Galit belted out a popular Hebrew song, her black curls cascading across her radiant face and framing her brown almond eyes. Oria, Lior and Daniel joined in the karaoke fun too, as they sang and danced all night long.

Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces' (FIDF) Children and Families of Fallen Soldiers program was in full swing. Also known as the Legacy Program, it was established about five years ago, bringing Bar and Bat Mitzvah children to a camp in the US for two weeks, then taking them for a day of fun and sightseeing in NY. This year FIDF made an exception and brought older children who lost family members in battle, many of whom have been killed in the recent Second Lebanon War.

Under the umbrella of the larger FIDF Summer Camp Program in which widows and children of fallen soldiers in Israel spend a week at a rest-and-recreation center there, the Legacy Program was productive and gave children relief. The FIDF sponsors a variety of programs to provide such families with the opportunity to enjoy light moments in each other's company, gather strength from one another, and as written in a statement, “find a measure of consolation in the knowledge that the people of Israel and the Friends of the IDF will always remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
A non-profit organization, FIDF is designed for the well-being of brave, young soldiers in Israel and their families. For more information, visit www.israelsoldiers.org or call Andrea Cure at 212-244-3118 ext. 14.

For the first time, the Sephardic Syrian community in Deal graciously hosted these special Israeli children. Along with their counselors and coordinators, there were dozens of people housed over the special weekend. As an FIDF volunteer, Barbara Beyda brought the program to the community. After speaking with Joyce and Albert Chehebar, small ideas became reality.

Last year the children had an outing in Manhattan. This year the group of 15- and 16-year-olds enjoyed a full-fledged 3-day encounter in Deal, in addition to their Manhattan adventure. The event was appropriately dedicated in memory of Joseph D. Beyda's 10th Anniversary Yarzaheit. “Who cannot notice the light in a child's eyes?” Joseph once asked.

The children in the program were ‘broken’ after their experiences, and coordinators and volunteers sought to put that light back into their eyes. Joyce and Albert Chehebar selflessly opened their home all weekend long to give these children an unforgettable experience, and they definitely accomplished that.
“Thank you very much,” said 15-year-old Lior, her pale green eyes vivaciously telling it all. “It was a feeling of family.”
Hosts of the event included Sari and Jack Avital, Ariela and Charles Ben Dayan, Joyce and Albert Chehebar, Bella and Joe Cohen, Rina and Eli Cohen, Shella and Toby Cohen, Shula and David Dayan, Marcy and David Franco, Nitza and Jack Hanon, Joy and Eli Harari, and Toby and Ronny Hersch. The children were grateful to their hosts and developed a strong connection with them. “It was a very special experience,” said Galit, an 11th grader from Israel. “My most moving part was hearing kiddush at the home on Friday night.”

After building strong ties with families on Friday night, the children were treated to a sebbet (a Saturday lunch held for special occasions) on Shabbat, given by Shella and Toby Cohen. Approximately 200 community members joined the group for lunch, where FIDF Chairman Arthur Stark spoke on behalf of the organization. After everyone had their fill, they traipsed back to Joyce and Albert Chehebar's house to spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out and getting to know each other better. Everyone was in high spirits and pumped for the evening by the time havdalah (the Jewish ceremony marking the end of Shabbat and the holidays) rolled around.

“That's when the fun really started,” said Barbara Beyda. Community members gathered at the Chehebar home for a special night. The smell of barbecue made everyone's mouth water, charcoaled marshmallows were roasting over bonfires and there was Hebrew karaoke. “We saw the kids so happy and jumping around,” said Barbara.

Regardless of age or birthplace, people sang and danced under the stars overlooking the moonlit beach and water. One community participant commented how the children didn't need anything more than some music and sand to make them glow. A strong sense of unity hung in the atmosphere of giddiness and joy. “They gave lives, and we're giving them a few moments of happiness and sunshine,” said Joyce Chehebar. “Without Israel, Jews don't have a life anywhere. It's the least we could do.”

Generous community members donated all sorts of gifts and packages to the children. The look on the teenagers' faces was priceless on Saturday night as an FIDF staff member called them one by one to receive an iPod. After ensuring that no one was left out, the dancing and laughter continued.
“I had more fun than they did,” said Albert Chehebar. “This is a very uplifting weekend for me.” He said that when Barbara approached him about the event, something hit him. “I said, ‘you know what, there is not much we could do for these kids, and we have to make them feel good.'”
Israeli counselors were selectively handpicked after multiple interviews and training. They share a common ground with the children, as they too lost a relative in battle. That proved to be beneficial and helped them as much as it helped the children. “I learned a lot on this trip,” said Amir, an IDF soldier who was chosen as a counselor. “It brought me to situations [where what happened was] much easier to talk about. You could participate and discuss it with the children, and hug them.”

Hugs went a long way that weekend. Losses took an emotional toll on the Israeli teens, and sometimes they just needed to know that someone was there to give a little love. “The weekend was very special to be a part of,” said Marcy Franco, Joyce and Albert's daughter. “I loved seeing everyone open their homes and their hearts.”

Community members gained just as much as the children, if not more. “We were able to really give love that is so desperately needed to the guardians of our homeland,” said Joy Harari. “Too often, we Jews living outside of Israel feel powerless. We see our brothers and sisters fighting for survival, daily defending not only Israel but also Jews everywhere. We know we owe it to them to help and this was a true opportunity to honor those who have died in service to Israel by helping their loved ones.”

Lots of Israelis opened up and shared their stories, embracing the image of being a family unit. “This is ours now,” said Barbara Beyda. “Our community has adopted the children of fallen soldiers.”

The family gathered once again at the Chehebar home for a farewell brunch on Sunday morning. When the time came for them to bid goodbye, Albert gave a heartfelt speech filled with praise and encouragement. Tears had a domino effect as one person's crying multiplied fifty-fold. Hosts invited the children to visit again, and email addresses were swapped.

“I just hope the children go back with good memories and are productive there,” Albert reflected. “I love Israel, I love the people of Israel, and we should always stick together, do things for each other, and be united.”

As the white coach bus regrettably pulled away, the children formed their fingers into hearts and placed them lovingly on the tinted windows with their faces pressed against the glass. “I never say goodbye,” said Sapir, a bold Israeli teen with raven-black hair. “I just say, ‘see you later.'”
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Yvonne Harari is a graduate of Brooklyn College and Allegra Franco Sephardic Women’s Teachers College.