDerech (The traveler's prayer) to the departing troops as they left on their now legendary mission. He told the children how even in the middle of a war he was able to keep kosher thanks to the army issued kosher MREs (meals ready to eat). Vice Commander Robert Shay of Post 686 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America took the stage in his legionnaires hat and told the students assembled how he had become involved in the longest active veterans organization in the US. Mr. Shay revitalized the tradition of placing flags on the graves of Seattle Jewish veterans and encouraged the children of SHA to do the same. Yehoshua Ehrenprice, SHA 8th grader whose father recently served in Kuwait, read a letter of appreciation to the veterans. SHA student council members Orlie Golan and Yonah Reback presented the veterans with certificates of appreciation on behalf of all SHA students and the Jewish community. Veterans, students, staff and friends concluded with a moment of silence while Taps. All bowed their heads in honor of those servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. Behar reminded the children to also remember two WW2 veterans who had attended last year’s ceremony but had passed away since, Mendel Genauer and purple heart recipient Lester Asher. Each veteran present had a unique story to share with the new generation. Charlie Brenner WW2 veteran who landed on the beach at Normandy came with his son Alan, who served during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The students were pleased to honor SHA's business manager Dick Moore who had served in the Air Force for 24 years. Many tears were shed and all stood tall with pride as our heroic Jewish Veterans were offered thanks from a grateful community. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and active duty personnel - from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and salute you. |
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