As we welcomed our students back for a new school year, we gathered on the ...steps to honor and welcome Karina Ariev, who survived 477 days in Hamas captivity after being taken from the Nahal Oz base on October 7. Since her return, Karina has dedicated herself to advocating for the hostages and memorializing the 22 friends she lost that day.

Karina joined us alongside Ory Feld, a Nahal Brigade mortar platoon commander who served more than 400 days as a reservist, and Matan Falach, a Nahal Brigade combat soldier who was injured in close-range fighting in Gaza. Together, they represented The Nahal Way, a program supporting soldiers after discharge through healing retreats, reunification of combat teams in partnership with the IDF, and ongoing mental resilience support — helping chayalim find their way back.

They understand firsthand that for many soldiers, the emotional impact of combat begins only after they return home. The Nahal Way was created to fill that gap, providing a structured system to identify and support combat soldiers as they transition back to civilian life, ensuring they don’t have to face that journey alone.

Matan spoke with our 8th graders about Cheshbon Nefesh — self-reflection — and connected it to his own experience and his decision to put himself at risk to save the soldiers under his command.

Thank you to Karina, Ory, and Matan for spending our first day of school with us and reminding our students that there is still work to be done in healing, recovery, and supporting those who have sacrificed so much. 🇮🇱

Today was a BIG day for our first graders! First day of school, first day in ...the “Big Building,” and one of our most special SAR traditions, the First Grade Tallit Ceremony!

Surrounded by their parents, teachers, and classmates, our first graders gathered under the tallit as their parents sang Hamalach Hagoel, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their SAR journey.

Soon, each first grader will have their name embroidered on this special tallit, a reminder that every child is part of the fabric of our SAR community. And today is only the beginning. As they grow, learn, and reach new milestones, they will walk beneath this same tallit again for their Siddur, Chumash, and Navi plays.

From their very first day in the Big Building to all the special moments ahead, we cannot wait to watch this incredible group grow!

Mazal tov, First Grade! The adventure begins!

Welcome back, STING Nation! 🐝💛🖤

Let’s make 5787 one to ...remember.

LET’S GO STING! 🐝

Yesterday, Rabbi Krauss was presented with the "Resilience and Recovery ...Award" by Governor Kathy Hochul at an event hosted by the NYS Office of Faith and Nonprofit Services at the Javits Center.

The honor recognizes a commitment to building bridges across communities, a value that is so deeply woven into SAR under his leadership.

Thank you, Governor Hochul for your continued support of our community and kol hakavod, Rabbi Krauss!

🌟 Some Chesed to Kick Off the School Year 🌟
This morning, about ten ...SAR students and one parent volunteer headed to Woodlawn to help distribute donated backpacks to local children ahead of the new school year.

Organized by Kol Yisrael, this event created a meaningful opportunity for connection. Our students were joined by elected officials and community representatives, including Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Eric Dinowitz, along with State Senator Jamaal Bailey, who spent time talking with the kids and connecting with the community.

Thank you to our student volunteers for taking this morning to do some real chesed and represent SAR so well in our broader Bronx community. We are so proud of you! 👏