Transitioning From Sorrow to Song
By Lior Zisser-Yogev, Community Shlicha (Israeli Emissary)
Two years since that morning, when all of Israel woke up to the sound of sirens and explosions, running to shelters, glued to the news and consumed with fear for their loved ones in the south.
Two years since the tragedy that, even now, continues to unfold as we hear more and more of the harrowing testimonies from that dark day. Two years in which the State of Israel, and the entire Jewish people, rise every morning to a surreal reality we never imagined.
And yet, amid the chaos and pain we are still living through, we make the difficult, unbelievable choice … to keep living.
It reminds me of my own teenage years, when I was a member of the HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (the Working and Learning Youth) youth movement. A massive youth organization of young leaders that always felt like a second home to me. A place where I felt I belonged, and where I had the chance to contribute and make an impact.
Ever since I was 12, twice a week, I attended activities with my friends, guided by young leaders who, although only two years older than me, were my role models. I went on hikes and joined national gatherings and conferences during school breaks.
At those big events, we would all gather in front of a makeshift stage, singing and dancing along with the movement’s youth band—a group of teenagers who performed with incredible energy and enthusiasm, inspiring crowds of hundreds of teens. The lyrics of one of those songs stayed with me, “The 70-Year Song”, written in 1994 for the movement’s 70th anniversary:
“These are youth who knew how to dream, and in their dream they drew a living map of beauty in the land; a map of beauty in our hearts, a map of peace upon the battle grounds…”
Those words come back to me now, as I think about the movement that shaped me and has since grown into Dror Israel, the alumni organization carrying those same values into Israeli society. The teens who grew up in the movement became young adults who wanted to lead, to make an impact and to build a just, inclusive and equal society in Israel. Those are the values I was raised on, and to this day, Dror Israel works to bring them to life through schools, youth programs, community initiatives and social action in times of crisis.
We in the Jewish community of Detroit are proud partners in this work. For years, the Jewish Federation of Detroit has supported Dror Israel, and since October 7th, that support has only deepened through our Emergency Campaign. Together, we have helped fund temporary schools and educational activities for displaced children and families, therapeutic and rehabilitative programs for those traumatized by the attacks and the war, along with expanded activities across Israel to help communities return to daily life in an unimaginable reality.
Join us for “From Sorrow to Song.”
Sunday, October 5, 2025, 7:00 pM at Temple Beth El.
As we mark two years since October 7th and the ongoing war that continues to take a heavy toll on Israeli society, we will gather as a community to honor this work and to recognize the daily efforts in Israel to rebuild, strengthen, and ensure that the Jewish state not only survives, but grows stronger and more resilient.
We will come together to hear the moving music of HaShayara, a band made up of HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed alumni and activists in Dror Israel. They will share stories and experiences from life in Israel over the past two years, along with songs of comfort and hope.
As someone who grew up in this youth movement, I feel immense pride seeing the impact it continues to make throughout Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. I am inspired by the resilience and strength of young Israelis who, despite trauma and loss, continue to believe in Israel’s future and work tirelessly to spread light even in the darkest times.
“These are youth who knew how to dream, and in their dream they drew a living map of beauty in the land; a map of beauty in our hearts, a map of peace upon the battle grounds…”
We look forward to seeing you at our community commemoration. To share memories and sorrow. To find comfort and resilience. And most of all, to regain hope as we look to the future and choose life.
Pre-registration is required. Please register here.
