Like a PB & J sandwich without the jelly, Hebrew Academy without Israel just wouldn’t be the same. True to our school’s mission, vision and values, Eretz Yisrael is, and will always be, in our hearts and Tfillot. We are beyond proud of the hundreds of Hebrew Academy alumni who have chosen to make Aliyah, serve in Tzahal and/or spend a year or more of higher learning at Israeli institutions. We are thrilled to mark our 50th anniversary concurrent with Medinat Yisrael’s 70th birthday! Oh how we love Israel! Let us count the ways: HA’s Beit Midrash has been home to Kollel Torah MiTzion since 1998. What began as a partnership 20 years ago has blossomed into a mutually-beneficial relationship between our two institutions, which thrive on each others’ offerings and achievements. HA students cherish the bonds they forge with KTM’s Israeli staff members who serve as mentors and role models and solidify HA families’ connection to, and love for, Torat Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael via formal and informal programming. HA is proud to co-host the annual Community Yom Hazikaron Tekes and Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration along with KTM. Every year HA welcomes four Bnot Sherut from Israel who opt to serve an additional year of Sherut Leumi (National Service) as HA volunteers! These wonderful young women greatly contribute to our children’s love of and appreciation for Eretz Yisrael and the chagim via various interactive programs, creative activities and exquisite artwork. We are grateful to our Bnot Sherut for their dedication and service to Israel, our students and the school. As hardcore Bnei Akivaniks, HA students have been humming the Yad Achim anthem for the past 50 years. In recent years, HA has even become the site where eastern and western madrichim and chanichim converge for a joint snif every Shabbat. When summer comes, HA students can’t wait to go to Camp Moshava (Ennis, Ennis, Ennismore, it’s the place we all adore)! Eretz Yisrael! Oh, how we love 32