When Manny Halberstam ('06) first heard the news that his 16-year-old second cousin, Naftali Frenkel, was kidnapped in Israel along with two of his teenage friends, Manny's strong sense of community responsibility kicked in. Manny, currently living and working in Washington, DC, organized a #BringBackOurBoys vigil outside the White House to raise awareness of the three kidnapped boys and to show policy makers that this situation is not isolated to Israel.
Word about the vigil spread quickly thanks to social media and to a FOX News article written by fellow alumna Leora Arnowitz ('07), detailing Manny's efforts. More than 250 people arrived at the White House to show support at the vigil, which lasted almost two hours.
Manny says that his strong sense of Jewish identity was developed during his years at Scheck Hillel Community School, particularly in Jewish history class, which he says, "gave me a strong sense of my responsibility as a human being. When I am placed in a situation where someone's life is in jeopardy, I cannot sit idly by. I have to do all I can."
Manny attended Scheck Hillel from Kindergarten through Grade 12; it was here, and later at Brandeis, that the spirit of altruism was ingrained in him.
Manny has spoken to his family in Israel and says that they really appreciate the support from around the world. The positive action and prayers coming from all corners of the globe have given hope to the families of these three boys. "Efforts in the U.S. are not pointless," urges Manny. "When soldiers in Hebron hear about our efforts here, it boosts their morale."
As we express our pride for Manny and Leora, we pray for the speedy, safe return of our boys.
